Tapei 101

Upon first glance, Taipei feels a bit like Bangkok. There are a lot of old, dirty buildings with some crazy wiring, and the throng of motor scooters creates a haze of pollution you can practically taste.

Yet, Taipei shines with innovation. Its engineering and manufacturing in technology (iPhones are made here) have contributed to the country's wealth and enabled it to emerge as a major business destination. As a result, you'll find Starbucks on nearly every corner, as well as major European brands -- Moschino, Gucci, Cartier, etc.

This affluence seems epitomized by Taipei 101, the tallest skyscraper (soon to be outdone by Dubai) at a quarter of a mile high. At the foot of the building lies an enormous mall connected via foot bridges to a maze of additional department stores.  The quantity of shops feels absurd -- could there really be enough Taiwanese (or tourists) to buy this many $200 sweaters?

We did make our way to the top of Taipei 101, despite my reluctance. The elevator ride itself was an engineering marvel -- quiet, smooth and fast. If it wasn't for my ears popping (and the subsequent dizzying view), I would have sworn we had only gone up about 15 floors.  Mirabelle, of course, was more impressed by a clever multimedia display (when you walked across the floor, clouds disappeared and a view of Taipei emerged below your feet).

We spent most of the day exploring the area around Tapei 101 and made our way to Page One, a bookstore with a large English language section, and an international food market (Jason's).  As it turns out, I didn't really need to pack all the food I did (instant oatmeal, mac and cheese, granola bars).  I wasn't exactly surprised to see Corn Flakes, but impressed to find brands like Kashi, Newman's Own and Eden Organics.  Inside that market, it felt just like any European city -- except, of course, that everything was in Chinese.