Things I've Found While Walking Around

Taipei is a pretty cool city.  So far, I'm happy being here.  It took a few days to get over the culture shock, but overall, the city is fairly Westernized, and feels like other big cities.  Some things that have surprised me:

1) Less smoking then I expected.  There's "No Smoking" signs posted on the playgrounds, no smoking in the bars and restaurants (as far as I've seen), and less on the streets in general then I've seen in some other places.  Not sure why I expected otherwise, but I've been pleasantly surprised with the experience.

2) Face masks.  I know that there's a fair amount of air pollution, and the population density has created a culture that tries to prevent the spread of airborne germs, but it's still a bit .... odd... to see perfectly normal people walking down the street wearing surgical masks.  And the custom ones seem even odder.  Who knew your face mask could also be a fashion statement?  Yesterday I saw leopard print.  Seriously.

3) Winter jackets.  It's 70 degrees (F) out, people.  The layers and winter jackets seem like overkill.  I understand it's "winter" and you're used to serious heat and humidity.  But, seriously.

4) Motorcycles.  Have you ever seen the Top Gear Vietnam special?  No?  Go watch it.  Then you might understand.  Otherwise, all I can say is, there are motorcycles, scooters really, with entire families on them.  With baskets overflowing with stuff that would fill an SUV.  Everywhere.  Parking on the sidewalk.

5) People-watching is different here.  In Taipei, the people watch you (especially if you have an adorable blond haired child with you).


Okay, things I have seen in the past few days:

Down there in clouds?  See that ridiculously tall building?  That's Taipei 101.  It shows up everywhere.

This is the "Holiday Flower and Jade Market"  Holiday just means "weekend".  This is the flower part. You have never in your life seen this many orchids for sale.

Caroline picking out a 100NT orchid for herself.  (Approx US$3.25)

The girls, patiently waiting for orchid selection.

More gorgeous orchids.

The orchid that I picked.  Also 100NT.

This... this is a robot directing traffic around construction.  He's powered by a car battery between his feet.  And waves his flag hand up and down.  Seriously.

There's a Hello Kitty bakery and cafe on another street.  But here's the Barbie Cafe.  You know, in case you needed more pink in your life.

If pink isn't your color, but rainbow is... Here's the Gay Pride/LGBT parade that we stumbled across... and were blocked by for blocks.

So, there's just a brief glimpse of Taipei.  More to come!