Taiwan-Our Place of Healing and Support

My partner and I are currently in Costa Rica, en route to the San Jose Airport, where we’ll spend the night before departing for Taiwan – our fourth visit to the country. As I reflect on my past experiences with Taiwan, I can’t help but wonder what draws us back to this place time and time again. Why do we feel safest in Taiwan? Why has it become our go-to destination for healing and rejuvenation?

Our first visit to Taiwan was a promise I made to a friend – if he visited Taiwan, I would do the same. Our second visit was an escape from the chaos and a break from traditional living and working ideologies. By our third visit, we had just finished filming our first documentary and needed a place to rejuvenate before moving on to our next project. We soon realized that Taiwan had become our home away from home – where we could continue to be our best selves and practice self-care.

So what is it about Taiwan that has provided us with such a positive experience?

Firstly, Taiwan’s affordable living spaces have been a consistent highlight of our visits. Although the country is quite compact, they manage the space they can access exceptionally well. Taiwan’s policies and laws support community cleanliness, and there’s a collective responsibility for up-keeping the community. This has been refreshing to observe, especially after traveling to over thirteen different countries. The government is genuinely interested in supporting its local citizens’ quality of life, without breaking the bank.

Secondly, the welcoming community in Taiwan is unique. Although the country still has issues regarding diversity and inclusiveness, the communal experience is safe and welcoming. Taiwanese people are kind and treat others with respect and kindness, despite differences in cultural values and beliefs. This concept doesn’t always hold in other countries, and it’s been a learning experience observing and experiencing such a community framework.

Lastly, consistency is a trait that I’ve come to appreciate over time. Taiwan provides consistency that most countries struggle with, from swift immigration processes, taxes, medical support, and living environments. Taiwan has developed several essential services that make a living in the country convenient and stress-free. I’ve learned to appreciate these privileges over time, especially after traveling to other countries and experiencing similar services that do not come close to Taiwan’s efficiency.

Now, on our fourth visit to Taiwan, we are grateful for the chance to be here, given the state of the world. Taiwan provides basic living essentials, a safe place to determine our next step in life, and an environment that allows us to continue developing our work.