City temple

DSC_3293, originally uploaded by Chinchy.

As earlier posts (mosaic of religions and multitude of beliefs) show, Taiwan is a blender for world religions. Also temples can be found in the most peculiar places in Taiwan. Actually temple locations are as common as for example grocery stores, car repair shops, bus stops etc. To me such straight forward approach to religion in general is very peculiar. Travel to Taiwan, I'm sure you'll enjoy there.

Eslite Bookstore

Taiwan 2007 543, originally uploaded by yam_marty.

It's not only coffee shops that are good places to catch your breath. While in Taiwan, take a while to visit one of many outlets of Eslite bookstore. At least one of them is open 24 hours a day and no matter when you walk in, you walk into crowd. Selection is stunning in every category and books can be found in multitude of languages. Brilliant book selling business, you have to see it, to believe it.

Betelnut Girls

Betelnut Girl Taoyuan, originally uploaded by bignosetw.

Prepare to be shocked the first time you hit the streets in Taiwan. You will come across street-side stands ran by gorgeus young women. Lots of flashy lights and very few clothes are a combination that turns heads.

First thought is obvious, but this time it isn't what it looks like. These ladies are selling betel nuts, which is local rival for tobacco. Girls try to grab drivers' attention and thereby increase sales. Living in Taiwan is almost like living in a 24/7 business school.

Starbucks

Biggest Starbucks, originally uploaded by qickman.

In Taiwan, I fell in love with Starbucks. Entangled street network, which is crowded with people, can be a tad too much of a good thing. This whirlwind of commotion needs soothing oasises and coffee shops are the perfect solution.

Stop thinking your own problems and focus on something more important for a while - like choosing the best drink for the current mood. Sit down, relax and look outside. Just for a while, let those busy streets entertain you.

UN Candidate

UN WDD on Taipei 101, originally uploaded by *dans.

You probably know Taiwan as the birth place of your computer screen or computer itself. Take a moment and check... if not, scurry to shuffle through some other electronics, and I'm sure you will find that "Made in Taiwan" phrase.

Another almost as popular tell-a-tale is the never ending march to join United Nations. Dan takes some of the most beautiful pictures of Taipei 101, which is also harnessed to pull Taiwan into UN.

Next stop - The moon.