Here we are. Fill 'em up and read it and weep.
I filled the tank on the scooter the other day. It was almost running on fumes. The cost $220!
This is truly amazing considering I used to fill up for a mere $80. Imagine what it costs to fill up a car.
Hopefully the Taiwanese, especially in big cities, will give up their love affair with their cars. There are far too many SUVs, jeeps, land rovers and vans in the city.
As for me, $220 is still affordable considering the convenience that a scooter offers. I don't feel so bad considering it is also fairly fuel efficient for the cost. I only have to fill up maybe every 2 weeks.
The logo is that of the China Petroleum Corporation. It's actually a decent logo. What's neat about it is that it incorporates the Chinese characters for the company inside the picture at the base of the torch. For a variation of the logo, go to my web pal's site, The Real Taiwan.
7 comments:
I never understood the love for cars...I guess it is status. But, the public transportation system in Taiwan is great, and there are more fuel efficient cars out there, in addition to the ability to bicycle around (that's what I do).
My Geo Prizm still only costs USD$42 to fill up at USD$3.98/gallon, I love that little car. Wish I could take that guy to Taiwan with me, alas, even its size wouldn't exactly be practical.
"[T]he public transportation system in Taiwan is great"
I would clarify that as the public transportation system in Taipei is great. I don't hear many people outside of Taipei talking about how "convenient" it is.
Right, but then, cars are more convenient or necessary in areas where you have to go longer distances. But, yes, you are right in your clarification.
Some of the more congested areas, though, have public transport, so if only the people with cars were confined to outer city limits...
I do have one question, is it just status that equates for such a large number of large cars in Taipei, or does everyone have some false notion that they are, indeed, necessary...I never could get a straight answer...
With regard to your last question, I can tell you that my parents-in-law were considering buying a van for the family. With their kids at home and their kids they total 7 people. My mother-in-law is from the south in a rural area far from the rail system. Usually, if my wife and I go down with them down south, we have to take 2 cars. For them, a larger vehicle with more seats would be considered necessary due to all the people and not a status symbol.
Right, and I would expect that for a family with so many members a car or van would be a necessity. But, how many of the 20-somethings or middle-aged business people in Taipei are really taking care of that big of a family?
But again, and throughout I have not been trying to sound ignorant or condescending (rereading some of it, I come off a bit like it), a lot of the four door sedans I see driving around are BMW, Lincoln, etc., expensive cars that are in high contrast to the kind of vans your talking about. Again, maybe some of it is luxury for the family too, but a lot of the time I believe buying a Lexus and BMW, just like here [美國], is just for the looks you get from people walking down the street.
Especially considering how Taipei wasn't built for these vehicles...and I'm not trying to argue, I agree with your post(s)...哈哈
Here is a better version of the logo that is running in Xpat magazine. Never got the T-shirts made. Shame too, they would be collectors items for sure.
http://www.therealtaiwan.com/the-real-taiwan-advertisement/1117
Why didn't you get the shirts done? Don't you remember me asking about them?
I still want one...
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