Help! My Taiwan Trip Revealed My Mental Health is Toast.

[Lula Schmidt]

Wow, it was like a dream that transported me back in time when I first visited Taiwan!

• Those bustling night market food streets and old towns that can only be found in my dreams are still there, not a bit of them has changed.
• The street vendors selling balloon games that I used to play in childhood are also still present, providing an overwhelming sense of nostalgia!
• Young people on motorcycles heading towards Fishing Light Island (a beautiful city in Tainan where visitors can watch the sunset) with motorcycle being one of the most common means of transportation in Taiwan.
• In the Ten Divisions Old Street (a particularly famous small town in New Taipei City for sky lantern releases), wishful sky lanterns adorned with everyone's wishes slowly lift up into the sky, creating a beautiful scene.
• There are many seemingly ordinary and unspectacularly decorated small eateries, each one better than the other in taste, and they bring a string of surprises to every traveler.
• Overall impression is that we have grown and aged while those timeless memories of Taiwan remain intact without being covered by high-rise modern buildings, and everything keeps its original flavor.
• Taiwan is truly a magical place, it delivers pleasure which relaxes your body (like mouth-watering cuisine!), as well as soothes your heart, finding a sense of belonging.

• Travel Fun & Tips:

When just arrive in Tainan (a city southern Taiwan known for all kinds of traditional snacks!) excitedly headed for a favorite restaurant only to find out that according to map app, the restaurant will get closed 30 minutes later.
I very carefully asked the shopkeeper if I could still order dishes. The shop owner couldn't help laughing, saying sarcastically, "If you cannot order dishes already why am I still keeping the door open?" (meaning "Of course you can order some! Why would I keep open without customers?")
To be honest, I felt a bit awkward, as an outsider I might have asked a stupid question, almost thinking the owner called me crazy.

• For foreign friends:
  • Do not be afraid to ask: Many small store owners in Taiwan are casual and straightforward. Sometimes their speaking style may sound a little harsh, but actually, they generally have no malice at all, rather a kind of close humor. Feel free to ask!
  • Business hours: Small restaurants' business hours sometimes do vary. The information from maps apps is just for reference. If a place is nearing closing time, asking directly is the best choice, and you might end up with surprises!