Anyone who has looked at my twitter or Instagram feeds lately might have noticed that my upcoming move to Taiwan, as well as all the potential obstacles and speed bumps etc, has been the focus of much of my attention. As I have been anticipating a new life, there’s been lots on my mind.
The uncertainty around the lack (or limited number) of suitable flights out of South Africa has been a major headache. A few weeks ago, I purchased a ticket for a flight with an airline who subsequently backtracked on the assurances that they would recommence operations and flights out of South Africa (I’m not going to even mention their name here). Eventually, I was able to purchase a ticket with Turkish Airlines who started operating flights out of SA again. Thank you!
So, as I’m writing this, I’m in the middle of packing and/or organising things in anticipation of leaving SA (for good?) in less than a week from now. I’m sure that anyone in my position would’ve done some research on their soon-to-be home, especially if (like me) they’d never been to that country before. In any case, I’ve read several blogs by expats who currently live or have lived in Taiwan, took a look at a number of relevant YouTube channels, and even started following some relevant accounts and hashtags on Instagram.
In the middle of all this excitement, anticipation and/or uncertainty, I was invited to lunch at the Taipei Liaison Office in Pretoria. I’d previously visited the office when part of my Taiwan Employment Gold Card application had to be processed there and I had a chance to have lunch with two of the people working there (see pics below).
However, this new invitation involved meeting and having lunch with the head of the office, Representative Anthony Ho and some of his colleagues. He presented me with a ceremonial copy of my Taiwan identity card (I’ll receive the actual card in Taiwan), as well as a bottle of Kavalan (a really enjoyable Taiwanese single malt). One of the reasons for this opportunity was that Representative Ho and his colleagues were interested in my motivations for moving to Taiwan, as well as how I came across the Taiwan Employment Gold Card programme, which has not seen many applications from South Africans (more about that in another entry). Nevertheless, in addition to the delicious Taiwanese food, we had an interesting conversation about life in Taiwan, international politics, the recent local government elections, as well as the potential employment and/or business opportunities to consider during my time in their country.
During our lunch they were surprised to hear that this was not the first time I had planned to move to Taiwan. In fact, I planned to move there in late 2008 after leaving Argentina and returning to South Africa for what was supposed to be a short visit. The excerpts below are from a blog I had at the time:
So I’m planning on going to Taiwan to teach English. I don’t have a job guaranteed just yet, but I’m putting the plan into action. I’m hoping to start 2009 in Taiwan, although at this point I still need to confirm what I’m going to do with the time between now and then…
– 2008-10-06: “Where Do I Go From Here?”
I have not made any decisions regarding what comes next but I’m keeping my options open. I’ve been vacillating quite a bit on that issue but I don’t feel too rushed to make a decision at this point. I’ve looked at ticket prices for Taiwan though so that is still an option I guess…
– 2008-12-12: “An Update from the Cape of Good Hope…”
Obviously, those plans didn’t pan out, but in the years since then I managed to make the most of my time in South Africa. I’ve worked as a TEFL/TESOL teacher, researcher, tutor and lecturer, as well as obtaining a few degrees (including the PhD from UCT which is how I managed to qualify for this Gold Card programme). As I mentioned during that lunch, a part of me feels like I’ve come full circle, realising a plan I had more than a decade ago (although it’s not certain that I’ll be teaching this time around).
This lunch was a great addition to the various blogs, YouTube channels, Instagram posts and more that I’ve engaged with in recent weeks. Nevertheless, having moved abroad in my 20s, I know that there’s no substitute for experience something first-hand. But for now, I’m just focusing on getting packed, catching that flight and getting through the two weeks of quarantine…
??✈️?? #Taiwan
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