I have plenty of things talk about from my trip to Taiwan. One thing I thought I'd share is my playlist from my trip.
For Christmas, I got a Creative Zen Vision:M. I really like it. One feature I love is the fact that is supports subscription music services. So, for $15/month I can download as much music as I can fit on my player without buying the tracks. I'm essentially "renting" my music. New bands and albums I really like, I can download for less than $9.
I had used Real Rhapsody since I came to Korea. It was one of the few music services that didn't block international use. It worked pretty well. However, I've always had problems with the software. Its awkward and takes up a huge amount of memory. Then, when I upgraded to Vista, a huge number of bugs popped up. I found out that Rhapsody doesn't support Vista. What? They've had well over a year of very solid beta versions to work out these problems--and at least three months of the full version of Vista. So, I dropped them, and switched to Yahoo! Unlimited. Same price, and their software doesn't freak out on Vista.
So, the playlist (albums are listed because I almost always listen to songs as part of the whole album):
Interpol--Turn on the Bright Lights
Sufjan Stevens--Illinois, Avalanche
Rufus Wainwright--Want One
The Shins--Phantom Limb
Supertramp--American Breakfast
Arcade Fire--Funeral
Ben Kweller--Ben Kweller
Silverchair--Diaroma
If you use Yahoo! Music Unlimited click here to listen to the playlist.
Showing posts with label Taiwan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Taiwan. Show all posts
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Taipei Pictures
I have all of my Taipei pictures up.
Click the picture above for pics from the zoo. I forgot my digital camera that day, so bought a disposable and had the pics put on a disk when I had it developed. I really liked the outcome. The lighting is cool in most of the pictures.
Then, the pics from the rest of the trip can be found by clicking the above picture.
Let me know what you think.
 |
| From Taipei Zoo |
Click the picture above for pics from the zoo. I forgot my digital camera that day, so bought a disposable and had the pics put on a disk when I had it developed. I really liked the outcome. The lighting is cool in most of the pictures.
 |
| From Taipei, Taiwan |
Then, the pics from the rest of the trip can be found by clicking the above picture.
Let me know what you think.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Taipei: Transportation
All money amounts are in New Taiwanese Dollars. $30 NTD ~ $1 US Dollar.
To-From the airport.
Like many large international airports, the international airport is about an hour from the actual city of Taipei. Getting from the international airport to the actual city of Taipei can be done basically two ways. The first is to take a taxi that will run between NT$900-NT$1000. The second is to take an express bus for NT$110-NT$150. Go to the tourist information desk right after customs. The docent can tell you which company is best based on which hotel or hostel you are staying. Get a route map for the bus before leaving. Make sure the bus picks people up at the same stop so that you'll have a way to get back to the airport. Tell the driver, or point on the map which stop you need to be let off.
Metro
I prefer subway in every large city that I've traveled. They usually get you where you're going faster than any other means. The subway in Taipei is call the Mass Rapid Transit system (MRT). Most of it is underground, but a few of the lines are elevated above the city. The MRT is clean and effecient. People are much more patient and polite compared to other large cities I've traveled.
There are maps available at most stations that have a tour of the city by subway. This is great if you are spontaneous. I was traveling alone this trip, so I didn't have to make plans with anyone. If I saw something on the map that caught my eye, I could jump off the train and go see it.
Buy an EasyCard. You have to pay NT$500 up front, NT$100 of which is a deposit. The card uses RFID technology so you just have to tap the card against the reader to use the MRT. You'll need to use it when entering the subway and when exiting. The EasyCard offers a 20% discount from paying for each fare separately, and keeps you from having to worry about buying a ticket each time. The cards can also be used on buses. When you are ready to leave the city, go to a ticket counter and they'll give you your deposit back and the remaining balance off your card.
The trains run from 6:00 and the last train leaves at midnight. If you are going out at night, there will be a sign near the exit that says when the last train arrives at that particular station. There will also be a map that will tell you which exit to use for which attraction, and a list of connecting buses.
DO NOT eat, drink, or chew gum in the paid area (after you've gone through the turnstiles). They have posters up everywhere. The fines can run up to NT$1500.
