Our Life in Taiwan: The Convenience of Taiwan

There are some things about Taiwan, that simply cannot compare with life in Vancouver. One of the most glaring differences is the convenience. This is simply one of the most convenient places I have ever been to.

If you would like to have something to eat, you simply have to get out of your place and get onto the street. You don't even have to go to a restaurant, although you can find several on every block, you can just find a vendor on the side of the road selling something tasty. When you do go to a restaurant, the service is fast and, except for the newer and bigger restaurants, you don't have to tip.

Last year when my computer broke down, at 8pm on a Thursday, we picked it up and walked 2 blocks to the computer store, where they actually opened it up and started fixing it right then and there. Within 2 days I had the computer back and ready to go. Almost every business and restaurant is open until 10pm every day.

Anything that you could want is also found at the convenience stores, that are in no short supply all over Taiwan. A convenience store of one kind or another can be found on every single block of Taiwan urban space. There, not only can you get your newspaper, magazine, or snack, you can also get videos and video games, alcoholic beverages, and dinner. They are all open 24 hours.

If you like the night life, the discos bars, and Karaoke boxes are all open 24/7.

The transportation system in Taiwan is also quite convenient, especially for me, as I can choose to take a train into Taipei or walk half a block to the Bus stop where the bus takes me there.

While I think the traffic situation is quite awful, the Taiwanese have adapted a driving style that is quite convenient. They don't bother to stop when turning right and always manage to turn left in front of you first. Real convenience, however, is having a scooter. A family of 4 can get onto a scooter with no problem and snake through the gridlocked traffic. It is also great for delivering pizza.

Of course, there is a price to be paid for all of this convenience. People have to work long hours and get paid very little. People are not as aware of environmental issues or food safety issues. The streets are crowded with vendors and the resulting garbage. And, as we experienced, a disco can open up in your building, keeping you up all night.

Overall, however, it is sort of refreshing to observe a society that is not so concerned with rules, but getting the job done or providing a service where one is needed.