Fili’s world
A different look at Asia, China and Taiwan
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Taiwan
Taiwan’s best travel spots - What do you think are the top attractions in Taiwan? Cultural Sensitivities in Global Education and International Programs Taiwan’s Wild Berries Movement - NCKU Taiwanese students protest Revisiting Yang Ming Shan
- My Sweetie (I know you saw that coming, I don’t care).
- People - The friendliest bunch I met anywhere. I’ve been lucky to meet so many good hearted folks in Taiwan. People that didn’t know me went out of their way to make me feel welcome, and the people I did come to know moved me with frequent heartwarming gestures showing care and kindness.
- People - The gorgeous looking cute behaving Taiwanese children. I used to be so annoyed by small kids till I came to Taiwan. Is it education? genes? maybe I changed? (after sitting on the flight back to Israel next to two standard-spoiled-annoying Israeli kids, I know it’s not me).
- People – I adore how safe I feel in Taiwan and the small gestures of trust displayed in everyday things. A silly example from the big city - Leaving your umbrella outside when going into a shop. It might be somewhat naïve, but after seeing lots of western big cities and some other Asian cities, I know it’s special.
- People - It’s not all about “me” and “I”. Family, friends and even foreigners-guests are as important, if not more.
- People – Personal space is respected until you indicate you allow someone to cross it. Your feelings are respected and honored.
- People – There’s acceptance and curiosity towards those who are different. As part of a very small Israeli/Jewish minority in Taipei (of I would guess - 30 people), I’ve never felt anything but kindness and warmth from the locals. This is something not to be taken for granted, if one is to compare the attitude I got at some other places, just for stating the fact that I’m Israeli/Jewish.
- Food - The unbelievable selection of food. In a 4 months period I’ve rarely been to same restaurant twice, and the list of places I wanted to visit grew everyday. Aside from some things that were interesting but still gave me the chills psychologically (frog legs, turtles, snake and pig’s blood etc.), I’ve enjoyed all the food I ate in Taiwan. I honestly can’t remember something that I really disliked. It might be due to my very humble style of living in Taiwan, but I know I especially enjoyed the simple Asian dishes in the common street restaurants and night markets.
- Food - Dumplings attack. The biggest yummiest selection of dumplings.
- Drinks - I’m now addicted to Milk Tea and Red Bean combination variants. Tea, especially oolong-tea, has made its way to my top drinks list.
- Fashion - Most westerners seem to disagree but I completely adore the way people dress in Taipei, boys and gals. I find it to be very refreshing with elegancy and a hint of sexy.
- Fashion - Mini skirts drive my mind insane. It seems that no matter how you look and how old you are, if you’re a female and you wear miniskirts - it will make you look hot. As this rule doesn’t work for the western girls, I guess it’s the combination of the fashion with the local physical attributes.
- Shopping - Night markets everywhere. Every street is a shopping district. It’s endless.
- Life style – It doesn’t matter whether you’re rich or poor, a manager or a student, you’re going to be able to make it through Taipei having a good time, as it offers so much to so many different life styles. I haven’t seen a variety like that anywhere.
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The Aussie Yam
| March 18th, 2006 at 1:46 pm #
As a Taiwanese, I feel very humbled by your kind words. =D I am so glad Taiwan’s to your liking! Make yourself at home!