My top five picks for places in Taiwan to visit

中正纪念堂

日月潭

台北101

阳明山国家公圆

台中逢甲夜市

Democracy in Taiwan-- a boon or a bane?

Ever since Chiang Kai Shek lost the battle with the Communists and fled to an island to the east of China called Taiwan, the very intriguing subject of cross-straits relations between Taiwan and its giant neighbour China has been a never-ending saga. This is of little interest to the average Singaporean, except when it comes to Taiwan being a holiday destination.

As a result of the incessant bombardment of advertisements selling Taiwan as a tourist destination, I signed up for a tour package that brought me to the capital of the Chinese entertainment world. In fact, I wondered why it has taken me such a long time to consider making a visit, since I am pretty familiar with well-known Taiwanese artistes both past and present-- from 费玉清 to 周杰伦. Of course, I am also drawn by the beauty of Taiwanese female artistes appearing on Taiwanese variety shows, this much I must admit. But this is just a tiny, weeny, minor distraction (ok...I am lying alright?).

The major distraction, however, is the interest and passion shown by the Taiwanese in politics, exemplified by our local tour guide tasked with orientating us to Taiwan. I am blessed in that the tour group is comprised of a bunch of very pleasant Singaporeans who helped make the trip an enjoyable one. Shopping at 西门町, eating snacks at night markets such as 士林夜市, taking in the beautiful sights at natural reserves such as 日月潭,you have the makings of a great holiday.

I say, leave politics aside!

While it is generally considered a boon to be interested in what takes place around you, it is really a double-edged sword: how often have we witnessed on TV, and heard, of the anarchy and impasse in Taiwanese society brought about by political in-fighting between the two dominant parties? Keen political pundit I am not, but I can appreciate the observation that it is a society 'crippled' by its political culture and 'unique' brand of democracy--having countless TV stations debating political issues every night, and having elections every other year.

I am not sure if I want to live in such a country where everything is politicised; but on the other hand, I am not sure if I could be particularly proud of being a citizen of a country where the pendulum swings to the other extreme--where only political debate within extremely tight OB markers is tolerated.

It is the desire of every human being to be respected and allowed to express themselves without fear and coercion. On the evidence of my very short trip to Taiwan, it seems the case that their people do have freedom, but perhaps too much of it...while our group has had too much of its street snacks:)

For a short introduction of the important historical figure 孙中山who is termed 国父in Taiwan, and what his political beliefs are, this video clip will be interesting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwb1Mnpp3hs

Here's the all important 'pre-citizenship', 'already citizen' and 'about-to-give-up citizenship' test





1). Where can the best chicken rice be found in Singapore?



__________________________________




2). Do you want to be rich?




Yes ______ No _____




3). Where can one watch the re-run of the movie 'BraveHeart',
starring Mel Gibson, with a generous serving of Teochew porridge?




____________________________



4). Which is NOT one of the official languages spoken?


(Hint: the setter of this question is in denial)

a). Chinese

b). Tamil


c). Any language spoken by one third of the population which is foreign


d). Malay




5). Which is the day of the year when no traffic summons will be issued
regardless of how many traffic lights are beaten?



____________________________




6). What is the favourite past time for Singaporeans?


a). Shopping


b). Queuing up at property launches


c). 'cow bay cow bu' (or complaining)


d). All of the above




7) What is the official religion in the island state?



__________________________



8). What is the best way to beat inflation?


a). Invest in gold and precious metals




b). Invest in a set of, in hokkien, 'pek sar pek kor' (white shirt and white pants)




c). Buy structured products from relationship managers at DBS




d). Put your money in fixed deposits with POSBank



9). What is the significance to the year 2100?



_________________________________






10). What is the entrance fee to the IRs (better known as the casinos)?



a). $10




b). $100




c). $1000




d). Whatever it takes to lose your pants






11). Which football team is the best supported in Singapore

but nobody dares to admit? (Hint: Not any of the Big

Four English Premier League clubs)




__________________________















Here are the standard answers:


1). Boon Tiong Kee / Maxwell Road Market (depending on individual taste)


2). If your answer is 'No', you are automatically disqualified from citizenship


3). Hougang (that part of the constituency under the Opposition; teochew porridge is served to compensate for the lack of lift upgrading)


4). C (didn't I tell you the setter is in denial?­)


5). The Formula One Night race in September (in addition, you can make an illegal 'against the traffic' turn at the junction in front of Fullerton Bridge)


6). D. (Please note that the list is exhaustive)


7). Toto, 4D (very soon, gambling at the casinos)


8). B (Returns are guaranteed, and best of all, pegged to private sector salaries)


9). Somebody made an 'honest mistake' by boasting that Singapore will make it to the World Cup in the year 2010; actually what he meant was the year 2100.


10). D ( Please note B is not the answer as $100 is the ERP charges for entry)



11). Potong Pasir United (Despite the referee blowing against the team for every fair tackle, and shifting the goal-post every four to five minutes, despite an ageing goalie between the sticks, the team STILL wins)