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1.
Information
Information about the outside world is omnipresent in Taiwan, though
much of it is in Chinese. A host of cable operators blanket the
island, almost all offering a number of English-language channels,
including CNN. Likewise, Taiwan has plenty of ISPs, to get you back
on line ASAP.
In terms of print media, Taiwan has three local English-language
newspapers, the Taiwan News, Taipei Times and China Post. Although
each has its own particular editorial perspective, all offer reliable
coverage of international and domestic news, and local events.
The radio station ICRT (International Community Radio Taiwan) is
a good source of English-language news.
 2.
Eating Out
The Taiwanese make it a point to eat well, and an astronomic number
of gastronomic delights can be stumbled upon almost anywhere you
go.
In recent years, Taiwan has seen a dramatic rise in the number and
variety of Western-style restaurants, so much so that foreign visitors
may find it too easy to pass up the pleasures of the local cuisine.
Although you'll find everything from Italian to Cajun, and plenty
of Japanese, Korean and Southeast Asian eateries too, don't be shy
about exploring the wide variety of Chinese dining experiences at
the tip of your tongue in Taiwan.
Many restaurant menus include English, though some of these are
more sources of amusement than enlightenment. Many other menus contain
pictures, which are of even greater help. But nothing replaces the
use of Chinese, so bring along a Chinese friend, or throw yourself
at the mercy of your waiter. Above all, dig in!
First things first - don't miss out on a traditional Chinese breakfast.
Steaming hot soybean milk, egg pancakes and a wide assortment of
warm buns are the way to start your day. After hours, try a night
market, where exotic tastes abound. Don't be afraid to eat street
- but gastrointestinal discretion is advised.
One of the prime eating outings is a helping of local Taiwanese
cuisine, which (not surprisingly) features a great deal of seafood,
with oysters the star attraction, and an infinite variety of soups.
Food from other parts of the Chinese world is also to be had. For
a savory, spicy experience, be sure to sample some Sichuan-style
cooking. Cantonese Dim Sum and Beijing-style dumplings are also
musts, and Taiwan serves up an unending series of curries, steaks,
seafood and other Chinese dishes that defy regional categorization.
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