Lots of visitors on the horizon ~ and one place we always go is C.K.S. Memorial and the Presidential Palace in downtown Taipei City….

But in between the two, and behind a big wall is a very ornate Baroque-style mansion, known as the Taipei Guest House 臺北賓館, and today was its monthly opening to the public…

Built in 1901 as the residence for the Japanese Governor-General when Taiwan was under the Japanese Colonial Government ~ and then in 1952, the Treaty of Taipei 中日和平條約between Japan and the Republic of China was signed here, marking the formal end of World War II and the transfer of Taiwan sovereignty from Japan to the R.O.C…

After years of neglect, the building was restored about 10 years ago and now it glistens and glitters all over the inside… quite spectacular!

On a grey day, under overcast skies, a grey building is not at its best (think Buckingham Palace) ~ and all that ornateness is a bit over the top – but hey, the inside and the gardens are beautiful!

And so to the Taipei Botanical Garden not far away, my first every visit…

Well, as a park – it’s beautiful, but as a botanical garden it’s a bit neglected ~ the highlight is undoubtedly the huge lotus lake which is wonderful – even in the middle of a rainstorm!

Great city, Taipei, welcome all you lovely visitors ~ there’s plenty to see, even in the middle of the rainy season!