Hitchhiking Around All Of Taiwan
Three weeks, dozens of amazing strangers, and endless stories
Story originally published on Memoirs & Rambles.
From the plane I can see Taichung, my destination, down below. The Taiwanese West Coast does indeed look like one massive city from up here.
The air is filled with smog and I can make out chimneys in the distance. Landing on this side of the island, one would be forgiven for thinking this is all there is to Taiwan — a big industrial complex where toys and electronics are made, stamped with the famous “Made in Taiwan” label.
I turn back to the outdated Lonely Planet guide I bought from a second-hand store in Bangkok a few days ago. It notes that Taiwanese people are some of the nicest in the world. I figure this is something that’s said about most countries on their respective guides and move on.
Upon landing, I set out to look for the bus stop from where to take my bus to the hostel. On two occasions, I stop briefly to read the signs, and both times someone quickly approaches and offers me help. These people are indeed quite nice, I think to myself.
The city feels empty. Tonight is Chinese New Year, which, as I’d come to learn, means most people go off to the countryside to be with their families.
