Upon my arrival in this bustling city, I couldn't help but feel the incredible energy in the air. Stepping off the plane and into this foreign land for the first time, the thick, humid air hit me, and a sudden wave of scorching heat washed over me. It was like stepping into an oven, though I admit that might be a tad dramatic, coming from the UK where an average annual temperature of just 8.7 degrees Celsius is the norm. The idea of nighttime temperatures maintaining a sweltering 30+ degrees Celsius seemed almost surreal.
But let me be clear, my intention here is not just to harp about the weather. While I'm sure I'll mention this contrast during my time in Taiwan, my main goal is to share the rich experience of transitioning from the United Kingdom to Taiwan. I know it will take time and effort, but I'm wholeheartedly committed to documenting my adventures as a foreigner living and working in Taiwan for the first time. So, while my writing might have a casual touch, rest assured that it will vividly depict this unique journey.
In my first article, I want to share my initial experiences in Taipei, starting with something we all adore – food! My very first meal here was an utterly mouthwatering beef stir-fry with rice and a side of clams. I can't give you a full list of ingredients, but I can tell you it was a burst of incredible flavours, smells, and textures, some of which were entirely novel to my taste buds, especially the clams. What truly amazed me was that just an hour after landing, I found myself in a quaint little restaurant, savouring this amazing food at a price that seemed almost too good to be true, all while engaging in some playful conversation with some of the warmest of locals. They say good food and good company go hand in hand, and that certainly held true for my first encounter in Taiwan. I'm profoundly thankful for this unforgettable introduction to the country, a day that I'm certain I will never forget!
The next morning, a friend joined me, and we waltzed down a pretty serene tree-lined path to the nearest MRT station, Jiantan. It was here that I encountered my first cultural difference between Taiwan and the UK. As I went to take a sip of water while waiting for the train, my friend gently informed me that it's not the done thing to nosh or sip in MRT stations or on the trains themselves. It didn't faze me, but it did take me by surprise, as there are no such rules back in the UK, except for not flaunting open alcohol containers on the underground. Nevertheless, I put away my water, recognizing the importance of respecting local customs and learning a valuable lesson in cultural sensitivity. As we journeyed on the train to our destination, I had my first real opportunity to soak in the city's sights and sounds in the daylight. I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised at how much greenery there was all around Taipei. While I had pored over countless online articles and blog posts about Taipei before arriving, seeing it in person was an entirely distinct and quite frankly exhilarating experience.
And if I thought the city had a buzz during the day, I was in for a surprise when the sunset. To be honest, I didn't have high expectations for my first night out, given my greenness to the place and its people. But luckily, the folks around me knew how to have a blast. As the daylight quickly dipped over the horizon, it was as though the entire city came alive. There's something about the Taipei residents – they toil away during the day and then they truly let loose after dark like almost nowhere I've seen before, and this was on a Monday! It's a unique rhythm of life, and I can't help but revel in the energy and zest that saturate this city at night. I am excited and impatient for all the nights to come!
Author
Ethan Turner