As a frequent traveler, one of the biggest issues I deal with is what I eat. I am a very picky eater; a confirmed carnivore, my love of vegetables is weak at best and most notably, I don’t eat any fish or seafood. My fellow Americans may wonder why I phrase it that way and the reason is simple. I was on a trip once and I had sent along my dietary requirement of No Seafood. Now, to an American that usually includes anything that was ever in the water, ever. Possible exceptions would include ducks or if a cow fell into a lake or something. But when translated, seafood in most other languages means fruits de mer, or delicacies like oysters, clams and so on. Fish is actually an entirely different category for them, as I have sadly realized over the years. This post though isn’t to debate why I don’t like waterborne foods, I just don’t. No, the point of this post is to share how even I, a very picky eater has managed to travel to some of the most seafood-centric spots on the planet and not only survive, but thrive.

Taiwan

This was my greatest challenge, one that I didn’t expect either. I spent nearly two weeks exploring Taiwan, starting in the high-energy capital city of Taipei. Like any other world capital, Taipei has everything on offer and eating there was a highlight of my time in the country. As soon as I left the city to venture out into the countryside though, everything suddenly got a lot harder for me. As it turns out, a large percentage of the average diet is based on fish, seafood and vegetables – the three things I don’t eat. Each meal was a challenge honestly and I found myself relying on 7-11s for snacks and even sustenance. Hotel dinners were my only reprieve and while I was out exploring during the day, it was very hard to find anything I could eat. There were special culinary moments though, most notably when I found what would become one of my favorite meals, Peking duck. I was a little apprehensive at first, but almost immediately I realized that this would be a meal I wouldn’t soon forget. No one was as surprised as I was that in a country known for vegetables and seafood that I would find one of my favorite meals of all time, but that’s exactly what happened. I let go my misconceptions about the meal and decided to try it anyway and that is perhaps one of the best food-related decisions I’ve ever made.

Scandinavia

The countries of Scandinavia are amongst my most favorite in the world, and I find myself planning personal vacations there whenever I can. The combination of incredible natural landscapes, nice but not overly effusive people and the unique cultures all mesh with my own personality perfectly, making each trip fun and memorable. There is one aspect though that never excites me, the food. Logically, fish plays a central role in the culinary side of visiting Scandinavia, whether in obvious ways like herring, or less obvious as in the many seafood-oriented ingredients piled high on Smørrebrød. In theory, this sounds like a dish I would like. It’s usually just a piece of buttered rye bread on which toppings are layered. Cheeses are fine, cold cuts are ok and I can pick around the vegetables, but most of the time those toppings are hiding something much more nefarious – pieces of fish or seafood. Because of this I almost always skip them, but to my surprise I discovered many other foods to love while on a food tour in Stockholm.

Of the several tours offered, I opted for the Nordic Experience walk so that I could learn more about the very traditional side to Swedish cuisine. I’d traveled in Sweden before, but my foodie knowledge of the country was very limited, a deficiency in my education that was quickly corrected. From meats and cheeses to traditional Swedish meatballs, we tried a little bit of everything that afternoon. Of course my favorite Swedish food custom is Fika, that time in the afternoon when you sit down with coffee, some cake or sweets and catch up with friends. It’s a tradition that I wish more countries would adopt and is yet another reason to fall in love not just with Stockholm, but Sweden itself.

Japan

I honestly expected to have a harder time in Japan than I did. Famous for their love of anything plucked from the sea, the land-based delicacies of Japan I don’t think get enough attention. Chicken is found in any number of dishes, as is their famous steak too of course. No, the biggest challenge wasn’t the food per se, it was how to get the food that was at times difficult. The Japanese language is daunting for most Westerners. Everything, from the sounds to the characters used is completely and utterly foreign. I may not speak Italian, but when confronted with a menu in Rome I can generally figure out what I want. Even in Croatia it really wasn’t an issue. But I had no point of reference in Japan and was at first completely and utterly lost; until I found the restaurant display windows. Taking fake food to an art form, these picture windows were my savior. Once I found something that looked decent, I took a photo of it and then went inside where I showed it to my waitress. It wasn’t the ideal way to order food, but it worked and I enjoyed every meal.

Tahiti

For most people the idea of spending a week on a tropical island sounds like paradise. For me, it’s with a little dread thrown in due entirely to the food and in Tahiti that means poisson cru. Common throughout Polynesia, poisson cru at its base is raw fish that is briefly marinated in lemon or lime juice. It’s then mixed with coconut milk and diced vegetables and, no offense to anyone, sounds terrible in every way possible. I knew that there would be alternatives, but I hate visiting places where the iconic meals are seafood because I feel like I’m missing out on something. Luckily, my first experience in the South Pacific was with the cruise company Windstar, and I couldn’t have been in more capable hands. The ship was small and the crew so focused on customer care that it felt like my own private charter around the islands. Staff quickly realized my non-pescatarian ways and did everything they could to make sure every meal was special, from daily meals to the big beach party near the end of the trip.

