Japanese baseball is close to par with American MLB. South Korean baseball is estimated be something like AAA in the American minor leagues. Taiwanese baseball... I have no idea, but their cheerleading squads are certainly major league:
Of course there has been inflation, but the cost of living here is still much, much cheaper that the States or Europe. Taxes (both income and property), health insurance, and rent are a mere pittance.
One reason is that many Westerners were here was to teach English. Now that market has dried up because Taiwan has one of the lowest, if not the lowest, birth rates in the world. So no children's English classes; and most of the adults either have lost interest or learn online.
But the biggest reason, IMO, is the perceived threat from China. We've had them before and lots of people left each time. Presently, however, the China threat is much more credible and those committed to aiding Taiwan are much less credible. Then there is the local fifth column...
Congrats ! Taroko Gorge { sp} is a great place to relax and spent a night up in the mountains - or at least it was in 1971. lol - In 1971 , my impression of Taipei was, it was as modern as downtown Chicago was. Shops, escalators, big hotels, plenty of restaurants and bars , it was definitely the pretty, modern, and other - Asia.
My first visit to Taroko was in 2011, and it is still a cool place. Awesome scenery, and some nice hotels.
Taipei itself is very modern, and has a much better feel than essentially every US big city I've been in over the last 20 years. Interestingly, there do not seem to be any "no go" zones there. My Taiwanese wife told me that when she first came to the US (not with me--we met later), the idea that one was not advised to visit certain parts of town was an alien concept to her.
Enjoy your time there, Linh.
Agreed, the Rakuten girls are fantastic. Who cares about the baseball. Check out #82, be still, my heart.
Japanese baseball is close to par with American MLB. South Korean baseball is estimated be something like AAA in the American minor leagues. Taiwanese baseball... I have no idea, but their cheerleading squads are certainly major league:
Rakuten Girls official YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@RakutenGirls/videos
#82 Lee Da-Hye:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhRdGDquIdo
"Women: the cause of — and cure for — all of life's pain."
Lee Da Hye (Korean) her basic move, nothing suggestive, just amazing https://www.youtube.com/shorts/uRYQY3QlPuA
The city I live in, Taoyuan, used to be filled with Westerners. Eighty to ninety percent have left.
Of course there has been inflation, but the cost of living here is still much, much cheaper that the States or Europe. Taxes (both income and property), health insurance, and rent are a mere pittance.
One reason is that many Westerners were here was to teach English. Now that market has dried up because Taiwan has one of the lowest, if not the lowest, birth rates in the world. So no children's English classes; and most of the adults either have lost interest or learn online.
But the biggest reason, IMO, is the perceived threat from China. We've had them before and lots of people left each time. Presently, however, the China threat is much more credible and those committed to aiding Taiwan are much less credible. Then there is the local fifth column...
Congrats ! Taroko Gorge { sp} is a great place to relax and spent a night up in the mountains - or at least it was in 1971. lol - In 1971 , my impression of Taipei was, it was as modern as downtown Chicago was. Shops, escalators, big hotels, plenty of restaurants and bars , it was definitely the pretty, modern, and other - Asia.
My first visit to Taroko was in 2011, and it is still a cool place. Awesome scenery, and some nice hotels.
Taipei itself is very modern, and has a much better feel than essentially every US big city I've been in over the last 20 years. Interestingly, there do not seem to be any "no go" zones there. My Taiwanese wife told me that when she first came to the US (not with me--we met later), the idea that one was not advised to visit certain parts of town was an alien concept to her.
Thanks JPB - I hope Taiwan can stay as nice as it was in the past.
Taiwan is what China should be:).
Taipei reminds me of a low-budget Japan.
Enjoy the really fresh sushi at the market here. Go early for breakfast. Free miso soup as well!
https://maps.app.goo.gl/bw6awVhwgGt8459w5
There's a Donki, so you don't even need to go to Japan
https://maps.app.goo.gl/iuW6Bdwuo8qSTVRT9