Taxis
Taxis are very common. Fares start out at NT$70 and are reasonable. Make sure to grab a card from your hotel with the address and/or map on it to give to the driver when you want to return. Also, make sure the driver turns the meter on! If he doesn't, he might demand some ridiculous amount of many when you stop. I only used a taxi a couple times when I got stuck away from my hotel after the subway shut down.
Intra-City Bus
There are a few sights--namely the National Palace Museum--that require the use of a motor vehicle. In most places there are several lines that run the same route. There are private lines and city buses. The prices are the same and so is the service. Buses also take the EasyCard which is handy. Bus fare runs NT$30 per zone. Most local rides will only be one zone. I was never able to find a map of these zone. Follow the lead of the other passengers. Sometimes, you pay when you enter the bus, and sometimes when you get off.
I made the mistake of only brining large bills (NT$100) on a bus ride. I showed it to the driver and he rolled his eyes at me. He didn't have the money for the change. He shooed me off--I got a free bus ride! You can try this if you want, but your bus driver may not be so kind. An EasyCard will solve this problem.
There are also several free shuttle buses that run from major metro stops to the large shopping areas. I know of one that runs to the Living Mall, and also one that runs to Taipei 101. Again, check the metro exit map to see if these are available.
Walking
Walk! Like I said, I prefer to take the metro to major stops and then walk to my destination. That may mean walking a mile or so to get to where I'm going. Taiwan is generally pedestrian friendly with neato animated crosswalk signs and drivers that actually yield to pedestrians in crosswalks (a welcome change from Korea).
To-From the airport.
Like many large international airports, the international airport is about an hour from the actual city of Taipei. Getting from the international airport to the actual city of Taipei can be done basically two ways. The first is to take a taxi that will run between NT$900-NT$1000. The second is to take an express bus for NT$110-NT$150. Go to the tourist information desk right after customs. The docent can tell you which company is best based on which hotel or hostel you are staying. Get a route map for the bus before leaving. Make sure the bus picks people up at the same stop so that you'll have a way to get back to the airport. Tell the driver, or point on the map which stop you need to be let off.
Metro
I prefer subway in every large city that I've traveled. They usually get you where you're going faster than any other means. The subway in Taipei is call the Mass Rapid Transit system (MRT). Most of it is underground, but a few of the lines are elevated above the city. The MRT is clean and effecient. People are much more patient and polite compared to other large cities I've traveled.
There are maps available at most stations that have a tour of the city by subway. This is great if you are spontaneous. I was traveling alone this trip, so I didn't have to make plans with anyone. If I saw something on the map that caught my eye, I could jump off the train and go see it.
Buy an EasyCard. You have to pay NT$500 up front, NT$100 of which is a deposit. The card uses RFID technology so you just have to tap the card against the reader to use the MRT. You'll need to use it when entering the subway and when exiting. The EasyCard offers a 20% discount from paying for each fare separately, and keeps you from having to worry about buying a ticket each time. The cards can also be used on buses. When you are ready to leave the city, go to a ticket counter and they'll give you your deposit back and the remaining balance off your card.
The trains run from 6:00 and the last train leaves at midnight. If you are going out at night, there will be a sign near the exit that says when the last train arrives at that particular station. There will also be a map that will tell you which exit to use for which attraction, and a list of connecting buses.
DO NOT eat, drink, or chew gum in the paid area (after you've gone through the turnstiles). They have posters up everywhere. The fines can run up to NT$1500.Taxis
Taxis are very common. Fares start out at NT$70 and are reasonable. Make sure to grab a card from your hotel with the address and/or map on it to give to the driver when you want to return. Also, make sure the driver turns the meter on! If he doesn't, he might demand some ridiculous amount of many when you stop. I only used a taxi a couple times when I got stuck away from my hotel after the subway shut down.
Intra-City Bus
There are a few sights--namely the National Palace Museum--that require the use of a motor vehicle. In most places there are several lines that run the same route. There are private lines and city buses. The prices are the same and so is the service. Buses also take the EasyCard which is handy. Bus fare runs NT$30 per zone. Most local rides will only be one zone. I was never able to find a map of these zone. Follow the lead of the other passengers. Sometimes, you pay when you enter the bus, and sometimes when you get off.
