Taiwan tales Archives – Taiwan Tales

Fasten your seat belts. Things are about to get comfortable

We returned to Taiwan in the summer of 2026.

What (not) to wear in tropical weather

When I reached the client’s office all my dignity was gone. Dripping from head to bare-feet, the receptionist hurried forward saying ‘you can’t come in here!’

Cold out? You need a bowl of sugar

Language, Taiwanese culture

People need to be careful about what they say and how they say it in Chinese. A story where every word is the same?

Hungry Ghost Month -banishing a troublesome spirit

Taiwanese culture, Traditions

To mark the start of The Hungry Ghost Month, a tale about a visit to a temple to banish a troublesome ghost.

Seek and ye shall (not) find

Food, Living in Taiwan, Taiwanese culture

Finding what we need in Taiwan can be a challenge sometimes. Snow flavoured crisps are no problem. Bread and wine are harder.

I understand! But don’t ask for an omelette

Language

For a tone-deaf foreigner attempting to speak a language with four tones, this was high praise indeed. Speaking Chinese is difficult.

Something fishy about your name

Food, Taiwanese culture

People can change their names three times in Taiwan. You might get lots of free food, and even make some money, but it can also lead to problems. Is Dr Salmon available?