A Day In The Life

Fruit Stands

Fruit Stands like the one below are a common appearance across much of Taiwan.  Although, in the cities, big-box retail chains as well as smaller local grocers are increasing in popularity, the local open-air markets are still abundant.  Individual vendors sell the usual assortment of fruits, vegetables and pigs feet - with a few textiles and live chickens thrown into the mix.  If you can overlook the market's aroma of decaying meat mixed with the rancid smell of fish and pungent fruit, you will find an abundance of fresh greens to satisfy your tastebuds.  The local market and fruit vendors that dot much of Taipei are also great places to practice emerging language skills if you go during off-peak times.  Usually vendors who are doing little else than watching TV or playing games on a cell phone will be more than happy to quiz you on all the names of the produce they are selling (as long as you buy a little at the end of their game).




In this photo from November 2010, Jeff and his Jie Jie (older sister) purchase fruit from a vendor located along the side of the Cross Island Highway in Taiwan's middle district.

 

A Day In The Life

Lately, I've experienced "bloggers block."  This phenomena is like writer's block except I just can't think of things to post on our blog.  Taipei has almost become second-nature and we have settled into a routine that is usually unchaged.  Things that were new and blog-worthy to me a year ago, have become overlooked and mundane.

To help regain some of the awe of this wonderful country, I will try to post 1 picture a week of something that seems ordinary to me but in America, it is not normal.  Here is this week's:

 How many places in the world can boast beautiful mountains and sandy beaches as well as a rocky ocean coastline all within two hours of a major city? Taipei Can!