But first things first:
WEATHER
I arrived in Tapei, Taiwan's capital in April, just when Taiwan's rainy spring ended. The beginning of summer which follows is usually quite wet and aptly called "Plum Rain Season". After that the temperatures go into the mid 30s (celsius), it gets really humid and torrents of rain come down every afternoon. Late summer is cooler with frequent rainshowers. Fall which begins in late October has mild temperatures with heavy rainfalls. Winter is not very comfortable because it is humid, cold and raining very often.
FOOD
If you want to eat dogs, go to mainland China. If you want to eat the giant seasquid from the National Geography docu movie or whale meat, go to Japan. If you want to ruin your stomach go to India. Food in Taiwan is delicious, plenty and not dangerous.
LANGUAGE
Chinese is difficult. After 8 weeks of diligent study I finally can order beer and ask for directions or say "Please talk slower, I am foreign devil". Luckily, English is understood widely (see below)
ECONOMY
Taiwan's umbrella manufacturers reported record profits for the 62nd year in a row. Shares of Sleazy Hostess-Bars Association Group (SHAG), the country's premier industrial conglomerate remain stable. As Taiwan's premier pondered publicly about going to war with Japan because a fishing vessel bounced into a Japanese patrol boat, analysts recommend buying stocks of US arms suppliers.
CULTURE
Silence and calm are perceived by the Taiwanes as a vacuum (Ying) which must instantly be filled by something (Yang). Hence, loudspeakers from shops are blaring at full speed and public transportation has deafening announcements. If there is a moment of quiescence at home, Taiwanese tend to switch on one or more of the following at full volume or speed: hairdryer, vacuum cleaner, television. Then they continue the dinner table conversation.
If you are interested in Taiwan's night life, please continue reading here for further instructions.
ENGLISH IN TAIWAN
I picked Taiwan because it is easy to get by with English. Partly, as with English in the colonies such as the U.S. or Singapore, the usage is a bit different.
For instance, if you walk up to any woman on the street, saying "Wanko?" and make a suggestive gesture, you will be understood immediately.
Asking for a Tit will get you an apartment in a prime city location or will enroll you in university.
This pretty domain name is already been taken by Tourism in Taiwan.
WHAT ELSE
What else is Taiwan famous for? Cheap electronics, R&R for Vietnam-weary US soldiers, and ... of course TANGO! Toytown ladies watch out! When Leisure Suit Larry returns to Germany, not only will he be fluent in Mandarin but also an expert Tango dancer!
FURTHER READING
ChinesePod - to listen to actual Chinese being spoken http://chinesepod.com/
Betel Nut Girls - get high on their nuts or their looks http://www.flickr.com/photos/tobie_opensha...57594581621891/
Some political blahblah - if you are really interested http://taiwanmatters.blogspot.com/
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