I think the “gawking” issue becomes far worse if you are wearing a suit. I became very wary of Taiwanese ,both Women and Men? saying how handsome i looked (at 49 year old it was rather flattering) I have subsequently realised that for handsome…they mean smart. ( damn) It is meant as a compliment,genuinely, but not quite as strong as our interpretation of the word handsome,which refers more to physical beauty.
I like Taiwan. It makes me feel good! and ,normally! the weathers better,so gawk away for me.
So far i am lucky not to have heard any negative Taiwanese comments (and i think i know most of the “bad” words in Taiwanese)
We are mesmerised by the strangest things in life…like spoons 