Blogs from Hsinchu, Taiwan, Asia

Saturday, 18th August 2012 This was not a typical Saturday as we headed out of Taipei for our journey to the city of Hsinchu, about 90km southwest from where we were staying. Travelling by the TRA Chu Kang Express took a good 2 hours as the train was making frequent stops along the way. Still, it was a comfortable experience as the train meandered through the Taiwanese countryside, dotted with farms and greenery. 12.49pm. The iconic Hsinchu Train Station greeted us as soon as our train arrived. Built in 1893, two years before Japanese colonisation of Taiwan, the art-deco structure was every photographers' dreams. With about another hour to go before our connecting train to Zhuzhong (Liujia Line) and Neiwan (Neiwan Line), we headed to the Sogo Departmental Store to grab a quick lunch from Yamazaki ... read more

Taiwan is the shit! Bus gets a flat tire on the expressway? No problem...keep on truckin'. Sidewalk too crowded with people and parked scooters? No problem...walk on the road. Feel like crossing an intersection against a red light and 6-lane traffic? No problem...just step out and they'll drive around you. Taiwan is an off-the-map destination with off-the-wall traffic and out-of-this-world food. Everyone will find something enjoyable about the Ilha Formosa (Beautiful Isle). Taiwan is blessed with some of the best cuisine in the world, thanks in part to the influence of aboriginal peoples, Chinese immigrants, and Japanese occupation. While restaurant decor is usually less than desirable, the food makes up for any aesthetic shortcomings - it's cheap, aromatic, and delicious. The only exception might be stinky tofu, which looks, smells, and probably tastes like it was ... read more