Day 13-Anddd That's a Wrap! Eee

 At last, what seemed like a day so far away has finally come: our departure back to Los Angeles. While we are happy to return, see friends and family, and sleep in our own beds, it’s a bittersweet feeling because a part of us will forever be in Taiwan.

Today, our last day, we woke up and finished any last-minute packing and sweeps through the hotel rooms (with some items still left behind). Afterwards, we headed to a local bakery for a DIY pineapple cake lesson. We tossed around the dough in flour, filled it with tasty filling, and designed our cakes with cute cat faces; although some of the faces looked nothing like cats, one lesson we have learned throughout this trip is that what matters most is not where you end up, but the journey that brings you there.

Our group then travelled 30 minutes to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, where we were all impressed by the sheer size and beauty of the architecture. As we navigated the halls with Vincent, a name we are sure you all know by now, he taught us about the deep history of Taiwan, providing an insightful final guided tour.


After a quick lunch, we went to Ximending, a massive shopping district that tops any mall we have in LA. Of course, all good things must come to an end; for most of the group, we still had a nice dinner and long flight together, but Jordan had to prematurely say his goodbyes as he will be staying in Taiwan. Afterwards, we headed to a restaurant for one last family-style dinner, something that I believe we will oddly all miss. Then, it was time to go to the airport, bringing our trip to an end.


As our time in Taiwan comes to an end, it is hard to find the right balance between gratitude and goodbye. We arrived as visitors, eager to explore a place many of us had only heard of through stories. We leave with memories that feel far more permanent than the souvenirs packed in our suitcases. Somewhere between the crowded streets, late-night conversations, shared meals, and moments of wonder, Taiwan became more than a destination—it became a part of us.


As we board our flight home, we realize that while our trip is taking off, a small part of us will always remain grounded in Taiwan. We may be leaving Taiwan, but Taiwan clearly didn’t get the memo, because it has packed itself into our memories and decided to come home with us.

Alex and Momo




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