Although we were only in Taipei for a very short time, there were two things that we got to experience that were definitely key parts of Taiwanese happiness. The first, Din Tai Fung! Din Tai Fung, Din Tai Fung! I could say it a million times and it would still get me excited. There is a legend in Taipei that goes by the name of Din Tai Fung. It is a world-renowned dumpling restaurant that is unbelievably delicious.

When we first met our host in Taipei, I mentioned the name of the place and her face lit up with excitement and recognition. Not only do tourists flock from around the world to enjoy the ridiculously good dumplings, the locals devour them in heaps as well. Anytime the name of this restaurant was mentioned, someone would smile. Now that's magic.

The other thing that we were able to experience here that is immensely popular is K-TV, otherwise known as karaoke. Us westerners may think that we can be pretty passionate about karaoke but it isn't until you see it in some Asian countries that you really see how it's done. Taiwan takes it to an even higher level than most, sporting an insane number of private room karaoke joints. We had the opportunity to hang out with people in our very own private karaoke room and their zeal and enthusiasm when the doors were closed was something unexpected. I'm guessing it's easier to let your inner singing diva free when you are in a private room with only your close friends in hearing range. It just so happened that it was in that private karaoke room that someone brought us take-a-way Din Tai Fung dumplings. In that small room, singing our hearts out with our new friends and eating the best dumplings I've ever had, it felt like the center of happiness.