one or the other

I can't remember the last time I was in Taipei during the New Year.

Barely another person walking on the street

The new year celebration is an interesting phenomenon in Taiwan.  Not only is it a two-week duration of endless customs and festivities, it is also the only time of the year when Taipei, the capital of Taiwan and a typically over-crowded Asian city, becomes a ghost town.

 As the economic and academic center of Taiwan, Taipei, at the northern tip of the island, attracts many young people from the south to further their education or career.  When asked where they're from, the majority of those living in Taipei would identify with a city, or even a neighborhood, in other parts of the country.  New Year's tradition dictates the return to one's homeland; thus, Taipei becomes deserted once the massive exodus and the insufferable hours of traffic congestion heading south quiets down, particularly since all businesses, except McDonald's and 7 Eleven, close for at least a part of the fortnight.

Two days ago, I had to squeeze through people to get to the train in this metro station

This on top of the rain and drearily cold weather, and I'm questioning why I returned during this time of the year.

Oh, that's right:  because I can't stand the humidity and heat of the summer.