Any Coastal Spot

I politely interrupted my server and quietly mentioned the fact that I don’t eat fish or seafood and immediately her eyes went wide as she said, “Oh, no need to run through the specials then.” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in this situation, which always happen when I visit a new coastal destination. Part of me feels bad, locals are always so excited to share their watery treats with me, but I always disappoint them. The Canadian Maritimes were very disappointed with me, as have been spots in Florida, California and Maine. Ultimately though, it’s never a problem for very long as a recent trip to Myrtle Beach proves. Myrtle Beach is particularly well known for its many great seafood restaurants and this time, instead of avoiding them, I embraced them. Wicked Tuna may not be my normal type of restaurant, but I quickly learned that they excel in all types of food and not just fish. Located in Murrell’s Inlet, they have their own fishing boats and as soon as they’re on the docks, they’re prepared and sent up to the kitchens. You literally can’t get fresher than that, but as it turns out their land based dishes are just as amazing. Whether it was the homemade hummus or the incredible beef filet, I left with a new outlook on how to approach so-called seafood restaurants.

My family is from Maine originally, and I remember spending summers visiting my grandparents where the big event was driving down to the coast for some fresh lobster. Those days were full of dread, as I sat there on the docks eating my cheeseburger while everyone else ravaged their large crustaceans. No, I’ve never been a lover of fish or seafood, although I’ve tried them many times, but that culinary peculiarity has never stopped me from traveling. Far from it, today I’m curious to see what other dishes are popular in seafood-focused destinations, foods and customs that don’t get as much attention as their watery cousins.

The post 5 Seafood-Centric Destinations & How I Survived as a Non-Pescatarian appeared first on LandLopers.

Over the years my own travel style has certainly evolved. From a fearful newbie who didn’t really know what was ever going on, to someone who is now comfortable being almost anywhere in the world. As I’ve gotten older I’ve also evolved from a budget student traveler to a luxury traveler, but one who enjoys immersive experiences. Many times this means adventure travel and while in the past I’ve called myself a luxury adventure traveler, that’s probably not quite accurate. What is accurate is that I love new and heart-pumping experiences and more often than not, these easily fall into the category of adventure travel. Of everything I’ve done around the world, I thought I’d share my favorite adventure travel experiences on every continent. They’re representative not just of one particular place and time, but of the destinations and how you can find transformative experiences no matter where you go. They also prove, I think, that adventure travel is about much more than getting just a quick thrill. It’s about pushing your comfort levels and hopefully learning a lot more about yourself in the process. Simply put, they are transformative experiences that leave us much better people than before we took the plunge, the leap or closed our eyes in advance of that next great adventure.

North America – Swimming with whale sharks in Mexico

I love wildlife experiences and swimming with whale sharks in Mexico was one of my all-time favorites. I call this a luxury adventure travel experience not because of cost or even accessibility, but because just how remarkable it is. There I was in the water as hundreds of whale sharks swam by, feeding upon the flotsam and jetsam of the sea as they did so. Their size was incredible, that of a car and I felt instantly and incredibly small as these graceful giants lumbered past. Even though I knew they were harmless, I couldn’t help but feel anxious as the gaping maws barreled straight for me. It was an extraordinary moment that every adventure traveler should try at least once.

South America – Exploring the Galapagos

Although I’ve spent precious little time in South America, the experiences I have had there are meaningful and special to me. In particular, a trip to the Galapagos a few years ago had the unintended consequence of forever changing my life. Made famous by Darwin onboard the Beagle, the Galapagos is mecca for those of us with a passion for wildlife and natural exploration. There is nothing quite like walking through a field dotted with giant tortoises, or swimming practically nose-to-nose with playful sea lions. When I returned home a new spirit of wanderlust was reawakened, I realized how much I enjoyed adventure travel and wanted to share my experiences with as many people as I could. A few months later I started this web site; I firmly believe that trip to the Galapagos was the intellectual impetus for LandLopers. Without it, I still might be stuck in a cubicle not living the life I was meant to live.

Antarctica

If any continent lures travelers with the promise of special moments, it’s Antarctica. Hard to reach, hard to travel around it’s one of the last few truly adventurous trips still available to us in the modern era. And my own trip to Antarctica did indeed deliver those unique moments in spades. Aside from the impossibly cute (and slightly dirty) penguins though, it’s the seemingly impenetrable landscapes that impressed me the most. After hiking up a snowy switchback path to the top of a hill, I was met with one of the most impressive scenes I’ve ever witnessed. The icy waters extended into the horizon and all I could see were vast quantities of rock, ice and water. It seemed to go on forever and I have never felt smaller in my entire life. Standing there on the bottom of the world, it was an important moment to help quantify the immensity of the planet. It’s a fact that we modern travelers tend to forget. In an age when I can hop on a nonstop flight and be in Hong Kong tomorrow, it seems as if the world has never been smaller. But we forget just how massive this beautiful planet is and how many unique experiences there are to be had. We forget about the small inlets and villages forgotten to time. It was an important moment as it put into context what I do now for a living and how it isn’t just part of my life – it IS my life. This quest to seek new answers and discover new things will never end, just as that horizon in Antarctica seemed to have no boundaries.

Europe – Coasteering in Wales

At first the adventure sport of coasteering seems like the bad result of a drunken wager gone wild. But it’s not and even more surprising, it’s insanely popular and a lot of fun. Coasteering is defined as “a physical activity that includes movement along the intertidal zone of a rocky coastline on foot or by swimming, without the aid of boats, surf boards or other craft. It can include swimming, climbing, scrambling, jumping and diving.” It sounds great in the middle of a hot summer, but I was there in March when the water temperatures were anything but encouraging. Located along the Irish Sea, the beauty of Anglesey can’t be denied though and I soon found myself lost in the beauty of the craggy landscapes surrounding me. The extreme experience was just as advertised and not even my two wet suits could fully keep the freezing waters at bay. In spite of the conditions though it was fun, a lot of fun and diving along the coast, swimming across the white-capped waves and pushing myself in ways I didn’t know I could was as personally gratifying as anything I have ever done. Ultimately, that’s the real thrill of adventure travel; pushing one’s comfort zones in ways you didn’t know possible.

