TAIWANESE HOSPITALITY

In the many summers that I have visited and resided in Taiwan, there is one thing that I find very unique about this country: hospitality. From my trip in Kaohsiung, I took home over 30 unwanted gifts: mosquito bites. My legs are not only covered in big, red splotches, but also extremely itchy. One of the bites on my ankle had become a bit swollen, so I am confined to the house for today, which is also the reason why I am writing this blog post.

Upon boarding and leaving our train, I got a couple stares at my legs, since it's pretty rare for locals to get 紅豆冰 (red bean spots) to describe all the red mosquito bites covering my legs. There were a couple women, however, who stopped to ask "What happened?" and one lady said, "Are those mosquito bites? Make sure that you do not scratch them because that will leave scars." I was shocked by the unwanted attention I was getting for my mosquito bite-covered legs but more surprised by complete strangers' genuine concern for my well-being. In America, people generally learn to "stay away from strangers" and keep to themselves and the people that they are well acquainted with. Even at school, when I needed to use crutches to support my sprained ankle as an inexperienced freshman, there was not a single person who offered to help me when I had trouble ascending a flight of stairs. Everyone walked past me as if I was invisible. Therefore, this simple demonstration of sympathy of a random Taiwanese stranger really shocked yet warmed my heart knowing that people cared for me. These simple acts of kindness and genuine care are truly enough to change the world for the better.

This is one of my most recent experiences of Taiwanese hospitality, among numerous others. Taiwan honestly has some of the kindest and most caring individuals in the world. They understand that the key to changing the world lies in changing yourself. One simple act of kindness or sympathy for others is like a row of dominoes -- a chain reaction of sorts. By choosing love and kindness, anyone can make the world a better place.