Written by Elsi Muñoz Ramos, (University of Mississippi), Student Correspondent for CET Taiwan, Fall 2022
Just across the street from the Chinese Language Department at NTU, students can find delicious places to go eat. This day was our first day out of quarantine. It was a busy and long day. But suddenly, as we waited to cross the street to fulfill our roaring bellies, we introduced ourselves to Taiwanese students and then shared a meal with our new Taiwanese friends. What a great first day!
There are so many ways to practice Chinese in Taiwan. How about a basketball match between American and Taiwanese students at NTU basketball courts? I think that even after the Taiwanese students left the American team behind in points, We won the game. Meeting new Taiwanese friends and playing basketball with them was a triumph.
She is Lynn, My Language partner. On the first day we met, we went to Taipei Liaoning Night Market and we ate Guandongzhu ( 关东煮). There are many night Markets in Taiwan. No matter where you live, you will always be able to find one within a few minutes from where you are located.
This photo was taken in Tamsui Old Street 淡水老街. A place is full of history and delicious traditional food. When visiting Tamsui A-gei 阿給, Iron Eggs 鐵蛋, Taro Ice Cream 芋頭冰淇淋, Baked Squid 烤魷魚， 缘味 Yuan Wei Cake are some of the things you can’t leave without having tried.
After meeting my Language partner Lynn, she told me she attends school at Tamkang University in Tamsui. I knew I had to visit Tamsui after learning in my CET Taiwanese history and cultural class about the four significant forts in northern Taiwan established by the Spaniards between 1623 and 1642. In the back, you can see Fort San Domingo. I encourage you to learn about the history of the Spanish and Dutch occupation In Taiwan. You will be amazed by the significant influence of the Spaniards and Dutch on Taiwanese culture.
CET students on a Weekend trip to Jiufen. Walking down Jiufen Old street, you can find delicious food and many souvenir shops. We took a picture in front of the Famous Amei Tea House, where we drank traditional Oolong tea. If you have not already, I encourage you to watch the movie spirited away, inspired by the scenic views of Jiufen.
I took this Photo on an ordinary day in Taiwan while waiting for the MRT at the Technology building station. Every regular day in Taiwan is so special. Rain or sunshine, Taipei delights you with scenic views and landscapes.
Happy Autumn Moon festival! During Chinese class, our professor taught us how the Moon festival is celebrated in Taiwan. During this holiday, Taiwanese love to cook barbecues, and eat mooncakes and Pomelos. Also, after peeling your pomelo, you can use it as a hat and take cute pictures. It is a Taiwanese tradition to wear these hats for fun! 中秋節快樂!
Overall none of these pictures were planned. These pictures are part of my daily experiences in Taiwan. Taiwan is fulfilled with history, beautiful landscapes, beautiful people, and delicious food. Introducing myself to Taiwanese students, going on a bike ride and stopping to see a basketball match, going to the night market and learning a variety of food names from my language partner, exploring historical places in Taiwan and learning more about Taiwanese history, my daily rides home, and celebrating holidays in my Chinese classroom with my professor and classmates have all made my first weeks in Taiwan a meaningful and exciting study abroad experience.
