Hot Pot is Fun!

It shouldn't take a long hard look to get the sense that you want hot pot to be your new best friend. Hot pot has it all, and like your best friend makes you feel like you got it all. All you will ever need. Constantly surprises you at every turn and wows you with generosity and sincerity.  You never knew your stomach had so much love to give and room to spare.

 

See that smiling upside down chicken nugget?

I'd trade all the golden arches in the world to have that beautiful face stare back at me when I sit down for lunch. 

Hot pot is amazing in Taiwan. I've never had it anywhere else but I never want to either. It's a special bond I have with that country and I don't dare ponder it much longer or my heart might get swallowed up by my stomach. PLEASE, Just Go!! Stay Awhile, Relax~  Catch up with some friends, and attempt to piece back together last night's adventures. Bring your appetite because you might not know when you'll be seeing it again. There is everything you want at your tong's tips. Don't even let me see that ice cream and novelty buffet before I sit down with my stew of protein and veggies, or I'm a goner! It's the greatest food phenomenon since, well, lets be honest, it was probably here long before the burger was ever on the map.

Behold the hot pot after-mess. It's to die for. No need to feel shameful, you came and you conquered this dynasty like the emperor you always knew you were! Embrace your inner pig and be proud. Go ahead, roll around in it. Squeal! Snort! And then slowly close your eyes and pray someone is gonna come by and roll you out of there in a wheelbarrow. At that point you won't even shrug at who it is or where they're taking you. Could be a slaughter house for all you care. After a meal like that, you're dying happier than the little pig who cried wee wee wee all they way home.

Taiwanese Night Market

Night Markets are simply the best places to eat in Taiwan. Not all, Ya Shhh's (how night market sounds when I say it in Mandarin), are created equal. They vary in size and specialty, and they will sell anything from stinky tofu, (a smell that clenches your nostrils and doesn't let go) to pets, clothes (love the cheap shoes!) to Eastern medicinal remedies. The night market is the most important attraction a tourist could experience while in Taiwan. It will teach you a lot about the culture of your whereabouts and nowhere else can you sample as many interesting eats! Go hungry AND good luck reading the menus... let your willingness to try, be with you.

Most Northern Tip of Taiwan

China looms behind the clouds.

Taoyuan, Taiwan

I took these photos when I was teaching English in Taiwan. Hopped on my scooter, a.k.a. Strong Brittany, and rode out to the northeast tip of the island. Got there just in the nick of time! These were taken shortly prior to my departure and they represent the ending of a wonderful experience and fruitful adventure in a truly fascinating culture.