I made the mistake of only brining large bills (NT$100) on a bus ride. I showed it to the driver and he rolled his eyes at me. He didn't have the money for the change. He shooed me off--I got a free bus ride! You can try this if you want, but your bus driver may not be so kind. An EasyCard will solve this problem.
There are also several free shuttle buses that run from major metro stops to the large shopping areas. I know of one that runs to the Living Mall, and also one that runs to Taipei 101. Again, check the metro exit map to see if these are available.
Walking
Walk! Like I said, I prefer to take the metro to major stops and then walk to my destination. That may mean walking a mile or so to get to where I'm going. Taiwan is generally pedestrian friendly with neato animated crosswalk signs and drivers that actually yield to pedestrians in crosswalks (a welcome change from Korea).
Monday, February 05, 2007
Taiwan: Getting there
I used many modes of transportation in my escape off Geoje Island, and away from Korea. Here's a brief rundown:
January 29th
9:00am City bus to Jangseungpo Immigration Office to check the validity of my return visa (there was a slight chance my visa would be invalidated if I left the country. All was well.
10:00am Costal ferry from Janseungpo harbor to Busan.
11:20am KTX (Korean Hi-Speed Rail)
8:00pm Airbus from Itaewon district to Incheon Airport
January 30th
10:00am Asiana Airlines flight to Taipei
So, within 24 hours, I went by air, land, and sea.
January 29th
9:00am City bus to Jangseungpo Immigration Office to check the validity of my return visa (there was a slight chance my visa would be invalidated if I left the country. All was well.
10:00am Costal ferry from Janseungpo harbor to Busan.
11:20am KTX (Korean Hi-Speed Rail)
8:00pm Airbus from Itaewon district to Incheon Airport
January 30th
10:00am Asiana Airlines flight to Taipei
So, within 24 hours, I went by air, land, and sea.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Taiwan
I am back from my trip to Taiwan. I've been silent for some time on the blog, but am planning a flurry of updates over the next few days. I will simultaneously be telling of my trip while offering tips to future travelers.
I finished my teacher's seminars and English camps on the 25th and had a week off before starting school again on February 5th. It was great to leave Korea behind for a bit, enjoy the great weather that Taiwan had to offer, and to experience a different culture for a bit.
While away from Korea, there were some things that I missed about Korea:
The Won: The S. Korean won is roughly 1,000 South Korean Won to $1 USD. This makes it easy to convert a Korean sticker price into something my brain understands. In Taiwan, the exchange was roughly 30 New Taiwanese Dollars per $1 USD. So, I had to divide everything by 30 to get a comprehendable price. This made my brain tired.
Kimchi: I have tried some crazy foods while here in Korea: dog meat, whale meat, things that were still moving when I ate them. However, nothing could prepare me for some of the smells coming from the street vendors in Taiwan. Lets just say that I missed Korean food greatly.
PC Bangs: PC Bangs (pronounced "bahng") are internet/gaming computer rooms that can be found in just about every block. Makes it very easy to check e-mail or whatever. While in Taiwan, I had to visit three 7-11s to find directions to an internet cafe. These internet cafes just aren't as widespread as they are in Korea.
Some things I did NOT miss about Korea:
Konglish: Frankly, it can be exauhsting listening to broken English all day, and to try to constantly decipher Konglish phrases into meaningful English. I made a couple observations about English in Taiwan.
First, it is not just used for the sake of using English. In Korea, every business and brand likes to have some English along side the Korea. At best, this English is quirky--"Well-being Food"--and at its worst, it's down right nonsense--"Fresh Bank, Fresh Fish." In Taiwan, English was relatively proper in grammar and used only for effective communication--not some attempt at "glam appeal."
Second, I found that English speakers were MUCH better than those I've encountered in Korea. Enough said. Despite, nearly ten years of English education, I have a hard time communicating with most Korean high school graduates. In Taiwan, I found that when I walked into a 7-11, if one clerk didn't know English, the other did.
The Korean Winter: when I left Korea, the high was about 25 F, while in Taiwan, it was 70 F. The temperature was that perfect temperature where it isn't hot at all, and isn't chilly. Absolutely perfect.
