Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Who shaved the cat?!
As some of you already know, I'm no longer living with Kirk. He broke up me with less than a month after I moved here and, as you might imagine, it was a really difficult thing to go through. I was completely miserable for a while, but life goes on and I've been trying to make the best of the remainder of my time in Taipei. I now live with two Taiwanese women, Katrina and Vivid, in another part of town. I also live with two cats - Miss Q and Hester. But since Miss Q has really long hair, Kat shaves her every spring. As you can see, she is only 1/2 way through the process.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Paintball!
Had a pretty busy weekend in Taipei. On Friday night met up with some friends after work to grab pizza then headed to a lounge called The Bed. Bed has kind of an Eastern/Middle Eastern vibe and has areas of raised padded seating (kind of like a giant mattress) as well as normal tables. We grabbed a table, a bottle of Johnnie Walker, and some dice and hung out there until they closed around 3 am. People were coming and going all night so it was good time with lots of interesting people. After Bed closed we headed to Fuxing to grab some of those delicious rice and egg rolls I mentioned in a previous post, then it was home to my own bed for some sleep.
Saturday I went hiking south of Taipei City in an town called Xindian. It was a beautiful day and the hike was great although I was a little tired. There were a lot of platforms and lookout points along the trails which made nice places to stop and take a break. One thing about Asia in general is that safety regulations are not the same as in the US. None of the platforms had side rails and some of them were a good 20+ feet above rocky, sloping ground. Falling off of one of them would result in serious injury. But I guess they figure if you're dumb enough to get too close to the edge and fall off, it's your own fault. Personally I tend to agree.
Sunday was my first ever game of paintball. Nine of us met up and the paintball park for several hours of google wearing, gun wielding, sweaty fun. We played against another team and against each other on a couple of different courses. I only got one serious hit - on the inner thigh during the last game. It barely hurt yesterday, but this morning it had turned into a pretty ugly bruise. One guy got hit in the neck, wonder how he's doing today... Anyhow, it was a good time and something I would do again.
Saturday I went hiking south of Taipei City in an town called Xindian. It was a beautiful day and the hike was great although I was a little tired. There were a lot of platforms and lookout points along the trails which made nice places to stop and take a break. One thing about Asia in general is that safety regulations are not the same as in the US. None of the platforms had side rails and some of them were a good 20+ feet above rocky, sloping ground. Falling off of one of them would result in serious injury. But I guess they figure if you're dumb enough to get too close to the edge and fall off, it's your own fault. Personally I tend to agree.
Sunday was my first ever game of paintball. Nine of us met up and the paintball park for several hours of google wearing, gun wielding, sweaty fun. We played against another team and against each other on a couple of different courses. I only got one serious hit - on the inner thigh during the last game. It barely hurt yesterday, but this morning it had turned into a pretty ugly bruise. One guy got hit in the neck, wonder how he's doing today... Anyhow, it was a good time and something I would do again.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Japan continued
On days 4 and 5 we did a lot of more walking around Tokyo. We mainly explored the Asakusa, Ebisu, and Ueno neighborhoods. Asakusa is an older, more peaceful neighborhood in the northeast part of the city. There is a big area of outdoor shopping stalls around Thunder God Gate, and a large five story pagoda and the city's largest temple, Senso-ji, nearby. From Asakusa we took a boat ride along the Sumida River to a big park where there were still a few cherry blossoms left.
Ebisu is in the southwest part of the city and has lots of high end shops as well and a section of vintage clothing stores. It's a nice area, but some of the stores are hard to find since they're down side roads and back alleys, and it's pretty pricey. I think Shibuya and Shimo-katazawa are better for shopping.
Tuesday was our last day so we headed headed to Ueno to walk around for a bit before catching the train out to the airport. There is a huge park in Ueno which includes a zoo and a couple of museums. We just walked around the park and checked out a couple of the shrines, but it was nice ending to the trip.
