Is there anything more instinctive than a revulsion to the creepy-crawlies? Nothing comes immediately to mind, especially when brutes like this can run out into the middle to the room at rodent-like speeds. I saw this guy out of the corner of my eye last night and nearly jumped out of my skin. He ran … Read more
Follow-up to my earlier post on Diana’s wedding proposal. For the last 3 days or so, the Taipei 101 now has a sign saying “Yes, I do!†Technorati Tags: Books, Taiwan, Travel
Today was the day we celebrated Michelle’s birthday. In the morning, we gave her a present to tide her over, and took her out to the park to play. By the time we got out, 10:00AM or so, it was swelteringly hot and humid. We lasted for the better part of an hour and headed … Read more
I love the traffic lights in some cities in Taiwan. They have a countdown timer that shows exactly how long both the red and the green lights last. (Not sure about the yellow light.) I’d like to think there’s no negatives to this scheme, but, of course, some jackass will use the knowledge of when … Read more
An easy walk, even in the rain, from Taipei’s one Long John Silver’s is Dunkin’ Donuts. What could be better than finishing off a nice fish meal with a tasty chocolate-frosted doughnut? On my last visit, Mr. Donut had recently opened in Taipei, and the lines were horrific. Nonetheless, we had to try them and … Read more
I admit it, I’m a long-time patron of Long John Silver’s. My family used to eat there in Tucson at least as far back as 1974. While it’s not completely 100% authentic English Fish & Chips, it’s not too far off the mark, and it’s been very consistent for the last 30+ years. (Remember, I … Read more
Honestly, I really do have a brother-in-law, he’s not just a comic fabrication that I use to add levity. He’s got a girlfriend – the same one he had last time we were here. We haven’t figured out why they’re not married yet. Then again, maybe it isn’t that hard to figure out why they’re … Read more
One of my favorite pastimes in Taipei is to drop into the subway system, pick a station I’ve never been to and go there to explore. Since most of the stations are subterranean it’s impossible to have a feel for where you are. Each station has a map showing what’s around it. Maddeningly, they’re oriented … Read more
This trip to Alishan and Fenchihu happened to be about the same duration as our 1998 trip. We arrived at Alishan late on the first day, took the train down to Fenchihu mid-day the next, returned to Chiayi mid-day the next. On our trip in 2005, we really took the time to explore the Alishan … Read more
Cold and miserable, I went to sleep very early. As a consequence, I woke up very early also. The sun wasn’t quite up, but the sky had lightened and everyone else was asleep. While not cloudless, it was clear and pleasant, so I got out for a walk before the others awoke. Recently, I upgraded … Read more