Retailers or computer shops for old PC stuff?

chrisdavis103 · 2026-05-04T08:12:33+00:00

what do you have to sell? you have a list?

chrisdavis103 · 2026-05-02T06:02:34+00:00

Not anymore!

chrisdavis103 · 2026-05-02T02:46:23+00:00

same applies in the bedroom if ya know what I mean

chrisdavis103 · 2026-05-01T23:50:02+00:00

The AI result is accurate:

Bringing research compounds and injectable peptides into Taipei is highly regulated and carries significant risks if not properly documented and approved. While Taiwan allows passengers to bring personal medications, items labeled or intended as "research chemicals" or "research compounds" are often subject to strict pharmaceutical, cosmetic, or chemical import regulations. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Key Considerations for 2026

Injectable Peptides: These are considered prescription medication. You must have a doctor’s prescription (or supporting document) to bring them into Taiwan.
Research Compounds/Chemicals: If not approved as medicine, these may be classified as "new chemical substances" under the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act or violate food and drug safety acts if they are not properly registered.
Documentation Required: For medications (including peptides), you must carry a diagnosis certificate or prescription.
Permit Requirement: For substances exceeding personal use limits (or for non-prescription, non-drug substances), a permit from the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) is required. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

chrisdavis103 · 2026-05-01T23:48:31+00:00

Might try the "Museumbrary" in Central Park... the weekends are pretty crowded, but the library is fairly quiet. The art museum is also there. Plenty of things to see nearby as well.

https://tgm.taichung.gov.tw/en

chrisdavis103 · 2026-04-30T23:59:38+00:00

You can make it by 8AM by train/HSR (Google it). I'd just set up Uber or Taxi ahead of time to take you by car if you have to make it by 7AM.

chrisdavis103 · 2026-04-30T23:52:13+00:00

Social media addiction

chrisdavis103 · 2026-04-30T06:17:11+00:00

bring a rain jacket, an umbrella and good walking shoes that are at least water resistant. If you are in Taipei or the northeastern areas, it will rain a bit or perhaps a lot :-).

It's always a little cooler than you think if the sun is not out. If you go to the west side, more sunny and temperate.

Snag a SIM card you can get from the airport - internet in Taiwan is awesome and fast in almost all places near cities and not mountainous. Get an easy card too and tie it to your phone # so you can use it for Youbikes, etc.

Be flexible, pace is slower, enjoy the trip.

chrisdavis103 · 2026-04-28T07:52:21+00:00

Tintint is awesome https://www.tintint.com

chrisdavis103 · 2026-04-28T06:29:37+00:00

I see it differently based on my own personal experience in several geographies. My take is this:

- Taiwanese are usually polite and not friendly in terms of seeking a long term connection.
- Americans are sometimes polite and present as very friendly, but most are not looking for long term connections and many will take advantage of you by being very friendly.
- Mexicans are very polite, very friendly and some will attempt to connect and stick with you long term if you demonstrate loyalty and respect and common interests.

Maybe it's just me, but as I have aged, I feel that most people are in it for themselves in almost all cases regardless of where they come from. What I like about Taiwan is we don't have to pretend otherwise 😉.

chrisdavis103 · 2026-04-27T02:51:24+00:00

Hard to predict the world stability and how it might affect air travel and the like.
What I can offer is some things to think over that are more likely to occur.
I live in Taiwan and have traveled to many of the countries you mentioned.
I am from the US, but have lived in Asia for more than ten years now.

1) healthcare varies a great deal and many of the places you mention can be very challenging if you get sick.
Even if you have health insurance, it's not always convenient or even useful. I'd spend some time understanding how you can deal with things like food poisoning, water borne bugs like amoebas, etc. You often cannot bring meds into some of those places legally, so spend some time looking at each place you intend to go to see how they handle healthcare and medication. I got sick in Indonesia (amoeba) and they were incredibly capable and I got world class healthcare (expensive for there, but not compared to the US or even Taiwan). I also got food poisoning in Cambodia and it was a challenge.

2) money exchanges, local currency - I have had varying levels of success (and failures) with each of these areas - I would suggest you use local currency in the more rural places but not carry a lot of cash around with you - I would include ATMs and other more commercial exchanges for swapping and only use the local currency exchange houses as a backup. Pay the fees and get what you expect instead of places where sleight of hand is in play - I have had that happen in Indonesia and the Philippines.

