Loading...
Welcome to Ah-Taiwan: Life in Formosa
From the social customs of guanxi, to the vague familiarity of a language I still don't understand Taiwan, for me, is uncomfortably comfortable. Taiwan is a wonderful and exciting country to visit or to live, offering a rich assortment of cuisine and culture.
A very small island located off the eastern coast of China, Taiwan is a country that is truly much larger than its physical borders. Taiwan can be a little intimidating for the uninitiated and through this site, I wish to provide some information that helped my family and I get settled in addition to some insight and personal accounts of particular situations encountered on our ongoing Taiwan saga.
Information for Foreigners
Aug 20th, 2011
Link: http://iff.immigration.gov.tw
Information
The National Immigration Agency of Taiwan has a 24-hour hotline available to foreigners who live in Taiwan. It is a free service with a choice of 3 languages: English, Chinese and Japanese. The IFF Hotline provides assistance with visas, residency, work and much more.
Their phone number is 0800-024-111. The number is symbolic of the IFF Hotline mission statement: 0800 means the call is free; 024 means the service is available 24 hours a day; 111 stands for "Service first. Professional Spirit first. Efficiency first."
Resources and Links
- The National Immigration Agency - NIA's English Website.
- Information For Foreigners - IFF 24-Hour Hotline.
- Taiwan What's Up - Bilingual Bi-weekly Newsletter.
Our Trip to Hualien
Aug 4th, 2011
In 2008 we took a trip to Hualien to see Taroko Gorge. It was a perfect way to end our summer vacation. The weather was great but the sights were breathtaking. A definite highlight was the scooter trip through the gorge. Other nearby sites, such as Qi Xing Tan and the Ching Shui Cliffs, were equally enjoyable. Since then, we have stopped through Hualien during our around-the-island tour.
Hu Guo Qing Liang Temple
Jun 30th, 2011
No.259, Chang Long Rd., Sec.2, Taiping City, Taichung County
台中縣太平市長龍路三段259號
(04)2278-9353
Open all day. Free admission.
About
Qing Liang Temple, a Pure Land Buddhist shrine built in 1983, is the largest Buddhist temple in Taiping City. This temple is designed in a style reminiscent of the Ming Dynasty. It has many different buildings to explore such as the Main Hall, Pusa Temple and Goddess of Mercy Temple. The Qing Liang Temple also has one Taiwan's largest bronze bells, inscribed with all of the Diamond Sutra. The Infinite Light Hall contains more than 1000 Buddha icons.
Getting There
From Taichung's main road, Zhong Gang Rd.(台中港路), drive towards the city center and then turn right on San Min Rd.(三民路）. After a few blocks, make a left onto Min Quan Rd.(民權路). At Fu Xing Rd turn left and drive for about 5 minutes until you get to Le Ye Rd.(樂業路). Turn right. this road will change names a few times before becoming Chang Long Rd.(長龍路). Stay on this road for about 30 minutes. The Qing Liang Temple will be on the left.
Resources and Links
- The Buddhist Association of Taiwan - An Introdutction to the Temples of Taichung County
Gallery
Airy Breath Brunch Cafe
Jun 26th, 2011
 |
No. 373 Da Sheng Street, Nantun District, Taichung
台中市南屯區大聖街373號
(04) 2310-4806
Open from 9:00am until 6:00pm
About
*** CLOSED AS OF JULY 1ST.
Airy Breath is a charming eatery nestled in the side streets around Da Dun 17th St. and Da Sheng Street (大墩十七街和大聖街). Specializing in breakfast and brunch, the menu at Airy Breath provides a delicious assortment of set meals and a la carte items. Favorites include omelets, pancakes and home style hamburgers. In addition, Airy Breath offers a complete line of coffees and teas
Prices are very reasonable, with a brunch set meal costing under NT$200.
Check into Airy Breath on Facebook to receive a discount!
