A 9,600 KM Journey

We began a 9,600 km journey at the beginning of 2026. Last week, two humans and two dogs flew from Taiwan to Vancouver.

While the motorcycles, heat, and bureaucracy are unbearable, these are not what I think of when I think of Taiwan, where I spent the last five years.

Instead, I will always remember the meals at my parents' place and the trips we took together.

I will always remember the friends and the countless times they helped me. One agreed to be my guarantor if I violated any Taiwan laws when I applied for residency. (I'm glad I didn't violate any in the end.) Some took so much time and energy to care for my dogs when I was travelling, even though it was the first time we had met. They provided companionship, invaluable advice, and made Taiwan my home.

I will always remember the incredible mountains and landscapes, the bosses who hired me and brought me to Taiwan without ever meeting me in person, the easygoing and super nice landlords, and many more.

The enormity of the journey and the emotions only hit me after arriving in Vancouver, as I was buried in packing and administrative tasks before leaving, maybe intentionally. The fact that I am leaving all the above 9,600 km behind with a 15-hour time difference suddenly hit me.

People usually make big changes when life is unbearable or is really bad. This was not my case. I had my dream life. So, the question "Why are you leaving your close-to-perfect life for this unknown world?" has kept popping into my mind over the last few days.

I pondered this for a very long time before deciding to move. "To earn a passport." "To experience and enrich life." "To be more anti-fragile." These answers all suddenly felt pale when this actually happened.

I hiked quite a bit back then. In difficult trials and when I was out of energy (which happens way too often), I would ask myself why I had gone on this stupid hike in the first place. Slowly, I learnt that it was a foolish question to ask when you are having a tough time on the mountain. Keep your head down, push through, and try to enjoy the process. Without exception, it was always a great experience looking back, and I am always glad that I completed the hike.

The same went for Taiwan. When I first arrived in Taiwan, I was living alone during COVID times. It was difficult, and it didn't make any sense to me to leave Hong Kong for that. But after five years, it was the best decision I made.

I like to think of my life in different stages. In Hong Kong, I did everything "right". Dull, but it laid a nice foundation for all my adventures. In Taiwan, I explored, learnt, and built.

2026 is a new stage, a new journey to Canada.

Until next time, take care.