12 of 12: A Day in July 2025

It’s July 12, so I’m documenting the 12th of the month with 12 photos. Thank you to Caro from Draußen nur Kännchen for keeping the tradition alive!

I’m on vacation in Taipei! Experience a day in the life of a communication designer who loves observing how design improves life.

1/12: After 10 years, I’m visiting Taipei again. I indulge in my favorite breakfast: hot, sweet soy milk and local fried dumplings. 🤤 I love these durable steel plates, spoons and chopsticks.
2/12: Afterwards, I go shopping and look for tops for small breasts—something really hard to find in Germany!
3/12: I’m always fascinated by the coexistence of contrasting architectural styles, such as this old wooden house next to residential buildings from different centuries.
4/12: I walk to a nearby cultural center to buy a T-shirt from a local designer that I saw the other day. In front of the building is a market with stalls from local designers.
5/12: There is a café and a theater inside. In Taiwan, illustrations are used everywhere. In contrast, illustrations have only been used for children in Germany for many years, but fortunately, this has changed in the last decade. Illustrations are such effective communication tools!
6/12: Here it is! I was hesitant to buy it because I didn’t like the color. However, I really like the print, “Bopomofo,” which is a local phonetic system for Chinese characters. It’s such a beautiful way to promote Taiwan (for linguists and typographers 😄). I also bought an iron patch of a flying tiger for my sailing cap.
7/12: Once back outside, it starts to rain. It’s raining season. You see and hear reminders to be cautious of slippery grounds everywhere. For the first time, I’m also aware of the many signs that lead you to air defense shelters.
8/12: I pick up my son from our Airbnb and take him to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. It’s pouring, and we find ourselves in the middle of a thunderstorm. Umbrellas are a great Chinese invention. 😁
9/12: Many places are prepared: there’s an umbrella dryer outside the nearby theater and bookshop that provide plastic covers for wet umbrellas!
10/12: Soaked, we take the metro to our next appointment. Passengers stand neatly within the floor markings while waiting to board. A transparent barrier and doors secure the track. The arrival of the train is announced with sounds and flashing red lights.
11/12: We arrive at the
Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, a former tobacco factory that has been converted into a cultural space with exhibitions and spaces for local artists and designers. I love the cozy and inspiring atmosphere!
12/12: We witness the first DJ performance of the 16-year-old son of a friend. It is part of an assignment from his experimental high school. How awesome is that!

I am happy to be back in Taipei. The 10-year break wasn’t planned. After chatting with a friend, I realized how many things happened during those 10 years that prevented me from visiting my relatives. These things included childcare, struggles with my design studio, financial dependency, relationship struggles, a well-paying job, an executive MBA program, a separation, a lockdown, a new job, and becoming financially independent. 🤪

How was your day? What has happened in your life over the past ten years? I look forward to reading from you in the comments.

Published
Categorized as Review

By Shau Chung Shin

I am a designer, businesswoman and founder of HAHAHA Global and Gesund in MeinerStadt. I develop solutions and products that encourage an open and positive approach to taboos. In doing so, I contribute to a healthier and more peaceful world.