I imagine Taitung (pronounced Taidong) would be where I would retire if I stayed in Taiwan. It’s slower pace and bike-friendly environment allows ready access to sumptuous tea plantations, rice fields, beaches and mountain roads. The air is fresh and waterways clean as the region has not been industrialized. The region hosts multiple Ironman eventsContinue reading “Travel – Relaxed Taitung 台東 and Mochi Mania”
Author Archives: Wanderlust Mom
Delights – Universal Healthcare That Works Remarkably Well
Taiwan is one of the safest places to be during this current global pandemic. It is in large part due to the country’s robust universal single-payer healthcare system. One of the frequently cited reasons for Taiwan’s success is the fact they were able to quickly identify potential Covid cases through the national patient database becauseContinue reading “Delights – Universal Healthcare That Works Remarkably Well”
Food – Small Eats (小吃）
Beyond night markets and other street foods, Taiwanese love 小吃, because it’s again casual, unfussy, comfort food in relatively small portions so one can order multiple dishes. It’s the Taiwanese version of tapas. Many have deep roots as inexpensive but hearty local food specialties. One finds them at literal hole-in-the wall restaurants where decor isContinue reading “Food – Small Eats (小吃）”
Delights – Night Markets (夜市）
Night markets are the heart of social life in Taiwan. Why go clubbing or bar hopping when you can go to a night market for both people watching and snacking on inexpensive street food until you just can’t anymore. They are completely casual where all social classes rub shoulders with one another. They all shareContinue reading “Delights – Night Markets (夜市）”
Travel – Kenting Winter Fun (Part 2)
In my previous blog, I gushed about the clear blue waters and underwater sea life of this southern most destination in Taiwan. Well, we headed back there on a whim during winter break and ended up extending our stay. While it was cooler than our previous trip, we still managed to enjoy the beach eachContinue reading “Travel – Kenting Winter Fun (Part 2)”
Daily Delights – A Day in Public School for a Second Grader
We made the decision to send our second grader to the local public school so she could be immersed in the language and the culture. Our daughter has learned a lot about both through her school. Remarkably, despite the cultural differences, I believe 8 year olds are fun-loving, curious and universally generous. Despite the languageContinue reading “Daily Delights – A Day in Public School for a Second Grader”
Food – Guabao (刈包)
The most famous version of steamed buns from Taiwan is likely the guabao (刈包), as it has taken hipster food status internationally by way of the fusion taco. It has taken many forms abroad which essentially consists of a plump steamed bun stuffed with a variety of meats and pickled vegetables. The original Taiwanese version,Continue reading “Food – Guabao (刈包)”
Daily Delights – What a Convenience Store Can Be (7-11)
Some people say they visit the 7-11 (referred to as just “Seven” here) almost daily. It is so integral to daily life, I feel as if it’s an extension of one’s kitchen, dining room, closet and office. There’s usually one within a few blocks. Sure you can get the usual convenience store packaged foods andContinue reading “Daily Delights – What a Convenience Store Can Be (7-11)”
Food – Hot Pot Central
There’s a chill in the air these days and the hot pot is the perfect go to meal. In fact, I would wager it is the most common restaurant format in Taiwan. We are not experts yet on the varieties but one can find individual or shared pot formats with places specializing or not specializingContinue reading “Food – Hot Pot Central”
Daily Delights – Temples Galore
One will not be far from a temple in Taiwan. There are grand old ones dating from the 1600’s, new ones mimicking the old styles, and there are small ones tucked in between buildings or in someone’s garage. My understanding is Taiwan is about 1/3 Buddhist, 1/3 Taoist, and 1/3 Christian, but all co-exist inContinue reading “Daily Delights – Temples Galore”
Everyday Dan Bing 