Chinese New Year Rush

We found that during Christmas time here in Taiwan, it in a way was nice because there were no shopping crowds, the traffic was normal, etc.

However, as Chinese New Year approaches - the crowds are unbelieveable!

Also, prices change during this time. The other night, Keith and Wade went to get their haircut. It usually costs them $450 together, but because of Chinese New Year the costs was $600. $600 is about $19 US dollars -- so still not too bad. We heard that the taxis next week will be double their usual price. The reason for these price increases is that this is their way of getting their yearly "salary bonus." People that work for others are given a red envelope at New Year that contains money. These red envelopes are everywhere! Parents give them to children, husbands to wives, bosses to employees, the list goes on and on.

The pictures above were taken at Carrefor. This is sort of like a Wal-Mart. The crowds weren't too bad the day we went there to buy Levi a bicycle helmet. However, I went yesterday and it was packed! There were salespeople everywhere too. It reminds me of being at Wal-Mart on Christmas Eve (which I always avoid at all costs)! I was looking at stirfry pans, and the lady talked me into a really nice one big enough for our large family. She told me it would last 20 years - we'll see!