Episode XXI: Island of Plenty

(13/03/2007)

Food and weather are not the only things that make a difference between my home-country Poland and Taiwan. Being brought up in Eastern Europe I am used to daily lack of opportunities in terms of looking for a job or finding entertainment without spending much.

In Poland for young people like me, main problem now is to find a job that would match with ours educational background. Most of the people, if they are lucky enough to get any employment, work in other field that they should. That does not lead to anything good.

I am sure that Taiwan is not a paradise and there is also unemployment but for sure nowhere that massive as it is in Europe. Especially for English-speaking foreigners settling in Taiwan it is not that hard to find a job. As long as people will remain interested in learning the language they will try to answer for a demand.

I know myself at least twenty English teachers living in Kaohsiung area. Most of them coming from England, Ireland, Canada, States, South Africa or New Zealand. Some arrived to Taiwan with the plan to stay for a while but after they found a good job, tasted gorgeous Asian cuisine, met local hospitality and beautiful women, there was no question about going back home. It seems that life here suit them really well. That does not surprise me. Modern western world live with high tempo, lots of pressure at work and huge everyday expenses. So much opposite to a life of a foreigner in Taiwan.

Some people leave London for Kaohsiung. It could sound as something crazy but after a deeper consideration, reasons of such a decision are understandable. Less stress, more chances for leisure and tourism.

That is no secret that Taiwanese society, market and lifestyle are pretty Americanized. It is quite clear to me because in Poland that process is not that visible as here. By Americanization I mean easy access to plenty of things. Let's start with shopping. Almost anything can be purchased in Taiwan. There is only the question of money and knowledge where to look for it. In Poland some things, like for example exotic food, do not exist on the market. Simply cannot be found. Taiwan is full of European or American products. Maybe it is not Hong Kong yet but it is far ahead of Poland, which is not the thing I am happy to admit.

If somebody is looking for a venue to do particular sports, I am very sure it is not a problem. Basketball courts are extremely popular and located everywhere throughout the whole city. Football pitches are available at most of the schools. Practicing golf, baseball or softball is even easier since those sports belong to favourite of Taiwanese people. If team disciplines do not attract you, why not to join the group of people that do dancing or tai-chi classes in the evenings at the museum or park areas.

I am sure that Taiwan offers extraordinary occasions for having a wonderful time, while also make a living. Definitely it is worth of giving it a try. But there is a danger of falling in love with it.