Stories of Taiwan

Truth be told, I knew nothing about Taiwan except my connecting flights en route to my final destination. It has not been at the top of my vacation list, but I was thrilled to hear that my father wanted to take me to explore the country with which he has a deep-rooted connection.

Taiwan, an island of untouched beauty,

boasts a diverse landscape with lush valleys, hills, and forests to explore. The country's capital city Taipei is one of Asia's most futuristic cities with its iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper that shines bright at night along with vibrant street food markets and delectable local cuisine. Age-old traditions are carried out faithfully in modernized communities and venues. On the island, the only thing more beautiful than the scenery is the community of people. Generous and friendly, the locals earned Taiwan a reputation as one of Asia's most travel-friendly places to visit. Located about 100 miles off the coast of mainland China, the island has a history of colonization and urban development.

Taiwanese culture has come to reflect that past with an ethnically dynamic cuisine and culture. Some of the best dishes are, by nature, inexpensive and conveniently available. Nature lovers can find serenity in Taiwan’s Yangmingshan National Park and Taroko Gorge with well-marked trails leading up to breathtaking views. Sun Moon Lake and Tainan Hot Springs are natural wonders not to be missed on your trip to Taiwan if time permits. Additionally, Taichung and Kaohsiung Cities offer endless opportunities for exploration learning shopping dining making it the perfect vacation destination that you might consider paying a visit to this dreamy Pacific Island.  

This unplanned journey was rendered even more exceptional, courtesy of my father who meticulously planned it as a surprise gift to commemorate my birthday; meeting his closest friends added immense value to our shared experience, which centered on indulging in local delicacies meticulously documented in our diary, alongside the ultra-luxury accommodations we enjoyed throughout each town visited.