Welcome to Taiwan Travails.
This page is intended to serve as an introduction to travel around the island of Taiwan, or Formosa (the Beautiful Island), as the Portuguese once named it. While parts of Taiwan are heavily populated/industrialized, and could hardly be considered "beautiful", there are still many places in Taiwan that are stunningly beautiful and are well worth visiting. This web site will mainly focus on these "still beautiful" locations, such as the East Coast, the Mountain Area, the National Parks, and the Outlying Islands.
Please note that this guide was written both by and for the Middle-aged, Slightly Overweight, Overpayed, Ugly-American type travelers, who have sufficient disposable income to make the unexpected travel inconveniences go away. (you know, guys like me....) I really don't know or care which bus goes where, and I don't want to stay in either youth hostels or flea bag hotels. If one is looking for "Taiwan on a Shoestring" type travel, then the Lonely Planet Guide Books would be more than recommended.
When traveling overseas, it is important to try to understand the local cultures of the host countries. So, some effort will be made to try and explain the various unique cultural oddities of Taiwan, from Dragon Boats to Ghost Money to Red Bombs to Betel Nut Girls. It may seem strange to those who haven't spent time here, but after spending 10 years in Asia, I instinctively grab my garbage and dash for the door whenever I hear the the opening passage from "Fur Elise" echoing down the street. This and other unique aspects of Taiwan life will be covered on this web site.
Tourist traveling is is a worthwhile endevour. It is, however, rather pointless if there aren't some cold Heinekens somewhere in the mix. So, with that in mind, some time/effort will be devoted to the location and disposal of cold beers here in Taiwan. One cannot properly appreciate travel without a little lubrication to give it a little perspective.
For me, the ideal weekend activity is a long hike in the morning, followed by an afternoon Hot Spring soak, and then topped off with an evening of cold beers and Cuban cigars. With these goals in mind, LET'S SET OFF INTO THE TAIWANESE WILDERNESS....
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