Taiwan And The New Me

Okay, so before you continue reading, I just want to let you know that this is going to be a lengthy post. So if you want to stick around, go ahead and read on. I'm happy I get to have the chance to write this post now even with the very busy schedule at work. Reminiscing my recent vacation is something I frequently do lately... so let's put those thoughts into words.


My trip to Taiwan has opened a new chapter in my life. It actually did! From learning independence - as I have traveled solo, up to opening up myself to people even if it means baring my soul to them completely. I actually did not have anything in mind on how I will present this post so I thought I'd just include all the places which I have visited:


Here's me getting ready to go out and about:

When I reached Taiwan, I immediately went out looking for milkteas. Yes! As if I didn't have enough supply at our store. But my friends told me to really try the milk teas there. True enough, I was able to taste the best one! (But of course, it's still NOTHING compared to our Infinitea ;) )

So roaming around Taiwan was actually pretty easy. Their train systems are interconnected which makes it really easy for commuters. I was lucky because I have a friend (Mark) who is currently taking his masters degree at the National Taiwan University, and he helped me around on my first day. Mark has been staying in Taiwan for almost 7 months already and I must say that I am very much impressed on how independent he is! We went around Chang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, Longshan Temple and went food tripping at Shilin Night Market. Mark made me try the stinky tofu which is actually something he cannot stand smelling - but I liked it any way. We tried his favorite fried octopus, cheesy octopus, choco/matcha filled pancakes and ended our food trip with a generous bingsu. The food in Taiwan is actually pretty cheap and with huge servings!

My actual independence started when I went to the provinces of Taiwan. I went to this place called Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen. My most favorite is Shifen where I was able to fly a lantern and made wishes. Going to these places was no joke! It was really hard. I had to commute through buses and trains just to get from one place to another. And if anything, it just made me realize one thing... I am capable to do anything that I put my sights on. 

I also went to the highest Starbucks in the world where you need a reservation to get in. Luckily, my host got me one so I was really happy!

Mark then took me to his school and toured me around - and he rented me a bicycle! His school is so awesome and huge! This is actually the same school where Meteor Garden shot most of their school/campus scenes.

I then went to a really amazing place like 5 hours from the city. It's in Taichung. I actually know this place since our Milk Tea supplies come from here. However, I did not go and search for milkteas. Instead, I went to this place called Houli Flower Farm:

Oh dear I'm missing Taiwan so much right now. This will always be an unforgettable place for me.

While being on euphoria phase during the entire trip, I know that heading back home is something I dread since I have some unfinished business here as well and I know I had to take care of it if I really wanted peace. Thus, when Paul asked if we could talk, I know I just had to say yes. And you know what? We had the most meaningful talk. Better than the non-sense, talks turning to petty fights back when we were still in a relationship. I know for a fact that we ended that chapter of our lives, but who knows what life may bring right? What is important right now is we get to save whatever is left and enough to start something new - be it a friendship or something else, only time will tell. But we made our peace. He even gave me a beautiful bouquet.

Life is starting again for me and I can't wait to see what the future will bring! What I'm sure of though is that I am stronger and tougher this time around. Say hello to Mara version 2.0 HAHA! :)

No really, say hello to the new me.

xoxo,

Ellie V2.0 <3