Betel Nuts

Betel nuts are used as a cheap, legal amphetimine in many places in the world. It is widely available in Taiwan, with a twist!

30 years ago when I lived here, I do not remember any betel nuts being sold. I don't know whether it is because they weren't as popular as they are now, or because we lived in a city and they are most popular with long distance truck drivers. As I now live in the countryside and about 500 yards from the major north-south highway, there are LOTS of betel nut "establishments" around.

To describe: betel nuts are sold on the side of the road from a glassed in enclosure. They are lit on the outside with distinctive flashing or neon lights. The glass enclosure gives ample views of the comely young scantily clad woman inside. Adjoining the glass booth is a windowless enclosure, presumably with a bed inside. Hence, the full service vice stop. On the open highway, there is one of these booths about every 1/10th of a mile or closer.

Apparently they are also known as the place where you can drop your kids for an emergency hour or so of babysitting since many of the young lovelies also have children running around in these places. So they serve a real societal function.

One can never hide a stop for betel nuts from anyone since they turn your teeth a strong reddish brown, temporarily if occasionally used; permanently if frequent.

"Nice people" simply ignore them.