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The Small Island Nation: Taiwan.


The mix of two worlds. Modern city vibes ( Think NYC fashion and busy rushed people on streets) and people still riding all over the country on their scooters (Reminded me of India).

Taiwan is one of those countries that is often overlooked and very underrated. I actually did not know anyone that had been here before (except for my friend Gonzalo living there of course) and of all the travel bloggers I follow only one had reviews and recommendations for this wonderful country. It reminded me a lot of  Japan! Even the fashion.

Look at this adorable Mister donut, featuring Hello Kitty everything.

So happy with out treats!Gonzalo was not impressed.

Happy mini donut set!

Cutest coffee lid I have ever seen!

Dog Cafe!

My first Taiwanese Bubble tea, Thanks Chalo!

Hello Kitty erthang!

Our welcome party feast! So bomb! Rechao, highly recommend. 

 Gonzalo organized a welcome dinner and a night out for us upon arrival. It was just glorious. Taiwan has a lot of share plate style dining, it is very nice. I really enjoy that style of eating and coming together. 

I had such a blast and of course as with every trip I take, I learned a lot. My friend Gonzalo was a wonderful host, I am glad he told me to come since Taiwan is so close to Japan! ( oh and round trip flights were $150 USD!) I always like to have at least a month to do some research of places I must see and foods I must try before embarking on a trip. I made a quick list and Gonzalo was super helpful in making an itinerary for me and adding other suggested day trips to my plans. It was so wonderful to also have him as a guide almost everyday (actually everyday except the last day). Gosh he is one amazing friend. Seriously though how have I gotten so lucky with my friends? Shout out to you all!
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall













Hands down my favorite thing about Taiwan besides of course the company of my friend, cousin and making new friends, my fav was the insanely cheap and amazing BUBBLE TEA! holy smokes, one dollar for a huge bubble tea? waoooo! Also FYI, bubble tea was invented in Taiwan! We got to go to the tea house where it all started. More of that further down.

Eggplant with pork bits and cashews. To die for.

Din Tai Fung was amazing!


Taipei 101, formerly tallest building in the world, now tallest green building in the world.

We love Taiwan.

Day trip to Jiufen:


Train trips in Taiwan are insanely cheap and comfortable!

Decorating their own lantern ad releasing it.



Peanut Ice Cream Spring Rolls- so bomb and  a must try when in Taiwan!


My love for horses is real.
Jiufen Old Street and for those that love anime- Spirited Away!

Teas, teas and more teas!



Searching for waterfalls.

Huevitos.

Street food.

This is what I live for, fruits and veggies yum!



This amazing papaya, strawberry and mango smoothie..wha.

We hiked up to Elephant Mountain and got to see this gorgeous view! Go before 10pm, because after 10pm it is lights out for Taipei 101.




We waited over 20 minutes to get a picture from this rock.

A trip to Hualien and Taroko Gorge

I love nature and this was a must see on my Taiwan list! It did not disappoint and we stayed at the bougiest hotel on our whole country hopping trip!
Ocean views on our way to Hualien.

Arrived!

So happy we found our hotel. After a couple of missed turns.

Feeling like royalty, super cheap place! $20 a night!





This meal was so yummy, the sweet tofu tasted kind of like orange chicken.
Can you even lift?

On our way to Taroko!

Walking around Taroko Gorge, there is so much to see and many trails!




I love blue colored water.



When we got lost for a little bit but it was beautiful.


Sakura- Cherry Blossom themed everything!

Hello Kitty Taxi.

Teas for days.

Heart shaped Doritos!

Beautiful streets with the red lanterns.

a Taiwanese breakfast.


Our last trip was to Sun Moon Lake and Taichung City, we did not have much time here and I wish we would have planned this part of the trip better, and evening with a night and a morning is not enough!

The view from our hotel.

Sun Moon Lake




Fruits , fruits and more fruits please!

And here is our Taichung part of the trip...


This super cute ice cream place with delicious flavors.





Arriving at our last stop in Taichung, where bubble tea was invented!


Such a cute tea house.

On our way to the airport, bye bye Taiwan.

Our train is fast!

Airport shops... sigh I want it all.

Until next time Taiwan you were such a gem!





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