Taiwan has a odd existence. Kind of a "rogue state," but not really.
The Republic of China, AKA Taiwan still claims to be the legitimate ruler of mainland China.
In the Cold War days most western countries had Taiwan's back. These days the West's financial systems are largely based around business and loans from China and China gets really pissed if anyone officially recognizes Taiwan. So the country is always walking a strange, thin line.
For this reason and others, I was excited to see the place.
Also, It was my last Asian Tiger to knock off the list.
The main religion is mix of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. This is a Confucius temple.
This is an old main painting a Confucius temple.
Here's a Taoist one.
Drinking Chimay, the world's best beer.
and eating "stinky tofu" the worlds nastiest smelling food.
I went with my father and we met up with my friend Owen. They were nice enough to allow me to pick the restaurant. I chose "Modern Toilet" Guess the theme.
Hella fast.
The world's tallest building- The Taipei 101.
Dubai has a taller skyscraper but it's not finished yet, so it doesn't count.
Even when it is finished, I don't know if Dubai counts as a "real" place.
The disembodied head of god hovering over the city. Actually it's just a reflection, but wouldn't that be cool.
Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek
I couldn't handle this job. Standing perfectly still while staring into the eyes of a guard doing the exact same thing across from you.
The Generalissimo's hall. The best looking monument I've seen.
Spending most of the 20th century under one form of authoritarian rule or another, Taiwan is now a functioning, if flawed, democracy. Apparently they have workers' movements and anarchist.
"You damn kids, no yoga on my lawn." 
The father of China-Sun Yat-sen
The father of China-Sun Yat-sen
The people in Taiwan were extremely nice to us. Why are they so friendly? Possible reasons I could think of: No US military presence (anymore), excellent spoken English among the Taiwanese, their strange existence in the shadow of their huge neighbor.
My souvenir-the best hat ever.
