When I tell my co-workers and friends that I’m going to Taiwan for vacation. A lot of them reply with, “Again? Didn’t you JUST go?” I find Taiwan extremely relaxing. I can hang out with my family and one Taiwanese friend. It’s somewhat comforting to be the majority instead of a minority. Although, almost everyone knows just by seeing me that I’m not really “Taiwanese” and that I’m a foreigner. I guess my American accented Mandarin/Taiwanese gives myself away as well as my big stature (I’m HUGE in Taiwanese terms). The past two visits to Taiwan hasn’t been purely for pleasure (carb bingeing), but to see my grandparents. They seem to be aging so much more quickly. In fact, when I saw my grandpa this year, I was shocked to see that he was bedridden and unable to walk independently. It broke my heart to remember how he used to have at least one daily walk a day. I guess this is what happens when you’re 90+ years old. It makes me happy that he can recognize me and smile even for a brief moment. Meanwhile, my grandma is going strong still. She is always thinking and ready to talk. She has an extremely good memory and knows all the foods I like or dislike. It’s pretty amazing.

Besides seeing my family, I introduced my boyfriend to Taiwan. Hopefully, I did not scare him off! I definitely understand if our next vacation is NOT in an Asian country. He will get to pick our next vacation spot. I do hope he enjoyed all the temples we visited. Who knew Taiwan/Taipei had so many temples? Also, he finally got to experience the Taiwanese buffet. It is just SO MUCH BETTER! Yum. I definitely will miss all the delightful food. There’s always a bubble tea shop within a few steps away. It’s just so convenient. I’ll live it up for my last few days. I will be sure to have a mango icy for the boy!