I want to share three stories from my time in Taipei that made me fall in love with Taiwan all over again.
A Wonderful Culture: Three Stories From My Visit To Taiwan
Taiwan is not at all like Mainland China. While the People’s Republic has cleaned up its cities, there’s a sense of fear that pervades the land. Internet searches are censored and individual rights must always give way to the collective good, as judged by the communist party leaders.
In Taiwan, there’s a sense of freedom that is starkly different than across the Taiwan Strait and it shows itself not only in the lack of censorship, but in the kindness of the people.
As I was walking through the city, I stopped at a shop (I don’t even know what type of shop it was…) where there was an older man sitting and watching the World Series game. He noticed I was watching and beckoned me inside. We sat and watched Freddie Freeman hit a game-winning walk-off home run in the 18th inning. He couldn’t speak English and I could not speak Mandarin, but he kept patting me on the shoulder and smiling as the game continued in extra innings.
Later on, I had coffee at a place called Wilbeck. There was a girl working there who smiled at me and seemed so pleased that I had stopped there for coffee. When I ordered a flat white to stay (in a ceramic cup), she beamed. The coffee was delicious and she asked twice if it was okay, thanking me profusely as I left for stopping by. It was such a nice exchange and I so appreciated not only the excellent coffee, but the very kind service. I felt so welcomed, which is not always the case when I’m in a foreign nation.
On my way out of Taipei, I thought I could pay for my bus ticket by credit card, as I had at Taipei Airport on the way in the day before. Nope. Small problem: it was cash or local bank card only, the bus was departing, I had no Taiwan dollars, and there was no currency exchange at the bus station.
An older woman saw my predicament and, without hesitation, handed the driver 200 NTD (about 6.5 USD). All I had was a 20 USD bill, but I took it out and handed it to her. She refused. I tried again, but she refused again. When we reached the airport, I tried for a third time, but she refused and said, “My pleasure.”
What a beautiful gesture…a kind and hospitable act that I will not forget and will pass on.
These three interactions are anecdotal, but I left Taiwan with a deep sense of respect and gratitude for my visit.
CONCLUSION
When it comes to geopolitics, I recognize US policy since the Nixon administration, but I still feel like Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, is the “real” China and the communist breakaway on the mainland is a counterfeit, authoritarian regime. But the People’s Republic is playing the long game and like a crouching tiger, will strike Formosa at the opportune moment, as the US reels in its own stupor, and eat it up.
In the meantime, Taiwan seems to me to be the hidden gem of East Asia, a highly developed nation with a proud and hospitable people. I cannot wait to return. Enjoy it while you can…
I’m sharing about my whirlwind trip through Asia.
Your experiences brightened my day. Thank you for sharing.
I have similar feelings about Taiwan after we visited earlier this year. Lots of cultural nuances that collectively make a lasting impression.
1) My taxi driver was embarrassed and “sweating it” because he didn’t have $5 TWD or 15 U.S. cents to give me back in change.
2) The sole 7-Eleven employee was asleep in the back office and no customers left with unpaid goods. We all just waited 10 minutes until a fellow customer woke the employee up.
3) The owners of independent coffee shops in Koashiung and Tainan serving us free pastries to go with out beverages.
We’re going back in January.
excuse the typo. Should be “free pastries to go with OUR beverages.
Osnt January a bit cold there. Was playing with the idea to stop there too in jan/feb but iwant escape winter.
As for the article i read the headline “3 monuments that stole my heart’ and then while reading the article where they are. Nevertheless nice one.
January in Taipei is fine. The average temp is around 12C/54F. It does rain quite a bit, but I can cope with that. Summer, on the other hand, could break a Floridian’s spirit. Furnace temperatures and so much humidity that the air feels like you could swim through it. I’d take January in Taipei over July/August anytime.
Taiwan is such a beautiful, free, independent, sovereign country. I’m so grateful to have been able to visit, and can’t wait to return again. Thank you for sharing with us!
Couldn’t say it better myself. Thanks for highlighting kindness, Matthew. It matters more than ever.
I adore Taiwan. Especially since Japan is so overrun now.
It is indeed the hidden gem. I just hope that many of the beautiful places do not get overrun by Instagrammers who manage to single-handedly ruin a sense of place overnight.
The girl and the old woman got wet when they saw you.
You are special like a pretty girl in high school. You know it since you keep posting photos of yourself in your blogs.
It is all about you and that is why it is perfect you live in Lala land with all those other awful Dodger fans. Buying another World Series Championship while the other teams fans laugh at you.
China’s status of its territory of Taiwan is not your concern.
Can always count on the mainland China (aka west taiwan) lackeys and bots to weigh in with their canned drivel.
It is because China forced Air Canada and other airlines and hotel chain websites to use Taipei, China in its drop down menu boxes. United Airlines with federal government intervention was able to use Taipei alone instead of a city country, like Paris, France
In reality, Taiwan in a province of the Republic of China
And the Republic of China IS the real China!
That’s what Xi said…
Winnie-the-Pooh! Oh, duh-duh-dear!
I’ve located the ship. It’s about 3 blocks northeast of Taipei City Hall. I believe it’s a recently closed deli used for storage. I can provide a Google street view photo if desired
I have located the place on Google Street view. It’s a out 3 blocks NE of Taipei City Hall. It is a recently closed deli that may be used for storage now.
YOU WANT TO LIVE IN TAIWAN?!!
I love this post. Thank you for sharing these moving moments. I agree that Taiwan is a special place with very kind people!
One of my co-workers is Taiwanese. When I told her I was going to spend a couple of days in Taipei on one of my junkets last year, she was not only incredibly excited that I was planning to visit her hometown, she ordered her sister and brother-in-law (against my protestations) to be my chaperone. They were my airport shuttle, took me to the night market, acted as my tour guide around the city – and they seemed genuinely happy to be showing a visitor around. I think the Taiwanese just really are that hospitable.
Thanks for sharing and all the compliments to my sweet hometown, being proud of Taiwanese, we not only have freedom but also love to help people, please take you time to visit this full of beautiful smile and big heart of small island-Formosa !
Now do the follow up story with the 3 things that made you turn into a bitter, angry leftist this weekend.
I grew up in world where America lost many of its good jobs you talk about because of imported junk from Taiwan. Kids toys and other good were imported because of unfair trade and slave labor in that sh#thole.
And no, it won’t be Trump’s fault when China takes them over, unless you think it’s worth risking WW3 over it. But your hatred of Trump doesn’t allow you to even think rationally anymore.
You truly are becoming the poster child for TDS.