Sunday, June 29, 2008

Talking with our Friend about Taiwan

Tonight we had a special Family Home Evening night with Dustin. He just returned from serving a 2 year church mission to Taiwan. It was great to have him in our home as he loves Taiwan and was so excited to answer any question we have about the country. Here are some interesting things that we learned.
1. Most toilets are non-existent you squat and do your thing. You may want to take some toilet paper with you as it is sold in vending machines. Also many times men and women have joint public bathrooms. The men go to one side and the women the other. There may be a small wall separating you, but most of the time you can probably see each other. (Scary)
2. Taiwan is very safe. They have a low crime rate. No guns are allowed.
3. Most meals outside of McDonald's probably cost around $1 a meal. Most food is safe to eat, but purchase bottled water.
4. Kids are cherished in Taiwan. Kids go to school year round and are always studying for some large test. They have a lot of pressure to do well. If they do well in elementary they can get into a good middle school. If they get into a good middle school, that determines your future. If you do poorly, you probably won't go to college. Although they go to lots of school, they don't get a great education.
5. Banana spiders are huge, they catch birds and I really care to see any. Thank you, but no.
6. Sun Moon Lake is gorgeous and if able stop and visit it. It is the most beautiful place Dustin has ever seen. It is in the middle of the island in the mountains.
7. Most Americans have an odor coming out of us that the Taiwanese notice. We smell like rotten milk. That's just lovely!
8. Because we have white skin, a lot of children will come up to us point and say something. They are most likely saying "Foreigner". They will point and then run away. A lot of people may say "Hello" and that's all, because that may be all of the English they know. The tourist areas will have many people who speak English. Overall, people are friendly. My husband and I will really draw lots of attention because we are so tall.
9. The night markets are very safe and a must see. At times the crowds may feel like you are in Disneyworld.
Overall we had a great visit and it was fun for my children too. They are so excited to have a little sister. We can't wait!

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