Shoe Life Part One

I realised today that I have been working overseas for ten years! Ten years! Sometimes I can't believe it myself. After all this time though, one thing remains true. In order to stay sane, you really need to make your home your haven.

Never did I learn that more than my time in the Philippines - yes, you really need a place where you can close your door, sigh and really feel like you are home.

Life in Taipei is certainly different than my previous expat life of big homes, swimming pools and an ample back yard. Taipei is all about apartment living. Fortunately, there are lots of green parks and river walkways for the dog to run along and clean, tree lined streets.

I currently live down a small alley, last apartment building, fifth floor.....no elevator. The view at the top is worth it. You'll see why if you revisit my blog and see Part 2. For now, let me introduce my new home, nay, haven here in the city that never seems to sleep.

When you arrive and get through the steel reinforced door which is typical of Taipei apartments, this is what you will see:



Allow me to continue - I am very proud of my vision for this previously tiled area and it was late one Sunday night that I laid the decking and organised this beautiful little space:



I even have a herb and chilli garden - yes, those are the Yangmingshan mountains in the backdrop!



The living room is straight off the front deck - one of the reasons I wanted the deck to be special, like an extension of the living room:




Walk through the opening on the left and you will find I even have space for a dining room for those roast dinners:



Go off to the right and this is my study - very white and grey I know, but I love it!



Off my study is Gucci's personal deck. Here she has a life changing 'Pet Loo" (has been a god send for apartment dwelling) and some newly installed wooden decking:



Go back out the door and enter my teeny tiny kitchen - compact but great fixtures:



I was told that it is a total coup to find a nicely finished kitchen with Western stove, dishwasher and microwave - got them all!



Cross back through the dining room and living room and you will find the room you will stay in, if any of you trek this way for a visit:




Your bathroom for the duration of your stay:



These are not the best shots of my HUGE bedroom but it will give you an idea of my sleeping space:




Herein ends the tour of our new Taipei haven. Stay tuned for Part 2 - the rooftop and my spectacular views! Thanks for dropping by for a visit......here's hoping I can show you this in real time in the very near future.