For the third time in my life, I came to the popular Shilin Night Market. Francoise, Hisashi, Jasmine and I had a late dinner at the Shilin Food Centre, feasting on steaks and fillets. Jianhao had recommended them to me when we went for a speech contest in Taipei just recently, and I find them delectable. So did Francoise, Hisashi and Jasmine. Thanks Jianhao!
Due to a shower at dusk, we strolled on wet roads and pavements, and I was glad to be wearing sandals at such appropriate timing. Taipei's weather has been erratic, and I am now used to sudden downpours on clear and sunny days that drench me at times (that is, if I do not carry an umbrella then). Nevertheless, the night life that we were witnessing enthrilled us, and we saw delightful stuff from cute puppies to funky street wear. In a nutshell, Shilin is a place for everyone! Of course, visitors will be enjoying Shilin more if they know how to bargain for their merchandise. Half the fun of shopping in Shilin lies in the satisfaction derived from a slash in original prices as a result of persistent haggling to purchase desired products.
We met a friendly stall owner as we were trying to capture shots of Shilin, and he asked at his own initiative if we needed help to take a group photo of ourselves. The Taiwanese are so amicable! We then decided that he should appear in a photo with us:
We felt bad that we did not buy a single thing from him; we were rather broke then. However, it is obvious that he had approached us out of sheer kindness, and with that friendly gesture exposed a fundamental difference between the Singaporeans and the Taiwanese. Generally, Singaporeans are too shy and perhaps even self-absorbed at times, but Taiwanese can open themselves up to strangers readily and offer a helping hand to anyone if need be. My dear Marist pal Raymond had once mentioned that a Taiwanese man who was a complete stranger actually walked up to him and initiated a conversation on the MRT in Singapore. I have experienced great hospitality in Taiwan, and shall testify to this pleasant trait of the Taiwanese.
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