“ Life Lessons, Compliments of Taiwan”
Tags: Vacation, Foodies, Post Pandemic, Life Lessons, Taiwan

I have a love affair with anything asian. I once enjoyed living in Japan and after so many years I decided to venture out a bit to Taiwan.

Japan has always captured my heart with its, ‘Omotenashi’(hospitality). I honestly never thought I would find any other place to compare.

Japan with it’s attention to detail, perfection and obsession with esthetics kept me craving for more as I basked in my endless pursuit of perfection .

Japan offers picturesque cherry blossoms, the greenest bonsai trees, the cleanest lakes and rivers, regal castles and gorgeous traditional architecture that still speak to my soul. How would I ever do without that beauty in my life?

Japan had been a large part of my life until I discovered a new way to see and experience life through the eyes of the Taiwanese.

Things that used to be so serious for me doesn’t matter nearly as much, if at all now.

Soon after relocating to Taiwan I discovered an early bloom of cherry blossoms right in front of my building. The same things I loved Japan for were being discovered here in Taiwan. I slowly started to get off of my soap box about my former love and allowed myself to see something new.

Who wanted new, I wanted what I was used to, yet it was not there anymore. Now what?

My first visit to Taiwan was most memorable and shaped my image of the Taiwanese culture. I was warmly greeted by a Taiwanese man offering samples of Taiwanese tea. His gracious manner and passion for what he was doing was quite pleasant. It was as if he had anticipated my arrival and needs.

He sat me down and proceeded to educate me on all the proper tea etiquette as well as impress me with the history of each. It was reminiscent of a Japanese Tea Ceremony I once knew and loved. I thought that it might be an isolated event.

Now it was time to find my way to my hotel on the train. Although the train is easy to navigate, I had many bags and was exhausted. I stood staring for a second as I needed to transfer to another train and in that brief moment a sweet Taiwanese woman walked up to me concerned and offered me her map.

She showed me how to navigate in perfect English. That was helpful as I did not speak Mandarin. She refused to leave my side until my train arrived. Was this really happening?

I found it all so refreshing and here I am two years later and still feel that way about the countless interactions with Taiwanese. The list goes on…

I have learned so much from Taiwanese as a people because they don’t do drama and avoid confrontations. They live a simple, happy life.

I have learned to stop living in the past and to let go and enjoy what is right before me. I let go of trying to make everything Japanese and discover what Taiwan has to offer.

Taiwan still has little pockets of Japanese influence and caters to Japanese tourists. It’s not uncommon to find Family Marts as well as MUJI, Daiso and Komeda Coffee throughout different parts of Taiwan. I was pleasantly surprised to discover some of my old favorites, SOGO , Isetan and Mitsukoshi Department Stores.

Taiwan offers a calm, relaxed, stress-free environment where one can allow a sheer metamorphosis to take place. Shed your worries and plan your trip early before the word gets out.

Honesty, I feel like I am in another world. It is so rare these days to experience such a calm culture that places such high values on family and the ‘quality’ of life.

Taiwan and its people are so laid back and easy going. They love to say ,’ it’s ok, it’s ok.’ They avoid any conflict and tend to play down imperfections and mishaps in others. Taiwanese are peacemakers. Their kind demeanor is what contributes to the peace one feels while being here.

Whether you are eating your way from one end of the island to the other, as most people do, surfing, hiking, swimming, enjoying a ferry ride to Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf or Bali, watching a sunset at Sun Moon Lake, having a nice tea brunch in Jioufen, catching your breath as Alishan views attempts to steal it away, eating yourself into a food coma at Shilin Night Market, falling in love on The Lover’s Bridge or Love River, dining at the top of Taipei 101, you will be completely convinced of Taiwan and it’s healing nature.

Taiwan is a foodie’s dream with its bustling night markets and countless international restaurants and cafes. I never knew how eclectic and diverse it would be, demographically speaking.

With such diversity in culture, it’s no wonder you can find authentic flavors from all over the world. From Michelin star to hole in the wall Mom and Pop restaurants , Taiwan is a Food Paradise!

Some may be wondering how will you afford to travel to Taiwan after the pandemic with a family of four or more…

Have no fear because everything here is so inexpensive in comparison to the US, Europe and Japan. You will be pleasantly surprised as to how well you can enjoy the island and all that it has to offer on a modest budget.

The climate temperatures are pretty moderate and I find that it is never too cold but it does get a bit hot so pack your sunscreen, drink tons of water and you will be fine.

Taiwan offers the best of both worlds, combining nature with city life and easy accessibility to either.

You can rent a car or ubike and also feel safe to take trains and high speed rails throughout the island easily. No crime. No worries.

I’m fully aware that many families are currently suffering due to the global pandemic. Stress levels are high and some are losing hope to see beyond their four walls.

Fear, doubt and uncertainty loom in the air yet it doesn’t have to rob you of planning life beyond the pandemic.

I can’t claim to have all the solutions to life’s challenges however, I do know of a wonderful island that is largely overlooked. Taiwan is a gem and deserves to be a vacation destination for all.

Once the flight restrictions are lifted, do yourself and your loved ones a favor and book a trip to Taiwan.

I would like to invite people from around the world to plan a trip (post pandemic) to Taiwan.

I am a firm believer that you will discover a ‘new you’ in Taiwan as I have for myself.

Taiwan offers a calm, relaxed, stress-free environment where one can allow a sheer metamorphosis to take place. Shed your worries and plan your trip early before the word gets out.Treat yourself to this peaceful little island.

Thank you Taiwan for life lessons and all that you have shown me, now I endeavor to share you with the world.