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Recently, I explored some old posts of mine, just to see if I think the same way I did back then about things. It was rather interesting, reading it and remembering exactly how I felt. At the same time, however, I have to admit, I have trouble associating with who I was back then. Just remembering the things I used to see daily in university and back home compared to the things that I am used to now makes me realize how truthfully different my life has become. If you want a glimpse of it, check out this post. Contrasting them is trippy.
Now, here’s a revised and revisited version of all the things I’ll miss, Taiwan edition:
- My students, whom have taught me so much and are a part of some of my happiest memories here in Taiwan
- Cat cafes, because no amount of allergies can keep me away from the cuteness
- Coming home and chatting with my roommates after a long day of work
- The sunsets that create shadows over the city, and especially in Gaomei
- Being able to buy literally anything in a 7/11. Literally anything you want.
- Diamond, my beloved scooter who taught me much more than how to drive it
- Squatty potties (but not always forgetting tissue, no thanks)
- Lower cost of living, especially amazing tasting food
- The ridiculously chill concerts in Taiwan, with no one pushing or starting mosh pits
- The high speed rail train in Taiwan. Seriously, America. Get on board. Stat.
- My gym, which was always so empty in the morning
- Seeing the smiles on my students faces, getting hugs, and all their artwork
- Eslite, because of the all the eclectic things we always found
- Tea shops, because nothing will ever be exactly the same as Tea Top
- Chinese New Year celebrations and other traditional Taiwanese holidays
- The (almost) lack of cold weather year round
- Head massages every time I went to the hair salon and free tea
- Taiwanese food, specifically xiao long bao and Chun Shui Tang
- My favorite 24-hour grocery stores, always there when I needed them
- Night markets! I will miss street food in Taiwan for real
- The convenience of nearly everything you need here, especially healthcare
- Stepping out of the house and always learning something new every single day
- The unbelievable kindness of everyone you meet in Taiwan
- Smog. Just kidding, I won’t miss the pollution, yuck.
- My convenient work hours that allowed me to write and work in my own free time
- All the little adventures I took with my friends, no matter how minute they were
- Every place I went to in Taiwan that gave me goosebumps or blew me away
- My coworkers, whom supported me endlessly through the years
- Chinglish, which I believe mine is 非常好 after my time here
- and last but not least, my friends, who have become my family away from my home
I tried to cover everything, but I imagine there will always be new things I think of that I will miss. Most of all, I enjoy seeing how much has changed from when I was first leaving for Taiwan, versus when I am returning. Truly, time is the biggest determinant in how much your life can appear to shift around you. To all the things I listed and many more, thank you for making my time in Taiwan so memorable. You are only a chapter of my story thus far, but perhaps, one of my favorites for many more years to come.
Until the next post,
