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Hello everyone, I am Ben Hedges.
I'm British, but I spent my youth in Hong Kong.
I later also came to university in Taiwan, and now I host a television show speaking in Chinese.
The show broadcasts in Taiwan and North America.
I've traveled to many countries in Asia and today I want to share with you, my five reasons why Taiwan is the best Asian destination that you could visit.
One, small but big.
First, this island that was once called Ilha Formosa, the beautiful isle, seems to have everything, and be able to accommodate any kind of travel plan you could think of.
You can ascend above a sea of clouds, climbing one of Taiwan's over two hundred three thousand meter peaks,
yet also take the opportunity to relax in the blue ocean, on Taiwan's endless stretches of coastline.
You can experience superior service in Taiwan's vibrant cities or sample the slower rhythms of life in Taiwan's rustic villages.
But what most important is, all these places may not be as far away as you think, and that is where the true magic of Taiwan lies.
Just a short trip on Taiwan's high speed rail or other transportation can lead you to vastly different experiences.
Two, never lost in translation.
Breaking through the language barrier is also something to consider when traveling.
If you speak English you will have no problem communicating in Taiwan.
Most young people speak English to a good level, but what about those who are a little older?
Excuse me, ma'am
Can you help me with the cellphone?
It's out of battery and I need to call my friend.
Apple?
Yes
Three, incredible warm-hearted people.
When you travel in Taiwan, it is the people who make the experience what it is.
Taiwanese people's hospitality and passion in welcoming foreigners is famous across the globe.
Where are you going?
It really is like this, so in Taiwan, you never have to worry about getting lost and don't worry about your safety.
All you need to worry about is picking the most intelligent-looking person to guide you on your way.
Four, Awesome Customizable service.
Taiwanese people are friendly and passionate.
This characteristic is also expressed in their awesome customized service.
I would like to try something new, but I don't want it too sweet.
Do you have any recommendations?
You can try our bubble tea.
If you don't like it too sweet, you can decide the sweetness yourself.
One to ten.
You can also decide the amount of ice.
Okay, then I'll have bubble tea, less ice and half sugar.
You know, in the West, when you buy a soft drink, it's not really the same thing.
Hey man! Can I get one of these with just a little bit of ice and no sugar?
It only comes in two types, buddy
Like this straight up or like this.
That would be one dollar, buddy.
Five, only in Taiwan. Unexpected surprises.
Getting to this point, you probably all really want to come to Taiwan by now.
Lastly, one important point.
When you come to Taiwan, you need to remember to use your mobile phone or other video recording devices,
and shoot what you feel are the most beautiful or the most interesting things you see while you are here.
Upload them to YouTube and you can take part in the Taiwan Tourism Bureau's Anytime for Taiwan: Film Taiwan Action! event.
The ten entries which receive the highest number of votes will be selected to win a round the world ticket,
wherever you want to go, that's your ticket to get there.
And even if you aren't in the top ten, as long as you receive over 1000 votes, you will be able to exchange every vote for NT$1 worth of prize money.
That's US$1 for every 30 votes.
So traveling can earn you money after all.
Is everybody ready?
Fasten your seatbelts for an unforgettable ride to Taiwan.