Good first impressions
Time went by fast — the one-and-a-half hours seemed too short for me to make myself believe I was almost in Taiwan. I peeped out the window to see the view as the plane was making a landing and the buildings were becoming clearer. Finally, I arrived at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.
When people arrive in an entirely new place, they probably make a lot of comparisons — as I did. I flew from the prosperous city of Shanghai, leaving from Shanghai Pudong International Airport. While Taoyuan was smaller and less magnificent, it felt gentle and warm.
After arriving, we went through immigration processing and I was surprised the staff there communicated with me. Their consideration comforted me a lot. In China, the staff would hardly chat with you while they were working because of regulations.
At the exit, we were welcomed by students from Shih Hsin University. Just imagine how happy and delighted you would be when — as a stranger — you see a friend meeting you at the airport.
Later, we reached our dorm building, which was specially designed for Chinese exchange students and teachers. As the first newcomers of this building, we were under special consideration — a splendid dinner. Everything was well prepared and I was quite satisfied with my new dorm room — a double room. The first night was so comfortable and sweet. I was just like a typical spoiled expatriate.
In the following days, three of us traveled by ourselves. We were touched by the many Taiwanese we met and what we saw. When we got on the bus, the bus driver chatted with us. There was no one eating or drinking or talking very loudly.
When I was trying to find a seat, I found people smiling at me. I did not worry that sudden braking would send me tumbling me down because the bus was at a stable speed.
Looking out the bus window, I was watching the buildings with various types of architecture, combining the classical and modern together. It is a great human legacy and it is good to see that Taiwan can preserve it and balance it so well. They not only meet the needs of building function, but also satisfy the needs of the city, which are diverse and distinct.
And convenience store chains are everywhere, such as 7-Eleven. Many are nearby, sometimes even inside a building, MRT station or a railway station, making it easy for commuters to pop into a store to grab a meal on their way home.
I feel fortunate to be living here: A place I feel at home in, even though I am so far away from home.
I have also been impressed by the people here. Even a mere smile or “hello” would make me feel moved and inspired. Every time I pay for what I buy, the clerk would say “thank you” with a big smile. Every night when I come home, the doormen welcome us, waving their hands as if they’re our family members. They have warmed the hearts of hundreds of exchange students.
It seems Taiwanese do not work for money, but to enjoy life. I have been moved by this harmonious society. Unlike the sterotype of strangers in a strange land, in this city I can tell the whole society cares about us and I am no longer an outsider.
The first seven days made me consider living here forever rather than making me feel homesick or culture-shocked. I look forward to the following days and I will cherish every minute I spend in Taiwan.
Zeng Yanxi
Taipei
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