10 postcards from Taipei
As my one-month Taipei trip comes to an end, I would like to share some of my favourite memories with the amazing people I met here. Thank you to this beautiful place and the wonderful people that welcomed me, I can't wait to visit again!
Slide 1: You were the very first friend I made in Taiwan, and the one I spent the most time with. You taught me, a Taiwanese-Canadian who forgot how to be Taiwanese, about local customs and, more importantly, how society works here. We hung out four more times after this, and you really changed my perspective on how to live life. You shared your craving for something new, to visit new places and try new things. I’m so glad you were the first friend I made here, because I ended up adopting that exact mentality for my entire trip, and I have zero regrets.
Slide 2: You brought me pineapple cakes during our first meetup, a sweet gesture that really touched me since I hadn’t had them in years. Later, we went to try a Michelin Bib Gourmand spot neither of us had been to before. You insisted it was your treat and started pulling out every excuse about how "this is the Taiwanese way" and how you were the host and I was the guest. I lost the debate miserably, but I promised you that next time we’re both in Taiwan, it’ll be my turn to treat you.
Slide 3: I was just casually strolling around CKS Memorial Hall when we ran into each other right outside the National Concert Hall. You spontaneously offered me a ticket to a concert, only for me to realize later that you were actually one of the performers! Getting your autograph after the show was such a cool bonus. Thank you for giving me an incredible cultural experience I never would have thought to seek out on my own.
Slide 4: Taking the new Sanying MRT line out to explore Sanxia and Yingge old streets had been on my bucket list for a while. It was a scorching hot day, but wandering through the old streets and cooling down over a bowl of shaved ice with you made it totally worth it.
Slide 5: I had the longest hangout with you! Despite our age difference, we spent the entire day together on our very first hangout and talked about almost everything. What really marked the day was during dinner when you served rice onto my plate. I was so shocked and surprised at first, but you kindly explained that Taiwanese people serve rice to guests as a sign of hospitality. I was so touched by that. On top of that, the owner even treated us to some nice dessert! Thank you for being such a thoughtful friend and attentive listener.
Slide 6: On our third hangout, you introduced me to your friends. I was so excited to meet everyone! We went to a fantastic vegan spot and spent the entire evening lost in conversation. It ended up being the biggest group gathering of my trip, and the vibe was so warm and welcoming. Just four people living in four different countries who managed to be in Taipei at the exact same time. Right place, right time.
Slide 7: You brought me your favourite snacks from the Philippines, and I traded you a pineapple cake since you said you’d never tried before. After a great Yakiniku dinner, we headed to the arcade and spent the night playing games. We giggled like little kids…I can’t remember the last time I had this much fun.
Slide 8: After lunch, you asked if I’d ever had dragonfruit tofu pudding. I gave you the most skeptical look…such a combination exists?! But I trusted your recommendation, and it turned out to be delicious.
Slide 9: We climbed Elephant Mountain and then headed over to Zhongshan afterwards. It started pouring like crazy, but you didn’t bring your umbrella. Sharing a single umbrella meant we both got completely soaked, but laughing through it made it an unforgettable memory. We chatted about so many things and it turns out we’re studying in the same field! Hearing you talk about your experience living in Taiwan and your dream to stay here truly warmed my heart. It’s a wonderful feeling to hear others call your home country home, too.
Slide 10: We spent an entire afternoon wandering around Taipei 101 and the surrounding Xinyi district. At the end of the day, you thanked me for bringing you out, mentioning that you usually spend your summers indoors and that my trip inspired you to get out and explore more. Knowing that I could leave behind a little bit of that adventurous spark means the world to me.