One of the best things about my trip to Taiwan was that I was able to spend time with my family and Monica, one of my closest friends. I hadn't realised, but spending so much time away from my family, from my old friends in a place that was foreign to me until a few years ago was having a really alienating effect. It's hard to explain the feeling because it's not homesickness, and it's not like I'm not integrating into society here, but sometimes I feel like I'm moving at half a beat behind every else. There are things that everyone takes for granted that I have to get used to, whether I like it or not. (Photo: lunch with the family in Tainan)
By mid-March, just before leaving for Taiwan, I felt exhausted by so many children (some of them truly monsters), so much cold weather and grey skies that I was really beginning to hate being here.In Taiwan I got to see three of my aunties and Álvaro got to meet them as well. I also got to see my grandpa, who prepared fabulous breakfasts for us, and spend time with my cousin Leanne.
We climbed three mountains in total (one of them swarming with monkeys), visited Little Liuchiu Island, karaoke-d, went up the 101 Tower in Taipei and ate an embarrassing amount of fantastic food. (Photo: my aunt being inspected for fleas on Monkey Mountain)
But the best part was being able to spend two weeks with my parents uninterrupted by work and other committments. This has been one of my all-time favourite trips, and it wasn't too sad saying goodbye to my parents this time because I already have at the back of my mind that we're going back to Australia in October. (Photo: our penultimate onigiri at Taipei Airport)
1 comment:
I can really identify with how you feel Cath. I think meaningful friendships don't come by that often, and they play such an important role in one's life: one that sits alongside good health, relationship, work etc. So we shouldn't ever overlook it's importance.
Ditto for one's family :)
I miss you all the time!!
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