Africa – World’s highest bungee swing in South Africa

I have an occasional fear of heights; tall buildings are fine but ladders for example freak me out. That means I’ve always been terrified of even the idea of bungee jumping, but while in South Africa I was determined to face that fear and take the plunge. What better place than in Durban, home to the world’s tallest bungee swing? Different from a jump, the swinger jumps feet first for a terrifying drop before the swing kicks in and arcs you to safety. I was out of my mind scared but am so very happy I faced my fears and just did it. Do I have any desire to try it again? No, not for a while.

Asia – Jungle trek in Taiwan

Most people probably don’t realize that there are a variety of indigenous ethnic groups in Taiwan who have called the island home for centuries. While their lives have of course changed dramatically over the last 100 years or so, members of these tribes are working diligently to ensure that the unique customs and practices of their people aren’t lost to time. One of these groups is the Bunun people represented by the always interesting Mr. Aliman Madiklan. A few years ago he rescued some land that had at one time belonged to his people and established a living museum to celebrate Bunun customs. Today thousands of visitors every year visit this jungle location for an unusual day in the forest. The most adventurous part of the day is an intense jungle trek led by native guides. This isn’t your average walk in the woods; this is an active, strenuous trek over felled logs, up 20-foot trees and under streams of ivy longer than a football field. It isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s a great afternoon in the jungle and a fun way to learn more about the native peoples of Taiwan.

Australia & Oceania – Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia

In a country and even entire region where adventure travel reigns supreme, it was exceptionally hard to narrow down all of the experiences to just one. But upon reflection there is just one, I think, that best captures the spirit and energy of Australia – diving along the Great Barrier Reef. One of the primary reasons why I wanted to visit Queensland was to experience the Great Barrier Reef. It’s long been on my own travel bucket list, and even though I’d visited Australia a couple of times before, I never made it to the Reef. Luckily, the years of anticipation were worth it and seeing one of the world’s truly great natural wonders was everything it promised to be and more. I experienced the reef in a few different ways several times throughout my trip, it’s just that big, but my favorite way to enjoy the mighty reef was through a scuba dive. This wasn’t just any scuba dive though, it was my first attempt and I was pretty nervous. I love snorkeling, but the thought of breathing underwater freaked me out to be honest. It was a mental hang-up and I wasn’t sure if I even wanted to shake it. But there I was, at the Great Barrier Reef and I figured if I was going to try it anywhere, that was the place. And I’m so glad I set aside my fears and gave it a chance. I traveled out to the Reef with the company Cruise Whitsundays, and their team of expert divers were all used to first-timers like me and showed more patience than I’ve seen any tour operator show in recent memory. It was thanks to their insistence and instruction that I was able to literally take the plunge, my fears instantly vanishing as soon as I was underwater. I’ve snorkeled all over the world, but the Great Barrier Reef is without a doubt the best I’ve ever seen. The sheer abundance of fish and coral in every color of the rainbow was extraordinary and I could’ve spent hours exploring it to new depths while scuba diving. This is just one of those once in a lifetime experiences that aren’t only nice to do, I think they are important to do.

So there you have it, my personal list of my favorite adventure travel experiences on all seven continents. You probably don’t agree with some or all of them and that’s fine. Travel in general is an intensely personal experience, and how we experience the world even more so. What is important is that you continue to push your travel comfort zone, keep doing things that challenge you because that really is the only way we continue to grow and evolve to become the better people we all want to be.

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The other day I was chatting with a friend who made the comment that after visiting a place, she was surprised it hadn’t been on her bucket list – that’s how amazing it was. That made me think about all the places that surprised me too, destinations I hadn’t considered beforehand to be great or noteworthy but afterwards became important and wonderful memories. I’m thrilled with just about every travel experience of course, but there are a few that I didn’t anticipate being as wonderful as they were and so I thought I’d put together a retroactive bucket list – a look at places that should have been on my bucket list long before I first visited them.

Alberta, Canada

Over the years my opinion of Canada has shifted from benign indifference to active love and appreciation, and I dare say that my experiences in Alberta had a lot to do with that shift. Alberta is massive and as I’ve learned over the years, is a true all-seasons destination. My first experience in the province was a visit to Banff, the famous ski-town as well known for its beautiful landscapes, as it is the slopes. As a non-skier, I spent the long weekend getting to know the town as well as discovering a ton of things to do in the area that had nothing to do with skiing, from dog sledding around Lake Louise to taking a hike through the iced over Johnston Canyon. It wasn’t until my second trip to Alberta though that my love for it was sealed when I jumped in a car one sunny August day and started my trip along the Cowboy Trail. Sure, the ranchlands were beautiful but it was the UNESCO World Heritage site Dinosaur Provincial Park that made me add Alberta to my retroactive bucket list. Located in the heart of the Canadian Badlands, the terrain is simultaneously bizarre and gorgeous and not at all expected. The views of the park would be enough, but add in numerous dinosaur experiences and the trip was a success for me from start to finish. Alberta has a lot to offer and I hope I get the chance to return and explore even more of it.

