Brian’s Journals

October 21, 2025

Bikes, Tofu, and Towers

I have been in Taiwan for 2 months now. Every day is a new adventure and I would like to share some today.

One thing I forgot to mention last time is in Taiwan they have this thing called “Youbike”. Youbike is like this free rent-a-bike system in the big cities of Taiwan. They have stations all over the city with each station being conveniently close to schools, train station, bus stations, parks, and stores. Me personally this blows my American mind because I always loved bikes but it’s totally inconvenient to bike to Walmart in the US, but I can go anywhere with Youbike, train, and bus here. It’s a heaven for adolescences like me with no driver’s licenses. The little things like this makes my day so much better, I feel I’m playing Zelda and traversing the concrete jungle of my city to arrive to my next adventure each time. Last week me and my friend rode Youbike to one part of the city to the other. This became a 40-minute ride, but I saw the breath taking views of rice paddies in the countryside along the way. We eventually arrived to our destination at the aquarium where I had great time and would rank it in top 5 zoos/aquariums I been to (and I been to a lot) I also ate Texas road house here which I was very surprised, since it’s such a niche American restaurant I wouldn’t think they would expand internationally. Usually on these rides I make stops along the way to eat at new restaurant or play a new game at arcade. Embarking on mini side quest here is one of the most entertaining ways to enjoy your exchange. Also, to the future exchange students coming Taiwan, make sure to not take a right turn on a red light, its illegal here.

I started school one month ago and before coming I was very scared about making friends. I was very, very, very mistaken… I don’t think I ever been asked to take so many photos before. Taiwanese people are very friendly people in general but multiplied by 100 when it’s a foreigner. This makes me very happy, not because I’m celebrity, but because people genuinely appreciate other different backgrounds and are interested. I feel the rest of world can learn a little something from Taiwan’s tolerance of other cultures.

Speaking of tolerance, stinky tofu smells really bad. I think the first time I smelt it I almost puked. It smelled like someone just wiped their butt all over the tofu. But actually, there are two versions of stinky tofu — fried and soup. My first time I tried it was fried and I was with my brother. I was gagging and felt so bad because I only ate a tiny snibble of it. My brother thankfully told me I don’t have to finish it and he happily devoured it in front of me. The second time, I tried the soup. It was not that bad. Actually, I really like it. It’s super spicy though me and my German friend kept having snot rockets being fired because our sinuses were burning down. However, I really enjoyed it and I order it quite often.

Here in Taiwan the Rotary club is very kind and they paid for our Chinese college classes. So, me and 10 other exchange students go to class twice a week. These days are fun and full of adventures. I quickly made friends with the rest of exchange students and we go eat, go to gym ,and help each other with Chinese. Of course, I’m still focus on immersing in Taiwan culture. The other day me and my German friend biked all the way back home from university. And at the front of university was this massive hill with a curve. I believe I must’ve gone 30 mph at one point with just a bike. Of course, I’m very safe and I have experience in driving through the Atlanta traffic.

In Taiwan. You will have days where your busy from the start to the end of the day. But then you have days like today for me where I can relax and write a journal. Its important to not get down on yourself when you have not much to do. If you are really bored just go explore your city. Take a youbike and go to a completely new place. Talk to someone new. I feel one thing in US that hold me back was my lack of initiative. Its important realize that its just emotion and Its okay to make mistakes, and Taiwan is a perfect place to practice this. I never feel judged here and only get warmest of praise for trying to speak Mandarin.

One thing I did last week was visiting Taipei 101. And oh boy… I was not disappointed. It was the tallest building I ever laid eyes on and the elevator was so fast felt like a rollercoaster going up. My ears were popping because of the pressure change. When we reached the top we watched the view while sipping on our matcha lattes. The view from high up there reminded me of what my host dad said to me before. He asked me what the most beautiful view of Taiwan— I said Taipei 101. No. The magical Jiu Fen Tea house. No. The lush rolling green mountains. No. He said, “ the people.” Because when I look back at all my memories here in Taiwan, I remember the smiles I had with my friends here, the funny moments of me trying new things with my family, and meeting people from all over world here. I truly believe in what he said.

Thank you again to all the Rotarians back in US and Georgia for making this possible, thank you Mom for letting me embark on this adventure. Thank you to my friends for the memories that I will always keep.

拜拜