Comments on: TAIPEI: May first impressions last…

By: Yishin

Yishin — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 16:52:59 +0000

I’m just so happy reading about how you describe and sense the city I grew up in!

By: Zara

Zara — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 09:29:44 +0000

Hi John,
Thanks so much for adding the perspective of a “almost local” to this post. It’s always interesting to see what people who come from elsewhere think when they settle in a new place – often times, they appreciate / notice things people who were born there don’t even tend to think about!
We shall definitely come back to Taiwan one day and explore more beyond Taipei. Keep on enjoying there! :)

By: John Lee

John Lee — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 16:46:19 +0000

* For #4 on the “Pro” list, I meant to say: high quality foods ranging from less than 3 U.S. dollars to more than three hundred.

By: John Lee

John Lee — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 16:41:07 +0000

I agree with everything you said.
I’ve been to several countries too, and now residing in Taipei. Most foreigners who studied or worked in Taiwan don’t want to leave because:
1) It’s one of the most democratic countries in the world; you can do pretty much whatever you want as long as your don’t hurt others.
2) There’s a wide range of lifestyle options; you can live decently on low wages, or you can live like a billionaire and enjoy all kinds of luxury. You can live in the beautiful mountains, near the beach, on an island, or in a very modern city center.
3) Taiwan is arguably the friendliest country toward foreigners, it’s extremely rare to see/hear foreigner being treated less favorably than the locals.
4) This country has the highest density of talented chefs in the world. There’s an insane variety of high quality foods, ranging from US$３00.
5) Public transportation and taxis are abundant and cheap in the major cities of Taiwan.

Of course, no country is perfect, and these are the negatives of Taiwan:
1) There can be too much freedom at times; a lot of drivers/motorcyclists would drive as they please, with little regard to other’s life. At least 50% of them won’t yield to pedestrians, so you really need to look all around you when crossing the street, as fast as possible. Try to avoid driving or riding scooters if you can.
2) While rents are fairly cheap, buying a property can be very expensive, especially in Taipei and New Taipei City. If you aren’t a millionaire, you should keep renting.
3) Violent crimes are less prevalent in Taiwan than most countries, but if you ever become a victim of any crime, and the cop caught the perpetrator, chances are he/she won’t be behind bars for long (if at all). Taiwan has a very lenient criminal law, almost the opposite of Singapore, because the government feel that the bad guys should have tons of human rights too.
4) Taiwanese government have little enforcement towards loud noise, so if you want to live in the big cities, choose a nicer building, far away from any Daoist temples, on the highest floor you can afford. Noise from illegally modified scooters/cars, food trucks, and temple activities can be unbearable if you don’t choose your condo wisely.
5) It’s very difficult not to gain weight in Taiwan. Most Taiwanese spend a significant portion of their salary on foods every month, so the longer you stay here, the more Taiwanese friends you will have, and the more tasty foods you’ll discover. Heck, you don’t even need to go out to become fat; there are lots of delicious foods you can order online, and they will deliver to your door promptly.

By: Joe

Joe — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 01:56:12 +0000

Would love to meet you guys

Me and outlanderly are based in Taipei.

Thank you for a very descriptive post about my country :)

By: Zara

Zara — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 03:20:38 +0000

Thanks Judy!
Yes, we’re still here in Taipei. Heading down to Tainan tomorrow to explore more of this “magical little island” as you say! :)

By: Judy

Judy — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 04:27:09 +0000

I love your description of Taipei! I just left Taiwan few weeks ago and reading this post made me miss Taiwan so much! If you are still there, keep enjoying this magical little island! Maybe you won’t want to leave! :)

By: Zara

Zara — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 03:19:09 +0000

Thanks for reading, Anna! Hopefully we will have the chance to explore a little more of Taiwan and see what the fuss is all about! ;) To be honest, I’ve been reading nothing but great things about the entire country and its people! So far, I can understand why!

By: Zara

Zara — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 03:17:12 +0000

Thanks Tim! :)

By: Anna

Anna — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 22:30:03 +0000

Nice post! Zara, I so recognise myself in your words, I too fell in love with Taipei instantly on my first visit, 6 years ago. And my husband too! Since then we’ve gone back again twice, our last trip was in April this year. And it’s not only about Taipei: the whole Taiwan will take your heart. I hope you guys are having a tour of the beautiful island, there’s so much to see and it is so enjoyable to travel around Taiwan. Oh I’m so jealouse… Have a great time :)

By: Tim UrbanDuniya

Tim UrbanDuniya — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 04:57:37 +0000

Looks like a whole lot of fun!! Keep enjoying!! :D

By: Zara

Zara — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 02:23:04 +0000

I think you would really enjoy this city! :)

By: Anita Catita

Anita Catita — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 08:51:47 +0000

And the feeling is infectious.. Now I want to go to Taipei!