Croatia

This may sound odd, but Croatia actually wasn’t on my bucket list before I first visited. Now of course it’s one of my favorite countries in the world, but for some reason it didn’t beckon to me until I was invited on a press trip to explore it a couple of years ago. What I discovered was a culturally fascinating and physically beautiful country that is more diverse than many people think. Perhaps best known for its islands, beaches and of course Dubrovnik, Croatia also has great urban retreats, serene farmlands and national parks so stunning that they’ll make you weep. It’s also a foodie destination, another fact that surprises first-time tourists to the country. Istria in the north is best known for its truffles, but around the country you’ll find regional specialties from seafood to game meats and Italian inspired dishes so good that you’ll try to make them yourself at home. I know now that Croatia is a country I’ll never get tired of visiting, a rarity for me believe it or not.

Wales

While the UK in general may be on many people’s bucket list, and indeed it was first added to mine when I was 10, I don’t think Wales gets as much praise. No, I know it doesn’t, instead England and Scotland seem to get all of the aspirational travel attention. Well, that needs to change and quickly. Not a large region, what Wales lacks in size it more than makes up for in spirit with a lot to offer just about anyone I think. I’m a history geek, so seeing just a few of Wales’ hundreds of castles that dot its landscape was a treat in itself. While it does have a rich history and undeniably interesting culture (the language!) the natural retreats are what got my attention. It started out with an off-road bike ride through Snowdonia National Park and was followed up by a once in a lifetime adventure experience called coasteering. Coasteering is defined as “a physical activity that includes movement along the intertidal zone of a rocky coastline on foot or by swimming, without the aid of boats, surf boards or other craft. It can include swimming, climbing, scrambling, jumping and diving.” The extreme experience was just as advertised and not even my two wet suits could fully keep the freezing waters at bay. In spite of the conditions though it was fun, a lot of fun and diving along the coast, swimming across the white-capped waves and pushing myself in ways I didn’t know I could was as personally gratifying as anything I have ever done. It’s also just one of the many reasons why I fell in love with the always-interesting Wales.

Taiwan

I love exploring Asia and always have a great time whether it’s climbing over ruins in Cambodia or eating a great meal in Hong Kong. Taiwan though had never occurred to me as a travel destination and I’m not entirely sure why. I think that maybe here in the US not much is known about it really, and so it was with no small amount of surprise when I discovered how interesting and diverse a country it really is. I was co-writing an advertorial for AFAR Magazine and because of that, the tourism board shuttled us around the country, from the urban center Taipei to quiet fishing villages along the coast. What I discovered along the way is a modern and interesting country with so many outdoor and natural pursuits that a lifetime could be spent enjoying them all. Add to that some amazing food, and this really should be on everyone’s bucket list, not just mine.

These are just a few of the places that while they weren’t originally on my travel bucket list, became places I not only loved, but would be happy to return to again and again; the mark, I think of any fantastic travel experience.

What places would you add to your retroactive bucket list?

The post My Retroactive Bucket List appeared first on LandLopers.

Before last year I had never considered Taiwan to be a great travel destination. I didn’t think anything bad about it, it just wasn’t high on my list. I’m thrilled then that AFAR Magazine asked to work with me on a project there, otherwise I would never have found out how great a country Taiwan really is. There are though a few things I wish I knew before my first trip to Taiwan.

1. More than Taipei – The largest city and capital of Taiwan, Taipei understandably gets most of the attention overseas. It’s a large, vibrant city with lots to offer, so that attention is absolutely deserved. But as I discovered, Taiwan is a lot more than just Taipei, in fact one sees Taiwan as it truly should be seen only by leaving the metropolis. I learned that the country has beautiful landscapes, massive mountains through which visitors can hike, bike or even raft. There are also many other cities and towns around Taiwan that deserve attention in their own right. Tainan, for example, in the south of the country was Taiwan’s first capital and today is the cultural leader in art, food and all things quirky. My recommendation to all first time visitors to Taiwan is to absolutely explore Taipei, but add some time for the rest of the country as well.

2. Amazing Food – As it turns out, Taiwan is famous in Asia for its outstanding food, a fact that eluded me before my first visit. Translated, a typical welcome in Taiwan means “Have you eaten yet,” a firm cultural indicator if I’ve ever seen one. And I am happy to report that this reputation is indeed well earned. In Taipei you can find everything from amazing street food fare to high end restaurants featuring molecular gastronomy. One of my favorite places though was Din Tai Fung, a famous dumpling house where I enjoyed the best soup dumplings I’ve ever had. In the south of Taiwan, Tainan is known as the snack food capital of Taiwan and there of plenty of options from amazing mango shaved ice to small bites at the night market. Rural, hearty and traditional foods are found throughout the country though, and there’s nothing better than pulling up a chair at a local place and seeing what delicacies they chose to feature that night.

3. Lots of adventure – I love adventure travel in most forms, from biking along forest trails to unique experiences found no where else. I was pleasantly pleased to see that Taiwan excels in adventure travel, as long as you leave the big cities. Along Sun Moon Lake you can hike and bike hundreds of miles of trails, most of which feature gorgeous views of the iconic lake. The real prize though is Taroko Gorge National Park, a massive reserve famous for the huge, white marble boulders that line the steep canyon walls. The most popular activity there is hiking along any number of paths, weaving in and out of waterfalls and river views. If you’re a surfer, then you won’t be disappointed either since some of the best surf spots in the world are found in the southern part of the country.

