My Happy Taichung Days

Words and photos by Miki Fujimura
Translated by Ann Lee

About four and a half years ago, my husband told me, "I need to relocate to Taichung for work." Soon after, I went to the bookstore and bought a few books on subjects like "Guide to Taiwan" and so on. Every one of those books told me that Taiwan was a beautiful and charming island! This made me really curious about the place my husband and I were moving to. Since our arrival in Taichung, my curiosity remains, because my life here has been really happy and enjoyable.

One of the things that I do best and enjoy the most is "shopping". Two of my favorite places to go are the Fengjia Night Market and Yizhong Street. The shopping at Fengjia Night Market is fantastic. There are so many things for people to look at and buy, and every time I visit, there are huge crowds everywhere, much like the types of bustling scenes I would normally only see at Japanese festivals.

I recommend that everyone try the Taiwanese guavas. This fruit is only available in Taiwan and is so refreshing and crunchy (in Japan, you can only taste them when they are ripe.) The best way to enjoy them, though, is to dip them into plum-flavored powder! My first summer in Taiwan, I also had the chance to try a type of yogurt smoothie called "Young Leh Duo". Although we have this drink in Japan as well, I used to just drink it right from the carton, and it just didn't taste as good. Another great Taiwanese delicacy I recommend that foreigners try is are the varieties of "Lu Wei" (braised meat or vegetables stewed with soy sauce and other spices, strained before serving). I always go to a particular vendor on Yizhong Street to buy these tasty foods. This vendor cooks his "Lu Wei" with a very unique broth that has an extraordinary flavor and texture unlike others I've tried in Taiwan. I always order a variety of vegetables, sticky rice cakes, pig blood cakes and instant noodles. Interestingly enough, I find that these resemble a typical Japanese-style dish called "oden". Although the cooking style is similar, it does taste quite different and is something that I would not be able to savor back home.

Our family likes to head outdoors or travel on the weekends. We often visit The Sun Hot Springs & Resort in Dakeng, in the northern part of Taichung city which is also very close to the mountainous areas, with abundant natural resources and fresh air. There are a total of 10 hiking trails in the Dakeng area. Some are quite easy to hike, which is ideal for a family with different ages. We take the No. 8 hiking trail quite often to enjoy some flowers and bird-watching. A few pavilions set up in that area and a huge rock there allows us to enjoy panoramic views of downtown Taichung. When we've finished hiking, we usually head to the hot springs to relax. The Sun Hot Springs & Resort has all kinds of hot spring pools and the most unique one is the "fish-kissing springs pool". Those not used to hot springs should be aware that the fish will come by and "kiss" your feet! They do not have teeth, but will nibble off the old skin layers, helping you exfoliate your skin and clear your pores while you soak in the pool. Don't worry, it doesn't hurt at all!

During my time in Taichung, another incident made my life here even more content and enjoyable--the birth of my daughter in 2007. She was born in Taichung, while my oldest was born in Japan. I get the feeling that going through a pregnancy in Taiwan and Japan are completely different. For example, when I first got pregnant, the Taiwan summer was so humid and intolerably hot that I had the urge to binge on icy mango and creamy treats. But my Taiwanese friends kept telling me, "Eating something icy cold is not good for the baby, and if you eat mango during your pregnancy, the baby's skin could turn yellow!" So, I wasn't able to enjoy any during that time.

On top of that, there are many rules and beliefs that the Taiwanese locals have for pregnant women, and even more after they have given birth. In Taiwan, the popular "Mommy's Post-Pregnancy Center", where moms can get better nutrition and care after they give birth, is a type of service and institution we don't have in Japan. One other tradition I found shocking was that throughout the one-month post-delivery period, all mothers cannot wash their hair or take a bath! They can only use hot water and towels to clean their bodies. I know I could not tolerate not taking baths at all, so I began washing my hair and taking baths the first day after I gave birth. All my Taiwanese friends were very surprised to hear that. Apart from not being able to take baths, giving birth and having a baby in Taiwan is a very convenient and comfortable experience for all mothers.

I will always remember all the exciting details from my life here in Taichung, and this beautiful city is now my second home. Taichung, I love you!