Surprisingly but then not really Taiwan delivered all that we expected and much more. In only 3 weeks of traveling we drove through an impressive gorge in Taroko, surfed great waves in Kenting and experienced two typhoons and one earthquake. However best of all has been having the opportunity to meet Taiwanese people, whose charming, friendly and helpful nature has been with us everywhere we have been. Because of this and more they are now at the top of my “Friendliest people on Earth” list (sorry Costa Ricans, I’ll have to go back and double check if things have changed, but at any rate you are in a very close second position) and would like to thank all of you, particularly the following people:
1)The Pai Family: Thank you Ken for your hospitality and help, making us feel at home away from home. From help in finding accommodation to taking us sightseeing we simply cannot ask for more. Thanks Jason and Eleanor for your help and kindness, we really appreciate your friendship and look forward to see you again.
2) In Ludong: Thanks Jenny for taking us all over your city. We had a great time and enjoyed your enthusiasm very much.
3) In Hualien: Thanks Dawson for taking us to the night market and inviting us to local cuisine, as well as helping me find an adapter for my laptop. Stay in touch!
4) In Kenting: Thanks to the Chang family for driving us to Kaohsiung, offering us all the goodies and dropping us in front of our hotel.
5) In Kaohsiung: Thanks to the students at the tourist information center at the Love River promenade. Helping us look for cheap flights and asking a cop for his helmet to drive me on your scooter to the travel agency and finalize the purchase was way out of your job.
Kudos to all!
The best thing about the Taiwanese people is the fact that they really want to help you out because that’s the way they are – not because they feel they have to help a stupid tourist 😉
I didn’t stay there more than four days myself, but I had several ecnounters with locals who were nothing but nice to me. Though I gotta admit, the food wasn’t the best in the world :p
I don’t find it surprising that you walked away with such a good impression, they are really into mmaking you feel comfortable. I remember this one day I was walking downa street and some contruction worker shouted from a fourth floor (or so)
“Hey you, where are you from?”
“From Spain, I replied” a bit unsure of where this was going to. Bu then his reply was
“Ohhh…very nice, wlecome to Taiwan, have a nice day!” and then went on with his business.
I don’t think I have felt so welcome anywhere else. I did like the food as well though, there is a lot of variety in my opinion 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Sounds like you met some great people. Awesome and wow, you had quite the experiences with Mother Nature too!
We were surprised to find out just how much Taiwan has to offer, particularly from the people, but then from nature too! The earthquakes were not as fun though!
OMG!!! That’s my twin brother Jason!!! Y(^_^)Y Oh, Jason forgot his daughter here in Seattle. Although I’m stuck here in the States, I miss it there in Taiwan. But my goodness, it seems you guys have travelled everywhere! I look forward to reading more of your travel blogs! (^_^)
Now if you found this post by accident it must have been one big surprise! We had a blast in Taiwan…now wonder you miss it. Look forward to seeing you John!
Federico
Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now. Keep it up!
And according to this article, I totally agree with your opinion, but only this time! 🙂