Jiufen: Being Spirited Away
There are a couple of places out there that you’d want to visit JUST because they’re in a movie. Everyone wants to be Leonardo Di Caprio on the beach of Koh Phi Phi. In Taiwan, one place has been the ultimate destination for movie buffs, Jiufen. People believe this town inspired the critically acclaimed Japanese anime…
The Battle of the Pork: The Uproar in Taiwan
There are many ways tensions can be raised in countries. Political friction, presidential elections and government decisions over health concerns are just some of the things we’re experiencing right now in the West. Taiwan on the other hand has recently had one of the strangest causes of unrest between its citizens and has even ended…
Sun Moon Lake: A Cultural Rollercoaster
Though the border was still closed in Taiwan, a national holiday was quickly approaching, and I’d be damned if I missed an opportunity to travel! There were still plenty of places in Taiwan itself that I was yet to see. The question was, where should we go? Jess and I ran through our options until…
COVID in Taiwan: The Secret of Success
Currently, the majority of the world is experiencing a small-scale apocalypse. The entire globe has come to a complete standstill as it suffers through the worst global pandemic in centuries. I wouldn’t know anything about that, as I’m currently living in Taiwan, a country which has almost completely avoided any negative impact from COVID-19 and…
Beitou in 1 Day
Taipei is a city with some incredible variety throughout its far reaching districts. However, only one area has had the privilege of hosting Taiwan’s movie industry elite, Japanese geishas and considered the home of Taiwan’s hot spring culture. The district is Beitou, one that exudes incomparable charm while being both historically and cultural significance. Along…
Travel Guide: Tainan
Tainan is a city with more historical significance than any other in Taiwan. Not only is it the country’s ancient capital, but was also home to some of the earliest forms of civilisation. The national hero Kongxia drove out the Dutch colonials from Taiwan’s oldest city and gave the country its first taste of independence.…
Ludao: Prisons and Paradise
Many countries around the world have their tropical paradise islands. America has Hawaii, Spain has Mallorca and Japan has Okinawa. For Taiwan, it’s Ludao. After spending the last 3 days on the island of Lanyu, a place which holds true to its traditional aboriginal ways, it was time to travel to the island which it…
Lanyu: An Aboriginal Way of Life
With the world slowly recovering from the lockdown, borders have only just started opening again. Sadly for many, it’s still a little soon to return to travelling normality. Luckily, Taiwan has managed to avoid the worst of it, completely evading any sort of lockdown. With that in mind, and my annual summer vacation quickly approaching,…
China vs. Taiwan: The Difference
There’s a very annoying interaction I’m forced to go through regularly while travelling the world. It begins with a simple introduction and one simple question that every traveller is asked. “Where are you from?” “I’m from Wales.” “Oh, you’re from England?” “…” Almost on a daily basis, I’m pissed off as people mistake my country…
Tainan: First Taiwanese Adventure
I have never seen the purpose of planning too far into the future. Fate is a mysterious creature that can change your path in an instant and without warning. Taiwan was only intended to be a stepping-stone on my adventure, a quick detour off the path. Little did I predict that Taiwan would become yet…