Flew with another ex-EVA guy yesterday. Same as usual story, he used it as a stepping stone out of the DC-9 to a better place.

In regards to living in Taipei, I would try to live downtown if based there. There is a lot to do when you live downtown. I like the area from Min Chuan East Road to Chung Hsiao East Road between Fu Shing North and Tun Hwa ( note, they keep changing their English spelling so those may not be the way they spell the names anymore. In Pinyin those would be spelled Min Quan, Zhong Xiao, Fu Xing, and Dun Hua )

The most expats with families can be found in Tien Mu because the American school is located there. It's a pit more pricey than down by Sung Shan airport and not as much night life.

There is loads to do on the island. Trips into the mountains and down the east coast are well worth it. Kinmen is very interesting as are Green Island and Magong. You pretty much need to speak Mandarin though when travelling solo, otherwise a tour would be better. And that's a key point. If you are single it's best to hook up with a Taiwanese girl to better enjoy your time on the island. The place just isn't English language friendly. Few people speak English and there are few signs in English to help.

I'm gonna bet your friend quoted above is single ( or was single at the time of writing his comments ). Most guys with families will try to commute. Those who bring their family struggle to get along due to language and culture barriers.


Typhoonpilot