Travel | Getting Ready for Taiwan

Right now, I am sipping on some Dong Ding Oolong tea and having wanderlust filled daydreams. In one week, Preston & I will be taking a 1 am flight to Taiwan. Our new year’s resolution was to travel more. We enjoyed our weekend trip to Seattle and are excited to take our first international trip together. It will be way outside of our comfort zones, but we can’t wait! I am frantically trying to finish up everything at work, so I can completely, mentally get away from that hustling NYC life.

Whenever we told people we were going to Taiwan, we were quizzically asked, “Why Taiwan?” So I thought I’d share some background in our decision. One, tea houses and mountains-including the tea house that inspired the bathhouse in Spirited Away! We had both been to European countries before and wanted to go somewhere completely different. So, we went with Asia. But, we didn’t want to go the usual Japan or Thailand route (though one day we definitely will!) Taiwan is a bit off the beaten path making flights and experiences much less expensive. Another reason-in high school, I hosted foreign-exchange students from Taipei. I’m excited to reconnect with them and to see their country.

I have been compiling a list of things we hope to do during our 10 day stay. From larger day trips to small, simple things. I thought I’d share some of them as well as ask your advice, suggestions, and tips!

Night Market in Taipei
Eat a pineapple cake from a bakery
Jiufen Tea House
Bubble Tea
Test some Asian beauty products
Taroko Gorge
Alishan Train Ride & Sea of Clouds
Fireflies in Alishan
Kenting National Park

Share your suggestions in the comments below!