Missing the East

The sights and smells were always interesting...with lots of activity and colour. I loved finding little temples tucked away in some of the most obscure places. When I first arrived in Taiwan and started my teaching job, I would use the weekends to tour the area I lived in. I bought a Giant Mountain bike and rode around exploring different areas. This is one amazing entrance to a small temple on the west coast of Taiwan.

And sunsets in the sleepy village that I lived in. 

Living in a Small Town...

After moving back to Canada to my home town (city, actually), I decided that I prefer living in a smaller town, like I did in Taichung County...in Taiwan.

Not only is it a completely different pace, but also the people are different too. I tried living in my "home town" for eight years but found it had changed, such, that I needed to get "the hell out of Dodge".

One thing I learned from all my years of travelling is, it's okay to keep moving. Literally. I'm actually the 'Queen of Packing' now. But since I'm classified as a "mature person", it would be nice to finally settle down.  The problem with constantly living out of a suitcase is that there's no time to put down roots. So, now I've finally decided to settle.

Adjusting to a town, after living in large cities, has been a bit of a challenge. Not only are there less shopping choices-now replaced with online shopping- but also a different mindset.  People are a lot more friendly and laid back, for the most part. I have to say, it's the first time I've ever applied for jobs where I haven't had to provide a criminal check or references.  And if you need local information, everyone knows everyone else so you get lots of advice, whether you need it or not.

The thing I admire is how everyone will go out of their way to help you. Kindness goes a long way in this world and a rare thing indeed.