I am sitting in a coffee shop near my apartment. In just a couple of hours I will leave for the airport to go back home. I am all packed and my place is bare. As I look around I am faintly reminded of when I first walked in, but that seems like so long ago and yet I hadn't put in all that much time there. My suitcases are heavy and I am worried about getting them down the stairs on my own. Still...it doesn't seem real that I'm going home. It feels as though I am stepping back into the past and to a life I had left behind. My friends and family remain the same, even though I know many changes have happened since I had left. Still. A strange feeling.
People keep asking me (and will continue to ask me) what I am going to miss about Taiwan. I think it is truly hard to think about what you'll miss until you're out of the environment and new realizations will emerge as time goes on. Here is a list of some things I will miss and why.
First and foremost...my friends I have made here. God really blessed me with some incredible people here to act as my support system. Through a many connections I made friends with a group of ladies here who have been the source of some of the best experiences I've had as well as valuable friendships that will carry through time. Without them I couldn't see my experience here as rich as it has been. I have also been able to make friends with some terrific coworkers, who without them I don't know how I could have survived working as an English teacher. Their wisdom and support are what helped me keep my sanity and find joy in the work along the way. We've been knitted into each others lives and I look forward to meeting back up with them around the world in the future.
The second thing I will miss is the transportation. I have always wanted to live in the city and be able tot ravel around without a car. Taipei is an amazing city and you can go everywhere and anywhere quickly and efficiently by MRT, bus, and walking. There are downsides of course (you ever try going to Costco without a car?), but it has been great to be able to take advantage of the great services at hand.
I will also miss the food here. Even though by the end there are certain things that I would rather stay away from (I'm looking at you, corn), the food here has been really great. I've become much more of an adventurous eater and have come to appreciate odd combinations such as octopus and cheese or peanut butter on a hamburger.
The last thing I'll miss is how beautiful this country is. I am a fan of lush green areas and that is exactly what Taiwan is. Everywhere you go and all around you, there are threes and bushes of all verities. The city is green, sure, but as my dad said if you want to know Taiwan get out of the city. The tops of mountains will fill you with awe, and hikes will make you feel like you're in Jurassic Park. There are trees that seem to flower all year round and weird fruits that look like something out of Dr. Seuss.
There are so many other things to miss about this country and I believe that everyone should come here to visit. This is a place I know that I cannot stay away from forever and I will come back for a visit. Even saying that, I am very eager to be back home with my people and start the next chapter in life.
