Snapshots of Taipei

In the 60 minutes I wasn't attending meetings in the past three days, I hit the streets of Taipei, Taiwan to take a few snapshots.

 The city is decked out in a big way for Christmas. I love this part of being here.

Taiwan has a much larger middle class than China does. But the buildings reflect the 60s era, are generally old looking and boxy, and are crammed in close together. The buildings look a lot like the ones in Hong Kong. China's buildings are generally more modern looking. You can tell that Hong Kong and Taiwan had their building heyday about 50 years ago.

The shops may not look like much on the outside, but they are pretty high-class looking on the inside. There are also modern shopping malls in another part of town; the shopping area above is across from a major university.

 Just another view from the streets.

This neighborhood has lots of classy small restaurants (the Christmas tree above was in a cute little restaurant), but college students like their street food too. The barrels above are full of meat-filled buns.

It seemed to me that a lot of people in Taipei have cars, but there are also lots of motorbikes and bicycles, especially in the college area. (You can vaguely see me in the mirror in the above photo.)

Walking path.

I am in the Taipei airport, flight delayed by one hour. I'll teach you some Chinese. Here's how to say airport: feiji chang (fay-jee-chong). Just keep in mind that "chong" rhymes with Hong Kong, and you'll say it perfectly! 

Adios Taipei, I'm heading back to the big country!