Job Discussion Forums

Borromeo · Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 16

I am very sorry to report that the results of the HIV test have returned and they are bad. The doctor says that he must report to the CDC who will soon request to see me. Does anybody know what happens there? Will I be deported immediately or given an amount of time to leave Taiwan?

I assume the best thing is for me to leave relatively soon anyway. I am accomplishing nothing by continuing to hang out in a place where I have no future. I would however like to see several of my friends for a last time and make preparations for departure in some kind of order.

And there is something which I would greatly appreciate. If I understand the law correctly, I shall never be permitted to enter Taiwan again. Therefore if anyone has any recommendations as to how I might spend my last days here I would love to hear them. Honestly my heart is not really in tourism right now but common sense suggests that seeing things which are worth seeing is better than staying at home feeling sorry for myself. I probably would not want to do anything which requires major exertion--going to the other side of the island for three days of mountain climbing, for example--but if anyone recommends something of that sort strongly enough I might be persuaded. For the rest if there is a temple of real beauty, a mountain or a beach or a museum (I've been to the main Taipei museums already) or a unique Taiwanese restaurant, it would be nice to hear your suggestions.

Thank you

Pop Fly · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 429

I am so sorry to hear your news. I don't have anything to add other than to say that friends of mine have been surviving for many years now and that you will be able to maintain a high quality of life given the right meds. Best of wishes to you.

As for your imminent deportation, I'd imagine that you can stay as long as your visitor visa allows. You have failed the medical which means you can't be legally employed. That's all. As for never returning to Taiwan, I don't think that is the case. Did they put a stamp i your passport avowing your status? If not, then I see no reason why you couldn't return to Taiwan anytime in the future.

But if this is your last visit, I'd say Hualien or Green/Orchid islands.

Good luck man.

Chris Smith · Joined: 01 Dec 2004 Posts: 86

Very sorry to hear that. I hope you're getting plenty of support from friends and family.

Making the most of your time in Taipei is a very positive thing to do.

If you haven't been to the top of Taipei 101 yet, do it. Especially on a clear day, the view is breathtaking. They also have a pretty good audio guide that really enhances the experience. I think the elevators are the fastest in the world.

Go to ChingTienGang in YangMing Mountain. It's easy to get a bus there, but I'm not sure of the number as I always ride a scooter. This is a hiking area, but the main drag is pretty flat and easy. Great views and fresh air. See the link below:

http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?ID=49682

clark.w.griswald · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 2056

I have a feeling that you will likely be asked to leave sooner than the expiration of your visa. Possibly seven to ten days.

I expect that you probably would not get a visa to come back to Taiwan (unless you lied in the visa application) as one of the questions concerns HIV.

There is probably nothing stopping you for getting one month visa free entry however. I don't believe that they ask you are about your health for that type of short term permission to enter the country.

Go for the mountains definitely. There are some really great little hot spring hotels in the mountains around Taipei that is not something that most of us have experience with back home.

sbettinson · Joined: 22 Jul 2004 Posts: 81 Location: Taichung

Wow,

I don't know what to say. There are no words to express how you must be feeling now. Just know that those here who read your post are thinking about you right now. I wish you all the best.

As for places to visit I think it has to be Hualien and Toroko Gorge. The train is the easiest way to get there and it will only take a few hours from Taipei.

When you return to your home country please stay in touch with us all on here and let us know how you are doing. From what I know the right meds can give you an excellent quality of life.

Good luck to you.

Shaun

Borromeo · Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 16

Hi everyone,

Thanks a lot for the advice and good wishes. I will be visiting Ching Tien Gang tomorrow, so I'll let you know how it goes. And after that I'll go to Toroko Gorge. If I still have energy and time I may go to AliShan as well.

Best wishes,