Job Discussion Forums

citylightsruralcalm · Joined: 11 Dec 2008 Posts: 53 Location: The Ilha

Hi. I've been in Taiwan since December. It was cool at first but now I am starting to feel a little bummed. I live in a small town near Hsinchu and life here is very, very slow. I like my job and all but the town is boresville. I'm not really much of a bar/club goer anymore but still, just knowing that the night market is the most exciting thing around here just adds to the depression. I bought a bicycle to try to ease the loneliness but riding around aimlessly doesnt seem to do much good. I am a friendly person but sometimes I feel like I am losing my humanity by being alone around here. I'd like to just go somewhere and have a friendly discussion about anything. Any suggestions?

BigWally · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 6:56 pm Post subject:

Sounds about the right time....2-3 months into living there most ppl start to get that bummed out feeling. Things will get better.

MomCat · Joined: 02 Dec 2004 Posts: 297

Here's a possible suggestion:

Go to http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=33169044258 , look thru the members for someone who looks interesting/friendly/whatever and send them a note to see if they'd have an interest in getting together.

Good luck to you,
Cat

BigWally · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 10:16 pm Post subject:

Or try something like www.kaohsiungliving.com or a similar site for something near Taipei.

Lots of X-Pats to talk to on there.

steve_c · Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2009 2:49 pm Post subject: Re: Bummed

forest1979 · Joined: 10 Jun 2007 Posts: 507 Location: SE Asia

Would it be right of me to ask the OP to not be melodramatic, to realise that small town Taiwan is a unique place with many distinct qualities that will come to you if you go out to find them. Yes culture shock is never easy but making the best of what is available both in the immediate vicinity of further afield is not only a great way to use free time, explore new geographies and cultures, but to see life in a place so far removed from home. Otherwise if this advice is not appropriate then feel free to waste all your time moping on the internet.

MomCat · Joined: 02 Dec 2004 Posts: 297

Maybe I should have offered a little more information. The Facebook site is a site by and for Hsinchu English teachers. We're near where the OP lives and may be a way to meet real, rather than, virtual people.

citylightsruralcalm · Joined: 11 Dec 2008 Posts: 53 Location: The Ilha

Everytime I try to make friends I get chided.

MomCat · Joined: 02 Dec 2004 Posts: 297

citylightsruralcalm · Joined: 11 Dec 2008 Posts: 53 Location: The Ilha

Ok, take a bus to hsinchu, and then?

BigWally · Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2009 8:16 pm Post subject:

Wander the streets yelling "WO SHU WIAGUOREN!" and see what happens? Smile

MomCat · Joined: 02 Dec 2004 Posts: 297

Meet a couple of us for coffee. Tell us a couple of things you like to do (other than have s*x and drink beer) and I'll bet we can come up with a couple of names of people who like the same things. Even if it turns out that we're a couple of loser dweebs, you've had a break in your routine, know how to get into Hsinchu and have a potentially funny story to tell the folks back home.

forest1979 · Joined: 10 Jun 2007 Posts: 507 Location: SE Asia

Is it me or is the phrase "life is what you make it" apt for the OP?

MomCat · Joined: 02 Dec 2004 Posts: 297

probably

citylightsruralcalm · Joined: 11 Dec 2008 Posts: 53 Location: The Ilha

Alright, MomCat. I'd like to meet you and some of your friends. When/where do you guys usually meet up?