Tsao remembers it differently. Talking with him one night in Dadaocheng Park, he pointed to a tile-covered concrete building like most any structure found in Taipei.
"That building was built maybe 40 years ago, years after the Japanese left. Everything then was done quickly and done badly. And now [buildings like that] are all falling apart.
"That building," he said pointing at a red brick structure opposite it, "is older than I am and we're both in good shape!"
I asked him if wearing a suit was part of keeping in good shape and he seemed embarrassed. I should have known personal questions are not the type he'd like to answer.
I had asked two years ago if I could interview him for a story. I'd taken photographs of Dihua Street during Chinese New Year and wanted to include him in the article. He was interested in my digital camera but didn't like having his own picture taken. He even refused to tell me his given name.
I write what little I know of his story now because, with the passing of the recent Chinese New Year, Dadaocheng's sidewalks are again filled with the red shrapnel of exploded firecrackers. But unlike past years, Tsao has not been there to sweep up after the celebrations. Wherever he is, I hope the new year finds him well and that he's still in good shape.
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