很多人知道信義區有一棟著名的摩天大樓台北101，它於2004年落成，曾創下多項紀錄：擁有世界最快的電梯、世界最高樓及世界最高結構物等，它也是俯瞰整個台北市最佳的地點之一，同時也是每年台北跨年煙火秀的施放地點，但是很多人不知道，它的旁邊有座台北市第一個眷村，四四南村是國共內戰時期的產物，因為位於四四兵工廠之南方，故被命名為「四四南村」，原本的住戶都為聯勤第四十四兵工廠的廠工，當中還有一座當時的碉堡，雖然現在已經失去以往的功能，卻是四四南村走過歷史的痕跡。
現在的四四南村，已經沒有住民在這裡生活了，它轉變為一個新興的文創遊憩空間，在這樣一個充滿懷舊風情的眷村，時間彷彿停留在五十年前的模樣，一間間以木材、瓦片、磚牆搭蓋而成的小平房，一排又一排整齊排列著，不論是建築、路燈、巷弄等每個角落，都刻劃著歲月痕跡，遊客們來到這裡，可以感受到以往的眷村風情，並感概著不斷流逝的光陰。
只要到四四南村，很難不看到好丘這家店，好丘是一家以推廣在地創作為核心，傳遞「好的人事物聚集成丘」的品牌理念的複合式餐廳，它也是一個複合式空間，讓在地食材與輕食、創作品牌、市集、音樂與藝術展演，及環境友善與社會公益能量都聚集在一起，我不少朋友都喜歡在這裡打發時間，他們都覺得貝果不錯，有四季春、野生桑葚、地瓜乳酪、芋頭鹹蛋黃等超多口味的，價錢落在台幣四十元到七十元之間，我個人是覺得它的商品有些貴，正餐的話，都要台幣三百元左右，沒有必要的話，我傾向去周邊的店家消費，離這裡不遠的吳興街上有更好的選擇。
之前我還在奇怪，為何四四南村內會有一座座隆起的小山丘，顯著很特別又很突兀，後來才知道一個個長滿綠油油草地的小山丘其實是披上綠油油的草地的防空洞，站在站在小山丘上遠眺眷村或是台北101的視野都很棒，跨年期間，這裡也是最佳的賞煙火地點之一，此外，這裡的週期性市集也是很有特色，擺攤商家販售的商品也是五花八門，吃的、用的各類型都有，不過，據我常逛這裡的朋友說，這裡較多攤商是以手作為主，加上週邊的復古眷村建築，常常吸引手作愛好者及文藝青年們前來朝聖。
總之，四四南村以其豐富的歷史底蘊、獨特的眷村風情和文藝創作氛圍，不但吸引著各地的遊客和文化愛好者前來，就連居住多年的本地人，也常來這裡悠閒地閒逛，或坐在山丘上發呆看天空，享受著忙碌的大城市中的寧靜。
Many people know about Taipei 101, that towering skyscraper in Xinyi District. It was finished back in 2004 and made quite a splash with its record-breaking feats like having the world's fastest elevators, being the tallest building, and even the tallest structure globally at the time. Not only does it offer sweeping views of Taipei City, but it's also the go-to spot for the annual New Year's Eve fireworks display. But here's the kicker: not far from this iconic landmark lies Taipei's very first military dependents' village, 44 South Village, a relic from the Chinese Civil War era. It's called "44 South" because it's located south of the 44th Arsenal, and it housed workers from there. There's even an old bunker still standing, serving as a testament to the village's historical journey.
Nowadays, 44 South Village has shed its residential skin and transformed into a blossoming hub for culture and creativity. Walking through its lanes feels like stepping back fifty years ago, with quaint wooden houses and brick walls lining the streets, each corner whispering tales of yesteryears. Visitors flock here to soak up the vintage vibes and reflect on the passage of time.
And if you find yourself wandering in 44 South Village, you're bound to stumble upon Good Cho's, a hotspot championing local creativity with its motto "Gathering Good Things Into a Mound". It's not just a restaurant but a whole creative space, where local ingredients, light bites, artisanal brands, markets, music, art exhibitions, and environmental and social initiatives converge. My buddies love hanging out here, especially for their scrumptious bagels boasting flavors like wild mulberry and sweet potato cheese. Prices range from NT$40 to NT$70, but I find them a tad steep. For a heartier meal, expect to shell out around NT$300. But if that's too steep for you, there are plenty of other options nearby, especially along Wuxing Street.
Ever wonder about those peculiar mounds dotting 44 South Village? Turns out, they're grass-covered air raid shelters! Climb atop one, and you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the village or Taipei 101, especially during the New Year's Eve festivities. Additional, the periodic markets here are a real treat, offering a smorgasbord of goods ranging from food to crafts. According to my frequent-visiting friends, the market leans heavily towards handmade goodies, which, combined with the vintage village backdrop, attracts craft enthusiasts and artsy types.
In a nutshell, 44 South Village with its rich history, unique military dependents' village charm, and artistic ambiance not only pulls in tourists and culture buffs but also locals seeking respite from the urban hustle. So whether you're strolling through its lanes or lounging atop a mound, you're in for a dose of tranquility amidst the city bustle.
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