4. Aboriginal culture – I’m sorry to say that I had never thought about Taiwan’s indigenous culture before my first trip, but I more than made up for lost time. There are 14 recognized aboriginal tribes in Taiwan and they span across the country, and each have a uniquely identifiable culture and set of traditions. One of the best ways I found to learn more about these groups was at the Museum of Prehistory in Taitung, where state-of–the-art techniques have been used to bring to life these original inhabitants of the island. Probably one of the best museums I’ve ever been to, the facility does a masterful job tracing the history of the indigenous peoples and sharing with the world their cultures. One fact that amazed me was that many experts believe that the Polynesian exodus from Asia to the South Pacific began with the aboriginal groups on Taiwan. It’s amazing to consider that relatives of some of the folks I met were part of the Polynesian diaspora, creating one of the most fascinating stories of human migration in the history of the world.

5. Tourism – Taiwan does pretty well when it comes to regional tourism. By that I mean the number of visitors from neighboring countries in Asia. But I was shocked to see very few tourists from North America or Europe there, yet I know for a fact that they flock to other countries like China, Japan and Thailand. I began to wonder about that, and I think it’s the same problem I encountered. A lot just isn’t known about Taiwan in the west. Yes, we’re aware (mostly) that it exists, but I doubt very many of my countrymen can name the capital city, let alone name anything else to do in the country. Given the amazing resources the country has and the fantastic experiences available, I’m surprised that the Taiwan Story hasn’t yet been told. I’m hopeful that more people from the US, Canada, England, Germany and beyond start to discover Taiwan, because it’s a special place that deserves as much attention as its more well known neighbors.

The post Five Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Taiwan appeared first on LandLopers.

Before last year I had never considered Taiwan to be a great travel destination. I didn’t think anything bad about it, it just wasn’t high on my list. I’m thrilled then that AFAR Magazine asked to work with me on a project there, otherwise I would never have found out how great a country Taiwan really is. There are though a few things I wish I knew before my first trip to Taiwan.

1. More than Taipei – The largest city and capital of Taiwan, Taipei understandably gets most of the attention overseas. It’s a large, vibrant city with lots to offer, so that attention is absolutely deserved. But as I discovered, Taiwan is a lot more than just Taipei, in fact one sees Taiwan as it truly should be seen only by leaving the metropolis. I learned that the country has beautiful landscapes, massive mountains through which visitors can hike, bike or even raft. There are also many other cities and towns around Taiwan that deserve attention in their own right. Tainan, for example, in the south of the country was Taiwan’s first capital and today is the cultural leader in art, food and all things quirky. My recommendation to all first time visitors to Taiwan is to absolutely explore Taipei, but add some time for the rest of the country as well.

2. Amazing Food – As it turns out, Taiwan is famous in Asia for its outstanding food, a fact that eluded me before my first visit. Translated, a typical welcome in Taiwan means “Have you eaten yet,” a firm cultural indicator if I’ve ever seen one. And I am happy to report that this reputation is indeed well earned. In Taipei you can find everything from amazing street food fare to high end restaurants featuring molecular gastronomy. One of my favorite places though was Din Tai Fung, a famous dumpling house where I enjoyed the best soup dumplings I’ve ever had. In the south of Taiwan, Tainan is known as the snack food capital of Taiwan and there of plenty of options from amazing mango shaved ice to small bites at the night market. Rural, hearty and traditional foods are found throughout the country though, and there’s nothing better than pulling up a chair at a local place and seeing what delicacies they chose to feature that night.

3. Lots of adventure – I love adventure travel in most forms, from biking along forest trails to unique experiences found no where else. I was pleasantly pleased to see that Taiwan excels in adventure travel, as long as you leave the big cities. Along Sun Moon Lake you can hike and bike hundreds of miles of trails, most of which feature gorgeous views of the iconic lake. The real prize though is Taroko Gorge National Park, a massive reserve famous for the huge, white marble boulders that line the steep canyon walls. The most popular activity there is hiking along any number of paths, weaving in and out of waterfalls and river views. If you’re a surfer, then you won’t be disappointed either since some of the best surf spots in the world are found in the southern part of the country.

4. Aboriginal culture – I’m sorry to say that I had never thought about Taiwan’s indigenous culture before my first trip, but I more than made up for lost time. There are 14 recognized aboriginal tribes in Taiwan and they span across the country, and each have a uniquely identifiable culture and set of traditions. One of the best ways I found to learn more about these groups was at the Museum of Prehistory in Taitung, where state-of–the-art techniques have been used to bring to life these original inhabitants of the island. Probably one of the best museums I’ve ever been to, the facility does a masterful job tracing the history of the indigenous peoples and sharing with the world their cultures. One fact that amazed me was that many experts believe that the Polynesian exodus from Asia to the South Pacific began with the aboriginal groups on Taiwan. It’s amazing to consider that relatives of some of the folks I met were part of the Polynesian diaspora, creating one of the most fascinating stories of human migration in the history of the world.

