Taiwan: My 300-Day Love Affair (You Won't Believe What Happened!)

Love 300 days Taiwan

Taiwan: My 300-Day Love Affair (You Won't Believe What Happened!)

Taiwan: My 300-Day Love Affair (You Won't Believe What Happened!) - A Messy, Honest, and Hilariously Human Review

Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your typical cookie-cutter hotel review. I spent 300 glorious days in Taiwan – a love affair fueled by street food, scooters, and the occasional existential crisis. And, let me tell you, the hotels were a huge part of that journey. I’m here to spill the tea, the boba, and everything in between on this place. Get ready for a real rollercoaster, because some of these places were… well, let’s just say they tested my patience (and my Mandarin, which is still a work in progress haha!)

Let's Start with the Practical Stuff (Ugh, Necessary Evil!)

First off, Accessibility: Look, I’m not in a wheelchair, but I do appreciate a smooth experience. Most hotels I encountered were decent, with the usual elevator presence and facilities for disabled guests listed on their brochure (though, let's be real, sometimes these were very basic). I'd advise calling ahead if you have serious mobility needs and checking the specifics. Check-in/out [express] and contactless options were a godsend after a long flight. Especially during that late night arrival. Front desk [24-hour]? Yes, please! That constant reassuring presence during travel, in a language you don’t understand is something else.

Internet Access is a MUST (Because, Duh!)

Okay, crucial stuff. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!? Thank you, sweet baby Buddha! Seriously, this is non-negotiable for me. I needed to stay connected, blog, research the next obscure temple, and most importantly, Facetime my cat, Whiskers. Internet [LAN] was sometimes an option, but honestly, who uses LAN anymore? Wi-Fi in public areas was… patchy in some places. Embrace the disconnect, or invest in a good travel SIM. A good connection made Internet services like streaming a blessing.

Cleanliness and Safety (Because, You Know, Life!)

Listen, with the whole gestures vaguely at the world situation going on, I was hyper-aware of hygiene. Taiwan generally rocks at this. The hotels were usually spotless. Anti-viral cleaning products were definitely in use. Rooms sanitized between stays, check. Daily disinfection in common areas, check. Hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere. But here’s a funny/sad thing – one time, the “professional-grade sanitizing services” included the cleaning lady spraying directly into my open suitcase. My deodorant smelled like Purell for days. Still, safety is key. Staff trained in safety protocol, mostly good. CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property made me feel secure. Fire extinguisher? Present. Smoke alarms? You betcha.

Food, Glorious Food (My Personal Paradise!)

This is where Taiwan shines. The food is the reason to go. And the hotels? They generally got it.

• Breakfast [buffet]: Heaven! Asian and Western options are mixed. I loved the variety of Asian breakfast options like congee and dumplings, but also dug the Western breakfast if I was feeling like a pancake-eating rebel.
• Restaurants: Most had a restaurant option. A la carte in restaurant, sure. Buffet in restaurant was common. Coffee/tea in restaurant was a must.
• Room service [24-hour]: Amazing! 24-hour room service is essential. Late night cravings were usually satisfied. But if you're looking for more options, try finding an Alternative meal arrangement, to see what the restaurant has to offer!
• Snack bar: Essential for some quick bites and drinks.
• Vegetarian restaurant: Usually available a few options.

Things to Do, Ways to Relax (The “Me Time” Stuff)

Okay, let’s be real. After a day of exploring, a girl needs to unwind.

• Spa/sauna: Some places were legit. Sauna, steamroom, and spa.
• Massage: Yes, please! After all that walking and scooter riding, a good massage was essential.
• Pool with view/Swimming pool [outdoor]: This was hit or miss, mostly miss. Pools in Taiwan are often small and not that exciting.
• Fitness center: If you're feeling like a saint, there was usually a gym.

The "Wow, That Happened" Moments (My Favorite Part!)

