National Health Card, Do I qualify? How do I get one?

Want to know if you qualify and how to get a health card.  Go to this website for the all the info: National Health Card

How to replace your lost health card

You checked all your pockets and bags and all the nooks and crannies in your apartment to no avail.  Ok, so you lost your health card. Don't worry, replacing it isn't too hard. It can be done in less than an hour (depending on how busy they are). How do I know?  My health card had once disappear too.

And the best national cuisine in the world is ...

I recently read an article rating the best food in the world. Listed at number one was American fare.  I then looked at the source of the article.  You guessed it, it was written by an American.  My guess would be that if the same article was written by an Aussie, Brit, Japanese or you name it, the top position would probably be their respected national cuisine.

Is that an ice cream truck?

Do you hear music in the air?  Don't think ice cream, instead, think trash.  That's right.  Garbage trucks make regular stops throughout the city collecting residents' and businesses' trash that people bring out to the truck.  This system seems effective since the environment is not the most conducive for leaving trash bags outside. If you live in an apartment, you probably don't have to worry about this because most apartment buildings provide dumpsters for you to empty your trash.  This means you don't have to dance down the street as you chase down a music playing garbage truck.

Stamp or chop?

Did you know that the stamp people use in Asia for an official document, including the ones with their names on it, is called a chop. If you use your Chinese name at your bank, you may find that you are a proud owner of your own chop.

Fengyuan: places to check out

Do you live in Fengyuan? Are you trying to figure out where to grab a bite to eat, go shopping or get some exercise? Then check out this map. I did not put it together. I'm simply passing along a handy tool: Foreigner's Guide to Fengyuan.

* I received this information from Taichung Info Exchange on FB.

Molly's second hand bookstore in Taichung 茉莉二手書店

Looking for a novel to read?  Need a travel guide book.  Want some info on a hobby?  Then Molly's Second Hand Bookstore may be the place for you.  

How to use the internet at 7-Eleven for free

The internet is free at 7-Eleven for 90 minutes each time.  However, to use it, you first need to sign up.

Baking supplies and foreign groceries in the Donghai area

If you live around Donghai and are in need of some backing supplies, or that extra ingredient you just can’t find at the regular supermarket, you can check out Sheng-hui grocery.(生暉)

Photocopying: From your computer to 7-Eleven ibon

Need a hard copy of your lesson plan, or itinerary?  Here are instructions on how to send your document to 7-Eleven ibon.  You can then go to any 7-Eleven and print it out.

English Speaking Travel Agencies in Taichung

You finally have some time off and are ready to break loose and explore. Need an English speaking travel agent to help solidify your plans? Here are some agents you can check out.

Right turns

Did you know that turning right on red is illegal in Taiwan?  Police like to wait for violators around the corner of a traffic light. So think twice before turning right on red, even if you are in a hurry or following the driver in front of you.

Olimato Bistro - Western Restaurant (奧樂美特)

Olimato serves a nice selection of western style breakfasts and lunch items including omelets, breakfast casseroles, eggs Benedict, french toast and others.  All the breakfasts come as a set with drinks included.

Pancakes & Waffles Cafe 華生咖啡

Are you in the Da keng area and looking for a quesadilla, a slice of lasagna, a dish of spaghetti, a burger, a simple salad or some waffles for each under $200? Then check out Pancakes & Waffles Cafe 華生咖啡

Amazing things you can do at 7-Eleven (and Family Mart)

I haven't seen a 7-Eleven in the states for years.  I thought they were a dying breed until I step foot into Taiwan where they seem to have sprung up like wild flowers.  Driving down any road, you don't have to go far to see one of these familiar signs. What is different from what I remembered is all the things you can do at 7-eleven.  You can do everything but take a shower.  Ok, not everything, but you could wash up in their bathrooms.
Here are some of the services offered by Taiwan's friendly neighborhood 7-Eleven:

Why are they wearing long sleeved shirts in this scorching heat?

Sweat was streaming down my face as I looked perplexedly at Taiwanese scooter drivers passing by wearing long sleeved shirts and light coats.  Were they cold, crazy or so used to the heat that they didn't mind?

Why is he staring at me?

Does he think I'm a celebrity? Is he a stalking me? Chances are, both these choices are wrong. Did you know that in Taiwan culture, staring at people isn't considered rude like it is in Western cultures?

Uptowner, An American Breakfast & Brunch Restaurant, Bar & Grill (雙城美式早午餐)

If you are looking for an authentic American style breakfast or lunch, this is the place to check out.  For breakfast they have many options including omelets, pancakes, eggs Benedict with homemade hollandaise sauce, hash browns, french toast and more.  For lunch they have many different sandwiches, burgers and salads. They also offer soup, chili, and buffalo wings.  They seem to have many options for many palates including some vegetarian dishes and spicy fare.  I even saw sauerkraut listed in one sandwich and a blue cheese hamburger.  There are free refills on the sodas and black coffee.  The portions are huge and the prices are reasonable.  The servers all speak English and were helpful and friendly.

What does the worker say when you walk into a store?

The first time I walked into a store, the clerk screamed out some greeting.  I thought he said, "Good morning". This was a little odd because it was 2 in the afternoon. But being polite, I responded back with, "Good morning." Only later did I discover that he wasn't saying, "good morning", but the Chinese for, "Welcome" (歡迎光臨 Huānyíng guānglín, ㄏㄨㄢㄧㄥˊㄍㄨㄤㄌㄧㄣˊ) .  This is customary at most stores.  At some stores, like clothing stores, they will also tell you to "have a look" (看看Kàn kàn ㄎㄢˋㄎㄢˋ)