The publication date says July 5, but the day I actually went wandering was June 30. It took me several days to sort the photos Orz, because I was seriously exhausted when I got home. Then work and books started piling up again. Today was the first time I truly got a breather, so I can finally write this little Wandering Day diary.

After testing positive last time, I was stuck at home for fourteen whole days. Every day, I worked after studying and studied after working, nonstop from nine in the morning until midnight before bed.

That is pretty much my normal routine anyway, but COVID forced my cram school’s in-person classes online, and I could not go to drawing class either. I had absolutely no chance to leave the house and reset. The physical, mental, and emotional weight was getting a little too much to carry Orz.

I actually love going out—I just prefer going out by myself XDDDD. I do not especially enjoy going with other people; being alone gives me more freedom.

I am a loner, okay!

Still, dropping all my work and walking away makes me uneasy. Even on a relaxing Wandering Day, I deliberately schedule a few work-related stops so I do not feel too guilty while I wander.

What is this called? Do one tiny responsible thing, then wander around with a clear conscience!

And if I am going out at all, I try to maximize everything I can accomplish. I deliberately cram the day with far too many stops, hoping to finish every kind of work and leisure errand in one go.

Whenever I go wandering, I still have plenty of tasks and stops to remember, so I plan everything in Notion first to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
Whenever I go wandering, I still have plenty of tasks and stops to remember, so I plan everything in Notion first to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

A few days before my planned outing, I happened to notice that Ideal Business Accelerator, an online course I had been taking, had released new lessons. Fine—why not wake up early and watch them before leaving? I could clear a few tasks at the same time.

So even though my haircut was at eleven, somehow I ended up waking at six, researching something for work, testing how OBS and XSplit worked together, and then rushing through another chunk of Ideal Business Accelerator.

Huh? You want to know what the ‘Ideal Business Accelerator’ course is?

Well, as the name suggests, it is a course designed to help you build your ideal business. As for what it actually contains, I will give everyone a proper introduction when the creator officially launches it. If fate allows, we will introduce it aggressively.

I kept working until after ten, then finally left home. The first stop on Wandering Day was taming my completely out-of-control hair.

Ever since I dyed it at the end of last December, my hair had become unbelievably frizzy and the ends were badly split. I might need to wear it down more often soon, so this wild mess definitely needed help.

I used to have my hair cut and permed at a familiar salon near Zhongshan Station. Later, a friend recommended someone whose coloring work looked great, so I switched completely to David Salon near Taipei Main Station.

There is a Macu Tea directly below David Salon. You can buy a drink, settle in comfortably for the afternoon, and let them sort out your hair. Extremely convenient.
There is a Macu Tea directly below David Salon. You can buy a drink, settle in comfortably for the afternoon, and let them sort out your hair. Extremely convenient.

I still have to recommend my stylist, Diff. His technique is excellent, and if a client does not feel like talking, he does not force a conversation. I can work or read peacefully while he does my hair. Also, he is genuinely pretty handsome XD. The whole appointment is extremely comfortable.

BTW, he also dyed my red hair last time. If you ask him anything about hair—care included—he answers very carefully and in detail.

You might say, ‘In that photo above, you are obviously just scrolling on your phone. Where is this work you speak of?’

Nope! While getting my hair done, I was using Notion to draft my interview-and-job-search article for You Can Do It. Notion is genuinely convenient. I hate wasting boring transit and waiting time, so I have made a habit of writing and working in Notion on the go. When I get home, I can paste everything straight into CodePen.

Whether I am waiting for a bus, riding the MRT, or stuck waiting anywhere else, this is permanently open on my phone. Sometimes it is prose; when inspiration hits, I even type code here and run it after I get home.
Whether I am waiting for a bus, riding the MRT, or stuck waiting anywhere else, this is permanently open on my phone. Sometimes it is prose; when inspiration hits, I even type code here and run it after I get home.

That day I tried the L’Oréal treatment my stylist recommended. I heard it worked well and might rescue my doomed hair. After four days, I thought it was genuinely excellent and had noticeably improved the frizz.