Here's a slightly disorganized rundown of memorable experiences:

• The Hotel with the Misunderstood "Couple's Room": Booked a "couple's room" thinking it was cute. Arrived to find a heart-shaped bed, a mirrored ceiling, and a brochure advertising "romantic packages." Apparently, I was supposed to know I was booking a honeymoon suite. Never been so awkward in my life.
• The "Luxury" Hotel and the Missing Shampoo: One place bragged about "luxury amenities." Included in those amenities was… no shampoo. I had to call down and wait 20 minutes for someone to bring up a tiny, generic bottle. The irony was not lost on me. Still, this hotel had a view of the ocean from my high floor.
• The Massage Therapist with the Power Hands: I went for a massage. The woman was tiny. But her hands? Could probably pulverize granite. Best massage ever. I left feeling like a new person. And bruised.
• The Food Delivery Fiesta: Every hotel I stayed in had Food delivery and I took advantage of it!
• The Place With the Odd Room Service Menu: One hotel had a room service menu that was… let’s just say, eccentric. They had a photo of the dish and I had to order!

What's in the Rooms? (The Nitty-Gritty)

Generally good. Air conditioning, thank the gods. Free bottled water, a lifesaver. Coffee/tea maker, essential. Hair dryer, check. In-room safe box, smart. Internet access – wireless, yes. The desk was a lifesaver for blogging. Bathrobes were a nice touch in some places. Bathtub! I loved taking a bath.

Services and Conveniences (The Extras)

• Concierge: Helpful (sometimes).
• Luggage storage: Always appreciated.
• Dry cleaning/laundry service: Convenient.
• Convenience store: Awesome for late-night snacks.
• Cash withdrawal: Useful.
• Daily housekeeping: Appreciated, even if they did spray my suitcase.

For the Kids (If You Roll That Way)

I’m not a parent, but I noticed most hotels were Family/child friendly. Babysitting service? Good for parents.

Now, for the Offer! (Because You Want to Go, Don't You?)

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• Unbeatable comfort and relaxation (You know, the kind you crave during travel.)
• Delicious food, and of course the best places for a good meal!
• And most importantly, a location that makes exploring all the wonders of Taiwan a breeze.

Here's the deal: Book your stay within the next 72 hours and get a FREE upgrade to the best available room, a complimentary foot bath and an amazing free walking tour of the city's best restaurants! (trust me, you'll want that).

Don't wait! Taiwan is calling. And trust me, you won't believe what adventures await! Click here to book your unforgettable Taiwanese experience NOW!

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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitised, Insta-perfect travel guide. This is Love 300 Days in Taiwan: The Chaos Edition. And trust me, it's gonna be fun. (Probably.)

Day 1: Arrival & Taipei Tango (or, How I Almost Lost My Luggage and My Mind)

• Morning (or, What Even Time Is It?)
  • Touchdown at Taoyuan International Airport. I'm already sweating. Not just from the humidity, but from the sheer magnitude of being in Taiwan. This is it. 300 days. Gulp.
  • Immigration? Surprisingly smooth. Maybe I'm getting good at this whole "traveling" thing. (Just kidding. I'm not.)
  • Anecdote: Found myself staring blankly at the luggage carousel, convinced my giant hiking backpack, the backpack, had been lost to the abyss of international travel. Panic set in. Imagined myself foraging for survival in Taipei with only the clothes on my back. Turns out, it just took a really long time to arrive. Moral of the story? Patience, grasshopper…or, you know, maybe bring a change of underwear in your carry-on.
• Afternoon:
  • Taking the MRT (easy peasy!). It's clean, efficient, and everyone's glued to their phones. It's like the whole world is a giant, silent, scrolling competition.
  • Checked into my hostel in Ximending. It's…cozy. Okay, it’s basically a shoebox. But the air conditioning is blasting, and that's all that matters right now.
  • Quirky Observation: Taipei smells…interesting. A mix of street food, exhaust fumes, and something slightly floral I can't quite place. It's definitely not the generic "hotel lobby" scent I'm used to.
• Evening:
  • Street food exploration in Ximending! Started with a bubble tea (duh). Then, tried some…well, let’s just call them "mystery meats." One was surprisingly good, the other…well, let's just say I'm not sure what animal it came from. But hey, adventure!
  • Emotional Reaction: The sheer bustle of Ximending is overwhelming in the best way. Lights, sounds, people everywhere! I almost cried from the sheer sensory overload. In a good way, I think.
  • Got lost. Several times. Google Maps eventually guided me back to the hostel. I swear it's conspiring against me.

