VOL

NOV 2013

01

Why Taiwan is getting more and more popular for foreigners?
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 Letter from the Editor

You never forget your first...

() (Whats Cool Taipei)

Its awesome isnt it, when first impressions are good impressions? I still remember my very first time navigating Mario through the Mushroom Kingdom. I, as Mario, was unstoppable. Nothing could have come in between me and my firm determination to save Princess Peach from Bowser. First impressions, as you can see, are also lasting impressions. Taiwan, I am happy to confess, goes in the same thrilling category as my experience with Mario.
; Youbike101

We might not be able to offer a time travel machine (yet) to blast you back to those first impressions, but we can all set out to find new experiences. And thats what launching Whats Cool Taipei is about. Weve put together an (local) insider and (foreign) outsiders look on this charming island. Were talking about front-row-seats and behind-the-scenes view of Taiwans brightest, weirdest, funniest, and most lip-smacking gems... the stuff that makes Taiwan a joy to live in.

I cant help but be reminded of the first time I signed out a Youbike and pedalled around the glowing 101 at night. It was all smiles the whole ride through. Ear to ear. Or how about the warm Taiwanese hospitality that blanketed me when I first landed and was totally jetlagged plus linguistically challenged?It was an unexpected ambush--one that left me short of words and completely spellbound. I was head over heels with this magnificent city. Taiwan-derful, I said.

New experiences can be as frightening as they are exciting. But when theyre good, theyre golden. Now come celebrate this first issue with us! Stick those thumbs-up or I suppose even those Asian peace V signs for this amazing city.
(Whats Cool Taipei)

We hope you enjoy our first issue.

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RELATIONSHIP

That Smell
By: Sheny Lin Translated by: Gwen Kimmelman

Man

Ever since I was little, I thought wearing perfume was a girly thing for girls to wear. But according to foreigners it is a beauty and hygiene regimen for guys, too. Apparently men are also expected to leave the house smelling squeaky clean yet manly enough to impress and attract the ladies. Every morning, I wake up to the sweet scent of bath bubbles and the voice of my sweetheart telling me Time to wake up!. The bathroom door swings open, and amidst the steam and soap from the shower emerges my American boyfriend who moved to Taiwan a year ago. Its the first thing he does in the morning--hop in the shower, even though he took a shower last night. Most Americans shower mainly in the morning. It wakes them up, shakes away the drowsiness and prepares their brains for a clear head and a fresh day. The humidity in Taiwan is to most foreigners the cruelest form of punishment. The sweaty brows and stifling weather can be unbearable at times, and lets not go into detail about the sweat that stains our clothes and fills the room with that oh-sofamiliar unpleasant smell: B.O! In this sort of heat, how can one shower be enough? Its not. Theres a big handful of foreigners that shower two, three, sometimes even up to four times a day. Its not enough to scrub yourself squeaky clean. Sometimes, a party occasion calls for backup. Wearing cologne is an art, and like all talents it needs to be mastered. Since its a bit unfamiliar for most Taiwanese, heres a few pointers. Its always easy to spot (or rather, smell) teenagers, the novices of cologne wearers. The overpowering scent of cheap AXE invades your nostrils and causes an involuntary sneeze attack. Finding the right smell and the perfect amount to spray is like finding earrings to match shoes for girls. Its always been an accessory, but this lifestyle calls for cologne like its a necessity. So, the next time you boys slide on your designer jeans, ask yourself: are you smelling your manliest tonight?

! : Time to wake up! Party !

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FOOD

Written by: Dallas Waldie Translated by: Gina Hu

Skin

Tea Egg

HIGH

Butt

The Anatomy of a Chicken Nothing Goes to Waste

7-11

You can deem them thrifty or you can praise them for being adventurous, but the Taiwanese have mastered the art of eating chicken--and we mean practically every part of it. Heres a quick profile of some common chicken munchies for the next fearless guest swinging by Taipei.

Chicken skin is usually grilled on skewers at the kaorou () stands in night markets. Since most people have tried KFC, this shouldnt be a big step out of the comfort zone for rookies. Its soft, juicy and fatty, all in all quite delicious, but dont make a habit of eating it every day.

