For this second Asian Roads destination, choosing Taiwan was a great choice.
I wanted to explore the cities of Taipei and Tainan and meet locals to speak Mandarin with them.
Arriving at Taoyuan Airport, I was greeted by Zoé, who guided me and briefed me on the main issues: phone card, metro card, cash withdrawal… and lots of very important advice so as not to waste too much time managing these things myself (thanks, Zoé). Then, I arrived at the hotel, which was in a great location, but the windowless room felt like a prison; otherwise, it was clean and comfortable.
Taipei is a fast-paced, relatively young city, and my interaction with locals was rather limited because, as in most large cities, people are in a hurry and there are a lot of tourists.
After eight days in Taipei, Vincent picked me up at the hotel to give me my train tickets and escort me to the train station, my destination Tainan. Tainan was a marvel. Arriving at the hotel, I immediately felt that the people were different from those in Taipei: more welcoming, kinder, less rushed… As for the hotel itself, I loved it, much better than in Taipei.
I spent five days wandering around the city and met many people with whom I was able to exchange some very pleasant conversations. I even shared a meal with customers of a small restaurant and the chef couple, a very warm and unforgettable moment.
I returned by train to the airport, which was very beautiful, by the way, and arrived in France with the desire to return.
Hervé.