Taiwan, in the past known as Formosa, is an island in East Asia, located off the coast of mainland China. Separated by the Taiwan Strait, by about 100 miles. To the northeast are the main islands of Japan and the East China Sea. The island is 245 miles long and 90 miles wide. The population is 21,683,000- with a population density of 609 persons per sq kilometer- 2nd highest in the world (Bangaladesh being 1). For you smarty pants that know of all this skip down to Boca's remarks..
Taiwan was ceded to the Empire of Japan by the Qing Empire in the Treaty of Shimonoseki after the First Sino-Japanese War in 1895. In 1945 Taiwan was freed from Japan as a result of World War II. Four years later the ROC lost mainland China in the Chinese Civil War to the Communist Party of China and resettled its government to Taiwan. Taiwan composes the vast majority of the ROC's territory since the 1950s, and this is one of multiple reasons that the ROC is commonly known as "Taiwan". The political status of Taiwan is disputed because it is claimed by the People's Republic of China, which was established in 1949 by the communists on mainland China and considers itself the successor state to the ROC. Japan had originally acquired Taiwan from the Qing Empire in 1895 under Article 2 of the Treaty of Shimonoseki. At the end of World War II, Japan renounced all claims to sovereignty over its former colonial possessions, including Taiwan and Penghu (Pescadores), but did not specify to whom Taiwan and Penghu should be assigned. This fact and subsequent handling of Taiwan's sovereignty by the Allies of World War II led to the complex and unresolved issues of the legal and political status of Taiwan.
We wonder what would happen if an earthquake of similar magnitude occurred in Taiwan.
Even more densely populated than Japan, Taiwan has built many important industrial projects in coastal regions. The Taipei 101 skyscraper is located near a fault, and old bridges are everywhere. Could these structures withstand a magnitude 8.9 quake? I think this area of the world will look at construction in a new light post the Japan Earthquake/Tsunami....
Our pals Pat and John make the rounds with us. Reminding Boca not to partake as she just spent two days in the hole for some such e coli. Rats. I had my heart set on some soup with intestines, stewed minced pork belly, charcoal grilled oyster omelet, Taiwanese sliced sausage and fried bread, pigs feet-yum!, puffer fish, shrimp Taiwanese balls and some exotic fish balls to name a few! Not for the faint of heart but very beautifully presented and prepared in front of your eyes- quite a show. Come on Bubs-go for that StinkyTofu!
Street stalls and side walk vendors galore, attracting locals and visitors- fast and fresh! We joined the crowds milling about the vast and chaotic collection of yelling vendors, sizzling works and slurping diners.
Lined up like chorus lines on sticks-pale pink, crimson, scarlet, orange,yellow, gray and on and on- one big explosion of color! The stalls stretch away into the distance, piled high with everything edible Asian style.
What a fun evening. The streets were VERY clean as well as the stalls. The people were colorful and nice. The only other "Americans (or non Asians for that matter) were fellow shipmates and the crew. A truly authentic experience. Next time I'm coming back with that good ol'Serbian iron stomach. E Coli Bah Humbug! Oh and the air is starting to get cooler. Amen and raise the flag.
Unlike my friend Pudge the gym rat, I am tired of being hot and sweaty. I am talking walking around sweat dripping down my face and most places only a select few and my doctor has seen. ENOUGH. Glad to find Taiwan a bit cooler for Boca. Can't wait to wear a coat and hide the BOAT BLOAT.
Per Tai Global Security-
Taiwan was ceded to the Empire of Japan by the Qing Empire in the Treaty of Shimonoseki after the First Sino-Japanese War in 1895. In 1945 Taiwan was freed from Japan as a result of World War II. Four years later the ROC lost mainland China in the Chinese Civil War to the Communist Party of China and resettled its government to Taiwan. Taiwan composes the vast majority of the ROC's territory since the 1950s, and this is one of multiple reasons that the ROC is commonly known as "Taiwan". The political status of Taiwan is disputed because it is claimed by the People's Republic of China, which was established in 1949 by the communists on mainland China and considers itself the successor state to the ROC. Japan had originally acquired Taiwan from the Qing Empire in 1895 under Article 2 of the Treaty of Shimonoseki. At the end of World War II, Japan renounced all claims to sovereignty over its former colonial possessions, including Taiwan and Penghu (Pescadores), but did not specify to whom Taiwan and Penghu should be assigned. This fact and subsequent handling of Taiwan's sovereignty by the Allies of World War II led to the complex and unresolved issues of the legal and political status of Taiwan.
Taiwan's rapid economic growth in the decades after World War II has transformed it into an industrialized developed country and one of the Four Asian Tigers. This economic rise is known as the Taiwan Miracle. It is categorized as an advanced economy by the IMF and as a high-income economy by the World Bank. Its advanced technology industry plays a key role in the global economy. Taiwanese companies manufacture a large portion of the world's consumer electronics, although most of them are now made in their factories in mainland China. Per John, the average income here is $37,000 US per year. Imagine that!
Even more densely populated than Japan, Taiwan has built many important industrial projects in coastal regions. The Taipei 101 skyscraper is located near a fault, and old bridges are everywhere. Could these structures withstand a magnitude 8.9 quake? I think this area of the world will look at construction in a new light post the Japan Earthquake/Tsunami....
KEELUNG
First Stop KEELUNG-Port City north of Tapei. Supposed to arrive at 1 but again running late, hmmm. On time rate getting as good as Delta's. Arrived at 6 so off we go to visit the world famous MIAOKOU NIGHT MARKET. We are talking a large selection of food. The market meanders through lanes and alleys in the downtown section. This very carnivelesque place of bazaars is bizarre as well. Bubs, can I interest you in a little Stinky Tofu?
Street stalls and side walk vendors galore, attracting locals and visitors- fast and fresh! We joined the crowds milling about the vast and chaotic collection of yelling vendors, sizzling works and slurping diners.
Lined up like chorus lines on sticks-pale pink, crimson, scarlet, orange,yellow, gray and on and on- one big explosion of color! The stalls stretch away into the distance, piled high with everything edible Asian style. What a fun evening. The streets were VERY clean as well as the stalls. The people were colorful and nice. The only other "Americans (or non Asians for that matter) were fellow shipmates and the crew. A truly authentic experience. Next time I'm coming back with that good ol'Serbian iron stomach. E Coli Bah Humbug! Oh and the air is starting to get cooler. Amen and raise the flag.
