The issue of burying the lines comes up regularly in various forums and the reason for not doing it is always the same - lack of funds.

They're doing it in some countries - Netherlands, Germany, a lot of Taiwan's power-lines are underground - plus it's cost efficient in the long run - but that's not the model most govs work on.

Typhoon day-off declared for Taipei as Champi closes in - right on time for my first day/night in the new digs - so something of an omen for an old typhoon chaser.

In fact, it might be 'the perfect storm' - a few big gusts, some excitement, but nothing too crazy.

I did have a brush with danger when walking down the street an hour ago - a large metal food warming tray came hurtling towards me. Luckily, i had paused a couple of steps short of impact to open my umbrella, otherwise would have copped it in the head. Anyway, very Taiwanese-style incident.

Peak closeness for Champi is expected some time around this evening, before it starts to veer north.