This picture speaks for itself. It also answers one of my many questions about life in the city. There are so many small alleys in Taipei, I often wonder how people can get things done in such a small space.
All these small alleys (the one in the picture is a comparatively big one) is another reason why scooters are so necessary in the city. And why most people who splurge on buying a BMW or Mercedes, will also have a small compact car as well. That car is usually the one that gets driven on a daily basis. In fact most of the time when I'm driving it's in a BMW as usually that's the one friends will let me borrow since they hardly ever drive it.
While these small alleys give Taipei a sort of flavor, they can also be a pain. All it takes is one car going one way and another going the other, and that alley will be blocked for an eternity. Many people complain about the driving test here, which involves driving a tight S shaped road in reverse. However it's a necessity in Taiwan when you have to drive backwards down a small alley with only two inches of space on either side, and scooters trying to squeeze past you at any chance.
Although alleys are good for health. They are one of the reason why old Taiwanese ladies are so strong. Because when you live on a small alley that even a scooter can't go on, you need to carry all your stuff. It's not unusual to see some old lady carrying huge bags from store. It is however unusual for people to offer to help carry the bags for them. I have never seen anybody offer. I used to offer, but even when I have somebody with me who speaks Chinese, they would still feel uncomfortable. Helping strangers just isn't done here. A bit sad, but it does save a lot of time when you are walking some place.