5. Tourism – Taiwan does pretty well when it comes to regional tourism. By that I mean the number of visitors from neighboring countries in Asia. But I was shocked to see very few tourists from North America or Europe there, yet I know for a fact that they flock to other countries like China, Japan and Thailand. I began to wonder about that, and I think it’s the same problem I encountered. A lot just isn’t known about Taiwan in the west. Yes, we’re aware (mostly) that it exists, but I doubt very many of my countrymen can name the capital city, let alone name anything else to do in the country. Given the amazing resources the country has and the fantastic experiences available, I’m surprised that the Taiwan Story hasn’t yet been told. I’m hopeful that more people from the US, Canada, England, Germany and beyond start to discover Taiwan, because it’s a special place that deserves as much attention as its more well known neighbors.

The post Five Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Taiwan appeared first on LandLopers.

I didn’t know a lot about the southern city of Tainan before I first arrived; just what locals had told me in passing. I knew that it was an important city and one with a pronounced artsy vibe. I was surprised though by my experience there and just how much I enjoyed my time in this sometimes overlooked city.

The oldest city in Taiwan, Tainan was the country’s original capital city and is where the Dutch first established their trading port in the 17^th century. The Dutch experience there was short though and the city, indeed the entire country, changed hands several times over the centuries from the Chinese to the Japanese to the post-war era and finally self-rule. Remnants of this past can be seen throughout town, usually hidden in plain sight.

Temples and History

Built in 1666, the Confucian Temple isn’t only the oldest in Taiwan, but also the most important. Although it’s changed a lot over the years, it is still one of the intellectual centers of the country and many say that it is one of the bastions of Taiwanese consciousness.

Personally, it was a lovely way to learn more about the role history plays in modern Taiwan. I’ve been to a lot of important sites but it always surprises me when in Asia I visit still very active temples. These aren’t just dusty old historic points of interest, they are very active places that are alive thanks to the constant supply of fresh life blown into it.

Fort Provintia, or Chihkan Tower as it’s known today, was an early Dutch outpost originally built in 1653, but quickly abandoned when the Dutch were forced out of the county. Today it’s a beautiful property with Chinese gardens and equally remarkable temples dedicated to gods of literature and the sea.

There are many other, smaller temples around town though, always open to the public and always ready to be explored.

Snack Culture

Tainan is more than just about old buildings, it is one of the cultural centers of Taiwan, especially in terms of food. Around the country Tainan has the unofficial designation as “snack capital of Taiwan,” a superlative that piqued my curiosity right away.

Snacks take a lot of different forms in Tainan, from established shops to the famous night market. I personally loved the preponderance of thirst-quenching drinks I found almost everywhere. From iced black tea to a sweet and delicious winter melon drink, there were plenty of opportunities to keep the steamy temperatures at bay.

Across the street from the Confucian Temple on Nanmen Street is the Narrow Door Cafe, so named thanks to the 15 inch wide opening to this quirky cafe in an old office building. Quite literally a hole in the wall, the door is just the hook owners use to get customers in the door, the cafe upstairs is definitely comfortable and exudes the funky, artistic vibe for which Tainan is so well known. What I love most about Taiwan is that her people aren’t afraid to be individuals, and self expression reigns supreme in this coffee shop.

Close to the Narrow Door is Fuzhong Street, one of the best pedestrian streets in Tainan that features a variety of shops, vendors and of course cafes. There I found something truly original.

The artist known as Bon started painting his plastic tea bottles more than five years ago at the funky Byblos cafe on Fuzhong Street. “The shape of the bottle reminded me of a woman’s curves and so I just started drawing clothes on them.” These portable works of art have become a huge hit on the street already known for unusual shops and tasty snacks, “People usually come just to buy the bottles, but I swear the tea is good too,” assures the unlikely artist. It only takes him three minutes to paint each work of art and patrons can request that he copy their clothes onto the bottles. Finding inspiration from unlikely places isn’t restricted to this unusual cafe, it’s the cultural philosophy of Tainan, from the tiny entrance at the Narrow Door Cafe to the miniature figurines resembling popular meals found at the city’s souvenir stands.

Tainan is surprising, for the basic fact that it contains surprises more than anything else. I felt relaxed in this big city, in a way that its cousin Taipei never afforded. Tainan is a city comfortable in its own skin and provides a much needed balance to the chaos of the modern capital city.

Have you been to Tainan? What did you think?

The post Exploring Taiwan’s Second City – Tainan appeared first on LandLopers.

A few months ago I traveled to Taiwan with AFAR Magazine to co-write an advertorial sponsored by Taiwan Tourism. The goal was for me to experience many divergent activities around the island so that I could write about the width and breadth of experiences available to all tourists there. In spite of it being a work assignment, I ended up falling for the country and today consider it one of my favorite places to travel anywhere in the world. There was one afternoon that pushed me though physically in a way I hadn’t been pushed in a long time, and that single experience may be the reason why I love Taiwan so much.

I’m nearly 38 and in passable health. Not great, but I won’t have to be lifted out of my house by tearing down a wall anytime soon either. So when I was told that I would be joining a jungle hike in the jungles of southern Taiwan I wasn’t that worried. I hike a lot when I travel and most of the time the experiences are fine. Usually they also provide me with stunning scenery, so I’ve come to anticipate them more than ever before. The workshop led by Mr. Aliman Madiklan was something completely different though.

