Traveling Slowly Across Taiwan
By: Mil H.
Tags: Traveling, Travel, Solo Travel, Taiwan, Life

Typical day to day activities

As a student, most of my days during the semester were going to my campus for lectures. Usually, I would have to spend around 9 to 12 hours of classes per week. I could use the rest of my time for other things.

One of my favorite activities in Taipei was riding public bicycles around the city. Taipei has a great road system and lanes designated for pedestrians and cyclists. I also like to go to public parks, night markets, and socializing with other students and locals.

Cycling around the city with Ubike

Perks of being a student and resident

Since I was living in the country as a student, I was required to be a legal resident of the country. As an international who studying for a degree program, I was allowed by the government to work for 20 hours per week. During the semester holiday, I could work for as long as I wish.

The other benefit of being a student is that there are many discounts given by the government. I was entitled to some discount on a bus ride, entrance to educational centers, and many others.

Classical music concert at the National Concert Hall

Things I love about Taipei City

One of the things that I love about Taipei is the balance between everything that it has. Modern skyscrapers, traditional architectures, natural attractions are very well threaded as if they’re all have been planned for centuries. I probably overhyped this but that’s how I feel.

The other thing that I love about Taipei is convenience. The city has a lot of things that operate 24 hours. It seems that they’re being very thoughtful in catering to people who are not only living and working during the daylight. But also those who work or staying up from late night to early morning.

There are many other things that I love and value about living in the city. You can read more about it in another story that I have written about the city.

Things I don’t like about Taipei City

I know that my opinion doesn’t matter in the context of how a country is being administered by a government. As a foreigner, I found that homelessness in the city is the most painful sight for me to behold. I know the country and the city government have always been working to overcome this issue.

Traveling to other cities and counties across Taiwan

Living in a country for a long duration has allowed me to explore other parts of the country within my own pace and budget. I can choose to travel to other cities during the weekend, semester break, or at any time when I’m free. I could literary be very flexible with everything. The beauty of slow traveling is I don’t have to rush to visit all the top attractions of a country at one time.

Taken at Taroko Gorge National Park, Hua Lien County

Taken at Taroko Gorge National Park, Hua Lien County

A view taken inside Kaohsiung Metro Station

Taken during Spring Festival

Selfie at a lookout at a small township in Nantou county

Taken during one of the mornings in the city

How slow traveling has changed me

Living in other countries for a long duration gives me a wider perspective as a foreigner. Many subtleties within a country can’t be learned unless being physically present in the country and by witnessing as many things that relevant to the search.

Living in a foreign country has helped me to understand myself better as a person. The commonalities and the difference between my personal and others’ belief and thinking have taught me to appreciate life.

It also taught me to respect others’ opinions and be humble with my own. I used to believe that I have to protect and be firm with what I have been believing. However, the interaction experience that I had with the locals and other foreigners has taught me that everyone has the right to what they’re believing and not to impose it on other people.