While I was getting the treatment, a student from Taipei Municipal Jianguo High School came in for a haircut. He started talking at length about the department he wanted to apply to. Because the department had so many women, he believed being male gave him a major advantage and a strong chance of admission. He insisted an older schoolmate had told him so and was completely confident the advantage was real.

Wait, is that actually a thing? I thought the usual situation would be the opposite. Why do so many strange, questionably reliable stories circulate about school applications now = =?

With my hair finished, I took my lovely new look to the next stop: the Stepping Stone bookstore for reference books. This hairstyle makes me look at least ten years younger, hehehe.

As a current high-school teacher, it was time to understand junior-high science and learn more about admissions under the 2019 curriculum, so I could better help students. That is a teacher’s bare minimum responsibility. I also conducted an aggressive inspection of useful reference books across subjects for them.

An unexpected treasure trove—I did not realize Stepping Stone had an entire shelf of books on these topics!
An unexpected treasure trove—I did not realize Stepping Stone had an entire shelf of books on these topics!
The two books I eventually bought.
The two books I eventually bought.

There were so many books I wanted, but I probably would not have much time to read them soon—maybe only a little before bed. So I brought home just two, both about learning portfolios and written application materials.

The first floor of Stepping Stone is forever packed with national-exam books.
The first floor of Stepping Stone is forever packed with national-exam books.

When I came down to the first floor and saw shelves packed with national-exam books, I remembered the huge unfinished pile at home. There I was, wandering around instead. A flash of guilt surfaced, and my head started hurting again.

Then I thought, ‘Who cares? Today is my day off!’ I completely ignored the national-exam books and marched out with vicious determination.

On the way to my next stop, I passed Taipei City Mall, where I often practiced school activities in high school. Looking around made me suddenly miss the days when I skipped cram school to rehearse and spent weekends as a full-time couch potato.

That is why I sometimes think: if students cannot come to physics class because they have a club activity, is that not perfectly reasonable?

I once heard a more old-fashioned teacher say that high-school clubs were meaningless and students should simply study instead. Seriously—what decade are we living in?

I often chose this spot for activity practice because the huge glass wall reflected our movements. I recently asked some high-school students and learned that everyone goes to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall now.
I often chose this spot for activity practice because the huge glass wall reflected our movements. I recently asked some high-school students and learned that everyone goes to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall now.

My afternoon plan was to recharge my nerd energy at Guang Hua, so I stopped by Huashan on the way and checked out the temporary Bugcat Capoo shop.

Huh? Why did I take the MRT from Taipei Main Station to Huashan?

Because it is far. I am lazy.

The weather was gorgeous that day. Everything looked beautiful in the bright sunlight. It was also brutally hot, damn it.
The weather was gorgeous that day. Everything looked beautiful in the bright sunlight. It was also brutally hot, damn it.
And it was really hot. (Yes, I insist on saying it again.)
And it was really hot. (Yes, I insist on saying it again.)

After walking an enormous distance for quite a while—nearly circling all of Huashan—I finally found the Capoo shop, only to discover it had basically been right by the entrance. I almost laughed myself to death.

The temporary shop was absolutely packed.
The temporary shop was absolutely packed.

Wait, is it not Thursday? Why are there so many people here??

Oh, right. Summer vacation has already started!

This temporary shop’s limited-edition products.
This temporary shop’s limited-edition products.

The temporary shop’s products were mostly practical this time: laptop sleeves, larger insulated bags, totes, and the like. Online Capoo merchandise tends to focus more on plush toys, stationery, and small accessories, so this selection felt different.

Even temporary shops include small, thoughtful details in the displays.
Even temporary shops include small, thoughtful details in the displays.
This flying Capoo was especially cute, so I could not resist taking a photo.
This flying Capoo was especially cute, so I could not resist taking a photo.

Everything looked practical, and I was honestly interested in the insulated travel bag. But I had no time to travel anytime soon, so I let it go Orz. My wallet survived.

Naturally, the temporary shop also had capsule toys. Those are indispensable.
Naturally, the temporary shop also had capsule toys. Those are indispensable.

