Sunday and sunset - Tainan

 

I started to fall in love with the city of Tainan after these incredible days of exploring it. TaiJiang National Park revealed to me the natural side of Taiwan, and I was amazed by the biodiversity here and how the local people actively engage in protecting the environment. At midday, I finally had the long-awaited beef soup, a dish I had been dreaming of tasting. Fresh, tender slices of beef served with a bowl of braised pork rice—it was everything I had hoped for and more. Afterwards, we visited a tofu pudding shop, which left me equally impressed. Once again, I found myself admiring the Tainan people's deep passion and pursuit of culinary perfection.

On Sunday, I tried to slow down the pace of my trip, allowing myself some time to relax after the busy schedule we had been following. As the sun began to set, my friends and I headed to Yuguang Island to watch the sunset. I was completely mesmerized by Tainan's sunset—the soft glow reflecting off the water, with people strolling along the shore while others surfed in the sea. Everyone seemed to be in their own world, savoring the present moment in peace. This, I realized, is perhaps the true meaning of studying abroad—experiencing the culture and beauty of a foreign country with friends from different cultural backgrounds, sharing these special moments together.

Today, after a productive and brief group project session, we visited an embroidery workshop, a perfumery, and a dessert shop that has been in business for over seventy years. The embroidery workshop left a particularly strong impression on me. I watched as young artisans skillfully crafted banners for temple celebrations. After trying my hand at the craft, I quickly realized how difficult it is to make such large and intricate pieces of embroidery. It requires immense patience, effort, and time. This hands-on experience was truly one of a kind—an opportunity that I might not come across again anytime soon, if ever.

These days in Tainan have given me not only an appreciation for the slower pace of life but also a deeper understanding of the rich cultural traditions that continue to thrive here. From the incredible food to the craftsmanship and natural beauty, Tainan has captured my heart in ways I never expected.