Days 11-12
These two days have gone by extremely fast. Not only have I have exerted a significant amount of energy on our excursions to Tamshui, Yehliu Geopark, and Jiufen (>20,000 steps), but also felt as if my brain has not fully rested since it is constantly translating Chinese into English in the mornings.
This week, as we shopped and bought 葱油饼, we met international students from Australia who have internships in Taiwan, a polyglot Frenchman who works for an IT company, and Americans who were in Taipei for a wedding and needed help ordering food. Taipei reminds me of New York City because you can easily meet people from all around the world. Yet, unlike bustling cities in America, I’ve rarely seen any homeless people on the streets in Taipei. I’ve also noticed that there is not an evident social divide like there is in America, where people’s economic status is apparent through large mansions, expensive restaurants, and overpriced universities. In Taipei, from a foreign perspective, most places are relatively affordable; perhaps it’s due to Taiwan’s stable economy or the fact that society values equality and strives to integrate that into their economy? (let me know).
Aside from economic differences from America, I am very impressed with how Taiwanese society treats the elderly with respect and equality, whereas in America they are treated as handicapped and ill. On our excursion to CiJi Temple, our tour guide was over 90 years old!! I was astounded, especially since he was in seemingly perfect physical and mental conditions; he probably didn’t drink that much bubble tea.
Dr.Liu mentioned that every park in Taiwan has an exercise section that is integrated into the park’s environment. This encourages people to exercise and incorporate it into their daily routine. Not only does the exercise in the park encourage health, but it is also completely affordable since its free, so you don’t have to feel guilty for paying for that expensive gym that you go to once a month.
I am surprised that I have about a week left until I return to America and resume university life. I will continue to inhale as much local food as I can and buy family and friends gifts before I leave 🙂
Explore Taiwan 