Family Gap Year

I realized we started with the what of Taiwan, but hadn't shared the why.  

So why are we doing a family gap year (aka #familyadventureyear)? 

Since I graduated or even while I was in college, I've always had an interest in living abroad.  There were a few opportunities that didn't shake out over the last 20+ years, but W&I added it as a 10-year goal in our "life plan" back in 2019.  As part of our small group, we work on annual life plans where we write down short-term and long-term goals: professional, spiritual, health, family, financial, legacy, etc.  As Warren and I entered simultaneous career transition moments, the idea of moving abroad came back. I had honestly forgotten that it was even in the goal sheet until after we made the decision.  Timing was a little bit before we were ready (Tori is on the young side), but decided to take the leap! 

Why Taiwan?

Originally, we were open to anywhere in the world without thinking through any of the logistics...anywhere from Malawi to Denmark. But in the end, we wanted to make sure the kids would have a "smooth-ish" experience and look forward to coming back to life in San Francisco.  Lexi and Ellie go to a Mandarin-immersion school, so we needed to maintain their language while we were abroad if we want them to return next year.  That eventually narrowed it down to a few options.  As we researched a few places (Taiwan, Singapore), it became clear that Taiwan was a good fit - Warren has family out here, the country had a visa process that made it possible to stay longer term, and the kids would get to attend a bi-lingual school here. 

What do we hope to do/learn/experience? 

We hope our family expands our worldview to understand more about life outside of SF.  It's a good challenge to shake up the routine and start fresh.  Ideally, Warren and I would like to find part-time work or volunteer opportunities to get to know the culture more deeply.  

One of the tips we heard from another family who lived abroad was involving the kids on decisions when we could.  So as part of our adventure year, each family member gets to "choose a place" to visit.  Lexi and Ellie continue to lobby for Disney Cruise, but we keep reminding them that it's not exactly a place to visit. :)  

• Warren said Taiwan was his pick.  
• I've always wanted to visit Kyoto and see the cherry blossoms.  
• Lexi wants to visit China (or go to Paris for the Olympics). 
• Ellie also she wants to see the cherry blossoms (and sometimes she throws in the curve ball of Australia).  
• We're not sure on Tori's pick yet, but excited for our adventure to come. 

Braving the rain ahead of Typhoon Gaemi

Starting out: Highlights and Lowlights

We‘ve been in Taipei for a little over 2 weeks now. We‘re settling in much faster than I expected.  Sharing a few family highlights and lowlights. 

Highlights: 

• Food - It goes without saying that the food is here is delicious, inexpensive, and everywhere.  We start most mornings trying out all the neighborhood eats.  W is a different kind of person here, who is constantly looking for the next best thing to try.  

Poi Poi joining for Ice cream Friday, which now Dessert Friday.  (It's really like dessert every day!)

• Shopping - This is really Lexi‘s highlight since none of the rest of us enjoy the shopping, but  since it’s so hot, the malls here are a respite for the heat.  Ellie loves the plethora of Summiko Gurashi characters everywhere.  Her favorite is Cinnamonroll. 
• MRT - Tori loves taking the MRT and swiping the card. Our place is only a few mins from the MRT and public transportation is awesome here.  I don't miss having a car, but I do miss having a bike.

Tori loving the MRT

• Swimming - when it's hot outside, swimming is delightful.  We go every other day.  For anyone who wants to visit us, this apartment complex has a pool!  
• Friends & Family - meeting up with friends local and those visiting have helped us with settling in and welcoming us to our new city.  My mom (Poi Poi) joined the adventure to Taiwan and has been getting to spend time with the girls almost every day.  

Hanging with the Lau's at the Night Market

Deb & Patrick sharing all their lessons learned after 6 years in Taipei 

Lowlights:

1. It’s hot - as expected, it’s very hot.  This means taking note of when you leave the home and walking distances. It also means a family with eczema gets flared up, itchy, and stingy. 
2. Bugs - related to eczema/skin, we are not accustomed to bug bites in SF.  Lots and lots of bites.  
3. Paper - there’s way less digital workflows here than I expected and things require cash and paper to process.  It will take us 4 visits to the National Immigration Center to complete everything for various reasons. 
4. Starting over makes you slower - Trying to figure out how to do life here makes you feel inefficient and out of place. For example, we miss Amazon Prime…haha.  A few friends are teaching us the local alternatives. 

Overall, our adventure year is starting out with a good amount of discomfort to stretch us into something new and also plenty of things that have been easier than expected.   

#FamilyAdventureYear

Dusting off our blogging skills. More pictures. Less time to write. Excited to peregrinate as a family although it’s decidedly much more work. 

Arrival in Taipei on July 4. 

12 hour flight: Lexi watched Barbie and Shrek 2. Ellie watched Happy Feet and Princess and the Frog. Tori watched Shrek and Trolls. W watched Interstellar, Kingsmen, and Almost Famous. Mel watched 10 mins of Oppenheimer before being forced to watch w/ Tortor. 

Waking up at 3:00 AM and headed to 7-Eleven