Through my blog, it seems like I have done a lot of complaining about Taiwan. No, don't deny it. I have. All of my complaints, I believe, are justified and reasonable from the point of view of a Canadian with this an East-meets-West "fusion" background.

But let's try to put things in perspective, because there are things in Taiwan that are better than those back home. Here's my list of some of those things:

• Convenient stores: They're everywhere, and therefore are convenient. And they also offer more services (such as allow paying for most of your bills through them).


• Every traffic light is equiped with a countdown telling you how much time stands between you and a green light, or how much time before your green light turns red. The animated "walk"ing man is fun too; he walks faster and breaks into a sprint to tell pedestrians that their green light is running out.


• Though usually unhealthy, it's hard to complain about the options for cheap food. Cheap, tasty, and unhealthy food is everywhere.


• I love scootering. You can bet I'll be looking to get a scooter when I return to Canada. Cheap and convenient, like the food.


• When you're not in the "fashionable areas" of Taipei, you can generally dress as scrubby as you want without anyone looking at you twice. I have no problems going for hot pot wearing the infamous blue-and-white Taiwanese flip flops.


• An obsession with international clothing means that Taiwanese also have a more global view of fashion. Along with Canadian/U.S. clothing companies, there's a strong presence of European and Japanese venders.


• I may not stand out in Canada, but just by having clearer skin and a pointier nose, I'm already above average in looks here.


• People often make bank-to-bank payments to buy from people and vendors. More convenient and probably safer than paying by cash or cheque. In fact, no one uses cheques here... I never liked cheques anyway.


• LCD TV screens are in a lot of places that require waiting: MRT/train stations, restaurants, stores, and buses...


• People are less intimidating. I've never been intimidated by anyone here - partially because people are nicer (not more polite, but nicer) - but mainly because people aren't as big or strong. Or maybe because they can't grow facial hair. Either way, I haven't met too many people I didn't think I could "take".


• Unlike in North America, toilet stalls are private. Their design uses an overlap between door and stall so there're no gaps. Privacy when you need privacy most.


• The customary afternoon naps that follow lunch are great. Refreshing and revitalizing, they make the afternoon pass more productively.


• Each receipt has a receipt number which can be used towards a lottery (once every 2 months) for a chance to win money!


• Fruit is delicious and cheap.


• The world's tallest building is still Taipei 101