First Day in Taiwan

As the plane soared above the storm clouds, the sky outside my window exploded with light. Each flash of lightning illuminated the vast darkness, reminding me that I was leaving behind everything familiar. This was my first flight, and I was not just crossing borders—I was crossing into a whole new world. The 12-hour journey from Vienna to Taipei felt endless, filled with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation.

The flight itself was a surprisingly smooth experience, despite the three massive thunderstorms we navigated. Watching lightning from above is a surreal experience—completely different from witnessing it from the ground. The sudden bursts of light in the otherwise dark sky felt extremely beautiful and wilde.

After a surprisingly tasty breakfast on the plane, we touched down in Taipei—the bustling 2,766,334 capital of Taiwan. Stepping off the plane, I was hit by the warm, humid air and the reality that I was now 11,000 kilometres away from home, in a land with a culture and history vastly different from Slovakia. But my apprehension didn’t last long. As I walked through the airport gates, my host family greeted me with a warm, heartfelt welcome that instantly made me feel at ease.

The local Rotary Club also offered warm welcome, and soon after, my host parents began introducing me to their family members in Taipei. The “wow” effect hit me immediately. The city was a fascinating mix of old and new—towering skyscrapers stood alongside traditional streets, scooters zipped through every corner, and food stalls seemed to be everywhere. It felt like I had stepped into a different world, one that was alive with energy and endless possibilities.

Food

– Food is a vital part of daily life in Taiwan, so naturally, the first place my host family took me was one of the most famous soymilk restaurants in Taipei. Taiwanese cuisine is an explosion of flavors and colours, with dishes often featuring ingredients like milk, peanuts, and a huge amount of sugar. The meals are incredibly diverse, with a variety of vegetables and side dishes complementing the main courses. Unlike in Europe, where potatoes or rice are often the primary sides, here, leafy greens and other plants often take center stage.

Taipei city

– Navigating Taipei, however, proved to be a challenge. The city’s streets and buildings look remarkably similar, making it easy to get lost. Most people rely heavily on navigation apps to find their way around. The city’s famous monuments are also scattered across different parts of Taipei, so we only managed to visit Taipei 101—the iconic skyscraper with its impressive 101 floors. But Taipei has much more to offer, especially after dark.

While the city might not be the neon-lit wonderland I had imagined (like Tokyo), the local night markets that spring to life after 8 PM more than made up for it. These markets are a feast for the senses, with countless food stalls offering an array of snacks and dishes for just a few euros. You can easily fill up on different delicacies for as little as 5 euros (35 TWD = 1 Euro), with prices for individual items ranging from 20 to 80 TWD, and main dishes from 100 to 200 TWD.

Taipei also boasts a wealth of tourist attractions, including iconic Chinese temples, historic streets, Taipei Zoo, and the lush nature surrounding the city. The combination of modern urban life and deep-rooted traditions gives Taipei a unique charm that’s hard to describe but impossible to forget.

– Sadly, after just one day, it was time to leave Taipei for Kinmen Island, where I would spend most of my exchange. But this first glimpse of Taiwan was enough to spark a deep curiosity and excitement for the adventures ahead. As I boarded the plane to Kinmen, I knew that this was just the beginning of my journey. Taiwan had already shown me a small taste of its wonders, and I couldn’t wait to explore more. Each new experience is a reminder of why I embarked on this adventure—to embrace the unfamiliar, to learn, and to grow.

Thank you to everyone who made this trip a reality and to those supporting me along the way. Until next time, 再见 (zài jiàn).