The Agenda for my post today is (check the title) Taiwan and features two bloggers, 1life2live and Ann Jaimi, both of whom have been investigating what the country has to offer.

Regarding Taiwan, I’m partly like Ann, who suggest that a mere mention of the country instantly brings to the fore front of my mind those generic toys that you can only buy in post offices and chemists. Yup, the ones ‘made in Taiwan’.

This, of course, is casually insulting, especially after a read through Ann’s post, The Island Claimed by China. Notable points of interest are the Longsham Temple, CKS Memorial Hall and the tallest building in the world, dependent on whose rules you are playing by, Taipei 101. All intriguing, though it is the concept of the Shilin night market that peaks my interest most. Apparently due to the heat, the Taiwanese do their shopping at night, which coupled with the fact that Taipei is particularly safe, sounds great! Got to be better than a Saturday morning jaunt around Sainsbury’s anyway.

1life2live hits many of the same spots as Ann, adding in the National Palace Museum in his post Taiwan (Republic of China). He also gives a “nutshell” history of the territory and the political awkwardness of the subject that Taiwan has never actually been its own country.

“Of course the communist government in China still claims that Taiwan is part of China, and the Republic of China (government in Taiwan) claims that they are an independent nation. It is a very controversial subject not only in China and Taiwan, but also in international arenas around the world.”

He also gives a rundown on the Dragon Boat racing festival that coincided with his visit. It is basically a glorified raft race, but far more exciting and very cool… excellent.

For some visa information on visiting, head to this lonelyplanet forum thread.