Tag: Taiwan
Taiwan, often referred to as the “hidden gem” of East Asia, is becoming one of the most sought-after destinations for those looking for a new adventure or a place to settle long-term. With its unique blend of modernity and tradition, high quality of life, relatively affordable cost of living, and the friendliness of its people, […]
The landscape of Taiwan is an imaginative place. It calls to one's creative eye and is ripe with a sense of poetic and mythic possibility in the ways
Check out our post about Koxinga, Taiwan's "Pirate King" and Ming Dynasty folk hero.
In the woods of Nangang Park lies a secret stone circle...
We have been thinking about loftier pursuits... For a long time we have wanted to try our hand at paragliding.
Think of it as your broad brush survival guide to the wonderful world of Taipei weather. It's a Groundhog Day, a "Practically-Destitute Richard's" predictive masterpiece, and we are very excited to be your forecasters.
Mark your calendars with the events and all that you cannot miss in Taiwan in 2024.
We believe the secret to Taipei is that it is a city patiently helping and waiting for you to fall in love.
We are here to help you develop your Formosa-savoir faire, and, similar to the importance of identifying shiny leaves of three, it is good to know how to navigate the landscape.
"Come guess me this riddle, what beats pipes and fiddle What's hotter than mustard and milder than cream What best wets your whistle, what's clearer than crystal What's sweeter than honey and stronger than steam."
Taiwan could become a mecca for outdoor sports enthusiasts, and, in some ways, it is already being discovered.
Where did famous Taiwanese foods get their beginnings? How did they arrive in Taiwan and in the process transform into a piece and flavor of cultural identity?
There's just that sort of X-files vibe, Twilight crossed with Twilight Zone ambiance you know?
Grab your crackerjacks folks, it's time to catch a baseball game...
We would like to submit taro for your consideration, especially in its form as ice cream.
And I found myself wondering, “Is euphoria discovered in steaming pools of naked old men?” We’ve written about hot springs before (check out our post about visiting the Bayan Wild Hot Springs), but it is soaking season in Taiwan and it seemed like a shame to let the opportunity for this post to pass us by. We recently took a pilgrimage to the town of Jiaoxi, for some bone level warmth and much needed TLC. It had been a long time since our last visit and we had forgotten both the…
It started with a string of woven bracelets purchased at a night market. It started with with the exhibition at the National Palace Museum entitled, "Wrapping Cultures: Asian Textiles from the National Palace Museum Collection" which showcases some of the finest historical examples of textiles and patterns from around China and other parts of Asia. It started with learning that during their period of Colonial Rule the Japanese banned indigenous weaving along with the practice of head hunting, facial tattoos, and the speaking of any language other than Japanese in public.…
It’s the time of year when curling up with a warm cup of tea and a good movie can be one of the nicest ways to treat yourself on a day off or rainy afternoon. Around the holidays, and in search of home and the familiar, many expats can turn to the Hallmark formulas that splash across major viewing platforms. We certainly get it and have watched our fair share, however, we also enjoy exploring the incredible shows and films that the Taiwanese film industry has to offer. Turn on your…
"Because it is there;" "because it is calling and we must go;" "because we have always seen further from the shoulders of giants;" "because the eye is called to ever further horizons;" "because it is an adventure;" "because it is a challenge;" "because to stand upon a ridge line and to see the rise of deeper unexplored mountain ranges stirs something in the soul;" "because there will always be more mountains to climb." Whatever your reasons for venturing to Yu Shan (玉山) or Jade Mountain, we get it. It's not Everest,…
Pyrotechnics around the world rejoice! One of our favorite times of year is upon us, New Year’s Eve and the concussive displays of fireworks that chase midnight across the world like a wave rising around a sports stadium.
A cold snap descended on Taiwan this week, resulting in weather advisories for the northern end of the Island. For those of us who call Ilha Formosa home, it was a signal to pull out our long underwear and heavy blankets, and transition fully into our winter routines. For those of you who are new to Taiwan or who have not spent a lot of time in Southeast Asian in the winter months, we decided to write this post for you. Welcome, it can definitely get chilly here.
The rules, written and unwritten, of traffic and pedestrian laws and etiquette are tricky to decipher especially in new country. In India you just walk, in Japan you must wait, certain countries in Central America, you should run. For foreigners new to Taiwan, we’re here for you, and we’re still learning some of these conventions ourselves. Here are some of the things we have found.
