Kerstin MedardYou would think that living in Japan for a year would’ve prepared me for a life in Asia, where I wouldn’t be surprised at anything anymore and I would be able to just sync into life no matter which Asian country I visited. You would think…
Well, to be honest, that’s kind of true because there are some similarities between Taiwan and Japan but they are still unique and different in many ways. Only a 3-hour flight between the two countries, but there are differences that I wouldn’t think existed. One social norm, in particular, had my friend (who lives in Taiwan) really having a laugh at me most days. Soooooo…in Japan, physical contact isn’t a crime but it’s not something you would see a lot of. It’s kind of an unspoken rule and considered to be good manners/etiquette to NOT engage in anything too physical ESPECIALLY in public. For e.g. Greetings – when meeting someone, saying goodbye, thank you or just saying hello, it is customary to bow to the person. NOT shake hands, hug or kiss on the cheek like we sometimes do in the western world. Train conductors making rounds in the train bow when they enter and leave EACH train car, restaurant staff bow to you when you enter and leave the restaurant, people bow to say that they’re sorry or that they’re happy that you came. It is so intense in some formal/business situations that they will bow to you and won’t raise their heads until you are out of sight. I have seen businessmen dropping off their counterparts at the train station and will consistently bow every two seconds WHILE they both walk away in a backwards motion and will stop only when they can’t see each other anymore.
So, I did the same in Taiwan, but soon found out….”that’s not really done here.” So, you can imagine why my friend was quite amused when I did it every time I walked into a restaurant, meeting new people or saying thank you. LOL *AWKWARDDDD to say the least* Sometimes, I would even be offered a handshake and I’m so busy bowing I don’t see it. And I was told about it the first couple times I did it, but its so ingrained in me that I was doing it subconsciously throughout the trip. Listen… Lol. Twas reel funny when we thought about it. People were looking at me like…what is she doing? And here I am thinking I’m being all polite. Lol. Mwe meme! *Shrug*
Another surprise for me was the amount of scooter traffic in Taiwan. In Japan, bicycles are super popular. There are bicycle parking lots just as there are parking lots for vehicles. People cycle to the train station and then take a train to work/destination. In Taiwan, it was the same for scooters. It seems that everyone used them. In fact, there are 15 million registered scooters in Taiwan, which is nearly ONE SCOOTER FOR EVERY ADULT PERSON (https://movetotaiwan.com/vroom-vroom-riding-a-scooter-while-living-in-taiwan/) Teenagers to senior citizens alike, everyone and their pets were riding around on scooters.
One more thing that I noticed was that the cost of living was much cheaper in Taiwan than Japan. Man…it’s a vibeeeee when you visit a country where food is pretty cheap but doesn’t reflect the quality of the food. Listennnnnn… THE FOOD was superb! From fancy restaurants to local food shops. BUT one of the main reasons I wanted to visit (Asia in general) was the food markets! You find the most divine things here! Asian food markets have an unexplainable vibe. It’s a beautiful thing to just watch them prepare it right in front of you and then consume it. The flare, the simplicity, the smells, the atmosphere. Man…they reel different in these parts. They do things to food you would not think of, mix ingredients you wouldn’t think would taste good and of course eat parts of the animal you wouldn’t think of LOL. An open mind is definitely an asset when visiting Asia but that’s for another show. Lol.
“Bubble Tea” or “Boba Tea” was another favorite of mine. Recipes contain tea/coffee of some kind, flavors of milk, and sugar (optional). Chewy tapioca balls also known as boba are key! You could also add different jelly and puddings. My favourite pictured below has green tea, whole milk, black bobas and coconut jelly.
Dan Bing: a popular breakfast item in Taiwan, was really delicious too. A thin crepe-like layer (made like pancake batter) with eggs and an assortment of fillings. Listen…Not a single one survived as you can see in the last photo LOL
Xiao Long Bao which is one of the most famed Chinese dumplings. I tried steamed, boiled and fried and they were ALL magnificent! The different fillings will never leave you bored.
Offffffff course, I had to try Taiwanese Beer. Great drink and no hangovers. Overall: MUCHO SATISFACTORY!
And last but not least: THE MANGO AVALANCHE. Lawdddddd hammercy! Shaved ice, fresh mango, ice cream, sweet jelly…Need I say more?????!!!
I went to Taiwan mostly for the food and they really exceeded my expectations! Let’s take in some other highlights that was worked in around my food hunting.
I really can’t tell you why but I have a LOVE for Ferris wheels. I find one in every country I travel to. It’s something about seeing a place from the top of a very high place! It makes my heart so still.
I have a thing for high places too! And it’s not that I’m NOT terrified, but the thrill and adrenaline of being in a high place is kinda addictive. Seeing everything at the bottom so small reminds me to always remain humble and grounded while I soar into my greatness.
I have THE UTMOST respect for street performers. It takes a certain kind of bravery to put yourself and your talents in the public’s view. The hours they spend. The energy they consume. The pride they take in their craft and all at the mercy of others to MAYBE give them some loose change. I always take time out to listen, watch, interact and share words of encouragement with these brave human beings. I sincerely enjoy collecting these kind of memories. This young man (below) in particular l had me rolling over with laughter without even saying a single word.
LET’S HAVE A CHEESY ENDING SHALL WE?!
*Grabs pen* *Pretends it’s a mic* *Puts it up to mouth* *Belts out the Beatles’ song*
“ALL YOU NEED IS LOVEEEEEEEE”
(Don’t judge me…or judge me…i don’t really care at this point LOL)
Taiwan was amazing, but it couldn’t have been without great people. Reunited with a friend I hadn’t seen in ages and also met some amazing people. That combination made my first Taiwanese experience so wonderful, so first-rate, so magical!
This time, due to typhoon activity my scheduled visit was sized down to half so I will definitely be visiting again to continue exploring this amazing country! Already looking forward to it!
Til next time…thanks for reading!
Peace, Love, Light.
– Kers