Walk in any 7/11 in Taiwan and youre sure to come across this delicacy. Tea eggs make a great after-bar snack when everything else is closed, too. Truly its just a boiled egg, but its the tar-like substance its cooked in, the black tinge and the cracked shells that throw most people off. Its nothing to be afraid ofjust some tea.

Skin
Steps Out of the Comfort Zone:

Butt
Steps Out of the Comfort Zone:

Heart

Feet

Guess what? Chicken butt! Chicken buttocks are so tender they literally melt in your mouth. On the basis of great taste and a relatively normal appearance, we recommend the pigu () for those not trying to push the limits but who are still looking for some adventure. If the word butt grosses you out just call it a pigu, its so much cuter that way!

Testicles

c h i c ke n

Heart
Steps Out of the Comfort Zone:

balls balls

Testicles
Steps Out of the Comfort Zone:

Tea Egg
Steps Out of the Comfort Zone:

Feet
Steps Out of the Comfort Zone:

Its not nearly as bad as it sounds, although I realize it sounds pretty bad. Chicken hearts are tough, bite-sized chunks of meat that will have you coming back for more. Once you conquer the thought of eating a heart, pick up a couple skewers at the local luwei () or kaorou () BBQ stands and you will be glad you did!

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Rating system easiest, hardest

A local favourite, these tasty treats can be purchased at night markets and corner stores. They are usually eaten potato chip style, although they can also be tossed into soup. There isnt much to chew on, and getting through the bones can be a bit of a hassle to an amateur. Start by biting off the toes and working your way to the ankle!

Only for the ballsiest of the ballsy, chicken testes are a rare delicacy. As a fair warning, these are not the chicken balls served with sweet and sour sauce overseasthis is the real deal. Most restaurants and night markets dont even serve them. Even if you found them, would you have the cojones to try them?

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FASHION

A womans secret weapon Dark Chocolate

A moment on your lips, a lifetime on the hips.
By: HoneyBabe Translated by: Gwen Kimmelman

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The battle is one that has been fought for centuries by chocolate lovers all over the world. The next time you choose to give in to the chocolate craving, skip the guilt. Contrary to popular belief, indulging in chocolate does not necessarily sentence you to death by love handles. Chocolate does have high fat levels, but there are also a handful of health benefits associated with our rich, dark and handsome friend. Recent discoveries are saying that 70% cocoa dark chocolate actually contains nutrients, stimulants and antioxidants that can give women health and beauty benefits! One test in Germany had women drinking half a cup of hot cocoa every day. The results showed a significant improvement in skin softness, hydration and removed peeling spots. Just remember, moderation is key. These health bonuses are not a free pass to binge on an allchocolate diet. Limit the servings to 3 ounces/85 grams per day to reap the most benefits.

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FASHION

1 2 3

4 5 6

()

reasons chocolate is good for you:

4. Lower blood pressure The high concentration of magnesium found in chocolate helps to prevent high blood pressure and heart diseases. Consuming moderate amounts may lower blood pressure and avoid blood clots, possibly preventing type 2 diabetes. 5. Brain power Aside from being an unprescribed antidepressant, chocolate is good for the brain in other ways. It can prevent the risk of stroke, improve memory function, and the small amount of caffeine stimulates the mind. Think of it as a smaller (healthier) dose of coffee. 6. Dopa-what? Theres a reason women find comfort in chocolate after break ups and during their PMS-y moods. Chocolate literally contains the same chemical your brain creates when you fall in love (phenylethylamine). The chemical releases endorphins, mostly dopamine and serotonin which bring out feelings of happiness and comfort.

1. Anti-oxidants = Anti-aging Eating a healthy amount of chocolate can keep the body young. The amount of antioxidants in a serving of dark chocolate surpasses red wine and even most vegetables. Antioxidants work towards anti-wrinkling and anti-aging. Slowing down the aging process has also been linked to protecting the body from cancer. 2. Radiant glow The flavonoids (a fancy word for plant pigments) found in cacao improve blood flow, reducing the amount of redness caused by skin irritants and sun exposure. Say goodbye to flushed red cheeks and hello to a rejuvenated rosy glow. 3. Metabolism boost Good things come in small packages: a small daily amount of chocolate has shown results of a decrease in body fat. Chocolate is a high-energy food, meaning the body works harder to burn off fat and fires up the digestion process. Whoda thunk!

