Taipei, Taiwan — Romantic memories of Tokyo become a distant memory. Like a pleasant childhood day dream. We left the most magical place on Earth and unknowingly went head on into some rough waters ahead.

Summer is Coming

Depending on what part of the world you reside in this can bring on good connotations of laying on the beach or if you’re anywhere in the continent of Asia then it is a dreadful time of year to endure. Unbearable heat and humidity. Check. Rainiest season of the year. Check. Match that along with the typical obstacles of navigating a new country along with a dollop of disappointment from over-expectations and naivety and that’s how our last couple months have been. It turns out you learn a lot about yourself when you’re forced to adapt to a new country and climate.

Stepping off the plane onto Taiwan asphalt for the first time, I was hopeful and optimistic for the new adventures that await. I was especially bright-eyed as I was feeling free from the burdensome rules of Japanese society. What actually awaited me was swamp ass, mosquitos, and most disappointingly- bland food. Please transport me back to Tokyo Disneysea. Taiwan was sold to me as a unique blend of a Japan meets China society with lively night markets serving delicious cheap bites. The land of bubble tea, soup dumplings, and a modern city in Taipei. We came for the food and sights. What we received was tasteless beef noodles and moldy dilapidated buildings everywhere you looked. Reminiscent of Chinatowns in the US. Where was this modern marvel that was home to one of the tallest building in the world?

This Was Not Going to be Easy

We would have to learn how to plan our days according to the intensity of the sun and unpredictable torrential rain. We would have to remind ourselves that our happiness is not tied to our environment, as our environment is pretty miserable at the moment. We would have to overcome giant cockroaches at sunset, dodging scooters as we cross the street, weaving around giant African snails on a bike, giant rodents in parks that make your heart stop, numerous mosquito and other unknown bug bites, and fecal matter left on the middle of a bridge.

You can’t always trust the reviews

Through it all we eventually found some bright spots but we had to look deep. Taiwan does have some similarities with Japan like a clean MRT subway system but a lot more similarities with Chinese culture. There are good eats to be found, you just have to know where. Lots of places are absurdly overrated including the famous night markets which are a top attraction to the country. Not too mention numerous Michelin star places, so much so that that distinction no longer has any meaning to me. I’ve never in my life been to so many mediocre restaurants flaunting 5,000 reviews and 4.5 stars. Cheap yes, but good or fresh is questionable. You can’t always trust the reviews. Lesson learned.

There is good stuff here, I just wish someone had warned me how to avoid the bad stuff to get to it. Also, don’t come here or anywhere in Asia in the summer. For now, this lesson is soon over as we head back to our favorite country again. We’ve missed you so much Japan ❤️.