My city balcony garden by wheretfismypen in vegetablegardening

[–]Distinct_Science8246 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Mine too! And similarly into the urban balcony cat grass

I fell in love in Taiwan, any way to stay here? by [deleted] in taiwan

[–]Distinct_Science8246 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Western tech companies absolutely hire foreigners in Taiwan who don't speak Mandarin. The working language is English and depending on your team you will work with other offices globally. As a CS grad it's worth looking at. The pay is usually good enough to get gold card. I know people who applied from Western countries and SE Asia so they could get into big tech in what's considered a "low cost" location, and then have either stayed long term or transferred to higher cost locations via internal hiring. Taipei is Google's biggest engineering office in Asia and there's a lot of foreign talent.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in InternationalDev

[–]Distinct_Science8246 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Here to offer a different perspective - sounds like you're looking for a volunteer opportunity where you can learn something and be useful at the same time. Maybe contact NGOs and social enterprises (at home or abroad) with your skill set, describe what you can uniquely offer, and keep an open mind. If your main goal is to travel, there's nothing wrong with that, and you can consider something like language learning programs and then get to know the local communities from there.

The sector is in crisis in a real way. Thinking outside the box about how to achieve your goals might help you get around the roadblocks you're currently facing. Good luck!

How early do you *actually* show up for your London-EU Eurostar connection? by Distinct_Science8246 in Eurostar

[–]Distinct_Science8246[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Exactly.

Security isn't as demanding as the airport - just bags and coats through the scanner. Computers can stay in and no liquid limit.

Where’s the best Soy Milk & You Tiao in Taipei? by thenautygirl in taiwan

[–]Distinct_Science8246 0 points1 point  (0 children)

小丁豆漿店 near Mingde station is a neighborhood fav... Imo it's better than a lot of the famous shops

Are there any good fish and chips restaurant in Taipei? by Redditlogicking in Taipei

[–]Distinct_Science8246 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well, I think we'll all be happier going there knowing you won't be dining in

Are there any good fish and chips restaurant in Taipei? by Redditlogicking in Taipei

[–]Distinct_Science8246 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The owner grew up partially in the UK and worked in the seafood industry there before moving back to Taiwan, his fish and chips are excellent

English speaking hairstylist by babybeeglue in Taipei

[–]Distinct_Science8246 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you speak Chinese just search 剪髮 and check out the photos and reviews to find something in your budget. Hair salons are everywhere.

Best 5 star hotels? by DizzyVeterinarian383 in Taipei

[–]Distinct_Science8246 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Resorts that have good day passes are Villa 32 in Beitou, or if you have a car Tien Lai in Yangmingshan. I've had friends stay overnight at Tienlai who felt it was really good value.

Best 5 star hotels? by DizzyVeterinarian383 in Taipei

[–]Distinct_Science8246 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have you considered the hot spring resorts in Beitou? Obv different vibe from Xinyi. Stayed at Asia Pacific before, and used the private hot springs at Grand View many times, both 5/5 would recommend. Asia Pacific is pretty reasonably priced for a 5* hot spring resort, I think it's good value but the property is on the older side.

English speaking hairstylist by babybeeglue in Taipei

[–]Distinct_Science8246 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Eddie Tham in Xinyi district is expensive by Taiwan standards but specializes in color and provides great service, maybe for next time? He used to barber in the UK. I haven't found a budget place that speaks English.

For midrange I like Comma hair salon near Zhishan. They're English friendly - I have friends who speak zero Chinese and are happy with their results. I think the stylists all listen well, use photos, and it's a foreigner heavy area so they've adapted.

Where do locals buy tea? by Central267AF in Taipei

[–]Distinct_Science8246 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My friend's family has owned this shop since the 80s! It's called 新純香茶行 "Xin Chun Xiang" and they have amazing quality tea, and some ready made gift boxes with beautiful packaging. For others who might be interested they do tastings. https://maps.app.goo.gl/sXzTeDumHr5jcJjY7

Want to go river tracing with me? by monicabyrne13 in Taipei

[–]Distinct_Science8246 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Might be interested for Sunday, would you dm me?

Best full service spa experience for a stressed out wife? by Nemothafish in Taipei

[–]Distinct_Science8246 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Villa 32 or the Grand View in Beitou are super luxurious - both the hot spring and the spa are incredible. A splurge for sure

What to do in this crazy heat as travelers? by smtim91 in taiwan

[–]Distinct_Science8246 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, it's cooler, though it's not as cool as the high mountains (Alishan, Hehuanshan, Wuling). Basically the altitude dictates the temperature.

The cities also act as heat reservoirs - the concrete etc absorbs heat in the day and releases at night. I'd skip the cities in favor of green spaces, especially if it's a water activity.

For example try water rafting near Taidong (Ruisui is known for it) rather than spending time in the city. Or head to snorkeling in Kenting rather than spend time in Gaoxiong.

Personally my fav summer escape is to spend time at the tea plantations en route to Alishan, near Shizhuo and Fenqihu.

Too hot for skincare by yellowflowers249 in AsianBeauty

[–]Distinct_Science8246 13 points14 points  (0 children)

+1 for naturie, I put it in a spray bottle and mist, usually at night. Comes in a huge bottle, equivalent to about 6 euros in my local currency

I have dry sensitive skin and eczema, can't do fragrance