Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Piāoliúmù; 24-2 Yuren Village; drinks from NT$180, meals NT$200-390; 11am-2am)
This
cheerfully decorated roadside cafe and bar serves up arguably the best freshly brewed
coffee and homemade pastries on the island. The thoughtful menu (written in Chinese
but the owner speaks English) features locally sourced and seasonal dishes.
Epicurean Cafe
CAFE
MAP
(Wúè Búzuò; 77 Yuren Village; drinks from NT$70, meals NT$180-300; 11am-8.30pm; )
The
food here won't turn your head, but the hillside perch of this cafe-restaurant-bar is a great
spot for sipping a coffee or beer while you enjoy views of Lanyu's coral coastline. If
there are customers the cafe will stay open late, in effect turning into a late-evening bar.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
QUAN YUMAN: RESPECTING LOCAL TRADITIONS
The majority of Tao on Lanyu were raised traditionally and it's important for visitors
to travel carefully. Local craftswoman Quan Yuman is part of Canaanland Work-
shop, an association in Langtao working to educate both visitors and locals on the
culture, history and ecology of Lanyu. Here are her suggestions for minimising
cross-cultural misunderstandings:
»
In general, Tao do not like being watched when performing their common daily
activities, and bristle at being looked upon as exotic or different.
»
Following the above point, don't take photos without asking for permission. This
applies not just to people, but to their houses and their possessions, including live-
stock.
»
Don't touch or sit or pose by traditional canoes without asking for permission.
The canoes are private property and not placed on the beach for tourists.
»
During the flying-fish season, don't stand or walk under or take pictures of racks
of drying fish. This is considered extremely impolite.
»
If you see someone hauling in a large catch of fish don't comment on how many
fish there are. As with many traditional cultures, the Tao feel this not only jinxes the
fisherman (meaning his next catch will be small) but also puts an obligation on him
to give you some of his catch.
»
The traditional platforms you see everywhere are for resting during the day and
cooling off. Tao dislike having their picture taken when they are sitting or sleeping
in these. Visitors are free to use the platforms but ask first and be aware that the
owner always has right of way.
