Double Ten Day

On October 10th, 1911, the Manchu government was overthrown and the Republic of China was born (in other words-Taiwan). This is a significant holiday here... and lucky for me, due to the fact that my office is kitty-corner to the presidential office (where the festivities and parades are held), the whole building is closed from the evening of the 9th until after the festivities. Unfortunatly I will miss the double ten day events as I don't want to go to my work neighborhood on a day off... particularly not when there will be crowds of people and traffic jams. Today, however, I got to see the soldiers and police out in full force and various martial arts and other local dance groups practicing for the big day!