Once I was done at Huashan, I figured that since I was already near Zhongxiao Xinsheng, I naturally needed to absorb some nerd energy and restore my social battery. So the next stops were, of course, Syntrend and Guang Hua Digital Plaza!

A spectacular blue sky—and still unbelievably hot. There was no afternoon thunderstorm at all that day.
A spectacular blue sky—and still unbelievably hot. There was no afternoon thunderstorm at all that day.
Syntrend accompanied countless lesson-preparation sessions. After drawing class, I used to finish preparing lessons in the basement before going home. Now that I was about to leave the job, I could finally be free for a while.
Syntrend accompanied countless lesson-preparation sessions. After drawing class, I used to finish preparing lessons in the basement before going home. Now that I was about to leave the job, I could finally be free for a while.

What is the difference between Syntrend and Guang Hua, anyway?

Broadly speaking, they both sell electronics, but the overall atmosphere and shopping experience attract somewhat different customers.

Guang Hua feels geared toward people who already know what they want and have enough background knowledge to know which shop might carry it. The interiors prioritize function rather than leisurely browsing—although I personally love roaming Guang Hua for little things.

Syntrend focuses much more on the experience of spending time inside. A lot was clearly invested in the interior, and the basement food court seems to choose its vendors with more care. Prices tend to run higher, but the product range is broader. It suits people who want to browse without a specific purchase in mind.

In computer terms, Guang Hua feels like a custom-built PC, while Syntrend feels like a prebuilt machine. Something like that.

I had two main goals there: see whether any interesting games had appeared, and try the Logitech headset recently promoted by streamers to find out how it felt to wear.

Play, the game shop I visit most often inside Guang Hua.
Play, the game shop I visit most often inside Guang Hua.

At PlayStation Authorized Dealer Play I did not see any older games I particularly wanted. I already had unopened copies of Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Kirby, and Elden Ring—the ultimate time killer—was still waiting in my Steam library.

My rule at the time was that I could not buy a new game until I finished one I already owned, so I truly was just looking around.

I also checked the upcoming releases. The games I was most excited about were probably Breath of the Wild 2 and Xenoblade Chronicles 3.

Assuming I would ever have time to play them, of course, sob sob sob.

As for Logitech’s recently launched G535 wireless headset, it actually felt great when I tried it on. It was light, and even with glasses it did not crush my temples and make my head hurt.

Then I thought about it. I had been using speakers while working at home and did not truly need a headset. I was tempted, but I picked it up and put it back down.

I repeated that picking-up-and-putting-down routine for about twenty minutes. The staff member beside me probably wanted to chop me into pieces.

And so I walked out of Guang Hua empty-handed. My wallet seemed to have won another defensive battle.

When I moved over to Syntrend, I found that the first floor currently featured an exhibition about living with plants and animals, a Korean goods fair, and stalls selling handicrafts.

Honestly... none of it interested me very much XDDDDDD. I gave everything a quick glance and moved through the first floor at high speed.

A display explaining several ways to grow plants.
A display explaining several ways to grow plants.
Handmade goods at the craft stalls.
Handmade goods at the craft stalls.
The Korean goods fair sold all kinds of alcohol, plus distinctive prepared foods such as tteokbokki.
The Korean goods fair sold all kinds of alcohol, plus distinctive prepared foods such as tteokbokki.

As usual, my second Syntrend stop was the Eslite area on the second floor. I mostly browse there. If I genuinely want something, I go home and look online for the same brand at a lower price or see whether there is a discount code.

Even the shopping bags had been redesigned to look like traditional Taiwanese red-blue-green woven bags. Products using that pattern were becoming increasingly popular.
Even the shopping bags had been redesigned to look like traditional Taiwanese red-blue-green woven bags. Products using that pattern were becoming increasingly popular.

And since I was already at Eslite, naturally I had to inspect the cute music boxes.

A cute Brown music box.
A cute Brown music box.
The Little Green Men version. But wow, that one was genuinely a little expensive...
The Little Green Men version. But wow, that one was genuinely a little expensive...

