August 12th, 2023: Greetings from Taichung, Taiwan! We are adjusting well to jet lag after a couple of days and our 5-month-old daughter fared much better than we expected. We are headed up to Taipei this week where we’ll set up a home base for a few months.
I can definitely feel your current vibe in your writing. That feeling of coming back home. I lived in Taipei from 2012-14 and this brought back some good memories. Also, remember coming back to the U.S. and awkwardly waiting outside stores expecting the doors to automatically open like at 7-11. I hope you enjoy all the delicious food, the slow/reflective energy of the country, perusing through an Eslite bookstore while sipping on some Cama coffee, and the warmth of the people and community there.
This is fantastic, Paul. I had my third trip to Taiwan earlier this summer and, like you, have been studying the language for a while now. Seriously, there is a lot that resonates here... I've made many friends and just fall more and more in love with the people, the scenery, and the food each time I go. I'm currently debating on taking the plunge next summer, quitting my 9-5, moving to teach English for a year or two and writing about the experience.
Loved reading this, Paul! Enjoy Taiwan and the street snacks. This made me want to travel again, to somewhere new and feel like a young fool who can't speak the language.
I really enjoyed strolling alongside you in today's post. It is wonderful to see a place through fresh eyes - because it is familiar, yet new through time away.
I can definitely feel your current vibe in your writing. That feeling of coming back home. I lived in Taipei from 2012-14 and this brought back some good memories. Also, remember coming back to the U.S. and awkwardly waiting outside stores expecting the doors to automatically open like at 7-11. I hope you enjoy all the delicious food, the slow/reflective energy of the country, perusing through an Eslite bookstore while sipping on some Cama coffee, and the warmth of the people and community there.
Thanks Jon. I wish we could have the 7-11s of Taiwan or Japan back home 😂
This is fantastic, Paul. I had my third trip to Taiwan earlier this summer and, like you, have been studying the language for a while now. Seriously, there is a lot that resonates here... I've made many friends and just fall more and more in love with the people, the scenery, and the food each time I go. I'm currently debating on taking the plunge next summer, quitting my 9-5, moving to teach English for a year or two and writing about the experience.
Enjoy! Nothing beasts a good 蛋餅!
You have my permission to quit 😂
Loved this. It's cool how other places can hold memory for you, and just traveling through them can unearth this rich sensory experience.
All the food items make me slightly homesick! Danbing and porkfloss rice rolls are essential!!!
The relaxing vibes and slowness of the streets of Taipei via your lens is 💯 Can't wait to hear more
I’ve had more pork floss in a week than I did last year and it’s the best haha
Love it
Wow, this piece. I resonate with the same elations and fears when discovering (or rediscovering) a new place. I can’t wait to do it myself soon.
Have an amazing trip Paul!
Loved reading this, Paul! Enjoy Taiwan and the street snacks. This made me want to travel again, to somewhere new and feel like a young fool who can't speak the language.
I enjoyed this -- and recapturing for myself those first few days in an old place made new again by revisiting.
I really enjoyed strolling alongside you in today's post. It is wonderful to see a place through fresh eyes - because it is familiar, yet new through time away.
Hi Paul,
Really loved reading this post, on multiple levels. It is great - thanks.
Hope you’re settling in.
Best regards,
Michael
As someone moving to Taiwan in a year and very scared about it, I enjoy these so so much
Why scared?!?
It’s a move, likely permanent. And I’m a scaredy cat. Afraid of noise and change
Permanent is scary but I think you’ll like it.
Had to look up natatorium. Thanks for sharing!