I would like to believe that life is only worth it if you collect memories that you would carry with you as you leave this world someday. A future nostalgia as you age, and a supercut that will play during your very last breath. Sometimes I think about dying with a smile knowing that I have done it all — but that is still a constant goal right now. And I am really convinced that this memory is one I would remember for always.
I have spent four amazing days in Taiwan with Wence, the boy who’s been pulling my heartstrings for almost a decade now. And oh heavens, it was my first time to travel out of the country and I wouldn’t do it any other way. It was a beautiful core memory to carry with me although at times I still feel like it was only just a dream. It was also an awakening, that life is bigger than you could ever imagine and I am just a dot in this incredible planet.
The Supercut:
Hotel overnight. Airport stories. Red-eye flight. Taiwan touchdown. Subway train rides. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Bopiliao Historical Block. 7 Eleven snacks. Ximending walks. Red House x DVD stalls. Met Jai Hang. Blue hour mornings. Coaster Bus rides. York as our tour guide. Met our kabayan, Athena. Yehliu Geopark. Shuinandong Smelter x Golden Blue Sea. Golden Waterfalls. The mystic Jiufen Old Street. Shifen Station. Sundown bus ride and realizing I was happy. Shillin Market. Photobooth moments with Wence. Bought charms and crystals. Warm hotel nights with Wence. U-Bike moments. Din Tai Fung x Taipei 101. Fell in love with Da’an District’s Jinhua and Qingtian Streets. Train to Tamsui. Biking x Sunset Watching at Tamsui. Spa night. Biking x midnight snacks at the hotel. Fong Da Coffee. Longshan Temple. Spent the afternoon biking around CKS Park. Luggage shenanigans. Streetside Noodles for dinner. Train ride back to airport. Another red-eye flight, but every little thing was so worth it.
For someone like me who thought his heart was hardened by life’s mishaps and shits, these moments remind me that there are still a lot of things to look forward to, a lot of experiences to warm your core, and that cliché statement is nothing but true: Happiness really starts from within. I have come to realize that I never want to lose that sense of wonder, to discover more and understand life better.
At this moment, I still think about how life isn’t really perfect after all, that I still might duel with sadness in the future. But let me just capture this feeling for a little while. It may be simple for others but let me just dive into this memory a little longer. For one day I’ll get older and I’ll reminisce those days when I felt genuinely happy.
Yehliu Geopark / 野柳地質公園 Wanli District, New Taipei City.
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Going up to the north coast of Taipei wandering through the famous geological landscapes in New Taipei City. Found my feet stomped around formations of rocks that formed by geological forces from the Datun Mountains creating unique shapes including the Mushroom rocks depicted on my pictures above. It took decades of sea erosion and earth movements to formed these beautiful array of rocks. Unfortunately i didn’t make my walk to The Queen’s Head since i had to escape from the pouring rain that afternoon.
I’ve been spending the last few weeks doing house work like it’s a full-time job. There’s still so much to be improved and I am nowhere near what I have envisioned for this house to feel warm and cozy. I don’t have big plans for 2021 except to earn so I can finally move into a place of my own by next year. But as the eldest of three with parental responsibilities, I want to leave this house with tenderness and balance.
I became a (pseudo) homemaker by circumstance. My mornings stretch to mid-afternoons on most days doing what mothers have done for us when we were little: cleaning the living room spotless, refilling the pitchers, putting the dishes back in their respective drawers, taking out the trash, and feeding the dog before rewarding myself with coffee (or tea).
It’s not exactly what I pictured 2020 to be; the original plan was to go on three week-long overseas trips solo:
☑ Taipei, Taiwan (January)
☐ Beijing, China (June or July)
☐ Seoul, South Korea (October)
I really miss traveling. I’m sharing photos from my first and last trip of the year. Yehliu Park was a dream, that only solidifies my desire to live in a home surrounded by nature.
