Wanna escape the Airopocalypse? Head for Taipei!

Why I have not come here sooner!? During a recent trip to Taipei, it was impossible to stop repeatedly posing myself this question. Having lived in Beijing for four years, I strongly regretted waiting so long before finally discovering the charming capital of Taiwan. After all, the two cities are only a mere three and half hour flight apart. It’s that easy to swap the hazy, bitter Beijing winter for the crystal-clear skies of exotic Taipei. However, when learning from the Wechat updates of Beijing friends that it had snowed in the northern Chinese city on the very same morning of my visit to Taipei, a little confidence in my sense of timing was regained. After all, exploring the calm, sun-kissed streets of Taipei whilst clad in just shorts and a t-shirt sure does beat trudging through Beijing’s grey, slushy snow to the subway station and then fighting your way through the masses for a space on the train during the city’s notorious rush hour. And it’s not just the lack of crowds, clean air and warm weather that make Taipei attractive, but the Taiwanese culture that is also very alluring. Very likely due to the city’s miniscule crime rates, the locals are incredibly friendly and approachable. Smiling faces greet you in the streets. It’s very easy to strike up […]

Dec 16, 2015

CCTV’s Pollution Survival Guide: Smile and Be Positive

Desperately seeking blue skies? Depressed by the gloomy smog? Worried about the health risks of spending a series of days and nights being enveloped by toxic air? Well, snap out of it, you sissy! That’s right! According to China Central Television (CCTV), its high-time to recheck that attitude! “Smile and try to be positive (hopefully there will be less smog tomorrow,)” declared CCTVNews  on December 8th – the very day of Beijing issued its historic first ever red alert in reaction to the city’s dire air pollution. The alert lasted three days; from 7am on Tuesday the 8th of December  til noon on Thursday the 10th of December when the haze cleared. Factories, constructions sites and schools were closed, and millions of cars were also ordered not to drive in a bid to improve the air quality. Indeed, CCTV’s word’s almost echo those sung by Annie, the famous musical orphan : “The sun will come out tomorrow/Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow/ There’ll be sun.” Nothing quite like some Broadway panache, to liven up the mood, eh? Not only was the guidance helpful (and all that jazz), but it was also accompanied with an equally tasteful illustration of five beaming jellybean-like creatures wriggling around in delight. Perhaps these merry little characters were indulging in a cheeky, little pollution party – […]

Dec 10, 2015