I would imagine that if you have some grasp on Mandarin Chinese (and even a
little Taiwanese), you should be just fine. I will ask my fiance to ask his
parents (who live there) what things are like with the current protests. Be
sure to check out Hualien (and see Tai-lu-guh) but consider calling a guide or having a rental car. Alishan is well worth the trip, and the culture/history
stuff in Tainan is pretty cool. Of all the night markets, my favorite one is
definitely the one in Jeelung…so check that out. :)

The trains are very easy to get around on (and cheap), so think about taking
trains to many places. Push yourself to struggle with speaking with as many
people as you can…that’s the fastest way to learn!

i cannot say much … because i was born there but i don’t live there now…
all i can say that you HAVE TO go to Kenting (I don’t know if that spells like this), in the south of Taiwan…with the famous beach, and their nightmarkeeeeeet !!!! (my love!)

Hi Sanupy,
You should visit Eastern Taiwan!! Have you heard about the Taroko National Park?

No need to worry about the demonstration, we Taiwanese are so friendly, even the
protesters. :p
Enjoy your trip and food there!

A sad and hungry Taiwanese @ Holland

Sanupy,

I am a US citizen that lived in Taiwan for 2 years, and I was over there in May and August of this year also.

The Taiwanese are peaceful people.  There is no need to worry about the protests.  It might cause you inconvenience with transporation if the situation continues, but this is not like protests in Greece or Somalia.  Taiwanese protests are usually very peaceful. Rowty, but peaceful, and that is what has been going on.  Peaceful protests calling on President Chen to step down over corruption allegations.

As with any large crowd demonstration, it is best to avoid them when they do occur just in case.

The Taiwanese are very active and energetic politically.  It is a safe and vibrant democracy, but I'll tell you they really get into it.  They make our election rallies look like childs play!  Drums and street teams and even fireworks sometimes, and of course flyers and colors everywhere.

The East Coast is my favorite place to go hands down.  Toroka Gorge is awesome, and busses leave HuaLian every day from the train station.  Hang Gliding near LuYeh.  Beautiful little hike on a Chinese bridge out to an island at the scenic SanXianTai.  Just the train ride is awesome.  TaiDong has some of the best Aboriginal culture items including the pre-history museum.  And KenDing at the southern tip of the island tops it off.  If you have even more time, hike YuShan, or go to some of the other sites in the mountains.  West coast really isn't all that cool relatively speaking.

Zhu Ni Hao Yun!

I say go to the South. Avoid big cities like Taipei and Kaoshiung. Go to Ping Tung, my hometown. Go to the National Park there and enjoy the sandy beaches. Taste the variety of food at the Night Market. Go visit the temples. There are always a lot of things to do, to experience the real Taiwan once you get away from the crowded places.

sushiman007

The protest is nothing to worry about, I am living in the capital and feel no change in my every day life. Only when I watch the news do I know about the event. There will probably be more protests, but they will likely remain peaceful.

Thanks everyone! Haha – I didn’t realize that there is a character limit on questions, but ya’ll practically answered my question without my really asking it :) It sounds like Taipei is still pretty safe, and the East coast sounds gorgeous (hang gliding!) Thanks again for the reponses. Any other suggestions and must-see’s?

Xiexie da jia!