Random thoughts on Taiwan

K, so I already babbled like a mofo about what I did in Taiwan, but many people (including myself before I went) don’t know much about Taiwan, so sit down and let me tell you the tale of a land called Taiwan! Or something. Anyway, here are random thoughts I had about the place, people, etc.:

-Because of geographical reasons, there are NOT many whities in Taiwan whatsoever, and most of the tourists were Japanese. Because of this I got TONS of stares for being a big tall honky. However, I didn’t notice as much as Cindy did, I guess because I am used to it from Japan! But they were innocent stares, not like “Get out of here, big –nosed demon!” stares. I did scare some children, though, which was sad.

-Poor Cindy! It sucks to be Asian in Asia, as everyone assumed she was either Chinese or Japanese or something. Because of this, and due to our height differences, I looked like a big weirdo talking to myself in English on the streets, sad! Then again, it probably looks like that in Japan!

-Taiwanese people LOVE TO EAT! Like, they are never not eating. Japanese people never walk and eat, but Taiwanese people ALWAYS do! I dunno how they are not the size of their country!

-There are conbinis and banks EVERYWHERE in Taiwan! I think there is one for every person, at least!

-I have decided that Taiwan is half Japan and half China. I expected it to be all China, and was pleasantly surprised that the people were nice and weren’t yelling at us all the time or anything. It is dirtier than Japan and obviously has more Chinese-related food, but the people are more Japanese in that they aren’t scary. Haha. They were really nice, friendly, helpful and relaxed. I sound like the Taipei Chamber of Commerce, but it’s true! They had a bit of an island-people feel about them, in that they didn’t seem to really care or worry too much about anything. It was nice!

-The weather was great! It was hot during the day but not too hot, and the nights were just perfect. Me rikey (tho summer is probably scary hot).

-They enjoy their coffee more than Japanese people! Japan doesn’t have nearly enough coffee shops, and Taiwan has lots…I miss sitting in coffee shops, bah!

-Taiwan is way family-oriented. People would always be out with their families, and it was really cute/nice to see that. In Japan most kids (like Jr. high school and higher) are always out with their friends, but we didn’t see much of that in Taiwan. In fact, we didn’t see that many teenagers, I think they are hidden somewhere!

-Chinese in Taiwan isn’t scary and ugly like I expected it to be! I am not ready for mainland China Chinese!

-Um, I think every person and pet owns a fucking scooter in Taipei. It was CRAZY. You have no idea!!!! Unfortunately they assume they are safe on them and like have their babies and shit on them?! I saw one parent with a baby on the back and a baby in the front while scooter-ing! NOT SAFE!

-Taiwanese people apparently love carnivals, as there are like carnival booths and games everywhere?! I don’t get it.

-I don’t know how people in Taiwan produce, as they all appear to be gay or lesbian! Haha, well not really, but there are lots of lesbian-y girls and lots of gay-ish guys, yo! Way moreso than here, and I didn’t think that was possible!

-Cindy said this on her blog, too, but both Taipei and Taiwanese people don’t have a definable image. We spent four days ALL over the city and we couldn’t find a skyline or certain image that seemed to define Taipei. Likewise, Taiwanese people all look way different and don’t look like they are from the same genepool or whatever like Japanese, etc. people do! It was weird, I couldn’t tell who was Taiwanese and who was a tourist!

And yes, those are my random-ass thoughts on Taiwan! GO THERE!