Taichung, Taiwan: Lavender Cottage (薰衣草森林)

Keep an eye out for the teddy bears at the Lavender Cottage!

One of my favorite colors, one my favorite scents, and one of my favorite flowers all coincidentally share the same word: lavender. Growing up, I have always loved the color purple, in all shades and tints. Specifically, something about the light, more blue-toned lavender hue makes me feel serene, perhaps because I associate it with the scent of lavender flowers. Floral and sweet in fragrance, lavenders invoke images of cleanliness, of tranquility, and of subtle sensuality. It comes as no surprise then, that one of my favorite places to visit in Taiwan just so happens to be the Lavender Cottage in XinShe, Taichung.

XinShe Castle (新社古堡) in Taichung, Taiwan

"She paused in the middle of the cobblestone bridge, a contemplative expression brewing in her eyes. Overhead, heavy gray clouds hung in the sky and gathered into murky masses between the peaks of lush, green mountain hills. The fog seemed to encircle the castle grounds, looming eerily in the distance like ghosts waiting for purpose. As the rain gradually lightened up, no longer pelting angrily against the cold stone paths, she found the clarity to appreciate her surroundings. If she closed her eyes and let her mind drift, she could imagine herself in a different time and a different place, years and years past, miles and miles away."