My son is working in Taichung Taiwan and I plan to visit sometime between December and July. When is a good time based on weather and holidays? I have done some reading about Taiwan and would definitely like to visit some of the mountain area and the east coast. I hear that the roads are hair raising, to say the least, and yet--especially for the east coast--it is suggested to drive. Any suggestions on how to best get around? I speak and read no Chinese and am wondering how people get around on their own--or do they? And then there is the question of how I can try some of the wonderful sounding noodles and bubble teas and not some of the more "adventuresome" food.

You've got no weather guarantees anytime in Taiwan. Fall is generally the best time to visit, but we've got a typhoon approaching now. There's lots of rain that sets in for days and days. You might think about the end of Dec/early Jan, but otherwise, just figure out the best time and take your chances. Chinese New Year is Feb 7, so your son should have time off from work then.

A new high speed bullet train runs the length of the west coast. There are trains from Taipei to Hualien on the east coast, the gateway to Taroko Gorge (a must see), but I don't know anything about Taichung. Driving can be intimidating. The mountains around Taipei, in Yangmingshan Nat'l Park, are beautiful, and only a bus ride away from the city.

The food is delicious. Just point to a picture or someone else's plate.

Google the United Airlines' Hemispheres Magazine for a good article on "3 Perfect Days in Taipei."

jgmc-thanks for the response--it gives me someplace to work from. I'm feeling a bit intimidated by this particular venture. I'm not as interested in the cities, museums etc. as I am with the people, food, and rural, undeveloped area. Your reply gives me a start.

December to July typically is not typhoon season in Taiwan. Typhoon most likely is not the concern for your visit. I would suggest to avoid visiting Taiwan during Chinese New Year week because the traffic and most public areas will be jammed and very crowded. Imagine 23-million people come out in a tiny island on the same day. I would suggest April to May before the weather gets too hot.

Taiwan's public transportation is quite good. Train and bus will take you almost anywhere you wish including all famous mountain spots. Driving in Taiwan for foreigners is extremely difficult. There are english signs, but many of them are not consistent. Different spellings may mean the same location.

There are many food courts in shopping malls and major department stores. It is quite easy to order whatever you like since they all have colorful photos posted.

There is a reasonable Tourist map you can pick up at 7/11. The roads aren't that hair-raising. There are quite steep in place and there is a risk of falling rubble but your greatest risk is probably idiotic drivers coming the other way.

Avoid the middle of summer, it's either stinking hot or pissing down.

My Taiwan blogs:
http://www.travelsinasia.com/Taiwan/Taiwan.htm

i'll be goin on a vacation to taipei this nov. Read from some websites that the scenery at alishan is simply breath-taking bt the journey frm taipei to alishan is quite long. Does anybody noe around hw long the journey will take and hw can i make my way there? Also, i would like to ask if it's worth the travelling time spent to travel to Alishan.

There are buses that go up to Alishan, but in my opinion the way to do it is by the forest railroad, which takes 3:30 each way from Chiayi, twice a day:

railway.forest.gov.tw

Chiayi is 1:30 from Taipei on the new highspeed rail, every half an hour:

www.thsrc.com.tw/en

I believe both use the main Chiayi station.

I visited Alishan quite a few times in the late 70's to early 80's as a kid, always staying overnight. I certainly wouldn't mind going again - it's pretty.