Taiwan 101

After MUCH debate, we abandon the original plan of boating to Beijing in favor of a more hospitable climate. It will create a small logistics problem but mere minutes after stepping off the plane, there was no question "weather" the right decision was made. So here we are in Taipei, an Asiatic city of many contrasts. It is steeped in Chinese culture, scooters rule the roads and you can turn around any corner to find temples tucked into the oddest of spaces. The language is Mandarin, but people are clearly speaking business. This pseuo-country is very cozy with the West and has a work ethic to match. There is a McD's and Pizza Hut at every metro stop, 7-11 rules the mini-mart and English language comprehension is a thing people strive for. What is lacking in this sprawling metropolis are creative business models and spacing of shops. There are plenty of entrepreneurs here, but tell me why does one street need 5 shops all selling industrial bakery mixers? Then, nowhere else in the entire city can you buy such an appliance! Competitive pricing at its worst.

We are however thoroughly enjoying our new city. Today we went to the top of Taipei 101, the worlds tallest building, amazing view as you can well imagine. Ventured to gawk at the changing of the guards, and wandering down snake alley. Then spent the remainder of the evening debating love, life and religion at Chiang Kai-shek memorial. Our last sightseeing adventure of Taipei will be the National Palace Museum, one of the largest collections of displayed Chinese artifacts. Next we bomb South to parts unknown hopefully catching a boat off this island!

In other adventures: you're never going to believe this but I'm still working out some negative karma from my previous life...I was bitten by an angry raccoon! Before my mother wets herself reading this, he was chained just outside the door of a restaurant and luckily for me he only got a piece of my shoe. Inside, the people were outstandingly friendly and our table was surrounded by camelions, bunnies, and crabs with colorful birds flying overhead. Truly a "lively" establishment.