Posts by Projecteur

Hi Rachel, I’m wrapping up my 6-week trip, but not by bike—you’re brave! That said, in Taiwan, a lot of things are designed for cyclist safety, though not so much in cities but more on the roads. So I can’t give you any info on biking in Taiwan. For the rest, I really loved the east coast—wilder, with that Pacific Ocean and far fewer cities. I also visited Green Island and Orchid Island; they’re stunning. I rented an electric scooter, and it’s often uphill. Taiwanese people are super welcoming, always ready to help if you need it. Even though it’s an island, don’t expect to swim—it’s too dangerous. Let me know if you’d like any specific info. I had a truly wonderful trip. Marie

Thanks Georges, I just arrived this morning, so I’m a bit wiped out—I’ve noted your remarks. See you later!

Hi, I just reread the book *The Survivors*—thanks for the recommendation!

See you soon, Marie

Hi Marie, Thanks for the book recommendation—I’ll look for it. The themes are often dark, sometimes *very* dark, but that’s also part of the history. See you soon, Marie

Hi Mariecurry, I can’t reply to you directly on the forum—thanks so much for your message, though!

Yes, Orchid Island is hugely important to Taiwan’s memory. There are two authors you should read: Syaman Rapongan and Topas Tamapima. I’ve learned so much about the island’s identity from them. It’s also unfortunately a dumping ground for radioactive waste. There’s also a thesis on pig farming, architecture, and of course, flying fish fishing. And don’t miss the *Formose* comic—it’s full of great insights. Is Green Island really key for the White Terror repression period? I hope to visit too, but for both places, it depends on the sailing conditions.

I’ve noted the Confucius date in my calendar. Hopefully, I’ll be somewhere where something’s happening, like on October 10th—Double Ten Day.

I know Japan pretty well—the North and South separately—and a little bit of China, but Taiwan really excites me.

True, there aren’t many exchanges on the forums, but that’s probably a good sign. Plus, I’m staying for six weeks, so I’ve got time to start finding answers.

The capital’s art museum is highly rated. On the east coast, there’s a sculpture museum with lots of marble—it really interests me.

Hope you can read this—thanks, Mariecurry! Marie

GOT MY REPLY BACK 😉

I forgot, It's possible to download the complete booklet of works exhibited in this museum online.

Hi, I replied to mariecurry, but I can’t log back in. To find the answer again: "Orchid Island, Green Island, and more"

Yes, Confucius’s birthday and Double Ten Day are important for history.

I recommend the comic *Formose*, a great overview of this country’s history.

As Marie mentioned, Chiang Kai-shek left with some beautiful artifacts, just like the Japanese left Korea with treasures that you can now see in Japanese museums—and that still bring great sadness to Korea (and it’s not the only case). Have a great trip!

Hi, My departure is coming up soon—two months backpacking in Taiwan, so much to discover! I’d love to hear about your travel experiences.

My main interests are meeting people, understanding how things work, hiking, and nature in general. I’ve also done a lot of reading about Taiwan’s complex situation. I do stone sculpture. I also want to visit Orchid Island for its history. Marie

Hi Philou, I read the exchanges with great interest—I never travel with a phone either, just Wi-Fi in hotels. I have a non-tech question: I’m planning to go in autumn, mid-September, and I’m looking at direct flight prices. I’m really unsure whether to book my ticket now or wait—what do you think? Have a good evening, Marie

Hi everyone, I’m preparing for a one-month trip in October. I’m traveling solo and would love to explore the countryside, but I’m also wondering if there are any themed urban hikes or walks. In Japan, I did some themed city tours, especially by bike. Thanks for any tips you can share! Marie

Hi Anne, finally a recent message! I’ve got a huge desire to visit Newfoundland and Labrador. I’m used to traveling despite being 68—I just switched to a wheeled suitcase now. I’m really struggling to find information about these regions and have tons of questions:

* Are there any buses? * Affordable accommodations? * I saw a railway that really interested me, from Sept-Îles to Schefferville. I understand it doesn’t run every day, but do you have any info? * There’s also a road that caught my eye, from Baie-Comeau to Blanc-Sablon.

As you can tell, I love the ends of the earth where roads sometimes fade away, so you can connect better with nature and the people.

Hope you can help! 👋 See you soon, Marie

I’m French

That sounds great, good preparation! Marie

There’s also a French restaurant in Karakorum. Some Mongolians speak French and are looking for work—I know because I chatted in French with a guide. Of course, I was the only tourist, so we talked about this and that. You’ll find the contact details in the guides. Marie

Hi, I just saw the reply about the Alliance Française. To let you know where it is: when you're in Genghis Khan Square facing the sculpture, take the sidewalk on the right. There's a big red banner marked AF, and at the bottom, there's a Lux store. Go up to the 3rd floor. The Alliance is there to teach French—it’s often young people from well-off families. The Alliance is brand new and works with the Goethe Institute. AFs can be complicated, though.

A bit further away, there’s the famous French restaurant (on the left sidewalk). Maybe you can go there and ask—they should have the details online or in a guide. Also, when you leave, the AF might be on break or just starting their application process for the new term. But don’t worry, it’ll be fine with the families even if you don’t speak the language. There’ll be interesting things to experience. It’ll all work out—no stress! Marie

There’s Soguide online, but in my opinion it’s gonna cost you an arm and a leg since you’re traveling solo 😅

If you need any other info—transport, sightseeing, etc.—just let me know!

Hi Emmanuelle, So glad to hear from you—it’s really coming together! For the guide, I don’t have a solution, sorry. For the flight, check if there’s a direct Frankfurt/Ulaanbaatar flight—I don’t know the price, but it’s faster. I went via Beijing, which was great on the way out, but 24 hours of waiting on the way back 😅. For the guide, did you ask at the Golden Gobi guesthouse? See you soon. Marie

I just saw that you live in Quebec—that’s a great plus! 😊

Thanks Caribou, it’s a shame to give info about a region you don’t know. I checked the site—thanks! Have a great day, Marie