Why Taiwan? (opens in new tab)

Great read!

My exposure to Taiwan so far is very limited (9 hour visit to Taipei when I was a teenager ~15 years ago), but I remember it leaving a profound impression on me.

I think what struck me the most was how genuinely friendly people were (as in warm, not just polite). One example (of many) I observed: There was a homeless man sitting on the street selling chewing gum. A very attractive couple passed him and the woman stopped to buy a chewing gum from him. But instead of just giving him the money, she sat down next to him, negotiated the price for a bit, they had a laugh, and eventually she bought the chewing gum. I found it to be a truly beautiful display of respect for the guy's dignity.

I lived in Taiwan for 3 years. I was able to get an upscale apartment for a fraction of what it would cost me in the US and it was just an all-around great place to live. I definitely see the Japanese influence. Taipei is like a mini Tokyo.