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TRAVEL

Dulan,
Dulan Gimme Some Sugar
By: Helen Sharp Translated by: Eva Jan and Gina Hu

7-11

Of all the beauty surrounding Taiwan, the most breathtaking can be found on the East Coast, where lush green mountains fall into a sparkling, blue and green Pacific Ocean. On this particular stretch of land lies Dulan, a little-known artist colony with a big personality, that began with the help of an abandoned sugar factory. Two decades ago, this unlikely muse was repurposed by Amis aboriginal artists of Taitung and transformed into an art compound complete with galleries, stages, and a caf.

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TRAVEL

Upon arriving in Dulan, a visit to the sugar factory is a must. Walk past a Frenchman selling pastries and leather goods, into an aboriginal carpenters corner with carved driftwood sculptures. Next, cross a parking lot toward large, concrete rooms, once vacant, but now bursting with art and creativity. On Saturday nights, relax to the beats offered up at the Sugar Factory Dulan Caf. The caf showcases bands from all over the island. So lace up your dancing shoes and enjoy yourself some groovy tunes. Many of Dulans local and not so local artists works are featured in exhibits at the Sugar Factory. British Artist Timothy Joel, a well known oil-painter on the island, was captivated by Dulans positive power and creative vibe. He explains that once he arrived, his creativity was flowing with more freedom than ever before. Since then, many of his abstract works have been influenced by the not-so-everyday lifestyle of the funky town.

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TRAVEL

Along with the fantastical artworks lay some small and well crafted businesses run by people from all over the world. Some of the best pizzas, freshly baked bread, pastries, curries, sushi and much more can be found on this stretch of highway 11. Within this tightly knit community, everyone supports each other, as evidenced by these local businesses proudly displaying the eclectic local artwork. This haven of art and creativity only becomes more powerful when you take in the scenery. The beaches with their epic surf and soft sand surrounded by mountains and fresh air make Dulan the perfect escape. It is true: Dulan is Taiwans best kept secret. So fall in love with the charm, creativity and eclectic energy of Dulan, and get in some Dulan lovin now.

[To get to Dulan, hop on the next train to Taidong. The trip from the train station is NT$800 by taxi or NT$70 if you brave the bus. Both take around 20-30 minutes. There are places to camp along the beach and at the Dulan police station. Reassuringly, many hostels can be found in Dulan as well. Hostels like WaGaLiGong are great places to stay, to eat good food, to meet local artists and to find out about the best surf spots in town.]

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RELATIONSHIP

Baby, ?
why wont you talk to me?

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By: Sheny Lin Translated by: Gwen Kimmelman

Imagine a lazy sunday afternoon, cozying up with your cute European or American boyfriend and a cup of coffee. Sounds nice, right? Living together, sharing lifes stories with each other, hours of conversations that last all night about nothing in particular. Theres nothing better than coming home to see the shining smile of your significant other after a full day of tedious work. But wait, why isnt there a warm welcome waiting for me at home this time? Arent you happy to see me? Its like my boyfriend has suddenly come down with a case of the blues, and we have nothing to say to each other. Its not you, its my reading habit Come home, shut the the door, turn on the TV. For the Taiwanese, this is a common practice. It is an easy way to clear ones head after a day at work, but I have never seen my boy-

Sweet

Home
! ( !?) Mac airiPad !

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RELATIONSHIP
(iPadlol) ! 48 ! ?

friend turn on the TV (maybe its because he wouldnt understand what they were talking about anyway). Where I go turn to the TV for relaxation, he finds refuge in his Apple laptop or iPad and the miscellaneous readings found on the internet. Theres no TV remote wrestling around here. Western education teaches at a young age to read, not just for school but for fun and to seek personal curiosities. It isnt a chore for my boyfriend to read a news article or a chapter in a book. Kids from western cultures actually get yelled at by parents for staying up too late to read! When two people make the decision to live together, the relationship automatically becomes more intimate. Its easy to spend too much time with each other and forget about individual interests. The importance of the phrase do your own thing has suddenly been given a different meaning. Its true that certain degrees of separation do create a stronger closeness. Its through the time I spend doing what I like, and he does what he likes that we can treat each day like its just as special as the first days.

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FOOD

~~
Persimmon cheesecake
By: Victoria Crowley Translated by: Melisa Chen

I love cheesecake, and my favorite fall time fruit here in Taiwan is persimmon. Heres a sweet recipe I found that puts them both together.

