Packing for Taiwan...
Packing for Taiwan has been a challenge. There are two reasons for this: 1) Weather differences between Northern Taiwan and Southern Taiwan. Since we'll be traveling from Taipei in the North to Kenting in the South I have to account for differences in weather. 2) Chinese gift giving culture. When a Chinese family returns to see family back in the Motherland, you have to bring gifts. Anyone with Asian parents can probably attest to this. My luggage is no longer just my clothing, shoes and electronics. Stuffed into the corners of my luggage are vitamins, snacks, and other questionable items.
Read MoreBack to the Motherland!
My next adventure commences on Thursday. My family and I will be traveling to Taiwan from April 2nd until April 11th. My parents were both born in Taiwan so I like to refer to it as the "Motherland", although our ancestry traces back to Mainland China. We'll be going back in time for Qingming Festival (清明节) also known as the Tomb Sweeping Festival. It is sort of a Chinese fusion of the Day of the Dead in Mexico and Memorial Day in America. You pay your respects to your deceased predecessors and clean their graves. My grandfather on my father's side has recently passed away, shortly after celebrating his 100th birthday. So we will be returning to pay our respects and see family. After two days in Taipei we will be traveling along the East coast of the island down to Kenting. It will be my first time visiting Kenting (that I can remember), so I'm excited. Kenting is referred to the Hawaii of Taiwan, which is perfect because my body has been craving some vitamin D. New York weather has not been kind this past winter.
Read MoreWhy I Love Traveling
One thing I have always wanted to write about is my travels. I wouldn't consider myself a world traveler by any means. I have friends who have visited almost every continent and I am nowhere near as well traveled. In fact, my first time traveling to Europe was August of last year when I went to France to attend my cousin Jennie's wedding. But I have a love of travel - and not the kind that consists of lounging around on a beach all day. There is nothing wrong with that, just not my thing. When I'm traveling I want to see what the local culture has to offer, see sites that go beyond the usual touristy spots and kind of just immerse myself as best I can. I prefer hostel life over resort life, because of all the interesting people you get to meet.
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