Madiklan is a reformed journalist; having spent decades covering the news for large papers around Taiwan he gave it all up a few years ago when a chance of a lifetime arose. There are 14 recognized aboriginal tribes in Taiwan and Mr. Madiklan is of the Bunun people, who at one time called the jungles of the Central Mountain Range in Taiwan home. A huge swath of his people’s traditional lands had come up for sale and the government wanted to buy it to build a new rest stop for drivers traveling through the area. Shocked by the plan, Madiklan developed his own and bought the land outright, preventing the construction of the rest stop. Instead of paving over his people’s past, he wanted to find a way to showcase it, which he does every day through his unique Luanshan Tribal Village experience. The goal is to introduce visitors to Bunun customs and to hopefully impart a respect for a lifestyle that is all but lost today.

I anticipated a rugged adventure, just a few of us being led around the jungles learning how to live off of it in an almost primal way. As I approached the group though I was surprised to learn that the other 40 or so guests were all there as part of a corporate retreat. They were coworkers and this was their team building exercise for the year. Instead of being an intrepid adventurer, I had found myself in a Taiwanese corporate skills class.

The day with Madiklan learning about the Bunun people was divided into different activities. He briefly led us into the jungle to teach us about lore and legend before assisting us in making offerings to the gods. It was a lost in translation moment because I didn’t realize what we were asking the gods for exactly. Turns out we were asking them to help us through an incredibly rough jungle hike.

The hike confused me at first. I wasn’t sure where we were going or why, I only knew that bringing my camera along had been a mistake. The group of 40 cubicle workers and myself traipsed through the forest, over fallen logs and through crevices only the skinniest could easily manage. Then I saw it, a 20-foot climb up a rocky ledge, up trees leading to who knew where. I don’t like heights and my knees have been giving me trouble lately, not to mention the fact I had an expensive camera dangling around my neck. To say I wasn’t excited about the climb is an understatement. I may not have even attempted it if I hadn’t seen a woman in her late 60s scurry up like a squirrel hunting for food. I was shamed and immediately threw caution to the wind and climbed up the rock face.

Oddly enough that climb wasn’t the hardest part of the experience, it was everything that followed. The path was a hard one to manage and I found myself swearing at every new obstacle in my way, thankful that not many understood what I was saying. To them I must have been the cranky foreigner interrupting their pleasant corporate retreat. Then came a path downhill that I just couldn’t handle on my own. The man in front of me, taller and bigger than me (a rarity in Taiwan to be honest) gave me his arm to help me down. I did the same for the person behind me and before I knew it, a bunch of us were standing at the bottom smiling at each other. Over the next thirty minutes there were many more moments of helping out those around us, because we had to. Even though we couldn’t communicate verbally, we talked to each other through our actions. By the end of the trail we found ourselves back at camp almost giddy at the fact that we had done it. We navigated the intense hike, but not without help from those around us.

Without realizing it, I had been drawn into the corporate team-building workshop and had bonded with these folks. They were my new friends, and we all hugged and shook hands afterwards. The rest of the day was spent enjoying some of the amazing traditional foods of the Bunun, bonding with new acquaintances and relaxing after the strenuous morning. I know I was supposed to learn more about the aboriginal peoples of Taiwan, but instead I learned more about the Taiwanese of today. That day made me fall in love with them, to thank them for their warm and gregarious ways and to appreciate everything the nation has to offer. It also showed me that a little corporate team building can be a good thing, even for the least corporate amongst us.

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1. Albi – France is full of cities I didn’t know, and I think that’s common amongst Americans. Sure, we know the major cities but once you go down a level to various towns and regions, I think we’re a bit lost. This is where the British and other Europeans have an advantage, which explained the sheer number of British tourists I found all over France, even in Albi. Located in the heart of the incredibly green rolling hills of the Tarn region, Albi is a joy to visit. I’m a history fan, and I loved learning more about the tragic history of the Cathars, which culminated in and around Albi more than eight hundred years ago. But on the lighter side, Albi was also the birthplace of Toulouse-Lautrec, the famed French artist of the 19th century. The Toulouse-Lautrec museum conveniently located in the heart of Albi has just been renovated and it is a masterpiece of modern design and museum management. Albi is just a beautiful place to spend a day wandering through its streets and alleys. It has great views, nice people and is overall very approachable.

2. Zadar – I loved most of my adventures in Croatia, but Zadar was one city that simply blew me away. It’s not only one of my favorite cities in Croatia, but easily the world. And yet it’s really hard for me to say why, exactly. Sure it’s beautiful and the mix of architecture from Roman times through today makes walking around a fascinating adventure, but it’s more than that. While in Zadar I felt connected to the town in a way that’s hard to replicate. I loved everything from watching one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world to hanging out with new friends at a local cafe. Everything worked for me, everything just seemed right. I’m not alone either, Zadar is quickly rising on ‘must-visit’ lists and it won’t be long until the masses discover this amazing town, so be sure to include a visit in your travel plans sooner rather than later.

3. Chishang – I knew nothing about Taiwan outside of Taipei before I visited in August 2013, and I was surprised by a lot of things along the way. What may have surprised me the most though was an amazing bike ride through the rice paddies of Chishang. This southern region of Taiwan is known for its rice production in fact and the vast paddies are even famous for their amazing beauty. To help tourists experience the best, a bike path was constructed through the paddies, giving visitors the chance to be up close and personal with the landscape. The bike ride was pretty easy as I navigated my way through the fields, around lotus-filled ponds and onto backcountry roads where my only companion was a local dog. It was serene morning of total peace and happiness, the likes of which are all-too hard to find sometimes.

