Taiwan: A Journey of Healing and Rediscovery
This trip was more than just travel and cultural immersion—it was a journey of healing.
As a child, I would often flip through my aunt’s photo albums, mesmerized by her adventures in Taiwan. The landscapes, the bustling streets, the vibrant night markets—all of it seemed so magical. Taiwan held a special place in my heart, not just for its beauty, but for the role it played in my family’s past. This country helped us live a better life before everything changed after my grandmother passed away. Those memories, both cherished and painful, remained with me through the years.
Decades have passed, and I have been fortunate enough to travel to different countries, yet Taiwan never made it onto my list. Perhaps, deep in my subconscious, I was afraid—afraid to confront the emotions tied to the past, afraid to relive the pain of loss. But fate has a way of bringing us full circle, and finally, I found myself stepping foot in Taiwan, ready to face the emotions I had long buried.
Taiwan is truly one of Asia’s most underrated travel destinations. And now that I have experienced it firsthand, I can say with certainty—it is worth visiting, and I will return as soon as I can.
One of the most unforgettable parts of this journey was meeting our local Taiwanese driver, who also became our tour guide. Over the days we spent together, a connection grew. There was a warmth in his presence, a feeling of home that deepened my appreciation for the people of Taiwan. While I didn’t have the opportunity to immerse myself fully with the locals, meeting him was a gift in itself. As a token of gratitude, we printed out photos of our time together and gave them to him before parting ways. I can only hope he received them and knows how much his kindness meant to us.
Traveling is an eye-opening experience, not only because of the cultures we explore but also because of the emotions it stirs within us. It is both beautiful and bittersweet—you meet people who leave an impact on you, yet you never know if you will cross paths again. But perhaps, that is what makes travel so special. It reminds us to cherish the moments, embrace the connections, and carry the lessons we learn along the way.
Xièxiè, Taiwan. Until we meet again.
origamiaround
germansingergirl
ellievsbear
romaincrisis
tangentwithtanner
yousharknotpass
kianamaiart
