Pat and I took a 2am flight from SFO to Taiwan yesterday, or was it the day before yesterday…somewhere in the air up there we lost Sunday (and sleep). Immigration and customs was a breeze, and by 6am we were in a sleek black BMW speeding towards our hotel in the heart of Taipei. We checked in, showered, ate at the amazing international buffet (with the entire towering Ukranian deaflympics team) and then met our relocation specialist promptly at 9am. We were escorted to a black Mercedes. With our guide, we toured the city, stopping to walk through the train station, crowded traditional markets and along the river. Hordes of scooters swarmed and dodged around the taxis and delivery trucks, horns beeped and pedestrians wove their way around the hazards. We were shown around to theaters, the government buildings, parks, shopping centers, and Costco. The sun was hot, the humidity cloying. We stopped for sushi, our guide ordering for us in mandarin. We had tea, and a short-lived reprieve from the hectic pace of Taipei. We headed back out again. 9 taxis, 1 real estate agent, 2 blisters and 8 apartments later: mission accomplished. Wearied, we trudged back up the noisy streets to the Sherwood. We collapsed at Henry’s bar to discuss the days events and enjoy a salty dog (or two). Decided to go get some dinner before we were too weak to resist the siren song of sleep.  Again we threaded our way up the crowded streets. Italian for dinner, Pat’s choice. Stuffed and sleepy, we succumbed to the inviting bed. Monday: 0, Casslemans: 1. If you haven’t figured it out yet, we’re moving to Taiwan.

taiwan