While Typhoon Toraji ravaged parts of central Taiwan and the eastern seaside city of Hualien yesterday, citizens in Taipei took advantage of the extra day away from work, treating yesterday as if it were part of a three-day weekend.
Like many other cities and counties in Taiwan, work and school were cancelled in Taipei City yesterday. But, with little rain or any trace of the strong winds that were lashing other parts of the nation, department stores, KTV parlors and movie theaters were bustling with activity.
"Since it's now summer vacation and Father's Day is around the corner, toy, male clothing and electric appliance departments were packed this afternoon," said Nancy Ting (丁立貞), a public relations manager at Pacific SOGO department store on Chunghsiao East Road.
Hsu Chen-jung (
Chu said that because he doesn't have much time to spend with his children during the week he was glad to have the extra day to spend with his family.
Traveling out of Taipei was another matter and some tourists who arrived over the weekend were regretting how their vacation had been cut short.
Hsieh Feng Jui-chu (
"Our travel agency just took us to a department store this morning and we even don't know where we'll be going next," Hsieh said.
In addition to shopping malls, movie theaters, bookstores and KTV parlors were full of people as well.
"I made a reservation last night, but I still had to wait 30 minutes to be able to get service," said Yu Pen-kwei (
According to the deputy manger of the Cash Box branch on Chunghsiao East Road, all of the lobbies were packed right after he opened the store at 11am.
A clerk at the Warner Village movie theater ticket booth said lines yesterday were as long as those during Chinese New Year, with Jurassic Park III being the most popular movie.
However, not all Taipei citizens enjoyed going outside, instead preferring the safety of their own homes.
"Bulletin boards or signs may get loose and fall down easily on a windy day, so I prefer to stay home," said Semmi Chang.
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