Photos taken by Huy Tran (Middlebury College), Student Correspondent for CET Taiwan, Spring 2023
Zhishan Garden
Being a part of the CET program has been such a great experience so far. Not only have I been able to explore different parts of Taiwan and learn Chinese, but I have also had the opportunity to connect with locals through the language partners program.
Today was a particularly eventful day, as I had my first scheduled activity with my language partners. After breakfast, we decided to visit Zhishan Garden to take a stroll and get to know each other better. The garden was beautiful, and we were both in awe of the stunning scenery surrounding us.
We chatted and exchanged stories about our lives and cultures as we walked. It was a great way to practice my Chinese and learn more about Taiwan from a local’s perspective. I also felt a sense of peace and calmness as we walked around the garden, which was a nice break from the intense Chinese lectures I had been attending all week.
National Palace Museum
After exploring Zhishan garden, my language partners and I went to the National Palace Museum, one of Taipei’s most famous museums. The museum gave off a very historical vibe from the outside and was filled with tourists from all over the world. It was fascinating to learn that this museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of ancient Chinese artifacts.
As we walked through the museum, we explored different sections and rooms with ancient paintings, poems, ceramics, instruments, and more. I was amazed by the beauty and intricacy of the artifacts and how they have been preserved over time. Not only did I learn more about the language, but I also gained insight into the rich culture of Taiwan.
Overall, I had a wonderful time hanging out with my language partners and exploring new places. I am grateful for this experience and can’t wait to see what other adventures lie ahead.
Houtong Cat Village
Today was an exciting day. My language partners and I planned to visit the Houtong Cat Village, which we’ve heard so much about. As we arrived at the village, I was amazed by how many cats were wandering around the place. It was like entering a cat wonderland. The village was filled with cat-themed stores and merchandise, making it the perfect place for cat lovers like us.
We stopped at a local place for lunch and continued exploring the village. We strolled around, petting many different cats, and taking pictures with them. I was so captivated by the adorable felines that I almost considered adopting one, but my language partners reminded me that I couldn’t take a cat with me back home.
Coal Mine Museum
After spending some time with the cats, we headed to the Coal Mine Museum, which was located within the village. The museum was a great way to learn about the history of the coal mine and interact with some exhibits. It was fascinating to see how the coal-mining industry operated and its role in shaping the village.
Overall, it was a memorable experience, and I’m grateful to have spent the day with my language partners. I’ll always remember the time we spent in the Houtong Cat Village and the wonderful memories we created.
Shifen District
Today marks the start of a long break due to national holidays, which include Children’s Day and Qingming Festival. It’s nice to have some time off from classes and enjoy a little break with my language partners. We decided to go on a trip to Shifen District, which is located outside of Taipei. We took the subway, which was quite packed with many people with similar plans.
Despite the long subway ride, the moment we arrived in Shifen, we were immediately captivated by the beautiful scenery surrounding us. It was a surreal experience, and we were not alone, as there were many tourists and locals alike. The ambiance was festive, with everyone enjoying the long holiday weekend. There were so many things to see and do in Shifen. We wandered around the local stores and tried out some of the activities. But first, we stopped by a local restaurant to fill our empty stomachs after the long subway ride.
I am looking forward to exploring more of Shifen District and enjoying the rest of our time off together. It’s great to have some downtime and make memories with my language partners.
One of the highlights of our trip was releasing sky lanterns. We wrote down our wishes and hopes for the future, then released them to the sky. It was a fun and unique experience that I am grateful to have shared with my friends.
As the lanterns floated away, carrying our wishes high up, I felt a sense of hope and optimism. Whether our wishes come true or not, this experience was unforgettable, and I look forward to experiencing more unique and meaningful moments like this.