Swiss Cultural Figure Praises Taiwan as an Underrated Travel Destination

(By Chung Hsiang reporter Kuo Fang-chun, Zurich, April 14) 'This could be called the island of world cuisine—so where are the tourists?' With this opening line, Martin Ebel, a prominent Swiss cultural figure and literary critic, published a travelogue on Taiwan in the Swiss daily Tages-Anzeiger on the 12th. He immediately sets the tone with humor: 'In Taiwan, people eat almost around the clock, day and night,' introducing the island’s culinary delights before delving into its lifestyle, democracy, and politics.

Ebel savored local oyster pancakes amid the lively chatter of a tour group in Anping, and later enjoyed snails with an ice-cold Taiwan Beer at a plastic table tucked in a dim alley of a Chiayi night market. Back in Taipei’s Ximending, he grilled duck breast and rare mushrooms by hand at a Japanese-style barbecue restaurant. These flavors, nearly impossible to find in Switzerland, are not only affordable in Taiwan but also rich in exotic charm.

He notes that Taiwan’s cuisine blends culinary traditions from across China, Japan, Korea, and indigenous cultures, creating a diverse and vibrant food scene where every meal is a delightful surprise.

Shifting focus, Ebel emphasizes that visiting Taiwan offers a firsthand experience of a well-functioning democracy. From a Swiss perspective, Taiwan’s democratic system stands out. According to the World Democracy Index, Taiwan has consistently ranked first or second in Asia, just behind Japan.

The travelogue reflects on Taiwan’s history. After Japan’s colonial rule from 1895 to 1945, Taiwan endured the White Terror era under the Republic of China. At the center of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall stands a towering statue of Chiang, while the permanent exhibition 'The Flower of Freedom' presents another narrative of Taiwan’s struggle for democracy. The story of Zheng Nanrong, who self-immolated for freedom, deeply moved Ebel. He observes that Taiwan is honestly confronting its past by presenting multiple historical perspectives side by side.

He writes that visiting the exhibition deepened his understanding that 'democracy is never a given' and that freedom is always under threat. Amid pressure from China, Taiwan continues to strive to defend its democratic values.

He is equally impressed by Taiwan’s cleanliness. Traditional markets, despite their bustle, are hygienic and free of litter. He even jokes that the floors of Taipei’s MRT are so clean 'you could eat off them.' The music-playing garbage trucks, he adds, are another unforgettable feature of Taiwanese life.

Comparing religion and daily life, Ebel remarks, 'Europe’s empty churches feel solemn, even distant. In contrast, Taiwan’s temples are vibrant and full of life, with incense constantly burning.'

During his travels, he noticed that visitors from Switzerland and other Western countries rarely sense the geopolitical pressures Taiwan faces. Instead, they are struck by the cities’ energy, the friendliness of the people, and the high efficiency of society. He concludes that Taiwan’s tourism appeal remains largely undiscovered by most Western travelers. (Editor: Chen Cheng-kung) 1150714