If you enjoy fresh fruit and are new to Taiwan, get ready to have your world rocked. Taiwan is famous for its fruit. In fact, the Island has been nicknamed “the kingdom of fruit” on account of the quality and different varieties of fruit that is grown throughout the year. In our opinion (and we are only slightly biased) Taiwan has some of the best fruit on the planet -- especially if your baseline for good fruit up until this point has been a European or American grocery store half a…
It feels like the answer to a Zen koan asking how to find contentment in this turbulent world. It certainly is the answer to how to stave off the chill on a rainy afternoon in a winter in Taiwan. The Bayan Wild Hot Springs are located in the heart of Yangmingshan, about an hour and a half north of Taipei and are an incredible way to soak away your worries for an afternoon. Watch our video for a better sense of the experience.
In this segment of the blog we dive into the world of soul mates and how they are perceived in Taiwan, China, Japan, and other countries within Asia. Known broadly as “the red string of fate,” the story has a number of permutations and has been inspiration for many different books, tv shows, movies, and cultural references. In Taiwan there are even temples set up to Yue Lao (月老) the Old Man under the Moon who is rumored to tie the strings between two people. Join us as we take a…
Welcome to the strange, the mysterious, spiritual, and occult world of Taiwan. While by no means authoritative or comprehensive, this post hopes to offer small insights into the Taiwan’s relationship with the supernatural as well as a few of the Island’s more remarkable ghost traditions. Welcome to "Ghost Island."
Flapjack lovers beware, we are laying down the gauntlet: Asia, and specifically Taiwan, has the best pancakes in the world. Don't believe us? Leave your bottle of syrup at home and get ready to meet your new, favorite, and infinitely expanded, food group.
In one of our previous posts "Language in Taiwan," we touched briefly on the Formosan tribes who are the first inhabitants of the Island. We wanted to circle back to the topic in another post here to provide our readers with a better understanding of Taiwan's indigenous peoples and the human history and culture that stretches back well over six thousand years. Before starting, however, we want to note that while this post will be informative, it is by no means complete or comprehensive. Treat it as a starting point, a…
There are a wealth of stories out there about foreigner purchasing faux pas in foreign countries. It is almost a tale as old as time. However, with a little bit of help and knowing where to look, sometimes things can go a little easier. In this edition of our blog we have collected a list of grocery stores in Taipei that supply foreign foods and ingredients. If you are looking for a taste of the familiar but don’t know where to begin check out our list below.
In this blog post we explore the primary languages are spoken in Taiwan as well as a few of the benefits to studying Mandarin on the Island.
In this post we cover the history of Matsu, the patron goddess of Taiwan and the Dajia Mazu pilgrimage that is held yearly in her honor. Join us as we explore one of the most important deities and cultural religious events in Taiwan.
Perhaps you’ve seen them in action, perhaps you’ve used them yourself, perhaps you’ve only heard the echoey clack of the red curved tiles the way one might hear the wingbeats of a butterfly sending a hurricane towards a continent a world away. In this edition of our blog we are bringing you back to the realms of religion and the different methods of divination that are commonly practiced in Taiwan.
Traveling in Taiwan is convenient and a great deal of fun, especially if you are using the right resources! Here is a list of the essential apps you will need when visiting or planning to live on the Island.
If you are in Taipei, November 15th - 18th, 2024 and are looking for a fun activity or event to attend, the Taiwan International Tea Expo is the place for you! This annual exhibition brings together tea producers and companies from around Taiwan and allows visitors the opportunity to sample a wide range of teas while interacting with some of the most knowledgeable people in the industry.
Here are some ideas and resources to get you started on your workout journey in Taipei.
Arriving in a new place can be nerve-racking even for the most seasoned traveler. This post is here to help alleviate the stress and smooth your entry into Taipei, Taiwan from Taoyuan International Airport. You can focus on keeping track of your passport, and we will work on giving you the knowhow to get from the airport into the city. Welcome to the Ilhha Formosa.
For a daytrip to Jiufen or a overnight trip during the weekends, Jiufen is the perfect getaway from the city and enjoy this little cozy old goldmining town that has been build during the colonisation from the Japanese. With a stunning view to the sea and mountains from the town this is a must visit […]
The Zhongzheng district has to thank his name to the generalissimo and the late president of the republic of China Chiang Kai-Shek. Zhongzeng district is a loved district by foreigners and tourists because there are a lot of thing going on here. Home to many tourist attractions, most of Taiwans governmental buildings, this district has […]
The Shilin district is a district located north of Taipei and because of the neighboring Yangmingshan national park and other natural environments, you can enjoy a scenic view from this district. This is also the reason the Shilin district is a loved place for living in Taipei for Taiwanese people and also foreigners. Especially a […]