I lived in Taipei for years and there are things I still miss from it. My experience living in Taipei was almost a 180 degree contrast from living in Mexico (where I lived just before Taiwan) but also differed, mainly in good ways, from San Francisco.
Mexico is a low trust society (America is becoming one). Taiwan is very high trust. Mexico isn't all that safe but much safer than living in the US around blacks. Taiwan is very safe day or night. So was mainland China except for the insane driving. Thailand was also pretty safe, much safer than US around blacks or Mexico.
One of the enduring memories I have a Taiwan is walking down streets and seeing computers and tablets left on tables while the owner went inside.
There was also a high degree of personal responsibility and propriety that was absent in Mexico and is disappearing in much of the US.
One of the most remarkable displays of personal responsibility and civic pride was how great they were at giving directions. When I first moved there I had Taiwanese walk 20 minutes out of their way to make sure I got to where I was headed. It wasn't just because I was old and white. I spoke with young Asian travelers from places like Singapore and when I asked them what they thought of Taiwan, the first thing they would tell me was, "wow, these people are really good at directions!"
I wish the Taiwanese well. Half of the Taiwanese quit communicating with me after I left Taiwan when I cautioned them about their excitement over the death jab. The rest quit contacting me when I told them that Ukraine wasn't winning and to be careful that they don't become the new site of a proxy war for the US. They were very excited that Ukraine was defeating Russia and felt that it showed they might be able to defeat China.
In my younger years I ate wa-a-y too much fast food, probably because I moved around so much for my work. Finally after coming to roost here 25 years ago, I pretty much gave it up except on those rare occasions when I'm taking a long drive somewhere. Once or twice a year, I might visit a McDonald's or Taco Bell just to remind myself how bad it is.
On my very first trip to Taiwan I noticed that there were an incredible number of Western fast food chain eateries, but despite racking up almost a year of total time there in the last 15 years, I think I've been to one of them only once or twice. There is so much good stuff to eat in Taipei that there is no need. Tip: If you haven't been to one yet, a lot of the hot pot restaurants are very cool, and some are "all you can eat." Some have burners built into the tables for your hot pot.
If you're finding Zhongshan a bit deserted, go underground. If you ride the Red line from the outer districts into Taipei Main Station, you will pass through Zhongshan stop, and there is a bookstore area down there that seems like it's about a mile long, along with all kinds of other shops. There is a veritable maze underneath the Taipei Main Station that is really easy to get lost in--it's gigantic. If the big one ever comes and people need to retreat underground, they've made a good start on providing the space!
Family Express is a northern Indiana gas station convenience chain. Home to the Java Wave line of bean to cup coffees. Fitted with Swiss Franke A 800 coffee machines, I can find myself chuckling and cheesing as my coffee "makes itself". Welcome to the "coffee revolution" as seen from the side of another express coffee cup. Not all revolutions and wars are created equal, as the Family Express chain declared war on "Friction" in 2018. After reading their corporatese laden post, I think that I have to take friction's side. Not sure what I think of a friction free world...
I lived in Taipei for years and there are things I still miss from it. My experience living in Taipei was almost a 180 degree contrast from living in Mexico (where I lived just before Taiwan) but also differed, mainly in good ways, from San Francisco.
Mexico is a low trust society (America is becoming one). Taiwan is very high trust. Mexico isn't all that safe but much safer than living in the US around blacks. Taiwan is very safe day or night. So was mainland China except for the insane driving. Thailand was also pretty safe, much safer than US around blacks or Mexico.
One of the enduring memories I have a Taiwan is walking down streets and seeing computers and tablets left on tables while the owner went inside.
There was also a high degree of personal responsibility and propriety that was absent in Mexico and is disappearing in much of the US.
One of the most remarkable displays of personal responsibility and civic pride was how great they were at giving directions. When I first moved there I had Taiwanese walk 20 minutes out of their way to make sure I got to where I was headed. It wasn't just because I was old and white. I spoke with young Asian travelers from places like Singapore and when I asked them what they thought of Taiwan, the first thing they would tell me was, "wow, these people are really good at directions!"
I wish the Taiwanese well. Half of the Taiwanese quit communicating with me after I left Taiwan when I cautioned them about their excitement over the death jab. The rest quit contacting me when I told them that Ukraine wasn't winning and to be careful that they don't become the new site of a proxy war for the US. They were very excited that Ukraine was defeating Russia and felt that it showed they might be able to defeat China.
Thanks, Linh. Always enjoyable!
Yes!!! "Always enjoyable!"
Could use 2 a day.
A fun read, thanks!
My man!
"That’s why they believe a 52-story building can just collapse in seconds."
An inspired post, Master Linh. Endless gratitude for years of learning and enjoyment.
In my younger years I ate wa-a-y too much fast food, probably because I moved around so much for my work. Finally after coming to roost here 25 years ago, I pretty much gave it up except on those rare occasions when I'm taking a long drive somewhere. Once or twice a year, I might visit a McDonald's or Taco Bell just to remind myself how bad it is.
On my very first trip to Taiwan I noticed that there were an incredible number of Western fast food chain eateries, but despite racking up almost a year of total time there in the last 15 years, I think I've been to one of them only once or twice. There is so much good stuff to eat in Taipei that there is no need. Tip: If you haven't been to one yet, a lot of the hot pot restaurants are very cool, and some are "all you can eat." Some have burners built into the tables for your hot pot.
If you're finding Zhongshan a bit deserted, go underground. If you ride the Red line from the outer districts into Taipei Main Station, you will pass through Zhongshan stop, and there is a bookstore area down there that seems like it's about a mile long, along with all kinds of other shops. There is a veritable maze underneath the Taipei Main Station that is really easy to get lost in--it's gigantic. If the big one ever comes and people need to retreat underground, they've made a good start on providing the space!
Family Express is a northern Indiana gas station convenience chain. Home to the Java Wave line of bean to cup coffees. Fitted with Swiss Franke A 800 coffee machines, I can find myself chuckling and cheesing as my coffee "makes itself". Welcome to the "coffee revolution" as seen from the side of another express coffee cup. Not all revolutions and wars are created equal, as the Family Express chain declared war on "Friction" in 2018. After reading their corporatese laden post, I think that I have to take friction's side. Not sure what I think of a friction free world...
https://www.familyexpress.com/news/family-express-declares-war-on-friction
I wonder how their War on Friction ended.
As far as I know, it's ongoing like the Ukraine conflict. Unlike the AFU, friction never sleeps.
I saw a Family Express semi trailer advertising red white and blue Patriotic Star Sugar Cookies last week. It was kind of disturbing.
Almost seems like a brilliantly satirical piece sending ùp corporatese - ezcept.....
Me about 20 years ago, as a kid:
"Fast food SUUUUUUuuuuucccckkkkkss..."
"Pass the salt, it is cheaper than McDonald's and has the same nutrition value."
Me today:
"People still eat fast food... And live? I thought 'they' poisoned that $h%^.
Damn, how much cricket flour do people need to try before they read the F%^&ing label?"
I worked with a guy who ate one of those hotdogs every day for breakfast on his way into the Office. A few years after i met him he died of cancer.