Destinations Magazine

After Hours... Taiwan: Ximen, Taipei!

By Josephharrison1990 @JTAH_1990

Mirror, mirror on the wall! Who's the most 'Toxic Fairy' of them all? I had delved into that rainbow part of Taipei's 'Ximen' for a few drinks here or there, I wanted to see what 'After Hours' experience I could carve out! That wasn't a question! From my sipping at those outdoor bars to a rather curious form of attire, I was ready for that! Muscle go-go dancers? B, Taipei was aware! 

After Hours... Taiwan: Ximen, Taipei!

My post-tour 'disco nap' had revived me, I swung past 'Family Mart' before any alcohol hit my lips! We all have that pre-night out delusion, I threw that unnecessary energy away like rubbish on bin day! Dressed to impress, I knew that I was embarking on a night out that had been in my head for a long time, it was beautiful to feel that humid night air hit my face, I had arrived! Heading down to Ximen's open air gay bars had to be done, I had heard of other venues but those Friday night pretty boys had come out in their droves. I ordered my first drink at 'G-2 Paradise' with a drink to match my mood, you got it, I embodied the 'Toxic Fairy!' Refuelled, I knew that liquor would be quicker! Those bars were getting busy, it was great to see revellers wearing their best and sipping on those drinks considering a super typhoon was on its way! I loved the approach those venues had, it felt like a blessing to be out that night with the closures Ximen has dealt with that week! Did I order another 'Toxic Fairy?' You know I did! Let's get it! 

I bar-hopped like nobody's business, I switched from a 'Toxic Fairy' to an obligatory 'Long Island Iced Tea!' Ordering that drink in Mandarin did raise a few eye brows but when in Rome, you've got to try and do it like the locals! I minded my own business, hatching my next plan was crucial because I had a certain night-time venue to explore next. Being in that open air situation surrounded by that air of freedom was like I could breathe again! That mixed drink well and truly helped me get on my way but I tried my best to keep my senses about me, I am a mindful reveller these days, even when I know I want to drink more! Taipei's Ximen felt like heaven, life and love was normalised for those who didn't need to fit any norm because Taiwan understood them! Right there in that moment it felt like I was home, I knew that everything was going to be alright! Ximen knew that I needed to mix things up, I appreciated that moment of 'alfresco drinking' because I knew the winter would be creeping in once I got back to the Mainland. Bab! 

After Hours... Taiwan: Ximen, Taipei!

I had heard of several venues that housed local Taiwanese Drag but I wanted to party the night away as the queen of my own dreams! Pounding the pavement, I headed towards 'Hunt!'. Now, I didn't know they had a 'Fundoshi' night on that Friday, I had no concept what that Japanese attire was! Bagging my clothes into a plastic bag, I trusted my belongings to the door staff, I took a chance! Another colonial throwback from Japanese rule in Taiwan had crept into my night-out in Ximen! Walking down those darkened steps brought me into a very busy cruisy situation and I am not talking about boats! Check the 'Urban Dictionary' for that definition because I'm not telling you! That Japanese style transcended throw the entirety of the place, it was a wonderful sight! Hunt didn't see me doing my own 'hunting' because I was very much scouted out by a few guys, I wasn't mad about that! Yes, my long awaited trip to Japan would need to be planned after wearing such a freeing garment! Taipei's theme at 'Hunt' was prepping me for my Tokyo night! 

With bodies making close contact, the male only environment suited me fine because there was no confusion. All on the same page, I was able to make some connections when it went a little darker. Not making any apologies, I knew that something spicy would happen with such a revealing outfit as the category for us all at Hunt! There was no competition, the search for vanity didn't find the dance floor at Hunt, bodies of all types and kinds were appreciated and celebrated! I found it very refreshing to clock many 'bearish' forms with the gym grown six packs not a priority, that was pleasing to my eyes and also music to my ears! I didn't want to let go of that moment but knew that I had more to see during that night out in Taipei, there would be no repeat! Or was I just kidding myself? Yes! I found something sweet, I got dressed and made my way to pay for my drinks. Hunt was a golden find and getting to wear a 'Fundoshi' was an experience to say the very least! I need to wear one of those again! Oh Tokyo, hook me up babes! 

After Hours... Taiwan: Ximen, Taipei!

Now, I had planned to stay in Ximen for the whole night but something took me into another district. 'G-Star' promised to show me a muscle-clad go-go show that I wouldn't forget, I couldn't miss that opportunity! Of course, certain shows can be found in the Mainland but I hadn't frequented such places for a long time! Showing that I hadn't been to a club of that type for a long time, I knew that I needed to see the show and then I would call it a night! I wasn't playing any games, I didn't even order a drink at the bar because I didn't want to be forced to wait in a never-ending queue. Showing my age much? Not really, I just prefer staying away from over-crowded nightspots. I made a deal with myself, I would find a place on the balcony to get a view of the show before it started, that I would be able to make my exit without having to be surrounded by any blockages in my way. Those on the dancefloor had jumped upon to the stage to perform their own K-POP showdown! G-Star didn't know I was about to turn into a pumpkin! 

To witness that expression on the stage was amazing, those guys danced like nobody was watching them! Were they the real performers? They knew every swish and move of those K-POP dance routines, I didn't sense any feeling of forced enjoyment because these guys knew how to express themselves truly! Onto the muscle, the brief yet delicious performance by those go-go dancers impressed me much, indeed it did! The crowd went mad for it, they loved those harness wearing muscle men, it was very pleasing to the eye! The performance was nice, I appreciated their form but the other guys performed with a robotic flare, those muscle moves felt a little forced! I said what I said! Every part of my night was spot on, all I needed was a bag full of goodies from Family Mart to help wash down some tablets to prevent the hangover! Nothing was going to separate me from my chicken burger, Milo KitKat, banana and green tea! Ximen knew that she had served me a quality night out, no mistakes had been made! Times have changed, X!

F Is For... Fundoshi! 

Desperately Seeking Adventure


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