I've just returned from a 9 day trip to Taiwan!

Top Five things to know about before visiting Taiwan
1. It is more expensive than you think. Even through 30TWD=1USD, the prices are all fairly equivalent to American prices for goods like clothing and shoes. The exception being food. Also if you plan on visiting, bring the latest US currency to exchange (meaning the numbers on the bills should start with F) because otherwise there is a 30TWD surcharge each for old bills. Although if you exchange all that you have at the airport (and you should do it there because it's cheaper), there is a flat fee of 30TWD.

2. There are crazy scooter drivers who use the traffic laws as a reference. Even the dogs here know to look both ways before they cross the street.

3. The heat is already unbearable in May. Especially if you are from MA where it is only really hot in July and August. The heat is humid and I felt sticky and dirty all day.

4. If you visit the national parks, wear sneakers, bring long sleeves and pants, and lots of bug spray. LOTS of bug spray. The bugs are huge and venomous. For example, my sister and I visited Taroko National Park where a giant bee the size of a dime hovered. The guide said "don’t make sudden movements or that huge bear bee will bite you and you will die because its bite is venomous." My initial reaction was to freeze, my sister's was to jump behind me.

5. The sun is very strong. Our suntan lotion had been confiscated in customs (it was larger than 3.5 oz) and we didn't buy suntan lotion (which is expensive) until much too late. I went straight to burn so if you go to Taiwan, buy lots of 3.5 oz bottles, and go Asian and buy a parasol/wear a hat everywhere.

Five places I visited that I recommend
1. National Parks( I cheated a bit here) Taroko National Park, Kenting National Park and Yeliou National Park (It is right by the water and is famous for its odd stone formations. Also they don't yell at you if you cross the red line warning not to cross. Of course, none of the tour groups followed that mandate because the prettier picture was across the red line.)

2. Chiang Kai Shek Memorial - Great for pictures and inside remember to go downstairs where there are galleries.

3. National Palace Museum - Although I didn't get a chance, I've heard the gardens are absolutely splendid and admission for students (even foreign ones) are half! So remember your student IDs!l

4. Suao - which is famous for its cold (as opposed to hot) springs. The water has healing properties! Also there is only one other cold spring which is in Venice, Italy.

5. 101 Taipei which is the tallest building and in one of the informational panels it lists the Boston Big Dig as one of the top 5 construction wonders (bwhahahah)

Top Five Things about Taiwan that makes it an amazing place to visit

1. The transportation system – Completely electronic, much better than New York or Boston in terms of efficiency, cleaniliness, and so easy to understand. Everyone there actually queues!

2. The people - they are so friendly, helpful, and polite. Such a contrast to New York and Boston. When you enter a store, they instantly welcome you. Although I think Americans may find it a bit intrusive when they ask you if you need anything every few minutes you are there.

3. The natural beauty - Taiwan is the land that natural beauty blessed. The mountains, sky, coastline, and water are just so wonderful. I wished I was a better photographer because everything I saw just couldn't be captured on film.

4. The food - No one here has to cook because there are food stalls everywhere and the food here is good, filling, and cheap!

5. The fruit - There are so many varieties - I had guava, sweet melon, dragonfruit, cranberries, pineapple, these pink fruits that are shaped like pears, papaya and everything is fresh off a branch!

I'm so tired though! It took me a total of about 26 hours to travel (including layovers). I had actually brought a book with me but I never even opened it because I discovered that I have the amazing ability to sleep for 16 hours straight, only awaking for the food breaks.

I hope to recover from my jet lag soon because I start work tomorrow!