The Ugly High-Rise Apartments: Korea's solution to its high population density is to build en mass huge ugly high-rise apartments. These buildings can be found from Seoul down to the smallest farming/fishing village and lack any architectural aesthetics. The apartments in Taiwan seemed to have been designed by someone who actually appreciates the way buildings look.
The Pushy People: Whether its on the Seoul metro or walking down the streets on Geoje, Koreans run into each other and me. All the time. When I go to get off an elevator or a metro train when in Seoul, they crowd the opening making it necessary to push your way through the crowd. I went for days with no one running into me while in Taipei. When exiting the metro, people waited to the side for those exiting to leave before getting on the train. The two times I remember getting shoved aside were waiting in line at Taipei 101 and then at the airport to leave. Both times, it was Koreans doing the shoving.
Despite all the "negatives" about Korea, it is my home for now, and I missed it. I definitely am glad that I am living here and not in Taiwan.
I'll be updating the blog daily for at least the next week about my Taiwan trip. Hope you enjoy and let the comments come!
I finished my teacher's seminars and English camps on the 25th and had a week off before starting school again on February 5th. It was great to leave Korea behind for a bit, enjoy the great weather that Taiwan had to offer, and to experience a different culture for a bit.
While away from Korea, there were some things that I missed about Korea:
The Won: The S. Korean won is roughly 1,000 South Korean Won to $1 USD. This makes it easy to convert a Korean sticker price into something my brain understands. In Taiwan, the exchange was roughly 30 New Taiwanese Dollars per $1 USD. So, I had to divide everything by 30 to get a comprehendable price. This made my brain tired.
Kimchi: I have tried some crazy foods while here in Korea: dog meat, whale meat, things that were still moving when I ate them. However, nothing could prepare me for some of the smells coming from the street vendors in Taiwan. Lets just say that I missed Korean food greatly.
PC Bangs: PC Bangs (pronounced "bahng") are internet/gaming computer rooms that can be found in just about every block. Makes it very easy to check e-mail or whatever. While in Taiwan, I had to visit three 7-11s to find directions to an internet cafe. These internet cafes just aren't as widespread as they are in Korea.
Some things I did NOT miss about Korea:
Konglish: Frankly, it can be exauhsting listening to broken English all day, and to try to constantly decipher Konglish phrases into meaningful English. I made a couple observations about English in Taiwan.
First, it is not just used for the sake of using English. In Korea, every business and brand likes to have some English along side the Korea. At best, this English is quirky--"Well-being Food"--and at its worst, it's down right nonsense--"Fresh Bank, Fresh Fish." In Taiwan, English was relatively proper in grammar and used only for effective communication--not some attempt at "glam appeal."
Second, I found that English speakers were MUCH better than those I've encountered in Korea. Enough said. Despite, nearly ten years of English education, I have a hard time communicating with most Korean high school graduates. In Taiwan, I found that when I walked into a 7-11, if one clerk didn't know English, the other did.
The Korean Winter: when I left Korea, the high was about 25 F, while in Taiwan, it was 70 F. The temperature was that perfect temperature where it isn't hot at all, and isn't chilly. Absolutely perfect.
The Ugly High-Rise Apartments: Korea's solution to its high population density is to build en mass huge ugly high-rise apartments. These buildings can be found from Seoul down to the smallest farming/fishing village and lack any architectural aesthetics. The apartments in Taiwan seemed to have been designed by someone who actually appreciates the way buildings look.
The Pushy People: Whether its on the Seoul metro or walking down the streets on Geoje, Koreans run into each other and me. All the time. When I go to get off an elevator or a metro train when in Seoul, they crowd the opening making it necessary to push your way through the crowd. I went for days with no one running into me while in Taipei. When exiting the metro, people waited to the side for those exiting to leave before getting on the train. The two times I remember getting shoved aside were waiting in line at Taipei 101 and then at the airport to leave. Both times, it was Koreans doing the shoving.
Despite all the "negatives" about Korea, it is my home for now, and I missed it. I definitely am glad that I am living here and not in Taiwan.
I'll be updating the blog daily for at least the next week about my Taiwan trip. Hope you enjoy and let the comments come!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
