Pros and Cons

So, this happened:

Grilled and flayed squid on a stick! 

Things I don't like about Taiwan (the long list):

Hitting my head on stuff, crowds, the motion sickness I get from crowds, riding the MRT when it's crowded because it gives me more motion sickness, the surprising and sudden strong smells from stinky tofu stands and the like, the lack of traffic patterns when walking. 

Things that I absolutely love about Taiwan (the short list):

The  incredibly friendly people, the mountains, the weather, the dogs, the silly little outfits people dress their tiny dogs in (including shoes!), the availability of food, the interesting architecture, the use of spaces, the giant showers, and the art.

Stores: Net, UniQlo, Zara, and 711 ('cause they really are the most convenient store)

Food: pork-filled buns, candied strawberries, fresh squeezed juice, milk tea, roasted seaweed, wax apples, beef noodle soup, dumplings!, fried king mushrooms, grilled squid, sushi everywhere, whatever the kind of ramen-style noodle I bought is, and pineapple beer

Activities: bike riding along the Tamsui river, night markets, shopping! :), riding the adorable, affordable mini-busses, making people double-take when they see me, and trying my terrible Mandarin on kind people.

It's pretty great here, you should visit. :)