Kaohsiung

Exactly one year ago, I was in Taiwan, having the time of my life. With this sentence I just set the mood really quick for what is to come, my experience in Kaohsiung, and also what this blog focuses on, its architecture. My first time leaving Europe, the re-calibration of my neurons.

The first day I arrived, after a flight that felt like ages, I was watching from my Uber window, the drops of rain that blurred my view of the city. I felt so far away from home and it got dark so quickly. I arrived at what would be my home for the next 4 months and immediately videocalled everyone I loved to feel some kind of warmth and get rid of the deep loneliness that I felt. The next day, my first day at my host university, NSYSU, the sun was shining bright. The bus left me near a tunnel that went through a mountain, and I couldn’t believe that was the entrance for the university. At the end of the tunnel, there was indeed light.

The sounds hit me first: birds singing, waves crashing against the shore, leaves rustling in the breeze. There was a calmness to the campus that immediately put me at ease. Surrounded by mountains on one side and the sea on the other, NSYSU felt less like a university and more like a sanctuary. Our first day included a detailed orientation, campus tours, and a welcoming event filled with food, drinks, and laughter. It was there that I met people who arrived as strangers but would eventually become some of my closest friends.

The campus itself was something else. Buildings spread out over green hills, and everywhere you looked there were either mountains or sea. It didn’t feel like a normal university at all. You’d literally see monkeys on your way to class, just casually walking through trees like they owned the place. Some days the sun would start setting while I was still on campus, and everything would turn orange and pink over the water. People would just sit outside between classes, on the grass or near the cliffs, not really rushing anywhere.

Compared to the fast pace of many major cities, Kaohsiung felt relaxed and approachable. Wide streets lined with palm trees, vibrant night markets, waterfront promenades, and a tropical climate gave the city a unique character.

One of the things I loved most was how nature seemed woven into everyday life. It wasn't unusual to spend the morning in class and the afternoon watching the sunset by the sea. The city showed me a balance between urban convenience and natural beauty that I had never experienced before.

The architecture reflected Taiwan's layered history. Modern skyscrapers stood beside traditional temples, while quiet residential neighborhoods revealed a different side of daily life. Every corner seemed to tell a story about the city's evolution.

Living in Taiwan gave me the opportunity to explore places I had only seen in photographs.

One of the most unforgettable destinations was Taroko National Park. Towering marble cliffs, turquoise rivers, and dramatic gorges made it feel almost unreal. Every turn revealed a landscape more breathtaking than the last.

Further south, weekends often meant trips to Kenting National Park. Renting scooters and riding along coastal roads quickly became one of my favorite experiences. With the ocean stretching endlessly beside us and hidden beaches waiting to be discovered, it felt like complete freedom.

While Kaohsiung became my home, Taipei showed me another side of the country.

Taipei felt energetic, modern, and constantly moving. Its skyline combines contemporary architecture with traces of history and tradition. Towering skyscrapers stand alongside centuries-old temples, creating a cityscape that feels both futuristic and deeply rooted.

What fascinated me most was the contrast. In a matter of minutes, you could go from a bustling shopping district to a quiet temple courtyard filled with incense and prayer.

The city's architecture reflects this balance beautifully. Glass towers rise above historic streets, while thoughtfully designed public spaces make the city feel welcoming despite its size.

Over four months, Taiwan became more than a destination. It became a place filled with friendships, adventures, challenges,and memories that continue to shape the way I see the world. It taught me how much growth can come from discomfort, how quickly strangers can become family, and how a place thousands of kilometers away can begin to feel like home.

Looking back, I still remember that rainy first night and the loneliness that accompanied it. But when I think of Taiwan now, that isn't the memory that stays with me.

I think of the sunlight waiting at the end of the tunnel.

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