Taipei 101 tower at night

The view over Taipei from Shin Yeh 101 restaurant at Taipei 101

The view over Taipei from Shin Yeh 101 restaurant at Taipei 101

Time for a few thoughts now that I’ve had a little time in Taipei.  Having a great trip so far, making good progress in our meetings.  As always in Asia, our local hosts have rolled out the red carpet for us and are showing us everything the city has to offer.

Taiwan reminds me much more of Singapore than of mainland China – modern, clean, efficient and with a real business focus.  The hotel is superb, and there is a huge variety of food on offer here, reflecting the many Chinese immigrants that bring with them culinary traditions from around the country.

Spiny lobster with yam puree on fresh tomato

Sauteed crab with spring onion and fried noodles at Shin Yeh restaurant

We were treated to a ten-course seafood banquet at Shin Yen 101 restaurant the top of the Taipei 101 tower (until recently the tallest building in the world).  It was a great meal and an even more amazing view.

Neil will probably criticise me for not including pictures with this entry, but sometimes you have to let your imagination do the work.  My bag was stuffed full, and I was too lazy to pull out my camera.

I’m currently on my way from Switzerland to Taipei, by way of Bangkok, where the “red shirt” protests are in full swing. I’m delighted to report that I made it in-and-out of Bangkok with no problem.  I managed to have a couple of massages at the airport, part of the pleasure of flying through Asia.  It’s never a burden to have a few hours to kill at Bangkok Airport.  Between the massages, the great lounges, the good food, and the excellent shopping, there’s plenty to pass a few hours without too much pain.  I know everyone raves about Singapore Airport, but for me, BKK takes the cake.

There are so many things about Asia I enjoy.  Little things, things I forget about until I’m reminded of them again.  Delicious minced pork buns at the Thai lounge, washed down with a Meh Kong and soda.  Rose apples, something I’ve never seen outside of Asia, being served for dessert.  The wonderfully warm, welcoming smile of the Thais.  It’s not by accident that I ended up with Asia as my responsibility.

I’m looking forward to the next couple of weeks.  A week in Taiwan, a country I’ve never visited, should be a great excuse to explore.  And then I’m back to China, to Beijing and Dalian, with a colleague who knows both cities well, so I’ll have a guide of sorts.