Ebisu is in the southwest part of the city and has lots of high end shops as well and a section of vintage clothing stores. It's a nice area, but some of the stores are hard to find since they're down side roads and back alleys, and it's pretty pricey. I think Shibuya and Shimo-katazawa are better for shopping.
Tuesday was our last day so we headed headed to Ueno to walk around for a bit before catching the train out to the airport. There is a huge park in Ueno which includes a zoo and a couple of museums. We just walked around the park and checked out a couple of the shrines, but it was nice ending to the trip.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Sato-san
Today is day 3 in Japan and I think it's my favorite country in Asia so far. We arrived on Friday night and spent a little time walking around the Roppongi area including visiting a pretty cool bar called A971. Mostly house music but a lively crowd and a good mix of locals and foreigners. Then Saturday morning it was off to the town of Nikko about 2 hours outside Tokyo to visit the hot springs. We stayed a traditional hot springs hotel which means one big room with tatami floors, robes, obis, and wooden sandals to wear around the hotel, and traditional Japanese dining (lots of fish and pickled things). I previously thought we were staying there 2 nights, but it was actually 1 night which was plenty.
Then it was back to Tokyo. After dropping our luggage off at the hotel we went in search of some lunch. We ended up eating a tiny little sushi restaurant where no English was spoken so ordering included a lot of pointing and gesturing. But this awesome older gentleman, Sato-san, was sitting next in the seat next to me and took it upon himself to order us all drinks and more food and show us the proper way to eat it all. Of course he only spoke Japanese and we only spoke English, but he was so sweet and cute and friendly, it was awesome. One thing I've noticed here is that people will just keep speaking to you in Japanese even when you clearly don't understand. They don't speak more slowly or anything like that, they just continue on like you understand every word.
After lunch with Sato-san we headed to the Harajuku area to check out the Meiji Shrine and of course, all the kids in the crazy outfits. Lots of goth looks, as well as Victorian, school girl and a variety of other styles. From there was walked to Shibuyu to check out the stores and also see the world's busiest pedestrian intersection. There are tons of cool shops in Tokyo. Like Taipei, the first floor of most buildings contains small shops or restaurants and I wish I had a week here just to shop (and the $$ to do so).
But Japan is clean, people are friendly even if they have no idea what you're saying, and it's quite a beautiful place.
Then it was back to Tokyo. After dropping our luggage off at the hotel we went in search of some lunch. We ended up eating a tiny little sushi restaurant where no English was spoken so ordering included a lot of pointing and gesturing. But this awesome older gentleman, Sato-san, was sitting next in the seat next to me and took it upon himself to order us all drinks and more food and show us the proper way to eat it all. Of course he only spoke Japanese and we only spoke English, but he was so sweet and cute and friendly, it was awesome. One thing I've noticed here is that people will just keep speaking to you in Japanese even when you clearly don't understand. They don't speak more slowly or anything like that, they just continue on like you understand every word.
After lunch with Sato-san we headed to the Harajuku area to check out the Meiji Shrine and of course, all the kids in the crazy outfits. Lots of goth looks, as well as Victorian, school girl and a variety of other styles. From there was walked to Shibuyu to check out the stores and also see the world's busiest pedestrian intersection. There are tons of cool shops in Tokyo. Like Taipei, the first floor of most buildings contains small shops or restaurants and I wish I had a week here just to shop (and the $$ to do so).
But Japan is clean, people are friendly even if they have no idea what you're saying, and it's quite a beautiful place.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
A quiet week
Been a pretty quiet week here so far. I did go see the U2 (the band) in 3D movie on Sunday night, so cool. You don't realize how much you miss when you watch a regular movie until you see one in 3D - it feels like you're there. I'm not big on TV but I love movies and am eagerly awaiting the release of Indiana Jones 4, which comes out on 5/22 in Taiwan.
Finally got my taxes done, but sadly I won't be getting a refund. I need to buy a house so I have something to write off. But thank goodness for TurboTax, it makes filing pretty easy.
