This is the first of a series of daily posts of delightful views of Taiwan, however common or seemingly banal to the locals.
These claw machines are everywhere, literally everywhere. They house anything from the most popular plush toys, to video games, to more baffling items like socks and laundry detergent packs…lots and lots of laundry detergent packs. Always my child’s desire to acquire whatever cute stuffed animal lies within these machines coaxes a few NT$10 out of our pockets, and, without fail, we ALWAYS get suckered. The claw actually OPENS up before reaching its final destination, letting go of your captured prize. Supposedly, if one plays a sufficient number of times, then the claw would not open, but it’s unclear how many times you must “play.” The reason for playing alludes me to this day. There are entire storefronts dedicated to these machines almost on every block–sometimes there are two. Adults play these games far more than kids. I can only surmise that there are enough Taiwanese who enjoy this game of luck to support their pervasive existence.
Everyday Dan Bing 