Taiwan: Adhere to healthy & nature

While S. 2739 was wandering its way through Washington D.C., and into Saipan headlines, I was playing hooky from that entire spectacle, and was, instead, wandering around northern Taiwan. Taiwan is within Saipan’s economic orbit, though our trade and tourism ties are, of course, eclipsed by Japan and South Korea. Likewise, if you’re looking for some advice on traveling to Japan or South Korea, it’s easy to come by on Saipan, but Taiwan can be an utter mystery for a first-time traveler.

So it’s about time someone offered Taiwan-bound travelers a few insights.

My insights come from a clean slate: I was utterly clueless when I arrived in Taiwan. Oddly enough, from a writing perspective that’s a good thing, since it allowed me to get the raw experience of being totally at the mercy of the locals. My first step, and first impression, then, was upon arrival, when I bellied up to the information desk at the airport.

Now, worldwide, as you know, most airport information desks are entirely worthless, but Taiwan’s actually had a helpful, intelligent, and intuitive staffer. She even called my hotel to help me ensure that I had a reservation (which had been a murky issue for me) and to help arrange my cab ride.

So, my first impression? Well, impressed.

But my second impression was even better. My hotel, the Monarch Plaza, had the most helpful hotel staff that I’ve ever encountered, and that’s quite an array of encounters. I’ve stayed in a lot of hotels over the years, in Asia, the U.S., and Europe, sometimes racking up 200 days per year, and some with room rates as high as $450 a night. The Monarch Plaza, which is in the airport area, isn’t expensive, but its staff quality tops my list. That’s no small issue when you’re in a strange foreign country on business, you don’t speak a word of the local language, and you don’t have any local colleagues to help you out.

For my fellow road warriors, or those who desisted to stay in the airport area, I’ll also note a couple of tips for the most critical of things, namely midnight snacks and morning coffee. If you emerge from the Monarch Plaza and look at your two o’clock position, there’s a convenience store (the “Hi-Life”) just across the street. I was surprised when I bought a microwavable snack and the clerk actually cooked it in the microwave for me. And for a good, honest cup of American style coffee (and a bite to eat), there’s the LaGuardia coffee shop, which is two or three blocks away if you make a hard left after leaving the hotel lobby.

The LaGuardia’s motto, as posted behind the counter: “Adhere to healthy & nature.” Well, how can you argue with that? So I did, indeed, adhere to healthy & nature, and took a day-hike in the mountains in the northeast part of the island, along the Caoling Trail. The trail, several miles long, and very steep in parts, was paved with a scrupulously maintained stone walkway, and there was not one piece of garbage or graffiti along the way. Clean, yes, and quiet, too: no cretins with boom boxes blaring rap music. The hikers appeared to be exclusively Taiwanese families and couples, and they were friendly folks.

I’ll note, by the way, that driving is on the right side of the road, as nature meant for it to be. Traffic manners, by Saipan standards, are, shall we say, aggressive, but nowhere near on par with nightmares like Manila. Driving, in Taiwan, is doable, but not carefree; same for being a pedestrian.

Other notes for the traveler: Convenience stores and small restaurants don’t seem to commonly take credit cards; the airport’s restaurants are very (very) reasonably priced; and cell phone sim cards and service are likewise inexpensive (but you’ll need your passport to get the sim card, or at least I did).

In summary, Taiwan was a very pleasant surprise. The people were friendly, the place seems to chug along efficiently, my moderately priced hotel was a real treat, and the countryside was enjoyable, accessible, safe, and clean. Taiwan, once a mystery to me, is now a favorite. I can’t wait to go back.