Day 2: Monumental Moments & Dim Sum Dilemmas

• Morning:
  • Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Epic. Like, really epic. The scale of the place is insane. I spent a solid hour just wandering around, trying to soak it all in.
  • Opinionated Language: The guard standing perfectly still at the entrance is both impressive and a little creepy. Like, how do they do that? What are they thinking about? The mysteries of humanity…
• Afternoon:
  • Taipei 101. The views are…breathtaking. Literally. That elevator ride is a blast.
  • Stream-of-Consciousness Rambling: Okay, so high up…looking down… the world looks manageable. But then you remember all the things that make you nervous. Like, "what if the wind decides to blow really hard?" Or "what if an earthquake hits while I'm in the glass observatory?!"
• Evening:
  • Dim Sum! Planned it, longed for it, waited for it. I thought I was a dim sum connoisseur. Turns out, I'm more of a "poke-it-with-chopsticks-and-hope-for-the-best" kind of girl.
  • Messy Structure and Imperfection: I ordered way, way too much food. My inner greed consumed my hunger. I waddled out of the restaurant. Feeling both satisfied and mortified.
  • Needed a nap after the dim sum incident.

Day 3: Yehliu's Wonders & Fishy Business (or, That Time I Fell in Love With a Rock)

• Morning:
  • Train to Keelung, then a bus to Yehliu Geopark. The scenery along the coast is gorgeous, even if I was squished between a school kid and a woman who smelled suspiciously of durian.
  • Anecdote: At Yehliu, I swear I fell in love with the Queen's Head rock formation. It's just… iconic. I spent a shameful amount of time taking pictures of it from every angle. "Look at this magnificent rock!" I probably looked like a complete tourism dork.
• Afternoon:
  • The fish market in Keelung. The sheer variety of seafood is mind-boggling. And the smells… oh, the smells. (In a good way, usually).
  • Doubling Down on the Experience: I decided to be adventurous. I ordered a plate of…something. I'm still not sure what it was.
• Evening:
  • Back to Taipei. Tired. Sated. Already starting to plan my escape from the city…and embrace the life of a vagabond.
  • Emotional Reaction: This trip is making me feel both exhilarating and exhausting. I see a hint of the things I want to see and experience here.

Day 4-300: (The Unwritten Chapters)

• So much to see, do, and eat! From mountains and temples to night markets and beaches, my itinerary is just the beginning.
• Expect more wrong turns, more questionable food choices, and more moments of pure, unadulterated awe. I am sure.
• Expect more emotional rollercoasters, the ups and downs of living in a place for a long time.
• Expect to read about my friends who I am sure to make.

Important Notes:

• This is my trip. Your experience will be totally different. Embrace the chaos!
• Learn some basic Mandarin. It’ll save you from a lot of awkward hand gestures. And Google Translate.
• Eat everything. Try everything. Be brave! (Or at least pretend to be.)
• Don't forget to pack a sense of humor. You'll need it.
• And most importantly, be open to the unexpected. Taiwan has a way of surprising you. You will see.

So, there you have it. My messy, opinionated, and occasionally rambling guide to Love 300 Days in Taiwan. Wish me luck, and stay tuned for more (mis)adventures! And, heck, maybe I'll actually figure out which way is up at some point. Probably not, though. ;)

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My 300-Day Love Affair (You Won't Believe What Happened!) with Taiwan - FAQ (Because Let's Be Real, You HAVE Questions)

So, 300 days... That's practically a marriage! What *was* the biggest culture shock? (Prepare for a Rant)

Okay, brace yourselves. This is a BIG ONE. It wasn't the food (though the *smells*... oh, the smells!). It wasn't the language barrier (Google Translate is my BFF, mostly). It was the **lack of personal space.** Seriously! People everywhere! On the MRT (subway), in the night markets, at karaoke (more on that later...). They *will* bump into you. They *will* stand ridiculously close. And you, a good ol' Westerner, will feel like you’re suffocating! I remember this one time… I was on a packed bus in Taipei. And this guy, he was practically *breathing* on my neck. I’m talking, I could feel his warm breath! I wanted to scream! But I was so flustered, I just awkwardly smiled and pretended I hadn't noticed. (Which, of course, only encouraged him...) It’s a level of intimacy I'm still not entirely comfortable with. And yet… you kinda get used to it. You develop this weird, awkward dance of dodging and weaving and eventually, you become a master. But the initial shock? Pure, unadulterated culture shock! It still gets me a little bit, even thinking about it!

Food! Everyone raves about Taiwanese food. What's the BEST thing you ate? (And the worst? Spill the tea!)

