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t to the d · Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Posts: 5 Location: ATL

I am arriving to Hsin chu on the 17th of february, to begin a contract of a year. While I do not start teaching until after the new year I thought it would be nice to arrive during the holiday. I realize that many things will be shut down but will I be able to find a store to buy food or eat in a restaurant? what will hte atmosphere ne overall? I understand this is a time for family and people stay inside. Any input would be appreciated. thanks.

Toe Save · Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2007 1:01 am Post subject: Re: New year

MomCat · Joined: 02 Dec 2004 Posts: 297

t to the d,

Welcome to Hsinchu. I'll be off the island by the time you arrive (two weeks vacation) but hope we can meet for coffee when I'm back in town. Or, if the ATL under your name stands for Atlanta, then maybe sweet tea would be more appropriate.

7-11 is open all night, every night. And they're everywhere. Food, life necessities and newspapers in English.

You will be arriving on New Years Day. Many Hsinchuites have left the city to spend the holidays in their home town.

Expect whatever modes of transportation you'll be taking to be problematic.

There will be lots of activity at the temples, of which there are only slightly fewer than the 7-11s. Worship here is much more casual than most places. If you're curious about the activities at the temples, walk on in (the door on the right), no one will mind.

If you're near the "downtown" area. (You'll know it by the old gate in the middle of a traffic circle) look for the Sogo. It's a tall building and the sign can be seen from a distance, it's near the train station. There's a supermarket in the basement.

Across from the Sogo there's a Starbucks and a large book store with a small selection of titles in English in the same building. You can buy a map of Hsinchu in the book store - they may have one with limited English.

Almost every bus goes to that area. Look for busses that have a single or double digit number on them (if they do go downtown they will say Train Station, or Main Station - sorry I can't remember exactly what it is). They're the city busses. They all cost 15NTD no matter how far you go. To find a bus stop look on the street for a bus sized rectangle with writing in it. There should be a sign on a pole that has the numbers of the busses that stop. To stop a bus raise your hand and flap your fingers down. Toss your money in the little box and off you go. Ride to the last stop. If it's not downtown, get back on the bus and ride the other way to the end. Near the train station you'll find a plethora of familiar fast food places. And a nice, but not thrilling, walking area. Be aware that the bus will probably leave the downtown area from a different street than you came in on. Look at the signs to find you bus.

We've had a very mild winter so far this year, don't know when our luck will change. Here's the weather site I use:
http://www.cwb.gov.tw/V5e/index.htm

Good Luck,
Cat

BigWally · Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2007 3:43 am Post subject:

You know what TS...she totally is a mom! Cool

Look at all that info about places to get food, thats just like my mom, always worried on the phone that I'll be starving since they eat rice & noodles so much here...haha

t to the d · Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Posts: 5 Location: ATL

Thanks for the replies. One more question though: what sort of adapters are needed for electronics? Should I arrive with it, if needed, or can I get one there?

BigWally · Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2007 1:52 pm Post subject:

dont buy anything before coming here, if you need an adapter you can go to your local carrefour, etc. and pick them up dirt cheap, often it will be a 3 plug to 2 plug adapter, as many homes here dont have the 3rd 'ground' prong...i bought 2 for $99NT

mizzo · Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Posts: 29

you may not need an adapter. it depends where your from. people from the US and Canada don't need one. Those from England, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand do.