Other than that I've been planning my trip to Japan. There are 3 of us going so it should be a good time. I have a couple of Japanese friends here and they provided some English language maps and directions on how to navigate the subways and find our hotels. We leave this Friday and will be there for 4 nights - 2 in Tokyo and 2 at a hot springs resort about an hour and a half outside the city. We've been warned about the subways during rush hour (they literally shove people into the cars) and the lack of English speakers (people can speak English, but they won't for fear of making a mistake). The rest of it we'll just figure out as we go.
Finally got my taxes done, but sadly I won't be getting a refund. I need to buy a house so I have something to write off. But thank goodness for TurboTax, it makes filing pretty easy.
Other than that I've been planning my trip to Japan. There are 3 of us going so it should be a good time. I have a couple of Japanese friends here and they provided some English language maps and directions on how to navigate the subways and find our hotels. We leave this Friday and will be there for 4 nights - 2 in Tokyo and 2 at a hot springs resort about an hour and a half outside the city. We've been warned about the subways during rush hour (they literally shove people into the cars) and the lack of English speakers (people can speak English, but they won't for fear of making a mistake). The rest of it we'll just figure out as we go.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
An interesting evening...
Going out in Taipei is fun. Since it's a big city there is always something going on. Last night I started at birthday party in a home that had the most beautiful furniture I think I've ever seen - full of antique Chinese tables, chairs, doors, and carvings, yet in a modern setting complete with a huge Andy Warhol-ish Marilyn Monroe painting on one wall. A couple owns the place and the wife, Linda, not only has excellent taste in furniture and design, but she is also an amazing cook. I thought perhaps the party had been catered, but turns out she made everything but the cakes.
One thing about the buildings in Taiwan is that the outside is no indication of what you might find inside. Most people in Taipei live in apartments as there are very few single family homes within the city. While the newer buildings are tall highrises like you'd find in any other big city, the older building are mostly 4-8 story concrete boxes with 2 or 4 apartments on each floor. You typically walk in and see a dingy concrete stairwell with broken light bulbs and wonder what you're getting yourself into. But I've been to a couple places where I wasn't expecting much, only to walk in and find a nicely remodeled modern apartment. As they say, you can't judge a book by its cover.
After the birthday party it was on to Carnegie's to see a local band. Now Carnegie's is a place I would normally stay away from since it has a reputation for being a place where older expat guys will go to pick up local girls (although they do have good food). The band, The Moneyshot Horns, typically plays jazz/blues music but last night they were playing more Carnegie's appropriate music - old covers but with a funk twist. They're good musicians and a lot of fun to watch. But it was even more fun to watch the balding, 50 year old Taiwanese guy who got up on the bar and starting do the worst version of the robot I've ever seen - arms flailing, head turning, big smile on his face. Absolutely hilarious.
Then it was off to Lava, a big nightclub not far from Taipei 101. The crowd was pretty young and it's not a place I would normally hang out, but a friend knew the MC so we stopped by. One big difference between clubs in the US and in Taiwan is that in the US, if you're really drunk and look like you're going to pass out, the bouncers will make you leave. Not in Taiwan. I saw numerous people passed out on couches and tables, and several others being carried through the club by friends. You only have to be 18 to legally drink in Taiwan and there doesn't seem to be a cut off time for serving drinks so people just get wasted. I got tired and headed home around 3 am but it was a fun night out.
One thing about the buildings in Taiwan is that the outside is no indication of what you might find inside. Most people in Taipei live in apartments as there are very few single family homes within the city. While the newer buildings are tall highrises like you'd find in any other big city, the older building are mostly 4-8 story concrete boxes with 2 or 4 apartments on each floor. You typically walk in and see a dingy concrete stairwell with broken light bulbs and wonder what you're getting yourself into. But I've been to a couple places where I wasn't expecting much, only to walk in and find a nicely remodeled modern apartment. As they say, you can't judge a book by its cover.
