Post: #1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xI-7l3_U...ature=plcp

A lot of you guys would be interested 5:25 into it

Post: #2

Is this really your video?

I'm 70% through the first video and it's pretty entertaining so far. I like it. Nice breakdowns of the food, chewing tobacco, etc. However, not much mention of connecting with the local talent yet...

Hopefully I just haven't gotten far enough in the videos.

Post: #3

I havent' watched the video, but has anyone here spent LONG periods of time in Taiwan. I'm interested in knowing it's potential as a permanent, or long-term home in Southeast Asia.

Advantages? Disadvantages? Details?

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #4

BB,

Is thailand at the top of your list?

(11-12-2012 05:58 PM)Beyond Borders Wrote:  I havent' watched the video, but has anyone here spent LONG periods of time in Taiwan. I'm interested in knowing it's potential as a permanent, or long-term home in Southeast Asia.

Advantages? Disadvantages? Details?

Post: #5

(11-12-2012 06:43 PM)ORLY Wrote:  BB,

Is thailand at the top of your list?

(11-12-2012 05:58 PM)Beyond Borders Wrote:  I havent' watched the video, but has anyone here spent LONG periods of time in Taiwan. I'm interested in knowing it's potential as a permanent, or long-term home in Southeast Asia.

Advantages? Disadvantages? Details?

Not at all. I did live there before, as you may have already noticed, and will spend a lot more time there but have already decided it won't do as a permanent home for several reasons. A few of them being that there is a certain level of danger there (even if people like to sugorcoat or ignore it or never take off their rose-colored glasses) and that the laws are pretty anti-foreigner. Other issues are the pollution and complete lack of surfing destinations.

That's why I'm asking about Taiwan. I heard they are a little more welcoming to foreigners, real estate and business-wise (though I haven't researched this), it's less of a popular destination for foreigners (so I'd expect less resentment and being jaded, etc), and I've read they have some great surf.

Other than that I don't know much about the country beyond the airport. Definitely want to visit.

EDIT: Wanted to add that I was very, very impressed by the local "talent" just in the airport...I have a feeling there might very well be some real honeys in Taiwan. Can anyone confirm?

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #6

(11-12-2012 03:41 PM)Technics Wrote:  Is this really your video?

I'm 70% through the first video and it's pretty entertaining so far. I like it. Nice breakdowns of the food, chewing tobacco, etc. However, not much mention of connecting with the local talent yet...

Hopefully I just haven't gotten far enough in the videos.

If ORLY is Eddie Huang, I'm Dhani Jones.

WIA

Post: #7

(11-12-2012 07:02 PM)Beyond Borders Wrote:  

(11-12-2012 06:43 PM)ORLY Wrote:  BB,

Is thailand at the top of your list?

(11-12-2012 05:58 PM)Beyond Borders Wrote:  I havent' watched the video, but has anyone here spent LONG periods of time in Taiwan. I'm interested in knowing it's potential as a permanent, or long-term home in Southeast Asia.

Advantages? Disadvantages? Details?

Not at all. I did live there before, as you may have already noticed, and will spend a lot more time there but have already decided it won't do as a permanent home for several reasons. A few of them being that there is a certain level of danger there (even if people like to sugorcoat or ignore it or never take off their rose-colored glasses) and that the laws are pretty anti-foreigner. Other issues are the pollution and complete lack of surfing destinations.

That's why I'm asking about Taiwan. I heard they are a little more welcoming to foreigners, real estate and business-wise (though I haven't researched this), it's less of a popular destination for foreigners (so I'd expect less resentment and being jaded, etc), and I've read they have some great surf.

Other than that I don't know much about the country beyond the airport. Definitely want to visit.

EDIT: Wanted to add that I was very, very impressed by the local "talent" just in the airport...I have a feeling there might very well be some real honeys in Taiwan. Can anyone confirm?

I can confirm. Even before arriving in Taiwan, from LAX airport I could see a bunch of hot Taiwanese babes that were gonna board the same plane as me.

After arriving in Taiwan, walking on the streets and malls of Taipei, and specially the MRT (Metro Station) I would spot a super hot/beatiful Taiwanese chick every 5 minutes. It was crazy!

However, I have a severe case of yellow fever.

Post: #8

(11-12-2012 08:43 PM)FretDancer Wrote:  I can confirm. Even before arriving in Taiwan, from LAX airport I could see a bunch of hot Taiwanese babes that were gonna board the same plane as me.

After arriving in Taiwan, walking on the streets and malls of Taipei, and specially the MRT (Metro Station) I would spot a super hot/beatiful Taiwanese chick every 5 minutes. It was crazy!

However, I have a severe case of yellow fever.

As do I. Thanks for the intel. I've had my eye on the place as a possible gem for quite some time. It seems to get overlooked.

EDIT: Can someone make a proper yellow fever meme or smilie?

