Asia Warnings

I also found Taipei to be the secnod most boring asian city I have been too, most boring singapore, third boring kuala lumpur. Also, I found that even with what seemed like tens of "english learning schools," absolutely nobody spoke english, both young and especially old. When I visited in 2007, I happened to be with someone who was from Taiwan originally and spoke Chinese fluently, and we had no problem. She left the day before I left and I spent an entire day and night there myself, with very little help from anyone speaking english. I did manage to get around on their bus and amazing train system, but when it came to eating food (I dont eat shellfish or pork), it was virtually impossible to even order food. I resorted to the method commonly used in Japan (point and pray).

My word to the wise, if you visit Taiwan, expect to struggle, be patient and maybe learn a few words in chinese that may help.

Eppyboy wrote:My word to the wise, if you visit Taiwan, expect to struggle, be patient and maybe learn a few words in chinese that may help.

Really? I found that MANY people in Taiwan speak English. Or.. ehm... shall I say broken Engrish.

Maybe things have progressed recently...I don't know I had one helluva time there...

North Korea:

It goes without saying that you must not show any disrespect to the ruling Kim family. No criticism, no sarcastic asides, no refusal to bow when asked to do so.

Don't even think of trying to hit on a North Korean woman, even if drunk. Big no-no.

On Air Koryo flights, be aware that they have air cops walking the aisles observing the passengers. Photography is forbidden aboard the flights, and if they see you doing so, they'll demand to look at your camera and may go through the photos, deleting any photo they see fit. They're heavy-handed and frightening dudes.

Bubbha wrote:North Korea:

On Air Koryo flights, be aware that they have air cops walking the aisles observing the passengers. Photography is forbidden aboard the flights, and if they see you doing so, they'll demand to look at your camera and may go through the photos, deleting any photo they see fit. They're heavy-handed and frightening dudes.

Bet you don't have to walk shoeless through security or are subjected to nude body scans & pervert patdowns like in the land of the free.

busman7 wrote:Bet you don't have to walk shoeless through security or are subjected to nude body scans & pervert patdowns like in the land of the free.

True. They even let you bring water through the security check. And you can smoke in hotel lobbies, too.

FREEDOM!

How did you get to Visit North Korea? Was it on a guided tour?

Eppyboy wrote:How did you get to Visit North Korea? Was it on a guided tour?

Yup. Courtesy of Koryo Tours, Beijing.

In Singapore, be warned that when talking to other people you should take off your sunglasses and pay respect.

In most Asian countries, when eating, talking to someone in authority or talking to elders or even going inside someone's house or premises, always remember to remove your headgear that you are wearing - this shows a great sign of respect to Asian people.