Civilized in unique and wonderful ways

When I think about the fact that there are 25,000 people per square mile, I am amazed at the quality of life and the intense order and cleanliness that pervades every public place. Over the past few days I have been collecting images that speak to the innovative quality of life here. Managing this many people in such a small space with such organization is simply impressive and amazing. We could learn a great deal from our Taiwanese friends! In this first image, people are riding the escalator in the subway. Notice that there is a yellow line on the escalator. People stand on the right side, one behind the other, leaving the left-hand side open for those wanting to move much faster. A simple solution to avoid pushing and shoving! This is a totally respectful solution that allows people choice on how quickly they want to move. In the image on the right, once again people are lining up to enter the subway train. Notice the white lines on the ground. Throughout every subway station white lines are painted in double rows indicating where to que up. The lines are painted to the left of the where each train door will open, keeping theose waiting in line out of the way. This allows people to exit the cars first, then the people waiting in line can enter. Check out the picture to the right, showing the gates that first display a blinking red light to let you know that the train is coming and open once the train has stopped. The picture on the left shows the fabulous display that gives you an estimated time for the next train's arrival, plus visuals that are stimulating!

The subway is an innovative space where the largest mall in Taipei exists underground! It is packed with people and goods, especially toys. I also visited an pottery exhibition and an

aquarium in the subway. Unique ways for bringing culture and arts to everyone, for free! I am so impressed with the cleanliness of the subway and most public places. I noticed that there are no wrappers in the subway like we see in the US and learned that there is a 3000NT fine ($100.00) if you are caught eating, drinking or chewing gum on the subway or in the station area!  

The bathrooms are also quite unusual. There are typical American toilets available in most public places, but there are also toilets that look like the one on the left. The flush

mechanism is operated with the foot. What is great about it is that you don't touch anything making this an ideal public toilet.

Another safety feature that was actually invented by the 

Taiwanese is their system of letting you know when you

can safely cross the street. A little green running man 

and a series of numbers that count down from 45 or even 60 seconds lets you know it is ok to cross. The man turns red and stands still when you have to wait. 

The smog in Taipei can be pretty bad at times and people sensibly don masks for protection. They also wear masks if they have a cold and don't want to infect anyone around them. The masks come

 in all sorts of styles and colors, with many of them falling into the category of "designer masks!" 

In my kitchen there is a huge drain in the sink. In Taiwan, people put small netting tubes over their drains. When they want to empty them, they just lift out the little net bag, never touching food particles and debris.

Packaging in Taiwan is sensational. A few days ago, my friend Chuing-Chun (Gina) brought some cake. The box unfolded to make a tray, for serving, complete 

with forks, neatly taped to the side. Check this out! CLEVER!!

Everyday, I see more and more ideas that are both creative and responsive to the needs of people. Whenever you enter a building there are umbrella racks just outside the door. In some buildings an attendant will had you a plastic bag to slip your umbrella in before entering the building. I will continue to add materials to this section as I learn more and more about the culture and practices of the Taiwanese.