Okay, the BEST? Hands down, Sun Cake (太陽餅). Seriously, fluffy, flaky, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. I ate so many of those things; my dentist probably hates me. I’d buy them by the box, stuff them in my backpack, and sneak them out like some kind of candy bandit. It’s an experience, people. A *religious* experience. The WORST? Ugh, that's a tough one. There were a few contenders. But okay, I'll fess up. Stinky tofu. I tried it, I *really* tried it. I even held my nose, which, in hindsight, was a terrible strategy. It smelled like… I don’t even know. Like gym socks marinated in a dumpster fire. The taste wasn't much better. It was this… pungent, fermented taste that lingered for HOURS. My friends thought it was hilarious. I cried (internally, of course. Gotta keep up appearances). I remain firmly in the "stinky tofu is not for me" camp. Don’t @ me.

Let's talk language. How fluent did you become? (And can you *really* haggle?)

Fluent? HA! Let's just say I could order food, ask for directions, and (crucially) understand when someone was trying to rip me off. My Mandarin? Basic. My Taiwanese Hokkien (or Minnan)? Non-existent. I'd gesticulate wildly, point a lot, and rely heavily on Google Translate. It’s a miracle I didn’t starve. Haggling? Now THIS is where things get interesting. I tried. I REALLY tried. I saw the other expats, the veteran travelers working the night markets like seasoned pros. I'd smile sweetly, attempt a few Mandarin phrases, and then... get completely flustered under pressure. I'd end up paying whatever the vendor asked, feeling like a complete sucker. But hey, at least I got some cool souvenirs! I learned to embrace the tourist tax. It's part of the charm, right? Maybe? Okay, fine, I’m a terrible haggler. But hey, I got some cool things, I’m a sucker!

Did you go to karaoke? Come on, spill the tea! (We want details!)

Karaoke? IS THE SKY BLUE?! Of course, I went to karaoke! And, oh, the stories I could tell… First of all, the karaoke rooms are HUGE! Like, palatial. You have a huge screen, a massive sound system, and snacks galore. Second, the songs are... diverse. I was singing everything from Taylor Swift to... well, I’m not entirely sure what some of those Mandarin songs *were* about. Probably love, probably heartbreak. I got really into it. I’m no professional singer but, I’m not *that* bad, right? And the best part? The utter *lack* of judgment. You can sing off-key, butcher the pronunciation and the Taiwanese will *cheer you on*. You can dance like a maniac, you can use all of the effects on offer (wind machines, laser lights, streamers - the whole shebang!). It's pure, unadulterated, joyous chaos. There was one night, I think I stayed until 4 am. I have no idea how I got home. I don’t regret a single thing. Karaoke is a Taiwanese institution, and I am officially a convert.

Okay, the inevitable: Did you find love? (Or just a lot of bubble tea?)

Love? Well, that's a complicated question. I’d say… both. I definitely found love… with bubble tea. Seriously. That stuff is liquid gold. My daily intake was bordering on obsessive. I had my favorite shops, my favorite combinations (tapioca pearls, always!). If I could marry a beverage, it would be bubble tea. As for *romantic* love, well… let’s just say the 300 days were filled with a lot of interesting encounters. And honestly, that’s where I’m going to stop. I like the mysterious. I also don't want to go into too much detail. It’s my story, not yours. But Taiwan is an amazing place to meet people. And you're the one visiting Taiwan! So, go! Have fun! Drink bubble tea!

Anything you *didn't* like? What was the most annoying thing?

Okay, honesty time. While I adored my time in Taiwan, there were definitely things that grated on me. The scooters. My *god*, the scooters! They are everywhere! They weave in and out of traffic, they park on sidewalks, they honk incessantly. Crossing the street could be a life-or-death experience. I’m not exaggerating! After a while, you develop this weird, ingrained fear. It's like your brain is constantly on high alert, scanning for speeding mofos. I get a panic attack every time I think about it. And another thing, the air conditioning, oh jeez! It's either blasting, or absolutely non-existent. Sometimes, I'd be freezing in one shop, and then sweating buckets the next. They can’t seem to find a middle ground. Aaaaand the mosquitoes. I’m a mosquito magnet. Forget the language barrier or scooter attacks, I'll survive anything, as long as I can get a mosquito net!

Would you go back? (Spill the feels!)

Would I go back? In a heartbeat. In half a heartbeat. Pack my bags NOWSnooze And Stay

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