Taiwan is described as a modern metropolis, combining Chinese culture fused with Japanese colonial lanes, busy shopping streets and contemporary buildings. Taipei, we found, is a softer, garish version of Singapore. It’s clean, orderly, and very, very friendly.
On arrival to Taipei it was like a gigantic warren, lots of underground passages with shopping, food and bright lights. Getting to our apartment was easy, the metro is cheap, efficient and has free wifi, so navigation is easy. No food or drink is allowed on the metro, so it is spotlessly clean. The kids give up their seats for you.
The Taiwanese queue better than anyone. Such a contrast to India where queuing is an unknown concept.
Home was in the district of Ximending. It’s very neon, a bit like a Piccadilly Circus. The 50 years rule of the Japanese created an entertainment and cultural hub as well as a residential grid system, the Chinese then introduced businesses and retail. The region has thrived ever since.
The city is all high rise, with many businesses and flats on top of each other.