Computex, Taipei's international technology show, will be held June 1 – 5 at the Taipei World Trade Center Exhibition Hall and the Taipei World Trade Center Nangang Exhibition Hall. This is overall the main trade show of the year in Taiwan, which can expect many visitors and exhibitors. Make sure to have reservations well in advance for lunch and dinner.

Tea is a drink that is served all the time in Taiwan. Serving tea is seen as a gesture of respect, hospitality and friendship, and should be accepted with respect and appreciation in return. The ritual of serving tea and the many varieties available in Taiwan is explained by Mr. Shen in Taipei, page 36.

I would like to encourage visitors to take a few minutes out of their busy schedule and give themselves the treat of enjoying the city of Taipei. Taiwan this Month gives you some tips for sightseeing - page 28, shopping - page 26 and dining on page 22, all of which are less than an hour from the TWTC.

On the other hand, if you happen to have a weekend free, Taiwan this Month has many suggestions for interesting and fun places to visit. For the gourmet, the Bluefin Tuna Festival in Pingtung County will be the highlight of this month, page 10. This festival is just one event that Pingtung County has to offer, for more information please see page 60.

Why not take advantage of the holiday around Dragon Boat Festival, which this year falls on Wednesday June 16th? This is one of the most important festivals in Taiwan, with its dragon boat races on Keelung River in Taipei and Love River in Kaoshiung. The traditional food for this event is the "zhongzi", a sticky rice dumpling with fillings, wrapped in bamboo leaves. NOTE : this is an official holiday with government and many other offices closed.

Please visit our web site: www.taiwanthismonth.com

Enjoy Taiwan's Festivals in June !

Louise Byström
Editor-in-Chief