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #9

(11-12-2012 08:52 PM)Beyond Borders Wrote:  

(11-12-2012 08:43 PM)FretDancer Wrote:  I can confirm. Even before arriving in Taiwan, from LAX airport I could see a bunch of hot Taiwanese babes that were gonna board the same plane as me.

After arriving in Taiwan, walking on the streets and malls of Taipei, and specially the MRT (Metro Station) I would spot a super hot/beatiful Taiwanese chick every 5 minutes. It was crazy!

However, I have a severe case of yellow fever.

As do I. Thanks for the intel. I've had my eye on the place as a possible gem for quite some time. It seems to get overlooked.

EDIT: Can someone make a proper yellow fever meme or smilie?

Me too. I'm giving it a go next year for a few months. I also get the feeling it's an undiscovered gem.

Post: #10

Just read this on transitionsabroad.com:

" Japan and Korea both have long histories of xenophobia. Although they are improving, and are certainly not bad countries to live in, they are not as welcoming as Taiwan. Korean men have a reputation for being fighters, and sometimes take exception to seeing foreign men dating Korean women. Although many teachers live in Korea a long time and have no problems, incidence of violence against foreign teachers in Korea are certainly more common than in Taiwan or Japan where fights are almost unheard of.

Taiwan as a country and as a culture is very eager to join the international community. This is apparent in their treatment of foreigners. While many Taiwanese are unaccustomed to seeing foreigners, and will stare in amazement when they see us, the majority of Taiwanese are extremely eager to help and get to know us. Many teachers arrive in Taiwan and find that they need a Taiwanese person to co-sign their apartment lease. This need is usually filled surprisingly quickly by a friendly co-worker or acquaintance who—after knowing you just a week or two—is willing to take the responsibility. Foreigners are given free entrance to many bars where Taiwanese have to pay. And, although this is changing, police have been known to turn a blind eye to foreigners’ traffic violations.

Many expatriates in Taiwan liken their experience to that of being a rock star. The fast easy money, extra attention, and special treatment that they receive makes them feel like celebrities."

http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listing...iwan.shtml


Could be hype.

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #11

Nobody has pointed out yet that this is a thread. Anybody actually watch the video? At 5:25 is where they start to eat penis waffles and the faux-thuggish host gets all homophobic.

Post: #12

(11-12-2012 09:35 PM)Beyond Borders Wrote:  Just read this on transitionsabroad.com:

" Japan and Korea both have long histories of xenophobia. Although they are improving, and are certainly not bad countries to live in, they are not as welcoming as Taiwan. Korean men have a reputation for being fighters, and sometimes take exception to seeing foreign men dating Korean women. Although many teachers live in Korea a long time and have no problems, incidence of violence against foreign teachers in Korea are certainly more common than in Taiwan or Japan where fights are almost unheard of.

Taiwan as a country and as a culture is very eager to join the international community. This is apparent in their treatment of foreigners. While many Taiwanese are unaccustomed to seeing foreigners, and will stare in amazement when they see us, the majority of Taiwanese are extremely eager to help and get to know us. Many teachers arrive in Taiwan and find that they need a Taiwanese person to co-sign their apartment lease. This need is usually filled surprisingly quickly by a friendly co-worker or acquaintance who—after knowing you just a week or two—is willing to take the responsibility. Foreigners are given free entrance to many bars where Taiwanese have to pay. And, although this is changing, police have been known to turn a blind eye to foreigners’ traffic violations.

Many expatriates in Taiwan liken their experience to that of being a rock star. The fast easy money, extra attention, and special treatment that they receive makes them feel like celebrities."

http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listing...iwan.shtml


Could be hype.

I've never been to Korea or Japan so I can't compare but some things in that article seem like hype. I find people to be really nice but I don't feel like a rock star or celebrity. Both Taiwanese men and women are very nice. One example was when I left my wallet in a taxi and someone found it and called my boss since his business card was in the wallet. I picked it up the next day. Also people are generally very polite.

The thing about foreigners not having to pay to get into clubs is false. Also it is quite easy to hook up with the girls but I'm never out right approached by attractive girls even being an above average looking dude. On the other hand you can catch girls glancing your way or giving you other signals. Some nights I will feel like I'm on fire when in the club and then other nights will be very average.

Post: #13

delete

Post: #14

(11-12-2012 11:08 PM)Soma Wrote:  Nobody has pointed out yet that this is a thread. Anybody actually watch the video? At 5:25 is where they start to eat penis waffles and the faux-thuggish host gets all homophobic.

I actually thought the video was hilarious. But I am still not sure if the OP is this so called Eddie Huang.

Could be a

Post: #15

(11-13-2012 12:58 AM)FretDancer Wrote:  

(11-12-2012 11:08 PM)Soma Wrote:  Nobody has pointed out yet that this is a thread. Anybody actually watch the video? At 5:25 is where they start to eat penis waffles and the faux-thuggish host gets all homophobic.

