Guide to Taipei

If any of you are planning on going to Taiwan especially Taipei here are a few things that you might want to know.  Its not considered rude to burp, fart, or pick your nose in public.  However, it is frowned upon for a women to wear clothes that show off their shoulders and cleavage.  With that being said women are allowed to wear super short, short shorts.  Some I don't even consider shorts but more like underwear considering the amount they actually cover.  Women are also taught to speak softly and that they should not raise their voice or yell.  Unlike in Thailand women are allowed to be monks.
Like in Thailand I recommend packing toilet paper around with you and be prepared to use a squat toilet once in a while.  You might want to do a few squats a day before you come down to prepare yourself,  otherwise you may be stuck doing what Elycia does which is stripping down to avoid accidents.  Taipei is a more modern city and have half upgraded to sit toilets.  Most rural areas are old fashioned though.  Some bathrooms are also half sit down, half squat toilets so you can choose which one you prefer.  
Most Taiwanese people speak english its just the question of if they are willing to speak to you.  Some are very shy but the majority are more than willing to help you out.  Some are just plan stubborn and tell you "No I can not speak english" in perfect english.

Getting around Taipei is very easy with the MRT and buses that come every twenty minutes.  Driving is way better than in Thailand!  Most follow the rules but there are a select few, AKA Julia's host dad, that do whatever they please.  It wasn't until this year that they put in the wear-a-seat-belt law.  Also Taiwanese people are very familiar with the horn and feel obligated to use it regularly.  Speaking of driving I forgot to mention that Mike got a speeding ticket while we were traveling down to Bangkok. The ticket cost him a whopping eleven dollars!  It's also a rule in Thailand that you can not get two tickets in the same day.  The police man that pulled Mike over also recognized him from a previous time.    
In general, in Taiwan they are very orderly people.  They stand in a nice single file line while waiting for the train or even to get onto the escalator.

The crime rate in Taipei is extremely low.  It is safe to leave your bikes unlocked!  While sitting in a cafe I witnessed a guy leave his laptop and cellphone on the table, walk outside, and come back thirty minutes later to his stuff still there!  Gosh! if only you could do that in Williams Lake and other places for that matter!  People also chase you down if you drop something such as an MRT card or forget your wallet.  People there are also very polite and respectful.  On the metro and buses there are specific seats for the elderly, disabled, and women who are pregnant.  If someone boards the train or bus who requires those seats people are more than willing to give them up to stand.  Its very nice to see people show kindness this way.

Be aware of the rain in Taipei since it has a higher level of acid in it.  Try not to get your hair wet or wash thoroughly to decrease your chances of loosing your hair and becoming bald.
Warning:  Do not whistle.  They believe this calls spirits and ghosts.