An Unbelievable Experience: Shopping in Taichung

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What a fabulous time! There are so many large and small shops throughout Taichung, Taiwan in which to buy everything from trivets to CDs, and all at bargain basement prices. I've never seen anything else like it anywhere. In a large department store, festooned with bright red and deep green paper lanterns, I found many souvenirs decorated with Chinese language symbols. I bought several boxes of trivets, for very low prices. Also, a few strands of Christmas tree lights, with the occasional Chinese temples covering every other bulb, were in my basket. I had acquired gifts for several friends in no time. The next store was a small music shop, with all the latest hits and even some valuable oldies. At a mere fraction of the price back home, one could buy a basket full of musical media and still not bust his wallet. Another place offered computer software and digital camera accessories for the same kind of bargain prices. Everything was "cutting edge." A few more stops and I was in a book store. Once again, the top 25 books were on sale at a price one could not afford to ignore. They had it all right here. Other stores displayed the best in Hong Kong tailored suits and handmade shoes. I managed to order a few of these as long as I was here. Since I did not have much time, I had to arrange for these to be mailed back home. Cost of shipping almost exceeded the price of the material. I did stop at one store, but could only look in the window. Several pieces of Chinese furniture, with many small drawers, were on display. If only I could buy a few. After eating some authentic Chinese food, I gathered up all my purchases and headed back to the hotel. I couldn't help but look back at all the stores, each with so much more of what I wanted. Maybe next trip, I thought.

Published on 10/22/01