I actually thought the video was hilarious. But I am still not sure if the OP is this so called Eddie Huang.

Could be a

Doubt he's Eddie Huang given that he hasn't yet left stateside.

Post: #16

The more I look into Taiwan the more I like what I see. Crime looks low, especially for Southeast Asia. Food delicious. infrastructure and amenities up-to-date compared to other countries in the region. Girls are hot and down for foreigners (not all, of course). And some of these coastal scenes look invitingly close to the scenery in Kauai.

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #17

(11-14-2012 02:00 AM)Beyond Borders Wrote:  The more I look into Taiwan the more I like what I see. Crime looks low, especially for Southeast Asia. Food delicious. infrastructure and amenities up-to-date compared to other countries in the region. Girls are hot and down for foreigners (not all, of course). And some of these coastal scenes look invitingly close to the scenery in Kauai.

Yes Taiwan seems like a pretty good option. IMO better than China.

Post: #18

I've had my sights on it for a while now. Am in SE Asia, and looking to get to Taipei very soon.

What appeals to me:

-Mandarin (i.e. a cool asian language actually worth learning lol)
-all the Taiwanese I've met were very friendly and seemed like educated, modernised, "developed" people
-Happy to have foreigners there! (so I hear) It gets old being just tolerated, with everyone assuming you're a sex tourist sometimes lol.
-Alot of interesting cultural influences... native taiwanese, spanish, dutch, japanese, exiled chinese, they've all run the island at some point. cool
-seems like they have something they're "fighting for" culturally (i.e. international recognition of their existence). Some fire in their hearts perhaps, some cultural purpose beyond eating and iphones. I miss that.

Dunno if this will pan out as per my fantasy. Will see in a couple of weeks hopefully.

Post: #19

(11-14-2012 05:08 AM)RichieP Wrote:  I've had my sights on it for a while now. Am in SE Asia, and looking to get to Taipei very soon.

What appeals to me:

-Mandarin (i.e. a cool asian language actually worth learning lol)
-all the Taiwanese I've met were very friendly and seemed like educated, modernised, "developed" people
-Happy to have foreigners there! (so I hear) It gets old being just tolerated, with everyone assuming you're a sex tourist sometimes lol.
-Alot of interesting cultural influences... native taiwanese, spanish, dutch, japanese, exiled chinese, they've all run the island at some point. cool
-seems like they have something they're "fighting for" culturally (i.e. international recognition of their existence). Some fire in their hearts perhaps, some cultural purpose beyond eating and iphones. I miss that.

Dunno if this will pan out as per my fantasy. Will see in a couple of weeks hopefully.

Have fun and keep us posted!

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #20

Taiwan is closer to Korea and Japan in terms of attitudes, they're warmer than mainlanders. As for the language, it's not as close to mainland as one would think

Post: #21

(11-14-2012 06:01 AM)clever alias Wrote:  Taiwan is closer to Korea and Japan in terms of attitudes, they're warmer than mainlanders. As for the language, it's not as close to mainland as one would think

How so? Is it just that they have different dialects in Beijing/ Shanghai etc?

I've been told it's a great place to learn standard Mandarin, what do you think?

Post: #22

Dialects are overrated. I haven't met anyone under 60 who only speaks a dialect, if someone has dialect problems, it's either an accent they can't understand or they have poor pronunciation. Some words are just different, for example, mainland says and as he(2) and Taiwan says it as han(2). And then there's the character problem

Post: #23

(11-14-2012 07:21 AM)clever alias Wrote:  Dialects are overrated. I haven't met anyone under 60 who only speaks a dialect, if someone has dialect problems, it's either an accent they can't understand or they have poor pronunciation. Some words are just different, for example, mainland says and as he(2) and Taiwan says it as han(2). And then there's the character problem

Also mainlanders speak with an R sound 儿 on some words at the end of them, this does not occur with Taiwanese. I find it a little funny and since I am not used to it its hard to understand sometimes.

Post: #24

(11-14-2012 10:48 AM)FretDancer Wrote:  

(11-14-2012 07:21 AM)clever alias Wrote:  Dialects are overrated. I haven't met anyone under 60 who only speaks a dialect, if someone has dialect problems, it's either an accent they can't understand or they have poor pronunciation. Some words are just different, for example, mainland says and as he(2) and Taiwan says it as han(2). And then there's the character problem

Also mainlanders speak with an R sound 儿 on some words at the end of them, this does not occur with Taiwanese. I find it a little funny and since I am not used to it its hard to understand sometimes.

That is exclusively a northern pronunciation. Southerners rarely use the r sound. A thick southern accent is more like the Taiwanese

Post: #25

Those nature pics above are nice and all, but here's another aspect of the country that has also piqued my interest: