Cross Section : I 爱 Taiwan

Counting down the New Year at Taipei's 101

Ever since I left Taiwan, where I was born, I have never been back. I was ecstatic when my parents announced we would be visiting this island, my last chance before I move back to the other side of the world. Tales of unending alleys of food, soothing hot-springs, beautiful people, made Taiwan seem... let's just say, droolingly exotic. Such expectations!

Disappointed? Not even close! Though my dad humorously was at times; I'll explain below. We rented a car for 16 days the night we got off the plane. If I'm not mistaken, a Nissan Livina, a steady gall if you need a car. A whirlwind of a trip. All the way around the tiny island/country - mountains, beaches, cities, towns, you name it. 大溪，台中，恒春，垦丁，台东，花莲，宜兰 (where I was the year before I moved to Vancouver)，台北 (where I was born)。Besides all the 台s, we even hit a lot of the touristy things: the sun moon lake, Din Tai Fung, Chiang Kai-Shek's mausoleum, and even the 101 for the new year countdown!!! Strangely enough, a lot of it wasn't planned. We just happen to pass by while we were lost or happen to meet someone my parents hadn't seen in years. God really has his miraculous ways!

While my brother and I busied ourselves with nibbling on everything that could be nibbled. From beef noodle soup to big sausage in small sausage. My dad on the other had, had other things in mind. He was like a tour guide on one of those patriotism building tours; the kind North Korea offers. The only thing was, he hadn't been in Taiwan for a while too.

"Dad you sure where you're going?"

"Of course, I've lived here for seventeen years!"

"Are you sure? We look like we are in a cemetery!"

"Ok, we're lost."

That wasn't it. "Now we are going to visit our great leader, Chaing Kai-Shek's mausoleum. When I went, it was extremely solemn; we had to line up in its courtyard to pay our respects." When we arrived, we where all shocked to find it had turned into almost a tourist attraction, complete with loud music. "How could they.... In my day, they would be in jail," muttered my dad, much to our amusement. Things really do change over time.

In short, I am marveled by how much heavenly tasting food and beauty can fit in such a small island. As almost a wink from the motherland, even the girl stamping my passport when we where leaving was beautiful. I'll admit it dad! I am kinda proud to be born in Taiwan!