My life is good–even better now–but I still can’t shake this sleeplessness off of my system. I become far more restless at the thought that I have to go to bed every night for a peaceful sleep that I no longer remember what it feels like. The pointless quest of the rat race truly turned me into something I didn’t want to be, a chaser of the urban working life, settler of stability, a sellout, what have you, all of this boils down to me becoming an automated feature. Reaching a tipping point, I needed to step back after a good five years of running on empty.
Last April, at the dawn of a sobering generation and opening doors embracing the ordinariness of living inside, I never imagined that I would be included in a company’s retrenchment program that effectively let go a sea of hardworking people in batches for the next few months. Loose ends were written all over this sudden move as I keep my eyes peeled for my well-performing colleagues local and overseas face the same fate: their farewell, gratitude-laden messages in hopes of immediately landing a new, shiny opportunity occupy my feed.
While knowing that I’m not alone in this uncertainty surely soothes the pain of my unrealized ambitions, I can’t help but feel I’m back to square one again, only with a stronger backbone and a more controlled direction that I wish I knew many years ago. I also wish I didn’t put all my efforts and prospects in one place to compensate for my lack of structure in life.
But we live and let live. In my case, I learned the hard way that we should not glorify the pain behind long hours striving for excellence and actually begin doing things differently.
Bercadang melancong ke Taiwan? Sedang mencari Pakej Percutian Taiwan yang mesra muslim? Risau akan waktu solat dan makanan halal? Anda usah risau lagi. Ini jawapannya!
Taiwan is a vibrant island nation known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, delicious cuisine, and technological innovation. Here's a guide to help you plan your visit to Taiwan:
1. Taipei:
Taipei 101: Once the world's tallest building, offering panoramic views of the city.
National Palace Museum: Home to a vast collection of Chinese art and artifacts.
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: A symbol of Taiwan's history and democracy.
Shilin Night Market: Experience Taipei's street food culture and try local delicacies.
2. Taroko Gorge:
Explore the stunning Taroko National Park, known for its marble cliffs, deep gorges, and hiking trails.
3. Sun Moon Lake:
Relax at this picturesque lake surrounded by lush greenery, pagodas, and temples.
4. Jiufen Old Street:
Wander through the narrow streets of Jiufen, a historic mining town with tea houses and beautiful views.
5. Alishan National Scenic Area:
Famous for its sunrise views, ancient cypress trees, and mountain railways.
6. Kenting National Park:
Enjoy beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and vibrant marine life in this southern national park.
7. Tainan:
Taiwan's oldest city with a rich history, temples, and traditional street food.
Chihkan Tower: An ancient Dutch fort with historical significance.
8. Taichung:
Rainbow Village: Colorful, vibrant artwork adorns the buildings.
Fengjia Night Market: One of the largest night markets in Taiwan.
9. Hualien:
Gateway to Taroko Gorge and a charming coastal city with a relaxed atmosphere.
10. Yehliu Geopark:
Marvel at unique rock formations along the coast, including the iconic Queen's Head.
11. Traditional Festivals:
Experience traditional festivals such as Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival if your visit coincides with them.
12. Hot Springs in Beitou:
Relax in natural hot springs in the Beitou district near Taipei.
13. Night Markets:
Explore various night markets, such as Raohe, Shida, and Shilin, to sample a wide array of Taiwanese street food.
14. Taiwan's Islands:
Consider visiting outlying islands like Penghu or Kinmen for a different cultural experience.
15. Cultural Etiquette:
Respect local customs and traditions, such as removing shoes when entering someone's home or a temple.
Tips:
Transportation: Taiwan has an efficient and well-connected transportation system, including high-speed trains and an extensive bus network.
Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in urban areas.
Currency: The New Taiwan Dollar (TWD) is the official currency.
Weather: Taiwan experiences a subtropical climate, so be prepared for both rain and sunshine, depending on the season.
Remember to check for any travel advisories and entry requirements before planning your trip. Taiwan's diverse offerings cater to nature lovers, food enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking modern city experiences. Enjoy your time exploring this fascinating island!