Taiwan: Intro

Hi friends! Aaron and I went on a great adventure to Taiwan last week. I can't wait to tell you all about our family, the food we ate, and all of the new memories we created. We had 7 full days in Taiwan. Traveling to and from Taiwan took about a day each way. We made pretty good use of our week, as we balanced time with family, hanging out in the city, and going on several hikes.

Quick facts:

Photo cred: acunsurba.blog.com

• Taiwan is located in Asia--east of China, south of Japan and Korea, and north of the Philippines. 
• My parents were born and raised in Taiwan. They met and got married in Taiwan.
• East Taiwan is mostly mountainous. 

Jiufen, Taiwan

• Its climate is described as tropical. We were thankful to miss any major rain storms during our visit. 

Observations we took away from our week in Taiwan:

• Driving, walking, and biking in the city is similar to playing Mario Kart, but you only have one life. 
• There are motorcycles everywhere. 
• There is no such thing as yielding to pedestrians. 
• People do not use hand signals when biking.
• Forget saying "to your left." 
• Ride and walk at your own risk. 

Riding around National Taiwan University's campus. 

• Summers are hot and humid. We were not even visiting during the hottest time of the year. 
• Central air conditioning does not exist in most homes. There is usually an AC unit in each room. 

Yes, that's sweat. Yes, we just climbed a mountain!

• People on this side of the world are on their phones 24/7. Just like us. 

My sweet uncles (mom's brothers).

•  Technology isn't all bad. Face timing is fun! 

                                       

•  Taiwan has the BEST food. Also some weird food....

I think I am picking out something I didn't like in the soup and giving it to my uncle. 

• We saw a myriad of signs like this all over the city. 

The signs displayed things from special parking spots for ladies, designated waiting areas for women waiting for the subway at night, to being cautious when stepping over a mirrored floor at Taipei 101. 

I will be sharing more stories and pictures in the coming weeks. I am currently jet-lagged and willing myself to get back on a regular sleep schedule.  Happy Summer, ya'll!