On The Write Path

Taiwan... a list

Taiwan...

1. I mostly like it.
2. People are very friendly.
3. Young men are especially friendly to me. I think it's either because A. I'm old, B. I'm a foreigner therefore exotic, C. Speak English and they want to practice or 4. Homosociality (like a bromance) is the norm here.
4. Some are Very LOUD!
5. This is NOT Japan (although it was for 50 years 1895-1945) so it's 'dirty' compared to Tokyo. More like Costa Rica.
6. People don't aim at pedestrians, but it's disconcerting how scooters weave around a person.
7. Sidewalks? Depends. Walking in traffic is the norm. Pedestrians have the right of way.
8. Black is definitely 'in'. Especially for students and businessmen. A Goth's paradise.
9. I rarely know exactly what I'm eating. Today mackerel soup. Very good, especially since I'm not as fond of mackerel as other fish.
10. Taichung has an Asia Town: Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, Philippino..
11. I really like Taipei.
12. Breakfast makes a huge difference in costs. Great one in Taipei. So-so in Taichung. Spare in Chiayi. None in Tainan... not even coffee. It will show in my booking.com ratings and remarks.
13. New Year and the Lantern Festivals are a good time to visit. Cooler, dryer weather and fewer tourists.
14. Lodging more expensive than I'm used to. (about $20/night) Food is cheap. Train can be cheap.
15. I've been walking everywhere. Taiwanese rent scooters.
16. Night market in Chiayi was great. Most places have one or more.
17. Smog.
18. Taiwanese seem to be tolerant of many things that Americans, Germans or Japanese would find unacceptable.
19. Wish I knew basic Chinese. People here are kind though.

I should add to my lists.

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