Taiwan: An Historical Context
Before we get into living in Taipei, let’s quickly set the historical and cultural stages on which this vibrant city rests. Throughout this site, I use the term “Taiwan” loosely to refer to the island on which Taipei City is located. If you still confuse “Taiwan” with “Thailand,” please invest in an atlas immediately, and request a refund from your Alma Mater. There are two other names, however, that we need to keep straight: “R.O.C.” and “P.R.C.” If you watched the Beijing Olympics, you know just how controversial these names can be. But what’s the big deal, anyway? Below is a quick look at some significant historical events and figures that molded modern Taiwan and China, and the tense political situation between them. Buckle your seatbelt folks, things are about get a little bumpy……
Read MoreTaiwan: A Cultural Context
In addition to the above historical crosswinds, Tawain’s modern culture is also the product of several religions and belief systems. Most of these cultural facets were brought to Taiwan from Mainland China, though there are also notable influences from Japan, Europe, North America, and Taiwan’s aboriginal tribes.
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