Taipei is the center of Taiwanese government and society hosting many Chinese and international cultural events. Forty years ago, it was barely more than a sleepy town covered in rice paddies, but now has more than 2.6 million (1992) people. Today, Taipei can be counted among the cities that never sleep. Life is busy, fast and the people here work very hard. It's not unusual to get caught in 9p.m. rush hour traffic.

Although Taipei is somewhat like a large Western city with its go-go attitude, it's very different in other ways. For one thing, it's much more crowded than what you are probably used to. People who are accustomed to a lot of personal space might find it challenging to adjust to Taipei's smaller confines. For another, there is much less violent crime. Muggings are very rare. Aside from a very few areas, you can walk at any time of the day or night without feeling threatened.

Because Taipei has grown so quickly, it is an interesting combination of old and new. Glitzy new department stores stand next to night markets and pushcart vendors. Despite the success of Taiwan's "economic miracle," the people are still very traditionally orientated, practicing what other generations have done for centuries. Thundering firecrackers that are popular to ward off evil spirits during festivals and special occasions like a wedding or a new business opening up are

common. Chinese herbal medicine stores offer cures for any ailment in the form of mixed-up powders ground from animal and/or plant parts. The numerous temples spotted in small alleyways and main streets provide comfort to devotees who pray and offer incense to their gods. These days the temples are usually a blend of different beliefs - Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and folk tradition. Some beliefs even share the same Gods.