Taiwan: My First Impression

posted in: Destinations, Food, Taiwan | 0

From the bustling night markets filled with delicious local eats to the unforgettably romantic Sun Moon Lake, I never knew such a small island could have so much to offer. I had the privilege of traveling to Taiwan for the first time in January 2015. The allure of Taiwan is in the unexpected blend of modern skyscrapers and the natural beauty of its landscapes. But what made me fall in love with Taiwan was the food!

There is nothing more important for the Taiwanese people than having good food. The explosion of flavors and aromas seem to fill the streets of Taiwan. From street food to fine dining, there are endless options for foodies everywhere. I ate and ate until I couldn’t eat anymore then I ate a little more.  Needless to say, I gained 10lbs easily on this short trip.

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Delicious fruits at the night market
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Couldn’t tell you the name of that vegetable but it was YUMMY!
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Ice cream anyone?
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Din Tai Fung Flagship Store
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Street vendor at the night market
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Street vendor at the night market
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Candied sweet potato dipped in water
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Seasame Tea Dessert

 

Another highlight of this trip was Sun Moon Lake and our beautiful hotel, Fleur de Chine. We had private access to the rooftop lounge of Fleur de Chine where a spectacular panoramic view of Sun Moon Lake awaited us (and of course, more food).  Might I add that the hospitality of this hotel was unbelievable?  We had an issue with our room upon arrival and right away, the staff resolved our issue and provided us a complimentary fruit basket and a bottle of wine. (Yes, please offer me more food!) What I couldn’t believe was that the service staff took off their shoes everytime they entered the rooms! Like seriously?  This carpet is more clean than the carpet in my house!

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View of Sun Moon Lake from the Fleur de Chine Hotel Balcony

 

 

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In-room hot tub with hot spring water
Fleur de chine balcony view
One more picture of the view of Sun Moon Lake from my room

Biking around Sun Moon Lake was magical. I made about a hundred stops along the bike trail to take pictures. I couldn’t believe how beautiful it was and all the pictures looked photoshopped because it was so perfect. There was this sense of tranquility that I felt biking around the lake that just took my stress and worries away. I can’t wait to go back there with my husband. I could see why Sun Moon Lake is one of the most popular destinations for honeymooners.

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Sun Moon Lake #nofilter

 

 

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Biking Around Sun Moon Lake

 

 

Super Value Tours also includes a visit to Chingjing Farm high in the mountains. At first I thought to myself, why would I want to visit a farm? What would be interesting there? But I was so wrong! I saw the most beautiful sunset and sunrise there; I ate delicious specialty fruits locally grown that can’t be found in the U.S.; and I got to feed some adorable sheep (by adorable I mean they will follow you until you surrender your food to them). What can I say, they like to eat too!

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Feeding Sheep at Chingjing Farm

 

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Ming Ging Farm

 

 

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Sunset at Ming Ging Farm

 

 

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Tree Tomatoes
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Ming Ging Farm Hotel Outdoor Deck
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Ming Ging Farm Hotel

 

My trip wasn’t long enough, there are so many things to do and see in Taiwan. If you haven’t been to Taiwan, you need to make time to go even if it’s only a stopover on your way to another destination. You won’t regret it.

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Fleur de Chine Hotel Rooftop Lounge