But as a nerd, once I finished looking at the second-floor electronics, I headed straight for the gaming area on the sixth floor. The floors in between are mostly cameras, phones, computers, and major-brand appliances. They are extremely tempting, but buying anything would annihilate my bank account, so perhaps not yet Orz.

More PS5 consoles in stock.
More PS5 consoles in stock.

The most important assignment every time I visit Guang Hua and Syntrend is inspecting current PS5 prices and availability.

At Play in Guang Hua, the price was about NT$23,000 for a Horizon-model PS5 bundled with any three games. So it still looked like you had to buy a bundle. Game Leisure’s pricing and approach here were similar, except some bundles also included electronics.

How long had it been, and you still could not buy a standalone PS5 at list price Orz. But perhaps it did not matter. After building a PC, I could play almost anything that reached Steam, and the PS5 itself still did not have some giant console-exclusive title I needed. I would pass on the bundle for now!

PS5 stock was actually plentiful by then—you could walk in and get one immediately. You just could not get a standalone console at list price.

Next door was the Nintendo flagship merchandise shop, another place I enjoy visiting at Syntrend.

Seeing this Kirby reminded me that my own game was still unopened...
Seeing this Kirby reminded me that my own game was still unopened...

Besides games, it naturally sells Switch consoles and accessories. Temporary themed shops appear occasionally, but that day it seemed to carry only the regular lineup.

What surprised me was that Kirby merchandise had gradually increased. In the past, most of the character goods here were Pokémon and Mario.

Kirby merchandise is surprisingly rare here.
Kirby merchandise is surprisingly rare here.
A very cute pink demon, right? Here is a closer look at that smile XD. I did not buy it, though. There is absolutely no room left at home Orz.
A very cute pink demon, right? Here is a closer look at that smile XD. I did not buy it, though. There is absolutely no room left at home Orz.

Since I was there, tradition demanded that I test my luck and draw one Ichiban Kuji ticket with maximum commitment.

It was not that I desperately wanted the prizes. Sometimes I draw an Ichiban Kuji ticket purely to experience the thrill of being ridiculously lucky XD.

That instant before every prize draw is always incredibly exciting.
That instant before every prize draw is always incredibly exciting.

Ichiban Kuji depends heavily on the mood and feeling of the day. Sometimes I suddenly get an ‘Ooooooh?’ sensation and somehow pull Prize A. Most of the time the feeling is more like, ‘Eh, I will just draw one,’ and then I end up with Prize C or D.

I developed the habit because, in Taiwan, most official Kirby merchandise that does not look badly made comes from Ichiban Kuji. Otherwise, you have to buy very expensive imports Orz.

In the end, I received this cup as Prize D.
In the end, I received this cup as Prize D.
The cup itself. Add strawberry milk and you should obtain an actual Kirby.
The cup itself. Add strawberry milk and you should obtain an actual Kirby.

When I pulled Prize D that day, I could choose between a cup and a plate. The clerk asked which one I wanted, and I paused to think.

‘If I say I want the plate, does that mean I am admitting this whole Ichiban Kuji pull was a total bust?’

So I took the cup. (Meaning unclear.)

Since I was already there, I also had to conduct a thorough inspection of the capsule-toy area and see what interesting machines were new. I stared for ages and apparently liked none of them.

The capsule toys I spin most often are Kirby anyway XDD, followed by Pokémon.

Syntrend’s enormous capsule-toy area. Whatever you want, you can probably find it eventually. It is only a matter of time XD.
Syntrend’s enormous capsule-toy area. Whatever you want, you can probably find it eventually. It is only a matter of time XD.
Naturally, I also had to inspect a few... things XD.
Naturally, I also had to inspect a few... things XD.
This image was simply ‘way too sexy,’ so it came with a warning that said ‘No licking.’
This image was simply ‘way too sexy,’ so it came with a warning that said ‘No licking.’

My final routine stop at Syntrend is the seventh-floor MyAnime Café, where I check the current theme and whether the merchandise is interesting.

