We signed up for a gym membership and worked out together. On Tuesdays, we made dinners together, and on Fridays, we made TikTok dances. We also got up early in the mornings to go grocery shopping at our local morning market and engaged in occasional banter with the shop owners.
These exceptional times also brought together the 40 teachers who were left on the island. Teachers from other counties came to visit us in Kaohsiung, and we showed them around. Later, we also met up with these people in their respective counties in Changhua, Taichung, and Taitung to travel and hang out. Showing friends around in Kaohsiung made me appreciate the city even more and recognize the little gems like night markets and shops that make Kaohsiung home to me. Visiting friends in their respective counties and staying with them also put things into perspective because their lifestyles are so different. For example, this weekend, I visited Taitung, which is located on the east side of Taiwan. Unlike in Kaohsiung, we were able to scooter continuously for 40 minutes without having to stop for 70 seconds of red light at every other intersection. This is because Taitung is surrounded by mountains and the ocean. These exceptional times provided me with a great opportunity to meet new friends, a place to stay when traveling and comfort in knowing that I was not alone during this time of uncertainty.
Living abroad during this time of coronavirus has not been easy because I do worry about families and friends back home. However, I am also appreciative of the supportive communities in Taiwan that have helped make my time here so memorable (even if it meant saying goodbye to my students so early). Thank you, my Fulbright friends, for exploring and growing with me.
