Travel often teaches us about places—culture, food, and breathtaking scenery.
But sometimes, the most meaningful lessons don’t come from destinations. They come from people.
One of the most unforgettable experiences we had in Taiwan happened during a quiet, cold morning in Chiayi, on our way to the beautiful mountains of Alishan.
An Early Morning of Uncertainty
It was around 6:30 AM when Jam and I arrived at the Chiayi bus station. The sky was still dim, the air was cold, and everything felt calm and slow—except our thoughts.
We already had our bus tickets to Alishan, but when we reached the terminal, we didn’t know where to line up. There were several bus lanes, each serving different routes. At that time, no one was lining up yet, so we stood there, unsure and slightly anxious.
Slowly, people began arriving. Most were locals, Taiwanese who spoke Mandarin and little to no English. A few tried talking to us, but we couldn’t understand what they were saying. We smiled politely, nodded, and hoped we were doing the right thing.
Lost in Language, Found in Kindness
Eventually, the locals began forming a line. We hesitated.
Were they also heading to Alishan?
Should we join them?
Or were we already in the wrong place?
As we were trying to figure things out, another man arrived – someone who looked like a station marshal or staff. The locals began explaining something to him. We didn’t understand their words, but we noticed one lady pointing toward us and gesturing that we arrived first.
Moments later, something unexpected happened.
The locals started signaling for us to go ahead of the line.
At first, we were confused. They were speaking in Mandarin and using hand gestures, but slowly it became clear—they were telling us that we should be first, because we were there first.
Justice Chosen Over Convenience
They could have easily taken advantage of the situation.
We were foreigners.
We didn’t speak the language.
No one would have blamed them if they went ahead.
But they didn’t.
Instead, they chose fairness.
They chose justice.
They chose kindness.
That simple act deeply touched our hearts.
In a world where people often rush, push, or take advantage, that quiet moment reminded us that goodness still exists and sometimes, it appears in the simplest ways.
A Verse That Perfectly Describes That Moment
As Christians, this experience immediately reminded us of a verse that beautifully reflects what we witnessed that morning:
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.”
— Micah 6:8
They didn’t know us.
They didn’t expect anything in return.
They simply did what was right, quietly and humbly.
Kindness We Experienced All Around Taiwan
That morning in Chiayi wasn’t an isolated experience.
Throughout our travels in Taiwan, we were met with warmth and kindness:
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Taxi drivers who suggested better routes and hidden spots
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Hotel staff who welcomed us with genuine smiles
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Locals who patiently helped us navigate buses and trains
Even with language barriers, kindness always found a way through.
What Taiwan Taught Us About Travel—and Life
This journey reminded us that travel is not just about ticking destinations off a list. It’s about learning how people live, love, and care for others.
You don’t always need the same language to understand one another.
Kindness speaks clearly on its own.
That morning in Chiayi taught us that justice and mercy can be lived out in everyday moments—and that’s a lesson we’ll carry wherever we go.
✈️ Final Thought from Jam and Gelo
If there’s one thing Taiwan left us with, it’s this reminder:
Choose kindness. Choose fairness. Even when no one is watching.
Because sometimes, the smallest acts leave the biggest impact.
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