On August 14, 2023, we packed up our lives in Vancouver, Canada, and boarded a plane, not knowing exactly what this journey would bring. After seven years of non-stop work in the tech industry, we needed a change—a chance to slow down, see the world, and reflect on what we wanted out of life. It felt like the perfect time to go, with the city still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and life finally starting to feel normal again. Over the past year, we visited ten amazing countries: Canada, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. The bulk of our time was spent in Taiwan and Thailand, where we lived for four months each, studying Mandarin Chinese and Thai. The rest of the year was a mix of shorter adventures: a little over a month in Singapore and Malaysia, two weeks exploring Japan, and a whirlwind month in Europe, traveling through four countries and seven cities. It’s been the longest either of us has spent in Asia in years, and the differences between life there and in North America were striking. While we’ll dive deeper into those differences in a future post, here are ten of the biggest takeaways from our year of travel: ### 1. We’re Homebodies at Heart One of the first things we realized is that we’re not the type of travelers who thrive on constantly being on the move. We much prefer long-term, slow travel over short, fast-paced trips. It takes us about two months to start settling into a new place, making friends, and feeling comfortable. Anything less than that feels more like we’re just skimming the surface, which can be fun, but doesn’t give the same sense of connection. ### 2. Transient vs. Stable Communities The vibe of a city can vary so much depending on the kind of community it attracts. In Bangkok, for example, we met lots of expats, but many were only there for a few months or a year. That made it feel exciting but also fleeting, like everyone was just passing through. Taipei, on the other hand, felt much more rooted. We met locals and expats who had made it their long-term home, and that gave the city a more grounded, stable energy. ### 3. Rest Days Are Non-Negotiable Living out of a suitcase can be exhausting, no matter how exciting the destinations are. We learned the importance of “do nothing days” where we could just relax and recharge. This was especially true in Europe, where we were hopping from city to city every few days. Those quiet moments of rest made a huge difference in how much we enjoyed our time. ### 4. Long-Term Travel Is Surprisingly Affordable Another unexpected discovery was how much cheaper long-term travel can be. Staying in one place for a while meant we could shop in bulk, plan purchases around sales, and avoid the extra costs of constantly moving. It’s definitely one of the perks of slow travel! ### 5. Trust Means Different Things in Different Places We were blown away by how safe and trusting some cities were. In Taipei and Singapore, people would leave their phones, wallets, or even purses on tables in cafes to hold their spot while they ordered. Bikes were left unlocked outside stores without a second thought. Coming from Vancouver, where theft is a very real concern, this level of trust was almost surreal. It took us a while to believe it ourselves! ### 6. A Smile Goes a Long Way Even in places where we didn’t speak the language, a smile and a little bit of respect went a long way. Simple gestures—like a nod or trying to say “thank you” in the local language—often led to the warmest interactions. It reminded us that kindness really is universal. ### 7. Expats, English, and Cultural Perceptions In cities with large expat populations, like Bangkok, people were generally more used to foreigners and often spoke basic English, especially in the service industry. But we also noticed how cultural perceptions play a role. For example, saying we were from Canada usually left a positive impression, with people mentioning how they imagined it as cold, beautiful, and expensive! ### 8. The Cost of Socializing One thing we really noticed was how cost shapes social life. In Vancouver, eating out is expensive, and tipping adds even more to the bill. In Asia, meals are so affordable that eating out is a regular part of life. Some people don’t even have kitchens because it’s cheaper to eat out than cook at home! It creates this vibrant culture of food and gathering that we absolutely loved. ### 9. Observing Social Issues Every place has its challenges. In Vancouver, homelessness and drug use are big concerns, especially in areas like the Downtown Eastside. In Taipei, we helped out with a homelessness initiative, and the people we spoke with seemed more stable overall, likely because of different government policies on hard drugs. In Singapore, these issues were almost invisible. It made us think a lot about how government decisions impact society in very tangible ways. ### 10. Europe’s Love for the Arts and Balance Europe stood out for its deep appreciation of the arts and its strong emphasis on work-life balance. Locals would recommend museums with such pride, and outdoor dining was practically a way of life. Comparing continents, we’d say Europe values work-life balance the most, followed by North America, and then Asia. But of course, this is just our observation—it’s different for everyone. ### In Conclusion Looking back, we’re so grateful for everything this year has taught us. From the warm locals we met in less touristy areas to the vibrant street food culture in Asia and the artistic charm of Europe, every place left its mark. We’ve barely scratched the surface of what the world has to offer, but even this small glimpse has been enough to remind us of the beauty, complexity, and diversity that’s out there. No country is perfect, and every place has its own challenges, but that’s what makes traveling so valuable—it gives us a chance to see the world through new eyes. As we continue this journey, we’re excited to keep learning, growing, and experiencing everything this incredible planet has to offer.  