This round’s theme was Inuyasha. Wait—is that not reheating the leftovers a little? XD

The café exterior. Basically everything is blocked off, so you cannot see inside at all.
The café exterior. Basically everything is blocked off, so you cannot see inside at all.
Inuyasha merchandise.
Inuyasha merchandise.
More Inuyasha merchandise.
More Inuyasha merchandise.

I have never eaten at MyAnime Café, but I often browse its merchandise. The selection feels mostly the same each time; only the IP changes to something like Cardcaptor Sakura or Inuyasha. The main items are usually wallets, keychains, hair ties, plush toys, postcards... Still, the overall quality looks good. It does not have that cheap anime-merchandise feeling.

I passed this Buzz Lightyear making an adorably taunting face.
I passed this Buzz Lightyear making an adorably taunting face.

After enough wandering, I checked the time. It was almost time to head to Miramar for the movie.

The weather was still lovely on the way back. I had excellent luck throughout the entire Wandering Day and never needed an umbrella.
The weather was still lovely on the way back. I had excellent luck throughout the entire Wandering Day and never needed an umbrella.
Ixora beside the road. The sunlight was lovely and the flowers looked cute, so I took a quick photo.
Ixora beside the road. The sunlight was lovely and the flowers looked cute, so I took a quick photo.

The movie was really the main event that day. June 30 was opening day for the heavily advertised new Conan film, The Bride of Halloween. I had not watched a Conan movie in ages, but the advertising had successfully reached me, so why not?

Most importantly: the wedding photo of Officers Sato and Takagi—aaaaaaaaah!

The showing was at 7:40 p.m., and I arrived around five—extremely early. I ate a quick dinner in the underground shopping area first. It was my first meal of the day!

Hachiman Akano at Miramar. It is almost always my first choice for a proper meal when I come for a movie. My top recommendation is the original baked omurice.
Hachiman Akano at Miramar. It is almost always my first choice for a proper meal when I come for a movie. My top recommendation is the original baked omurice.

After dinner, I naturally resumed wandering. As a nerd, that meant inspecting capsule toys and electronics again. Miramar also has plenty of clothing stores, so I browsed those too.

But every time I consider buying clothes, I think, ‘Maybe I should wait until I lose weight!’

And then? There is no ‘then’ QQ.

No matter how many or how few machines there are, the capsule-toy inspection never stops.
No matter how many or how few machines there are, the capsule-toy inspection never stops.
This time I finally found one I liked, so I brought home a squishy sea urchin. I loved the yellow color palette in this photo.
This time I finally found one I liked, so I brought home a squishy sea urchin. I loved the yellow color palette in this photo.

This little sea urchin is a strange object. It is made from a soft material you are supposed to squeeze, but because it has spikes, you cannot really squeeze it.

It is an object you want to use for stress relief, except it is terrible at relieving stress (?

Eventually I got bored again, took out my phone, and resumed drafting the interview-and-job-search article for You Can Do It. Truly never more than three steps away from work Orz.

A 7:40 p.m. movie. I waited until the sky went dark.
A 7:40 p.m. movie. I waited until the sky went dark.

Because it was opening day and summer vacation had already begun, the theater was almost completely full.

I had a feeling students would want to see this film, so I deliberately chose the 7:40 p.m. showing. That seemed less likely to put me in the same room as a student... right?

Running into one would be pretty awkward XDDDD. Outside work hours I become slightly socially terrified, and having to make small talk and nonsense with students is exhausting Orz.

The movie was genuinely very good. The pacing felt just right. It still delivered classic Conan ingredients—explosions and all—and it satisfied viewers who love the Sato–Takagi pairing.

Although I had not followed Conan for a long time, the movie never felt disorienting. Then again, by ‘not following,’ I still knew about Public Security and Bourbon’s identity and so on.

BTW, Kudo Shinichi does not appear in this one XDD.

Although this was supposed to be a leisurely Wandering Day, I also completed several things that had been sitting around for ages. And because I bought so many reference books, I carried an absurdly heavy load everywhere. My muscles were unbelievably sore the next day.

The schedule was so packed that I collapsed flat the moment I got home. I was exhausted, but emotionally I had finally rested properly.

It feels like I can throw myself back into doing things again!