Hey guys (specifically YF and Boliver)!
YF: I appreciate the kind words and advice, it does mean a lot and does give some reassurance that life is too short to be unhappy and **** on.
Food-wise: I wanted to go to this place really bad last time I was in HK because I heard it's awesome:
https://www.google.com.tw/search?q=b...hrome&ie=UTF-8
Brazilian BBQ. Taipei needs some of that.
Also, a bit random, but I had some of the best Indian food I've had. It was fusion Indian from a place called 'Bindaas.' Really cool and hip (is that what the kids are saying these days?) place and great for a date and some drinks. Mexican-wise, HK is limited, but 'Coyote' in Wan Chai is always an option, and for awesome Spanish food, my buddy is actually the floor manager for Catalunya which I highly recommend.
Also, I do think Roundhouse does pretty good American BBQ. Another fav of mine is Butcher's Club, a few locations, but I hit the Wan Chai one for their burgers. But, their other locations are great for getting a good cut of beef.
For more local, there is a internationally recognized Dim Sum place called Dim Dim Sum (yes, two "dims") in Wan Chai, and it was one of the highlights of my last time there. Additionally, I may need to shill a friend's place called 3 Blind Mice, which is ****ing awesome and a great spot also in Wan Chai (Ship Street), and off the path of the hustle and bustle (and by that I mean street-front hookers). They do a mix of American and have had some great ribs, pastas, etc...
Fast food eats: Ebeneezer's and their loaded chips (french fries with lamb, chicken, and kebab sauces on it).
Let me know how the trip goes, and I hope it's a great time. It truly is my favorite city out there. Also, feel free to hit me up with anymore questions, etc.. and I'll do my best to answer or ask a buddy.
Boliver: Good to hear from you man and that's awesome you are coming to Taiwan. Maybe a double date in order, who knows. I think you are pretty spot on with hitting Taroko Gorge, it is touristy, but it really is one thing that makes Taiwan great. If you are looking for surfing (I think you surf?) I think my buddy surfs at Waiao Beach in Yilan (not too far out of Taipei).
Also, night markets are a must. I think if you want the Taiwan experience, Shilin Night Market is a must (most popular and most crowded). Tonghua Night Market is actually my favorite and right next door, and less crowded. Also, NingXia Night Market is very cramped, but I'm told the food quality is some of the best (been there a few times, a bit overwhelming, but overall a good experience).
If coming with your girlfriend, I might also recommend hitting a hot spring, in Jiaoxi (Yilan), which has hot spring hotels and such. Or just going to one of the public hot springs in Beitou (mostly a lot of old wrinkly Taiwanese men sitting around, but a pretty good time).
Hiking: If you want a good view and relatively easy hike, Elephant Mountain (25 mins to the top and overlooks 101), and then you can continue on for a further hike with the 4 'beasts.' With my Spanish buddy Golden Eagle, we went and did Qixingshan, which was great and up in Yuanshan.
Extra: I'd even suggest checking out one of the 2nd tier cities, such as Tainan, or Taizhong, because they have great night markets, and show a different side of Taiwan. Taipei is awesome, but I really enjoyed my time going to Tainan, which just felt a lot more relaxed. Also, Yilan is worth noting as a great place. It's not the most exciting city, but a 2 hour train ride to stay for a day or so isn't that bad.
Let me know if you have any specific questions, and more than glad to help. Also, keen to meet up, I'm sure there will be time where we both are free. Can go to an izakaya (Japanese bbq) or go to Aquatic Addiction (a great sushi place with three different tiers of restaurants).
Crypto-wise, I always love talking crypto, so does my lady friend. I actually landed two contributing writing positions for two different blockchain websites, so maybe will link to those articles at some point when they are up. What I'm pretty keen on right now:
OMG: have been for a while, love it.
WTC: Great long-term hold in my opinion, 2018 maybe not huge year for it, but 2019 for sure.
RDN: Think even Vitalik has said RDN quite good for ETH scalability solution
ICX: Because, Korea...need I say more?
KCS: Like the idea, still doing some more research on it.
ARK: Think quite comprehensive and like delegated PoS.
Also think DeepBrainChain pretty interesting.
Cheers everyone and hope your 2018 has started great. Going to be the best year yet and going to hopefully take advantage of a new opportunity, get in better shape, explore more, and try and forge on with my own thing.
Best,
Big Body Boris