Taiwan

[Sparky]

Hey folks,
So my Taiwanese friends (and I have more of those than Mainland friends) have been telling me for a while that I should make a trip to Taiwan. Despite not-so-friendly strait relations, I've always been interested in making a visit too for a few reasons:

-- TAIWANESE FOOD!
-- Because I like hearing people go "wa sai."
-- According to most northerners, supposedly my Mandarin makes me sound Taiwanese so I want to find a place where I fit in. On the other hand, Taiwanese people say I sound like I'm from northern China.
-- To permanently rid the country of Chen Shui-bian. Just kidding. (Or maybe not. )
-- I have some rather wealthy relatives over there who would make this trip quite economical for me
-- If the ROC gets recognized I need to visit Taiwan to meet my life goal of visiting all the countries in the world.
-- The mountains look so beautiful in pictures...
-- Did I mention food?
-- Guo Pinchao
-- Because J.J. Lin is 100x more likely to tour in Taiwan than where I live.

Anyway, I'm assuming that there are some spcneters who are familiar with Taiwan. I have a few main questions and any info on Taiwan is appreciated. I'm not sure about a visit yet but it's something I've been thinking about and I thought I'd request the help of some local guides

-- What is the best time of the year to visit when it comes to weather?
(From my globe, Taiwan looks pretty south so I'd expect it to be nice even in winter. However, for a long visit summer would be a better time for me, but I'm pretty sure it's typhoon season then. Would that impact my trip much?)
-- Any recommended places to visit/things to do
(I was thinking Taipei for a first visit but any other suggestions are appreciated)
-- Info on shopping
-- Info on Taiwanese guys and where to find good-looking ones with motorcycles Are they all as hot as Guo Pinchao? (Yeah I'm just kidding about that one so you don't need to answer...unless of course you want to.)
-- Any other helpful traveling tips (how is safety, how clean is the place, do people drive as wonderfully as they do in China, etc.)

Thanks in advance everyone Sorry I wrote so much, but HEY, it's Sparky.

[PJ]

I think You forgot the foremost reason:

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[mind_wander]

Actually Sparky, I managed to write up an extensive paper on Taiwan, etc. The best time to go is during Chinese New Year, like Mid-Janurary or Mid-February[When the Chinese New Year actually starts], but you must book it in advance because it will be very crowded when you arrive at the airport. Also, I haven't been there either, for some time now; everything has changed. On my mom side of the family; there are many relatives/cousin's, etc.

I am a combination of both Mainland/China/USA; as you said, "Despite not-so-friendly strait relations", this I do agreed. Your chances are good in finding good places to go; its better to look it up on other forums or other online resources [Taiwan travel guide]. In Taiwan, most of the people are very open-minded, as you said, "Sounded more like northern China than the South."

As for political sided, not many people want Chen-Shui Ban in office; better luck during the next election.

The weather is very hot like 94.5 degrees + humidity, not sure what that is converted in Celsius; also not sure when is the best time to go. Thats' all I have to say, so far.

[yearning]

I don't think I ever want to go just because I'm narrow-minded in that sense and don't like the whole Taiwanese environment. Their dramas piss me off, the boys are too girly, Jay Chou makes me want to commit murder, and the old "Obasang" women make me want to tear my hair out.

And I thought "wa sai" was a Canto phrase?

[mind_wander]

Thats not good, if your narrow-minded because over their they do speak their mind. As for not liking the government at this term; this is very true, same as for the Taiwan people, in hoping for a new president. I don't watch any new Taiwan drama's, so maybe that's what your referring about. Why does Jay chou, make you want to commit murder????

My educated guess "Wai Sai" originally came from Japan because during the Japanese rule from 1592-Oct 21, 1895. There was huge Japanese influence, not necessarily brainwashing but alot of latest updated technology was shared with the Taiwanese people; during WII the refugees came from Mainland China resisted the Japanese Rule. Still, there is strong linkage between Taiwan-Japan; plus they are very close island neighbors.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwan#Japanese_rule

I'm not speaking for Japan, its just facts.

[yearning]

Lol, don't take me too seriously on this. I do have many Taiwanese friends and we do joke about this kind of thing.

Jay Chou, I don't think you want me to get into it.

As for speaking their mind, have you ever seen their 'fights' (very physical) in their city halls? It's absolutely disgusting, that civilized people can actually act that way. But Sparky's going to get mad at me for killing her thread, so we'll discuss that elsewhere.

[mind_wander]

This type of discussion should go over the debate thread, yeah its better to leave its original purpose for Sparky.

[spcnet]

I was in Taipei last summer in July for a week and the weather was incredibly hot and humid so I don't recommend going during the summer if avoidable. Even at night time, when you'd want to visit their famous night markets, the temperature does not drop much.

Some places to eat that I especially liked:

For xiao long bao - steamed dumplings!!:
http://www.igougo.com/dining-reviews..._Tai_Feng.html

For stinky tofu, sausages, and other vendor foods:
http://www.igougo.com/dining-reviews...ht_Market.html

For shaved ice
http://www.igougo.com/dining-reviews...e_Monster.html

Try Xi-men Ding for shopping.

[0-0-0]

And I thought "wa sai" was a Canto phrase?

i didn't know it was a taiwanese phrase either.

[mind_wander]

I wasn't lying about the hot temperature and humidty; thanx for sharing your thoughts. In addition, the other linked places to go.

[yittz]

For xiao long bao - steamed dumplings!!:
http://www.igougo.com/dining-reviews..._Tai_Feng.html

For stinky tofu, sausages, and other vendor foods:
http://www.igougo.com/dining-reviews...ht_Market.html

For shaved ice
http://www.igougo.com/dining-reviews...e_Monster.html

Try Xi-men Ding for shopping.

Oh I swear those are native to Shanghai. Xiao long bao essentially is the local delight. Stinky tofu, I think is from Zhejiang. My impression of taiwanese food is that they are similar to fujian food. Especially love the pancack wraps with beef in them (similar to peking duck wraps).

[mind_wander]

Your right, Taiwan original natives came from Fujian province; you get a gold star.

[I_luv_HZL]

I've visited Taiwan many times and the best time to go is around December till April. Otherwise it get too hot and humid to handle. I love the night markets and all the food there is there. Stinky tofu, and many more.

[FireLord]

I've never eat Taiwan food before. Is it any good?

[sarakoth]

Thats not good, if your narrow-minded because over their they do speak their mind. As for not liking the government at this term; this is very true, same as for the Taiwan people, in hoping for a new president. I don't watch any new Taiwan drama's, so maybe that's what your referring about. Why does Jay chou, make you want to commit murder????

My educated guess "Wai Sai" originally came from Japan because during the Japanese rule from 1592-Oct 21, 1895. There was huge Japanese influence, not necessarily brainwashing but alot of latest updated technology was shared with the Taiwanese people; during WII the refugees came from Mainland China resisted the Japanese Rule. Still, there is strong linkage between Taiwan-Japan; plus they are very close island neighbors.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwan#Japanese_rule

I'm not speaking for Japan, its just facts.

According to the link you provided, the Japs have been TRYING to control Taiwan but haven't really succeeded except a few years here and there. The longest period of Jap rule of Taiwan was about half a century.

[xxStephie]

OMG, Taiwan is amazinggg. I love it to death. <3

I wish I could meet Fahrenheit there! *sigh*

[Jilly]

Ahaha... you go to Taiwan hoping to meet Fahrenheit? You wish! I went to Taiwan three months ago, and I loved it! Except the traffic