After the birthday party it was on to Carnegie's to see a local band. Now Carnegie's is a place I would normally stay away from since it has a reputation for being a place where older expat guys will go to pick up local girls (although they do have good food). The band, The Moneyshot Horns, typically plays jazz/blues music but last night they were playing more Carnegie's appropriate music - old covers but with a funk twist. They're good musicians and a lot of fun to watch. But it was even more fun to watch the balding, 50 year old Taiwanese guy who got up on the bar and starting do the worst version of the robot I've ever seen - arms flailing, head turning, big smile on his face. Absolutely hilarious.
Then it was off to Lava, a big nightclub not far from Taipei 101. The crowd was pretty young and it's not a place I would normally hang out, but a friend knew the MC so we stopped by. One big difference between clubs in the US and in Taiwan is that in the US, if you're really drunk and look like you're going to pass out, the bouncers will make you leave. Not in Taiwan. I saw numerous people passed out on couches and tables, and several others being carried through the club by friends. You only have to be 18 to legally drink in Taiwan and there doesn't seem to be a cut off time for serving drinks so people just get wasted. I got tired and headed home around 3 am but it was a fun night out.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
All about Thailand
Thailand is a great place to visit. If I were to go again I think I would avoid Bangkok as it's so busy and congested, and you really do have to watch out for all the tourist scams the guidebooks warn you about. But the people are friendly, things are cheap, and there are many interesting things to see. 95% of the population is Buddhist and although I'm not a religious person, you can't help but respect the devotion the Thais show to their gods and all the work that goes into creating such beautiful temples. One thing I'm bummed we missed is the Songkran (Thai new year) festival that started this weekend. Songkran involves throwing a lot of water - pretty much at everyone you see - and also bathing images of the Buddha in water. It's also a time to pay respect to elders and the Buddha, but I'd totally be up for a giant water fight under the hot sun.
Monday, April 7, 2008
What Wat?
First let me say that I will not be taking the train again anytime soon. Maybe it was just the train we happened to be on, but it was a long (12 hour), uncomfortable ride. I did manage to sleep some, but it was the kind of sleep where you nod off for 15 minutes then wake up again. But we made it safely to the city of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand.
The most notable thing about the city is the number of temples (wats). They are absolutely everywhere, and they're beautiful. Lots of carved wood, mosiac work, and old, old stupas built in the 1300's and 1400's. Today I saw what was either the best wax figure or best preservation of a human body I have ever seen. It was a monk sitting inside a glass box in one of the temples. It was actually quite creepy, but amazing at the same time. Tomorrow it's off to ride elephants, see an orchid farm, and go rafting.
The most notable thing about the city is the number of temples (wats). They are absolutely everywhere, and they're beautiful. Lots of carved wood, mosiac work, and old, old stupas built in the 1300's and 1400's. Today I saw what was either the best wax figure or best preservation of a human body I have ever seen. It was a monk sitting inside a glass box in one of the temples. It was actually quite creepy, but amazing at the same time. Tomorrow it's off to ride elephants, see an orchid farm, and go rafting.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Bangkok
Arrived Friday night and so far so good. Hotel is fantastic, the temples are awesome, the food is good, and the people are friendly. Taiwan has some nice temples, but the temples here are something else - so much detail and some huge Buddhas. Lots of jewerly for sale, haven't bought anything yet but may pick up some silver in Chiang Mai. I did get some clothes though - made to order pants and a top. Not cheap, but not any more than I would pay for the same thing in the US given I have to buy pants at Nordstrom or Saks to find the right length. I went to the fitting today and everything looked good, will have the final product delivered to the hotel when I'm back in Bangkok on Thursday. Taking the overnight train to Chiang Mai tonight, should be an interesting experience.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Ugh, I thought I left the rain in Portland
Another rainy day here in Taipei. Not only has it been raining all day, but it's been raining hard. Last night was even worse. I was planning on going out to meet some friends, but decided to stay home rather than risk getting swept away in some flash floods. Having lived in Seattle and Portland for the last 10 years you'd think I'd be used to it, but it's really starting to become a drag. Maybe I'm just getting old... I'm heading to Thailand on Friday, if it's raining there I'm going to ask the powers that be to refund my expenses.
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