Job Discussion Forums

yaramaz · Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2005 8:32 am Post subject:

I see the bickering has shifted forums... Turkey was unusually quiet today...

Chefintaipei · Joined: 16 May 2005 Posts: 30

Taiwan's only as boring as you make it, if you really really want to make it happen you will. So, get off your arse and do something - that's my advice anyway!! As an aside - how come you've got so much free time to be bored anyway? I thought 99% of teachers here worked six day weeks, plus prep time etc, etc.

Wonder · Joined: 29 Jun 2003 Posts: 109

First of all; Are you female or male? If you are male, do your best to find a cute Taiwanese girl/woman and 50 per cent of your boring life will become lively again.

Second; me thinks you already have a scooter, so see if you can get a redone Kymco 150 CC road bike and use that for exploring the island. They suck in the city but are are 10 times better than a scooter on the highway, especially the costal highway. Should set you back about NT$20,000 and worth every penny.

My advice is go out and explore on your new road bike and don't mind getting a little lost. That's how I found some beautiful country roads with almost zero traffic and great scenery. Plus, it really impresses the babes when you show them something in their own country that they rarely see.

You won't see much interesting architecture in Taiwan but some of it is unique. The farm roads are a blast and the little, out of the way towns that have no name are fun because they never see foreigners. I went to one such town on Christmas Day and there was not a trace of Christmas deco anywhere!

Going to a new country is like learning golf. There are three simple rules in golf; Keep your head down...keep your damn head down...keep your God damn head down!

In a new country; explore...explore....EXPLORE!

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

SanChong · Joined: 22 Nov 2005 Posts: 335

There are LOTS of interesting things to do in Taiwan:

1) The nightlife in cities like Taipei, Kaoshiung and Taichung are very good

2) Learn the language!! Mandarin is a very interesting and challenging language to learn... and just learning the language will open up a LOT of new and interesting experiences for you. It's a shame how many foreigners don't try to learn the language.

3) Outdoor activities: Go hiking in Yangminshan or Alishan. Go Kayaking/ white water rafting in Hualien. Visit the National Park in Kenting. Go scuba diving there.

4) Food!! The food in Taiwan is great. There are all the same western foods as home and the variety of local food is fantastic. BBQ, Hot Pot and Hibachi are some of my local favorites.

5) Make friends with the locals! Their idea of fun can sometimes be different than ours, but it's still very interesting. Going to a tea house in the mountains with a bunch of Taiwanese friends or to restaurants you couldn't find on your own is always fun.

6) KTV! A lot of foreigners won't agree with me on this one.... but KTV (Chinese style Karaoke) is a lot of fun. Go to a KTV place with a lot of friends... drink and make a fool of yourself!

7) Get a scooter. Driving around the streets of Taiwan on a scooter is almost TOO MUCH excitement...

Saying Taiwan is boring just isn't fair. Either you aren't trying or you just don't want to live in a foreign country. There is a LOT to do here....