Tag: why travel

Rainy days can be a drag no matter where in the world you are. They put a damper on fun outdoor plans, create havoc on frizz-prone locks (I look like that scary purple minion with frizzy hair during typhoon days in Taiwan). They drench you no matter how big your umbrella is; damn that sideways…
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The Hanok Village near our host’s house shows the traditional peaked roofs and swooping eaves of pre-modern Korea, but this one looks somehow different. Its straight lines and clean roofs belie its recent renovations. Similarly, Jeonju presents a deep cultural heritage just beneath a surface of tourism and modernity.

In 16 days, I will join the numbers of brave men and women who plugged their noses and dove face first into a bowl of stinky tofu. Wish me luck, friends.

After a little research and help from my Taiwanese students (they say hello, by the way), I’ve got this whole gift giving business in Taiwan down to a tee. I’m glad I learned these before making a social faux pas á la British minister Lady Kramer. Listen and learn, traveler friends:

Before moving to Taiwan, I thought I had it all figured out since previously living in Korea. My smug past self confidently packed a suitcase and prepared for the new adventure. At the time I was quite unaware, of course, that I was being a complete moron in my assumptions about what I needed, didn’t need, and should know about living in Taiwan. If only I could go back in time, I’d leave a letter marked “Urgent” to myself containing these 10 tips.

For women who want to experience the beauty and diverse cultures of Asia but weren’t able to convince another gal pal to take the plunge with you, don’t fret. There’s no need to write off your dreams of travel just because you might have to fly and trek solo.

Living in Taiwan for three years has been such an amazing and enriching experience. I have been asked to write about how it has changed my home comforts, but what Taiwan has done is actually provided me with new home comforts I never had before.

Now that spring is in full swing in Taiwan, it’s time to unpack sundresses and sandals. Andy Williams may have sung that winter was the most wonderful time of the year, but that man didn’t live in Taiwan.