Confessions of a lone traveler

I'm in Taipei, in a hostel. Yeah I know, you are wondering why I am staying in a hostel and not at home.  The truth is, I don't really have a home here.  Since about 15 years ago, when my dad sold our condo in the heart of Taipei, I really haven't felt like I had a home in Taiwan.  My parents since separated, and my dad owns a place in the outskirts of Taipei, and my mom is a nomad and lives most of the time at her mother's apartment.  Long story short, it's easier for me to just live in a hotel or a hostel, so that I can see both of them while I'm here.  My brother is also in Taipei, but he is living in a dorm right now provided by his required military service.

For the first time in more than 10 years, all the members in our family are in the same country. 

I haven't stayed in a hostel for a long time.  It's a lot of fun, and I should do this again in the future instead of spending a lot of money staying in hotels.  Since I've been here, I've met people from Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, the Netherlands, Swiss, Canada, and even a person from Medford!  Most people have traveled to more places than I have, and I thought I have already been to a lot of places.  It's really humbling.  I enjoy sitting around at a table, drinking Taiwan beer and talking.

I suddenly realized as I am writing this why I haven't stayed at a hostel for more than 10 years - I haven't been single for about 10 years, and so I've always traveled with others.  For the first time since college, I am traveling alone.  Surprisingly, I enjoy it a lot.  Since I've been in Beijing, I have learned to enjoy being alone a lot more.  I still enjoy company once in a while, but I no longer feel like I need someone with me all the time (which I often did in the past).

Taiwan has changed over the years.  It has grown to be a country I am truly proud of.  The government has taught this society to be courteous and respectful to the old, young, and handicapped.  People get out of their subway seats instantly when they see someone else more in need of a seat.  People don't speak loudly in public spaces, and definitely do not spit or clear their throat in public places.  People line up and don't push others coming in and out of a subway.

Perhaps I appreciate this a lot more now that I live in Beijing, where people are not trained to be this way.  It will take time.  It took Taiwan decades to be the way it is today.  I guess this is what a developed Asian country is like compared to a developing one.

I also love shopping in Taiwan.  Service is amazing here, and they are patient.  While most imported things are more expensive here than they are in the US, I feel like I am getting more out of the purchase.  Also, as a foreigner, you can shop tax-free for all purchases greater than $100. I know, I know - I'm really advertising Taiwan to you guys... it's really that great!

Thanks to Facebook, people are able to find out that I am in Taiwan.  And guess who else is in Taiwan?  Shag is in Taipei for work!  What a coincidence :)  Apparently Katherine was here last week as well.  I'm going to meet up with him tomorrow - really looking forward to it! 

Another realization - I probably do not need to keep my apartment in Somerville.  Glen told me the other day that he couldn't believe I live in such a POS.  I didn't think I lived in a POS, but I can see why he said that.  I can save some rent money, and not have to worry about finding roommates.  I also do not miss my car that much, and I feel like it's a waste to let my car sit in the parking lot while its value decreases.  There are a few more things I do not miss that much.  I can do some real spring cleaning when I get back to Somerville. So if you have an attic that you can let me store my stuff at, please let me know.  I don't know where I am going to stay at when I am in Boston, but I am not too worried at this point. 

What do I miss?  My friends and the climbing community.  My office mates.