I pride myself with being independent and knowledgeable when travelling in a different country. But with my daughter, I have to be more aware, prepared, and anticipatory of all scenarios to have a smooth experience on the road and in all our daily outings. I failed most of the time. I'm just beginning to get used to the idea of overseas trips with a teen. 

One night after our tours of the city, we went home a bit late so the buses were no longer available. We waited for an hour for a taxi and not a single taxi stopped for us. A group of three young girls talked to us and we asked for their help. The girls immediately reserved an Uber for us and prepaid for the trip! 

I was totally surprised by the hospitality. We, Filipinos are known all over the world for that but other cultures and societies are equally open to foreigners and visitors. I will never forget this act of kindness! 

As well, the Taiwanese people have shown tremendous level of professionalism during the Rotary Convention. The hundreds of host volunteers were all over the MRT stations and every important area of the conference organizing was operated efficiently. Even the clinics attended to our daily bruises and blisters for walking non-stop. English language is all over the place, even the taxi drivers and restaurant servers can speak and understand it. I will stop here b

I don't know about you but Taiwan is becoming to be one of my favorite cities. 

At the end of the trip, my knowledge of the MRT has critically advanced. I'm very proud of that fact.

We travelled through Vancouver and HongKong, to Taipei, one of the longest flights I had to take since 2005 when I started travelling for work. 

Fresh from the trip, we went out and had a bite at Costco which was beside the hotel and managed to meet my family who was touring Taipei at that time.

​Taipei is a clean, modern, and safe city. 

I've been to almost thirty countries and I can count the cities that I felt truly safe as a female traveller. Taipei is one of those cities. They are known for the best culinary experience and the people are polite, friendly, and hospitable. Shops open late in the morning and stay later than most cities. Public transportation worked like a clock. The MRTs run up to midnight and faster than travelling by road during peak season.

We have just arrived but I felt the ease in getting to places, in buying good food at Seven Eleven and Family Mart, and in communicating in English with drivers, staff, and regular people.

The Peace Park which is housed at the House of Friendship Exhibition Center opens tomorrow, and I'm excited to start the convention experience! 

​It should be great fun! 

Since 2015, I've never travelled overseas. 

Life took its turn and with a baby in 2016, travelling was the least of my priorities.

Past forward, I'm travelling again to Asia, first in Taiwan and next stop, the Philippines to visit family.

The first one was funded which gave way to the second trip and of course, I'll be bringing another family member with me.

Her eyes will be opened to the reality that the world is huge. 

This type of learning is better than the one spent in the classroom for months.

She would like to be a world traveller.

I hope so and also find meaning in all her future travels.

Wish us safe travels!
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