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1 1/4 3 1

2 1/3 3 () 2 (cream cheese) 8 3/4 1/4 1/2 6

Ingredients for the topping 1 1/4 cups sour cream 3 tablespoons white sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredients for the cake

2 1/3 3 2 8 3/4 1/4 1/2 6

cups chopped walnuts cup brown sugar tablespoons melted butter cups pureed persimmons oz of softened cream cheese cups sour cream teaspoon ground cinnamon teaspoon ground ginger eggs

Appliances springform pan food processor whisk

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FOOD

1. 165 2. 3. 12! 4. , , , 5. 60- 75 6. , ,, . , 10 7. ,,! 48,! Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 165 degrees. 2. Use a food processor to nely chop the walnuts. Mix walnuts with brown sugar and melted butter in a bowl. Press this crust mixture into the bottom of your springform pan. 3. Bake crust for 12 minutes, then set aside to completely cool. 4. Put the persimmons, cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, cinnamon and ginger all in a food processor. Blend until smooth. After it is smooth, begin adding the eggs until it is completely mixed. 5. Pour mixture over the crust you already baked and put everything in the oven for 60-75 minutes. Bake until only the center is slightly jiggly. 6. To make the topping, mix the sour cream, sugar and vanilla extract together with a whisk. Spread it over the cheesecake while it is still hot out of the oven. Then put it back in the oven for 10 more minutes. 7. Cool the cheesecake before putting it in the fridge. Refrigerate 4-8 hours before digging in!

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029

FACTS

Art
?
By: Andrea Valladares Translated by: Gina Hu

Van Gogh

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Diversity and self-identity are what make you stand out from the 7.1 billion faces in the world. Art, music, poetry and even a 30 seconds happy dance are all part of what keeps us from fading away into dullness. Artists around the world have not only shared some different representations of the world they see, but they have also often gone against the grain to show us various new forms of self-expressions. Here are some unusual facts behind some of the most celebrated artists in history.

Although now admired by millions, the creator of Starry Night only sold one painting out of the approximate 900 that he created while still alive.

Da Vinci

Leonardo Da Vinci dug into graveyards and stole corpses to study human anatomy. No wonder his Vitruvian Man is so creepily accurate.

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FACTS
Monet
1923
~~

In 1923, Claude Monet needed eye surgery because he was nearly blind. A sad condition for a painter if you ask me, but maybe for Monet it was an advantage. It probably gave the term Impressionism a whole new meaning!

If youre tearing up because youll never own an original Dal piece, consider stocking up on some Chupa Chups lollipops. This surrealist designed the logo in 1969 on some newspapers and over a cup of coffee while his friend/founder of Chupa Chups, Bernat, complained about the candys branding.

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Dali
1969

Picasso

(Bernat)

Pablo Picasso is not only the single most famous painter in his era, but he is also considered the most talented of his time. He finished his first painting at the age of 9. His inspiration? Well, I dare say love. Age aint nothing but a number, right?

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REGULAR

coffee shops in Taipei

By:Jeff Best Translated by: Gina Hu

T op5

! 17,000

for their jaw-dropping foam art

Xiaomijo
106415 No.5, Ln. 41, Yongkang St., Daan Dist., Taipei City 106, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

for their unique vintage atmosphere

for their desserts that are as scrumptious as their coffees

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For some, its a needed daily routine. For others, its a moment of indulgence, marking a minute of retreat from the chaos that has become our daily lives. Whether it comes in a fancy cup, with milk, ice, or even whip cream on top, its the break that is fast becoming a Taiwanese favorite. This is none other than the coffee break. With more than 17,000 stores worldwide, its safe to say that Starbucks has become a popular destination for this coffee break. While the green mermaid may be growing to be the queen of the beans, lets hear it for the little guys.

The Chamber ()
106430 No.30, Ln. 4, Pucheng St., Daan Dist., Taipei City 106, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

Angle Cafe
206 No.206, Ruian St., Daan Dist., Taipei City 106, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

for their famous brown sugar latte

for their easy availability and consistent top-notch yet affordable beans

E-61 Coffee House

200 No.200, Anle Rd., Yonghe Dist., New Taipei City 234, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

Cama Caf
www.camacafe.com

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CALENDAR

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