When I first came here, I could introduce myself and say hello, but I couldn't talk to anyone about big topics like their lives, or history or cultural traditions. However, now I've even picked up a little bit of the other dialects spoken here in Taiwan like Taiwanese Hokkien since I always make a point of talking to a lot of locals!
As you've probably seen, I also really enjoy exploring the natural beauty and cool architecture around Taiwan, so it's been a highlight of my time so far to catch the tall mountains, old temples and everything in between!
There's a lot of history here, and the local community members are always happy to share their stories if you ask! For example, I would have never known that my teacher's family comes from Fujian Province in Mainland China or that some of my classmates can trace their ancestors back more than 300 years! Additionally, lots of locals here also have indigenous Taiwanese, Dutch and Spanish ancestry, since explorers from Spain and the Netherlands came here almost 400 years ago.
You can still see the evidence of these other cultures in place names and locations such as Santiago 三貂嶺 (Sān diāo lǐng) and Fort Santo Domingo 紅毛城 (Hóng máo chéng).
Of course, I also can't forget to mention the delicious food here! From night market stalls to family-style restaurants, there are enough delicious snacks here to keep you full for years!
It's been amazing having you on this journey with me! Now it's your turn to come explore, too! Let's see what marvelous things you can find here (or wherever else in the world you will travel to!)!
