A Journey of Self-Discovery: Taiwan Through Time
Taiwan holds a special place in my heart. It was the first country I traveled solo to in December 2014. The memories and emotions from that trip are still vivid in my mind. I can't forget the experience of navigating a foreign land where English wasn't the native language for the very first time. Confronting loneliness during that trip and finding peace within it was a turning point in my life. It marked the first time I truly embraced and accepted myself, leading to a journey of self-discovery that has shaped who I am today.
Nearly a decade later, life presented me with a precious gift: a chance to revisit those memories, this time with my family by my side as a form of birthday treat for Daniel. The mix of emotions was both bewildering and heartwarming. Being in the same place where I once felt profound loneliness, now filled with the warmth of companionship and love, creating complex layers of memories.
This is both unsettling and comforting. It's like having two completely opposite sets of memories of the same place, time, and emotions, making it challenging to compartmentalise them.
Yet, it's also profoundly comforting. It signifies a journey—a lonely beginning transformed by the warmth of my family's companionship. I recall my initial trip when I often met new friends, only to part ways later, a recurring theme I struggled to accept. Little did I know that I clung to these new friendships as a coping mechanism for my newfound loneliness. But those bonds ruptured repeatedly with each goodbye.
Christmas eve dinner with the best.
That's Yuki/Yuhua from Beijing, Claudius from German and Cor from the Netherlands. I spent literally my entire stay in Hualien with these guys and to be honest, I really cherished it a lot. I remember when we were hiking through the national park and we decided to have lunch by the waterfall but interestingly, no one spoke a single word at all during that time. It was as if we were just taking it all in, the scenery, the waterfall and just about everything around us. It was simply a beautiful moment. And that was a huge contrast from how chatty we were during our hikes.
- Dec, 2014
With my wife and son, our shared memories remain intact, untainted by farewells.
I still remember the sense of dread I used to feel when returning home from solo trips during my 20s, not only from Taiwan but from various destinations. The abrupt return to reality was always harsh. However, this time, returning with my family felt different. The post-holiday blues persisted, but having someone, even a three-year-old boy, who empathised with and shared my withdrawal made it more bearable.
I used to frequent Chang’s Beef Noodle Shop on my own for its convenient location and I remember feeling every so slightly lonely then. I never knew where to go after my meals and I ended up just wandering around the neighbourhood. But watching my wife teach my son the game ‘scissors paper stone’ while waiting for our taxi brings so much comfort to me.
So, what have I learned that I hope to pass on to Daniel as he grows up?
As life unfolds in phases or chapters, it's essential to embrace the endings without fear. We never know if, down the road, we'll find ourselves walking the same path. That's the beauty of life.
During your early adulthood, explore the world and, most importantly, explore yourself. Even in marriage and with a family, the journey of self-discovery continues, albeit in different ways. But always begin with understanding yourself.
Marriage and starting a family don't require you to surrender your identity and who you once were. While added responsibilities and commitments shape your new identity, never let go of your core self, and share it with your family whenever possible, just like my wife and I did on our adventure-filled holidays.
Alright, so here is our 6D5N Child and Muslim-friendly itinerary for Taipei in 2023.
Day 1: Take It Easy
Morning: Grocery shopping for milk packets and snacks for Daniel (tip: important to find a hotel near to a grocer to fulfil any child-related requirements rather than bringing them over from SG). This is followed by a long nap after our red-eye flight.
Lunch: Halal Chinese Beef Noodles
Afternoon: Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall (tip: time it to catch the hour change of guard with the last one being at 5pm) and followed by a trip up to the Taipei 101 Observatory Deck (tip: sun sets earlier in Taipei, so do be sure to check the daily sunset timings before booking your express ticket).
Dinner: Kunming Halal Restaurant (not recommended)
Day 2: First of two Day Trips (tip: check the local calendar events and be mindful of weekend crowd if you are heading out of Taipei)
Morning: Yehliu Geo Park and Jiufen
Lunch: Prepare your own cup noodles or settle for Taro balls within Jiufen
Afternoon: Shifen waterfall and Sky Lantern activity
Dinner: Yunus Halal Restaurant (Thai food and highly recommended)
Day 3: Second day trip
Morning: Link up with our private tour driver (booked via klook) and head off to Yilan. First stop is Zhang Ah Mae farm.
Lunch: Shandori Hotel (highly recommended for its local seafood cuisine but this require early booking as they will only cook upon request)
Afternoon: Waiao Beach and head back to Taipei (got to factor in the traffic jam leading back into the city; travel time is approximately 90 - 120mins long).
Dinner: 水料理 (fresh cuisine ) Halal MUSLIM FRIENDLY 溫體牛咖哩飯
Day 4
Morning: Took the Maokong Gondola up to Taipei Zoo
Lunch: HALAL Chinese beef noodle restaurant (This includes Daniel’s nap time too)
Afternoon: Head back to hotel to rest before heading out to Shilin Night Market
Dinner: Chang's Beef Noodles Shop - Muslim Halal Restaurant {pretty famous and easily searchable on google)
Day 5
Morning: Amusement Park and Astronomical Museum
Lunch: Safran Bolu Turkish Restaurant (This includes Daniel’s nap time too)
Afternoon: Gift shopping for the birthday boy and Tamsui Wharf for Sunset
Dinner: Lambo Ramen (New halal eatery in Tamsui area)
