About
When I decided to accept a job offer for technical writing work in Taiwan, I began searching for any information (blogs, travel sites, Lonely Planet) geared towards Americans who would be living for extended periods in Taipei (as opposed to tourists who land, look around, and leave) and what I found was nothing to write home about. Hence the idea for this blog.
As anyone who travels knows, something always goes wrong! And when that travel involves another country (or two or three) the chances for blunders and hiccups increases exponentially. My goal is to approach this with as much humor as I can muster and to pass along any tidbits I think may be of use to others who are considering working in Taiwan, or enlightening to my various readers. I plan to embrace this challenge and find as many ways as possible to enjoy the ride! I hope you’ll enjoy it too. Please leave comments where appropriate; I’ll respond as time allows.
Asia's best kept secret... 
Jun 21, 2011 @ 23:39:58
There is an website or group called International Living that gives handy info on overseas living and the places to consider!
Jun 22, 2011 @ 15:48:16
Hey Harold, thanks, yes I know about that publication, in fact, that’s what got me started blogging – they had very little information on Taiwan in their archives.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 16:47:06
Hey Monica!
Your blog is so awesome! I’m enjoying reading about your adventures in Taiwan. Keep up the good work – you’re an excellent writer. Are you going to take Chinese lessons?
-Melisa
Jul 27, 2011 @ 14:00:31
Hey girl, thanks for the compliments. You’d love it here! (There is always a need for English teachers!) Y’all should think about coming for a visit. Chinese lessons are underway: once a week. It’s slow-going but I figure at some point the words and sounds I hear all around me daily will “click”. Stay in touch!
Dec 30, 2011 @ 14:10:19
Hello Monica, don’t know if you remember me from CHS but I was on the swim team with Chris for awhile, and visited you all once or twice over on Northwestern. I came across your blog looking thru the CHS ’75 Yahoo group and was surprised to see you’re in Taiwan, where I lived when I went to 8th grade :-). I’m now living in Beijing where I moved in Oct 2010. Would love to catch up, and have some questions for you too. Do drop me a line at tjronin47@gmail.com.
chrs,
Terril Jones
CHS ’76
Sep 27, 2012 @ 16:24:08
It’s nice to read about the experience of someone else going through the same thing I am. Keep up the stories!
Sep 27, 2012 @ 16:49:20
thanks! how long have you been in TW?
Sep 27, 2012 @ 17:00:41
Just completed a year here. I live in a small town though, so my experience so far is not that of a city. From what I have gathered, it’s very, very different.
Jul 16, 2013 @ 06:28:04
Good stuff, M. Hope the US is treating you well now that you’re back there!
Jul 16, 2013 @ 16:55:50
Thanks, Louie. I have very little time to miss Taiwan (although I do!): I hit the ground running and am spending 12-14 hours/day caring for my Dad. I will update my blog as time permits. In the meantime, I’m so glad to hear that y’all are okay after the recent typhoon!! If you get a chance, please send good wishes to Mayur; he’s in Dallas dealing with some heavy stuff.
Apr 03, 2023 @ 04:54:39
Hi Monica, I’m going to test your memory: David Coleman here – former neighbor on Northwestern Dr. It must be exciting to live in Taiwan, and I’m a bit jealous. However, i am happily married with 4 kids (3 living nearby), and 4 grandsons. Now semi-retired, and with my wife have run a homeschool enrichment group at our church near Pittsburgh for 33 years.
Apr 03, 2023 @ 13:06:48
Hey David. Yes I remember you. You played the bassoon
Apr 03, 2023 @ 13:13:17
Taiwan is an amazing country and I loved living there. I returned to the US to care for my Dad after my Mom died suddenly. I’m now in Arizona. Yes, I remember you and your family. Margaret and I graduated the same year. I once went to visit your Dad in the retirement community. Congrats on the grandkids! What a blessing.