The Real Taiwan in photos: Chopsticks bag holder

A typical tool in common Taiwanese restaurants

In Taiwan, when you visit a small corner restaurant, you will most likely find one of these things. They are metal chopsticks bags holders (免洗筷套夾 in Chinese). Because most of the breakfast shops commonly use disposable wooden chopsticks wrapped in plastic bags, this holder is very useful. However, there would be a better solution for this problem: Using non-disposable chopsticks, which means that the plastic bags and the metal holders would not be needed. However, that would deeply change this cultural particularity, which is so uniquely Taiwanese, that it would somehow be a sad thing.

Related: Taiwanese breakfast>>

The Real Taiwan in photos: Weddings

A very typical image at Taiwanese wedding dinners

Taiwanese place a great importance on weddings and wedding dinners. It's the day where normal girls become princesses and proud fathers enjoy great honor in front of family, friends, relatives and business partners. Weddings are a mix of good food, good show, good image and a good script for a romantic novel. From performances to video slide shows and a full course dinner, Taiwanese weddings are perfection in every way. And that moment, when the bride and groom present themselves to the honored guests will be remembered as one of the most precious moments of their lives.

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The Real Taiwan in photos: Night Markets

A very typical image on Taiwan's night markets

Night Markets are the essence of Taiwan's night life. Be it young or old, rich or poor, every Taiwanese will love to return to one of his favorite stalls and eat his favorite dish. You'll see students, rich businessmen and retired soldiers eating their favorite bowl of noodles together. Night markets and food bring Taiwanese people together. The photo above was taken near National Taiwan Normal University, the night market nearby is very popular with young people.

Related: My list of Taiwan's Night Markets>>

The Real Taiwan in photos: Queueing

This is a very typical image in Taipei's metro

I took this photo while leaving a Taipei MRT station. Taiwanese people always stand on the right side of the escalator, the left side is reserved for those who are in rush and need to pass by. I find this admirable and thoughtful and I gladly join the group dynamic. I only wish people were so mindful of others (let's say pedestrians), when they ride cars and scooters. That's a completely different image, though.

Related: Kaohsiung MRT>>

The Real Taiwan in photos: Scooters

This is a very typical image on Taipei's roads

I took this photo at a big intersection somewhere in Datong 大同區, Taipei's western district. For many Taiwanese, the scooter is the most convenient way of transportation. That's why you'll see a lot of them on Taiwan's roads. Taiwan has probably the highest scooter density in the world (according to my assessment). If you ever come to Taiwan, this will most likely be the first thing you'll notice.

Related: Taiwan scooterland>>