Taiwan: Okay, Spill. What's *Actually* Good About It?
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Hey, what's so special about Taiwan? Why do I keep wanting to write about it?
I have been pondering over this quite a bit.
- Compared to the majestic rivers and mountains in Mainland China, Taiwan's might not stand out.
- As for cities being vibrant, you might not feel the same allure as when stepping into Hong Kong's bustling, dazzling cityscape.
- When it comes to refinement and subtlety, Japan's cultural intricacy may still surpass.
- Speaking of fashion trends, South Korea undoubtedly sets the pace first.
To be honest, Taiwan may not give you that “Wow!” impression right away.
- If you look closely, many buildings here are old and uncoordinated, offering no aesthetic uniformity worth bragging about.
- Sidewalks designated for pedestrians are fairly rare on the streets, forcing you to share space with noisy motorcycles (called "motorbikes" in Taiwan).
- Strolling along covered corridors (known as "arcades" in Taiwan, reminiscent of certain Southern China streets, but often uneven, you might trip.)
- More annoyingly, sometimes motorbikes may simply park on the arcades, blocking your way!
- Even locals joke that Taiwan is a “hell for pedestrians,” how tough life is when walking!
Trip Tip Alert: Give a heads-up to friends planning to visit Taiwan!
- Pedestrian watch: Taiwan doesn't cater much to pedestrian needs. Many places lack continuous sidewalks or none at all.
- Watch out for motorbikes: These two-wheel beasts can be fast and frequent, weaving through pedestrian arcs and streets. Always keep looking around while crossing roads and walking by the roadside for safety.
- Arcade underfoot: In the covered walkways (arcades), uneven surfaces or steps can make you lose your footing. Be cautious of obstacles such as bikes blocking your path.
Yet, there’s something enchanting about Taiwan, like a hidden charm that comes through once you’re there.
- When you haven’t been there yet, you constantly think about how much you want to go; once you’ve visited? You just keep wanting to go back.
I adore:
- The warm lights from Eslite Bookstores (a renowned Taiwanese bookstore chain that remains open until after midnight)
- The stranger who directs you while politely bowing at the end
- The aroma of stir-fried dishes permeating alleyways, the scent of garlic and chives cooking, creating an inviting warmth
- Incense wafting from temple entrances, bringing about peace
- Vintage signs hanging on dilapidated walls in old streets, creating a distinctive ambiance
- The crispy sounds of sizzling eggs being fried by the aunties in roadside breakfast shops
- Holding a bowl of steaming 'halo meat rice' (Taiwan’s classic street food, served with rich halo meat sauce on rice) handed to you by hawker stalls - feeling the warmth passing through your palm
- On escalators at MRT stations (similar to metro/subway), people naturally stand on the right, leaving space for those in more of a rush, displaying a fine coordination
- People queuing politely in front of night market's snack stalls for their treats
- Old ladies with carts of vegetables nodding and smiling to passersby they might not even know
- Nine Fen old street’s stone pavement reflecting lantern lights after a rain, creating a stunning vista.
Taiwan’s beauty isn't outright mind-blowing.
- Instead, it seeps into your heart subtly, making you fall in love
- Once you've left, you keep fantasizing about returning,
- This beauty hides away in its nooks and crannies,
- In moments of casual smiles and courtesies exchanged among people,
- In those simple yet heartwarming little instances every day.
It seems that this must be what makes Taiwan truly outstanding!
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You only truly experience what a 'pedestrian hell' it is once you leave Taipei.
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Seriously. I was shocked when I visited Tainan and Kaohsiung – scooters were parked right under the covered walkways, blocking the path! I recall Taipei specifically has signs prohibiting this.
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My favorite thing about Taiwan is the breakfast shops. It's the only place in the world where the 'aunties' (shop ladies) will call me 'handsome guy'.
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Come to our Guangdong, everyone will call you 'leng zai' (handsome guy)!
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You'll see 'uncles' (older men) walking around casually dressed – undershirts, shorts, flip-flops – and you'd never guess they're loaded. People here tend not to show off; most are very friendly and easygoing.
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It's like in Guangzhou – those grandpas in undershirts? They might just be carrying the keys to three buildings they own, ready to collect rent.
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Because Taiwan has five men I absolutely adore.
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Who are they?
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Honey, you're so sweet, I'm incredibly touched! It reads like a beautifully written piece – almost like a passage from a Chinese literature textbook.
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Hahahaha, for real?
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My favorite thing here is their love for puns/wordplay (especially homophones).
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I like Taiwan because I'm a fan of Wang Shijian.
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Taiwanese people are very friendly and polite, and they tend to speak in a gentle, soft-spoken manner.
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Friendly? Yeah, I guess they're alright...
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I love the simple, honest kindness of Taiwanese people. If you ask an 'ah po' (elderly lady) for directions, she'll even remind you to stay safe on your journey.
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Anyway, I really love traveling in Taiwan!
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You should check out my Taiwan travel journal!