From Homesickness to Celebration: My First Birthday in Taipei, Taiwan

Written by Aiden Loya (University of Wisconsin, Madison), Student Correspondent for CET Taiwan, Fall 2024

Waking up on the Friday of my birthday weekend in Taipei, I felt a mix of excitement and a hint of homesickness. This was my first birthday away from home in America. I definitely missed the familiar celebrations with family and friends. Still, I was ready to dive into the adventure ahead and make the most of my special weekend in this vibrant city with my new friends by my side.

On the Friday of my birthday weekend, my friends and I went out for dinner at a rèchǎo (热炒) restaurant. Here, we indulged in delicious Taiwanese stir-fry. Sharing local dishes while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere made for a perfect evening filled with laughter and good conversation.

On Saturday morning, I woke up eager to make the most of my day. I love to fully embrace my weekends, especially when exploring all that Taipei and its surroundings have to offer. My first stop was a traditional Taiwanese breakfast staple that I had been craving: shāobǐng (烧饼). This delightful oven-baked bread, often topped with sesame seeds and usually accompanied by an egg, was even better this time because I added yóutiáo (油条)—crispy fried dough. It was the perfect way to kick off my birthday weekend!

After breakfast, I headed to the Jinmian Shan Trail in Northern Taipei. The hike was challenging, with nine minutes of steep rock climbing, but I reached a stunning viewpoint. As a solo hiker, I knew it was wise to stop there and take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking scenery and gorgeous day.

Once I came down from the mountain, I took the bus to the National Palace Museum, one of the most iconic art museums. Where I met up with my friend Claudia. I had only heard of the famous jadeite cabbage on display, but I was in for a treat! Van Cleef was showcasing an exhibit that featured this iconic piece alongside artifacts from both Europe and Asia. We were lucky to experience the exhibit without long wait times, adding to the thrill of the day.

Feeling even more productive, we decided to check out the Taipei Farmers Market—an absolute must for anyone living in the city! I loved exploring the stalls filled with fresh produce and local delicacies. The generous portions were not only delicious but also incredibly affordable, making it a perfect stop for authentic Taiwanese cuisine.

To wrap up the night, my friends and I headed to a nearby restaurant called Speedrun, just three blocks from my apartment. This unique spot is an arcade speakeasy, blending great food with fun games. Celebrating here was the perfect ending to a fantastic day, surrounded by new friends I’ve made through this program. Their company really helped lift my spirits and ease any feelings of homesickness.

Reflecting on my birthday in Taipei, I couldn’t have asked for a better way to celebrate this special day in a city filled with new experiences and cherished memories.