Taiwan has always captivated us with its warm culture, beautiful scenery, and lively cities. But what really caught our attention recently is Taiwan's Employment Gold Card Visa program. It’s making it easier than ever for people from around the world to live and work here. For us, the Gold Card Visa provided an ideal opportunity to explore whether Taiwan could be the place we want to call home. This visa not only grants the freedom to live and work in Taiwan without being tied to a specific employer but also offers a pathway to permanent residency after three years. It’s a fantastic option for digital nomads or anyone seeking to experience life in Taiwan on a longer-term basis. With various tracks available, it’s easy to check your eligibility through the [online eligibility test.](https://goldcard.nat.gov.tw/en/qualification/) One of the appealing features of the Gold Card Visa is that it allows you to bring your spouse and children with you, though it’s important to note that dependents aren’t eligible to work. To ensure we both had the flexibility to work freely, we decided to apply individually for the visa. We initiated our applications from Vancouver, Canada, and here’s a snapshot of our journey: ## Field of Digital If you’re a software engineer (or work with software/big tech in general), this is the track you should choose when applying.  **Application Submission:** March 27, 2024 \-> Approved by Immigration: 1 day \-> Approved by Workforce Development Agency: 39 days \-> Approved by Ministry of Foreign Affairs + In-person interview: 32 days \-> IC Card Issued & Ready for Pickup: 4 days **Total time:** 76 days **Landed in Taipei:** August 17, 2024 ## Key Takeaways **Visa Start Date:** The visa’s validity begins on the approval date (June 7, 2024), not when you arrive in Taiwan. This is crucial if you plan to convert to permanent residency after three years. To qualify, you must stay an average of 183 days per year. Ensure you meet this requirement before the visa’s expiry date, or you may need to extend your Gold Card, meeting the same qualifications as when you first applied. **In-Person Interview:** If applying from overseas, you’ll need to attend an in-person interview at your local embassy. Expect simple questions like why you want to move to Taiwan and what you plan to do there. Following the interview, your application will proceed to the next stage. **Pre-Flight Preparation:** Before flying to Taiwan, print the Gold Card Confirmation Form in color. You can easily download this form from the application portal. The instructions will be clearly outlined in the email you receive. This printed form will serve as your “temporary Gold Card visa” upon entering Taiwan, which you’ll exchange for the official card once you arrive in the city. 
Landing in Taipei for the second time was thrilling for us as a couple. We were eager to start our year-long adventure in a city that had already won our hearts. But within the first week of settling in, Amelia woke up one morning with sharp pains under her upper left rib. The pain was intense enough that even walking short distances felt like a challenge. Concerned about what it might mean, we decided to visit [McKay Memorial Hospital](https://www.mmh.org.tw/en/home.php?area=tp), despite not yet having enrolled in Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI).  The prospect of dealing with healthcare in a foreign country without insurance can be daunting. We were prepared for the possibility of a hefty bill at the end of our visit. However, what we experienced was nothing short of impressive. **A Warm Welcome and Swift Service** Upon entering McKay Memorial Hospital, we were greeted by a friendly volunteer who guided us to a machine where we could pick up a queue number. The hospital even had dedicated English-speaking volunteers to help foreigners navigate any language barriers! After filling out a short form detailing Amelia’s symptoms, contact information, and family health history, we waited—though “waited” might be an overstatement. Within 10 minutes, our number was called. At the counter, Amelia handed over her [Gold Card ARC](https://goldcard.nat.gov.tw/en/) (though a passport would have worked just as well) along with the info sheet we had filled out. The efficiency was striking. The employee reviewed our information and directed us to the third floor to see an orthopedic specialist. She also provided a sheet with some background information for the doctor.  **A Surprisingly Quick Diagnosis** Once on the third floor, we waited another brief 10 minutes before being called in to see the doctor. He spoke excellent English, which made explaining Amelia’s symptoms much easier. After a few questions about the pain—when it started, where it hurt, and whether she had engaged in any strenuous activity recently—he ordered an X-ray and sent us to the fifth floor. The X-ray process was astonishingly fast. Within five minutes, it was done, and the results were immediately sent back to the doctor. We returned downstairs and, after another short wait, the doctor called us in to discuss the results. Fortunately, everything looked normal. He suspected that a muscle or nerve might have been pinched, which would explain the sharp pains. He prescribed some painkillers and muscle relaxants and sent us back to the lobby to pick up the prescription and settle the bill. **The Cost of Healthcare Without Insurance** This was the moment of truth—we approached the counter, bracing ourselves for the bill. When the final amount was revealed, we couldn’t believe our eyes: **2,208 NTD**, or less than **$100 CAD**. This included the doctor’s visit, four chest X-rays, and the prescribed medication. Comparatively, in Canada this could easily have cost **10 times** as much for a non-resident without insurance.  **A Tale of Two Healthcare Systems** Reflecting on this experience, we couldn’t help but compare it to what might have happened back in Vancouver. There, a visit to the emergency room often involves waiting for four to five hours, if not longer, before even seeing a doctor. While healthcare in Canada would have been free for us, the time spent waiting and the overall experience can be frustrating. In Taipei, we were in and out of the hospital within an hour and a half—something almost unheard of in Vancouver’s public hospitals. The combination of efficiency, empathy, helpfulness, and affordability in Taiwan’s healthcare system far exceeded our expectations. **Final Thoughts** While not everything is perfect, our first healthcare experience in Taipei left us deeply impressed. It was reassuring to know that, even without insurance, accessing quality healthcare in Taiwan is both straightforward and affordable. For any travelers who might find themselves in a similar situation, rest assured that you’re in good hands here in Taipei.