When I came to Taiwan in April 2002 the exchange rate was much tougher than today.  A NT$100 was like spending $5 at home.  The Australian dollar has become much stronger today due to international banks seeing Australia as a safe haven to store their funds.  Plus the mining boom with PRC overtaking Japan as our number one trading partner.

It’s winter in Australia.  People have the flu and some cough without covering their mouth.  Taiwan could teach Australia a lot.  Yet only now are my friends curious about why I keep returning to Taiwan for as often as four months each year.

My Taiwanese friends believe Australia is a paradise – yes it probably is – in some respects but not all.  Is anywhere perfect?  Taiwanese food is miles better than what ordinary Australians eat.  Take frozen fish .  The contents of the packet below at 49% flour – I think that ratio changed when the fish cooked and shriveled up.

Sale price was about NT$200 this week.

Taiwan is like a health trip for me.  Good quality bottled water (cheaper than in Australia) and restaurant food a pleasant change from my home cooking.

 

 

 

beer, manufactured fruit juices and soft drinks.  This is Australia today.