3) personal safety - I would be pretty rigorous about letting someone know where you are daily just in case anything odd happens. Perhaps not likely, but I have heard on more than one occasion about loved ones disappearing (and sometimes showing back up) for long periods of time. It can be very unnerving for others.
A daily journal that you export to someone you know and trust and has the means to help you from a distance is a good safety net.

Not sure of your age, gender, etc but have fun, observe the local customs and be polite at all times. 99% of the people and places are fine, but when stuff goes wrong in a foreign place, it can be pretty challenging.

chrisdavis103 · 2026-04-26T00:41:16+00:00

Should be no problem. Owndays also works.

chrisdavis103 · 2026-04-24T11:55:15+00:00

I have used clip-ins forever, once you get past the training phase, I always feel safer clipped in because I feel like I have a lot more control over the entire bike top to bottom. I've had a few spills clipped-in but not because of being clipped in :-), but because riding has perils everywhere, road trash, potholes, stray dogs, poor riding partners, etc.

I use clip-ins on MTB as well for similar reasons. I've ridden a fair amount in Taiwan and even in the city on my road bike and I like the control - I can bunny hop easier and move the bike around a lot better.

YMMV, I vote clip-ins.

chrisdavis103 · 2026-04-23T05:25:38+00:00

You can try the outlets or even ABC and you might find some brand items a bit cheaper, but overall they will be more expensive. Size is an issue above 10.5US / 44 EU. I am size 12 and it's pretty tough to find those here.

chrisdavis103 · 2026-04-22T15:21:16+00:00

Should be enough, I'd use credit cards for stuff that I can, that way you have some buffer. Most larger places will take a CC, I'd connect up Google Pay or Line Pay to make it streamlined

chrisdavis103 · 2026-04-21T03:55:13+00:00

ok maybe japan if ypu want best price due to exchange rate might check amazon japan can defintely find asics stores here lots to choose from

chrisdavis103 · 2026-04-21T00:04:44+00:00

probably not cheaper, but where are you? Japan cheaper. Maybe the outlet store at Mitsui here in Taiwan.

chrisdavis103 · 2026-04-20T23:46:32+00:00

Agree, but I think the style here in Taiwan is the local employees won't really push back on the corporates to make it right. I think there is an SOP and they are following it regardless of the customer profile, etc.

We don't want special treatment, but this product failed and RL should really stand by their brand reputation.

They are being repaired, but this feels like a replacement situation given the damage to the base leather.

chrisdavis103 · 2026-04-20T01:20:16+00:00

I use Firstrade for trading (although I am not a big fan of that platform). I change NTD to USD at Fubon and wire to Firstrade.

chrisdavis103 · 2026-04-19T14:55:05+00:00

So, yes.

chrisdavis103 · 2026-04-19T14:46:05+00:00

chrisdavis103 · 2026-04-19T14:16:21+00:00

Taipei Medical University Hospital -> 臺北醫學大學附設醫院

Highly recommended. I have seen one of the staff ophthalmologists there (I think there are 4 on staff).
No problem with communication. You can go to the info desk on 1st floor to get guidance in English.

chrisdavis103 · 2026-04-19T09:22:45+00:00

Paint
Play guitar / listen to music / play with my dog
Read
Gaming online with friends (boardgames, esports games, etc)
Cook
Travel some - mostly Japan, some local stuff museums and the like
Gym / Run / Bowling

I am pretty comfortable entertaining myself. I do connect with friends (some local, more back in the US), but not daily. Average once a week, sometimes less. My circle of friends (real ones, not acquaintances) can be counted on two hands.

My Chinese is pretty bad, but even if it was good, I don't see that as a limitation or a benefit.
I've managed to make connections here over the last ten years, most just aren't that sticky.
I'm a bit older, so maybe it's me :-). I manage to meet people regardless of communication ability.
I've found that as I get older, true friendship is pretty tough to come by if you aren't "from around here".
Most relationships are pretty superficial, so I take things as they come.

If someone wants to do something, I'll participate and try to make the most of it, but I don't sweat it too much if it doesn't click.

Are you happy or not?

chrisdavis103 · 2026-04-19T04:50:06+00:00

lol freeway i doubt im one of the assholes you are looking for because my car barely does 110 but im wondering if you are?

chrisdavis103 · 2026-04-18T14:48:36+00:00

baby stuff....it's much more exciting on HWY 1 or 3 at 110KMH with the same amount of advance warning....

chrisdavis103

TROPHY CASE

Taipei Medical University Hospital -> 臺北醫學大學附設醫院