6/25-7/1: Taiwan
I was only in Taiwan for a short couple days, but it was some of the best days of my trip. I had been to Taiwan numerous times beforehand for abacus competitions when I was younger (Yes, I'm not kidding), but coming as a 20-something year old was a completely different experience. The food in Taiwan is to die for and will not burn a hole in your wallet. The roads are like nowhere else I've seen in Asia... a whole lane for motorcycles?! Lastly, the nature is spectacular as well... I'm starting to realize every country has pockets of amazing nature. My time here was too short, I must come back and eat all foodz! (I'm realizing I'm saying this for 90% of the countries)
Itinerary:
- Taipei (5 nights @ Meander Backpacker Hostel - one of the nicest/most expensive hostels I've been to)
- Taroko (1 night)
Highlights:
- Chilling with some long lost friends - Amy, Daisy & Leslie
- The ridiculously amazing food *drools*
- Taroko national park - motorcycling while being pincered by towering stone walls is quite an experience. (Try to get an int'l license so you can get a faster bike too :P)
- I watched a Russian opera, with mandarin subtitles, with Daisy whispering translations in my ear
- The motorcycle shop owners didn't believe that my buddy's North Carolina drivers license was real
- Public transportation is 100x better than SF - no surprises tehre
- I've got to say that people were really welcoming and friendly here
- Boba/PMT/Bubble tea. Everywhere.
Lowlights:
- Humidity/heat/sweat.
- Hostels are expensive (~$20USD) but are really nice!
