Taiwan: From 'Meh' to 'Actually... Wow!'
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Okay, here's the rewritten content for you to share with your foreign friends:
Frankly speaking, I was a bit nervous before coming to Taiwan:
- My parents are huge fans of Taiwan, and I grew up listening to how wonderful it is.
- But my friends were overly concerned, saying things like "The relationship between mainland China and Taiwan (sometimes politically tense) could give you problems with local residents."
After arriving in Taiwan, there were some places that initially left me feeling puzzled and wary about certain experiences:
- Night Markets!!! Take Taipei’s night markets as an example; don't set too high expectations.
- The food doesn't taste as good as people claim.
- Prices tend to be relatively expensive.
- And the hygiene conditions… my daughter developed food poisoning after eating from one of the stalls, vomiting and running a fever of 39°C. It scared the living daylights out of me!
- Warning: Be cautious about food at night market stalls!
- How to avoid pitfalls: Preferably choose stalls with a cleaner appearance and larger crowds or reduce your consumption. If you have sensitive stomachs or kids, opt for formal restaurants instead.
- Hotel Disappointment ! I booked a four-star hotel for around $4K TWD (approximately RMB 800) per night. However, the experience didn't quite live up to expectations.
- There were moldy patches on the wall.
- Pillows also smelt strange. In all honesty, I felt a tad disappointed.
- Warning: Check room cleanliness carefully!
- How to avoid pitfalls: Do a quick inspection when checking-in, particularly focusing on bedding and bathrooms, and ensure issues are immediately reported to reception.
- Internet-Famous Restaurants! These restaurants are often very popular online.
- The food was rather mediocre.
- The prices too feel aligned with international standards, more expensive than dining options even in Melbourne (Australia).
Despite these points, Taiwan has so many places I adore:
- Taiwanese Women are Fantastic! They are remarkably kind towards children.
- Just in one restroom alone, I met at least four women volunteers aged from teenagers to older ladies who helped take care of my 4-year-old daughter. Those kind-spirited souls were always around to help.
- At restaurants or on streets, one often comes across ladies and elderly people beaming with affection upon spotting my daughter.
- Various service staff are patient and understanding towards kids too.
- Taipei's incredible array of delicious food, except for night markets!
- I discovered a new world after stepping away from night market stalls! Small street vendors were brimming with flavorsome dishes like large fried chicken cuts, fish balls, pearl milk tea, vermicelli noodle soup (Taiwanese-style), fried squids, etc., that tasted so good I nearly danced in place.
- And guess what? The prices are incredibly cheap compared to around one third of those in Melbourne!
- Taiwan buffets are super yummy too, with a diverse range of fresh options.
- True recommendation: Seek recommendations from locals on where to eat; or better yet, opt for local-owned businesses you notice are often frequented instead of simply targeting internet-famous restaurants or crowded night markets.
- Taiwanese people are extremely friendly towards visitors from mainland China!
- Once they realize you’re here from China, they become quite intrigued and will ask about your province, amongst others. Despite only staying there for eight days, this conversation happened over ten times with me!
- They’re filled with enthusiasm while also being exceptionally kind, which warms my heart greatly.
- Taipei's safety measures are excellent! Like cities in China, one can roam at night without any worries regarding security.
- Taipei’s public facilities are extremely family-friendly!
- Almost all public places are equipped with baby-changing rooms and family toilets (specifically for families).
- Additionally, Taipei features many ramps for wheelchair accessibility, making navigation convenient and easy.
A few additional notes:
- As for the hotel, after I complained about the smelly pillow issue, it was quickly addressed and exchanged appropriately; overall, services were decent.
- As for the internet-famous restaurants, it might have been due to us opting for exotic dishes that turned out expensive and not to our taste.
- Yet, as for night markets, I genuinely will never dare to step there again. (spoken earnestly)
Finally, to summarize:
- Parents with children, feel free to boldly visit Taiwan! It's absolutely a superb destination for kid-friendly holidays!
- Overall, Taipei’s atmosphere is laid-back yet warm and welcoming. It’s a fantastic place!
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Next time, I'm definitely heading to Taipei Muzha Zoo – it's one of Asia's, or even the world's, best and the tickets are incredibly cheap. Afterwards, you can take the cable car up to Maokong to enjoy some tea and the view of Taipei City.
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Thanks, I'll give it a try next time.
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Can't believe you don't like night markets! I'd vouch for Kaohsiung's Qingnian Night Market and Tainan's Garden Night Market – they deserve a chance to change your mind.
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Wish I'd seen this earlier! I've already left Kaohsiung and Tainan.
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Just the most famous one.
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It looks like all your photos were taken on overcast days. Here's one of Sun Moon Lake to share. Wishing you and your family good health, and hope you'll visit again soon!
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Is that the Sun Moon Lake we learned about in elementary school textbooks?
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Yes, it is!
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You think Taipei doesn't have good Taiwanese food? You should come to Tainan and see for yourself!
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I went to Tainan but couldn't get used to the food at all. Ended up going back to Taipei quite disappointed.
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I went from liking it to disliking it. After I started living there, I didn't like it anymore.
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Same here, went from liking it to disliking it, even though I've never lived in Taiwan.
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As a Taiwanese person, I never go to the touristy night markets. The more local, the better.
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Night markets can really be a test for your stomach. A bunch of my elementary school classmates who came back from Europe or the US got upset stomachs the first time they ate there! The food can be too oily, too spicy, not clean, and so on. But after a few days, they usually get used to it and are fine. If you have a sensitive stomach, it's best to eat sparingly at night markets, especially deep-fried items (the oil isn't always changed frequently).
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No, it was actual food poisoning, definitely due to unhygienic conditions. My daughter doesn't eat spicy food, and what she had wasn't oily either.