4. Marstrand – While this island on the West Coast of Sweden is quite well known within the country, it was completely new to me. Even though Marstrand has been welcoming people looking for a weekend escape for decades, it has a much longer history as the castle perched high on top of a hill indicates. Carlsten fortress is a 17th century castle that served as protection during the many on and off again turf battles with neighbors. Today the castle and the classic buildings found around the island make it a relaxing and picturesque retreat. What I really enjoyed the most though was walking around the small town, marveling at the beautiful and colorful buildings, and enjoying my time on the water. There’s nothing quite like the sea to help put one’s over-stimulated mind to rest, and I found that moment of tranquility on the stunning island of Marstrand.

5. Cahors – Even though I speak French (sort of) I never mastered the correct pronunciation of this French town, but I ended up loving it anyway. Cahors’ biggest claim to tourist fame is its fortified Devil’s Bridge, so called because people believed the builder must have entered into a pact with the devil in order to finish this mighty structure. But there’s so much more to Cahors than just a bridge. The one aspect that draws me into any place is that indefinable feeling that you belong and I got that amazing sensation in Cahors. The downtown was bustling, the shops and restaurants lively and everyone just seemed happy. I know, it’s a strange observation, but it’s true. More than a bridge or the impressive medieval buildings, I just loved spending time in this picturesque town. For a special treat, head to the Cahors Malbec tasting room on the Place François-Mitterrand where you can try a variety of the local Cahors Melbec wines and learn more about what makes the region such a tremendous wine producing area.

What are some places that you hadn’t heard of before but ended up loving?

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What may have surprised me the most about my time in Taiwan was its natural beauty. In fact, I think some of the best experiences found in the country aren’t in its cities, but in its national parks. Taroko Gorge in particular impressed me, not just for the beautiful landscapes, but for the ability to venture out into the park and really experience the nature of Taiwan on a very personal level.

I was in Taiwan with AFAR Magazine, on an assignment to write an advertorial for the magazine. Along the way though I learned a lot about the country, and in spite of the assignment ended up loving the country on my own. My thoughts here are true and honest and I really do believe that Taiwan is an amazing country to explore, especially for the adventure minded of us.

My hotel was located in the heart of the park, so that I could look out my window and see the massive boulders for which the gorge is famous. The geology in this mountainous area is unusual and huge slabs of marble line the gorge, massive natural monuments to the park’s greatness. I didn’t really appreciate the beauty of the area though until I joined a short hike through the gorge on the Baiyang Waterfall Trail.

This short, 4-kilometer round trip starts out in an eerie 100-meter long tunnel, originally built by a power company before they abandoned plans to build a dam in the nearby area. The tunnel leads to the much more natural path that winds along the river, through several more tunnels and features great views of waterfalls, cliff faces and caves.

The hike is pretty easy and accessible more almost anyone, but that doesn’t mean it’s not fun. It’s a fantastic way to get out and enjoy the day and to truly appreciate the natural beauty that makes Taiwan such an exciting place to explore.

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I learned a lot while traveling around Taiwan, but I was especially surprised by how little I knew about this island nation before first arriving. Of all the sites and places that impressed me, these are a few I think deserve special attention because I’m willing to bet you’ve never heard of them before.

I was in Taiwan on an assignment with AFAR Magazine and the guest of the Taiwan Tourism Bureau but all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

1. Longshan Temple—Located in the heart of Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, this 18^th-century temple is just as active today as it was 200 years ago. Walking through the temple doors, I was hit immediately by a cloud of incense coming from the many burners placed around the complex. Worshipers were everywhere in various stages of prayer, from those fully prostrated to others throwing moon-shaped divination blocks to determine their fortunes. The buildings themselves are, of course, beautiful, but the best part about visiting Longshan is the people watching: quietly observing the penitent as they wind their own path through the Temple.

2. Paper Dome—On September 21, 1999, a devastating earthquake shook Taiwan, destroying communities around the island, including Taomi Village in the Puli township of Taiwan. Seventy percent of this small village was destroyed, but instead of giving up and moving on, the residents decided to use this disaster as an opportunity to transform their community into something special. The result was the creation of an eco-village as a way to showcase their valley, unusual in the degree of biodiversity found there. The centerpiece of this burgeoning tourist site is the Paper Dome. Constructed out of cardboard tubes, the unusual building was first built in Japan as a temporary church for earthquake survivors. A gift of the building was made to Taomi Village as a symbolic message of hope between the two ailing communities. Today it is the heart of the eco-village and a testimony to the perseverance of the human spirit.

3. Chihkan Towers—For a brief time in the 17^th century, the Dutch East India Company used Taiwan as a strategic outpost for their ever-expanding empire. While their presence on the island wasn’t long-lived, remnants of this colonization can still be seen in the country’s original capital city, Tainan. In the heart of modern Tainan is the Chihkan Towers complex, built on the foundations of the Dutch Fort Provintia. While little of the site’s original features can be seen today, a visit to the temple complex is well worth an afternoon of discovery. A classic Chinese-style garden welcomes visitors with koi ponds, well-maintained landscaping and beautiful statuary. But the real draw are the temples devoted to the gods of the sea and literature. At the top of the temples, visitors are rewarded with views of the surrounding neighborhoods.

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