All the good-byes have been said, I am almost packed, and I leave for the airport in 6 hours.
As with all my good-byes, it is bittersweet. I've lived longer in Taiwan than any other foreign country, and will always have a fond place in my heart for it. Life in Kaohsiung is incredible, and I often have to remind myself how amazing my life is. I have lived abroad for so long, I am not sure I can ever be "normal" and live on American soil, but I am looking forward to giving it a go.
Luckily, before I face the nightmare of the American job market, I get to do what I love most: travel! Even though I have done extensive traveling here and there, I have never traveled for longer than three weeks. To top it all off, my good friend, whom I haven't seen in almost 5 years will be arriving in Vietnam just minutes after me!
Hence, the bittersweetness. I have been so lucky with coworkers, students, friends, and other acquaintances here in Taiwan. I will miss so many people, and regret not having more time to spend with some of the newer friends I have made. However, my upcoming adventure proves there is always an opportunity to reconnect with the friends you make along the way.
Traveling opens so many doors, and I can't wait to see what is waiting for me on the other side of this door right in front of me!
So for now, I am signing off with not only a "good-bye" to Taiwan, but a "thank you."
Thank you for making the last two and a half years of my life an adventure in its own right. It may be time to close this door of my life, but the memories will remain.
