Comments on blog.IslaFormosa.com: Pain at the pump

Why didn't you get the shirts done? Don't you rem...

2008-06-11T15:17:00.000+08:00

Why didn't you get the shirts done? Don't you remember me asking about them?

I still want one...

Here is a better version of the logo that is runni...

2008-06-11T15:07:00.000+08:00

Here is a better version of the logo that is running in Xpat magazine. Never got the T-shirts made. Shame too, they would be collectors items for sure.

http://www.therealtaiwan.com/the-real-taiwan-advertisement/1117

Right, and I would expect that for a family with s...

2008-06-11T11:50:00.000+08:00

Right, and I would expect that for a family with so many members a car or van would be a necessity. But, how many of the 20-somethings or middle-aged business people in Taipei are really taking care of that big of a family?

But again, and throughout I have not been trying to sound ignorant or condescending (rereading some of it, I come off a bit like it), a lot of the four door sedans I see driving around are BMW, Lincoln, etc., expensive cars that are in high contrast to the kind of vans your talking about. Again, maybe some of it is luxury for the family too, but a lot of the time I believe buying a Lexus and BMW, just like here [美國], is just for the looks you get from people walking down the street.

Especially considering how Taipei wasn't built for these vehicles...and I'm not trying to argue, I agree with your post(s)...哈哈

With regard to your last question, I can tell you ...

2008-06-11T11:23:00.000+08:00

With regard to your last question, I can tell you that my parents-in-law were considering buying a van for the family. With their kids at home and their kids they total 7 people. My mother-in-law is from the south in a rural area far from the rail system. Usually, if my wife and I go down with them down south, we have to take 2 cars. For them, a larger vehicle with more seats would be considered necessary due to all the people and not a status symbol.

Right, but then, cars are more convenient or neces...

2008-06-11T11:09:00.000+08:00

Right, but then, cars are more convenient or necessary in areas where you have to go longer distances. But, yes, you are right in your clarification.

Some of the more congested areas, though, have public transport, so if only the people with cars were confined to outer city limits...

I do have one question, is it just status that equates for such a large number of large cars in Taipei, or does everyone have some false notion that they are, indeed, necessary...I never could get a straight answer...

"[T]he public transportation system in Taiwan is g...

2008-06-11T10:56:00.000+08:00

"[T]he public transportation system in Taiwan is great"

I would clarify that as the public transportation system in Taipei is great. I don't hear many people outside of Taipei talking about how "convenient" it is.

I never understood the love for cars...I guess it ...

2008-06-11T10:09:00.000+08:00

I never understood the love for cars...I guess it is status. But, the public transportation system in Taiwan is great, and there are more fuel efficient cars out there, in addition to the ability to bicycle around (that's what I do).

My Geo Prizm still only costs USD$42 to fill up at USD$3.98/gallon, I love that little car. Wish I could take that guy to Taiwan with me, alas, even its size wouldn't exactly be practical.