Channeling the original self through traveling. Simply gazed, had some light breakfast, and made herself a cup of coffee; every essence of this journey was inspired by nature, no more stress from the city, no more inner conflict. Jade decided to depart south of the border- Hengchun, she began her unplanned journey with no agenda in mind.

Thinking back, it all started because of the pandemic. Because of the impact on the job, I ended up having much more time to myself. But with the international travel restrictions, I rethought about traveling and realized that I haven’t really explored or got to know more about Taiwan, this beautiful island that I grew up in.

The changes that happened in 2020 had inspired me to complete the goal to do work-exchange travel, so I spent almost a month on Green Island, it was fulfilling mentally as well as physically to me.

I became addicted to solo travels in Taiwan. The journey on Green Island was just the beginning, followed by the everlasting spring feels in my heart- Hengchun. My memory of this little town still reminisces on the young and free graduation trips, and the trips I took with different groups of friends in different stages of life and also the getaway trips there with my family.

I stayed for 3 weeks- 21 days. However, deciding on a work-exchange also helped save some expenses, and the best part was to experience the lifestyle of the locals. I’ve had 3 work-exchange travels, but the mindset is still completely different from traveling alone. During that period, I looked forward to my daily schedule, sometimes we would get up early to dive, and then have a little lunch and off to work.

With no fun time in the water, I begin my day with breakfast prepping, simple fruit yogurt or toasts with a cup of coffee. Then off to the site for work as a cleaning lady. Well, the job duties are the usual- bedroom, bathroom, and shower room cleaning. Around 2 in the afternoon I finish up, and I get to have some free time afterwards. What I love doing the most is to put on my swimsuit, carry a book and a towel in my arms and enjoy the sun on the beach. Sometimes I get in the water, put my feet in there to feel the wave.

A chill day on the beach chatting with new friends or jumping on a bike cruising around town to sightsee the historical city walls. Walking along East City Wall entrance to North City Wall entrance, then casually sit under the sun, feel the breeze, peacefully wait for the sunset.

A day in Hengchun can be quite exciting just by visiting the shops or to explore around in an alley. To really learn about every single one who lives here, and even spend some time with the shop owner and his family, we’d discuss simple matters such as dinner schedules over a nice tea time together.

Leaving the city taught me what a relaxing state of mind really is about. Sure, I’d still be having days off even if I stayed in the city, but it just felt like I had to constantly push myself to move forward even when I was on a break. The urge to fill my day up with a checklist is just inevitable because I feel like I’m wasting my time for not having a busy schedule. Leaving the city has given me another perspective about living in the moment, and get in touch with nature, as well as to cherish the connection with people.

Disregard the materialized technology, just take some time to look at the fascinating blue sky, listen to the sound of the ocean, and feel the heat causing the tingling on your skin. You'll realize that giving up materials lead you to explore your inner self because of the power of nature.

To me, traveling solo means building a bridge between the physical sensations and my mind. It’s a way to recharge myself, and it’s also a chance to be an observer. I listen to my heart, do what I have desire to. I don’t have to be tied up and feel restrained. I get to free myself from obligation and to just live in the moment.

In 2014, I traveled alone in America with a thought of going somewhere that no one knows about me. After a few years, I took another trip back to the cities I’ve visited and surprisingly, I remembered everything vividly. I guess that’s because I was “alone”, all the memories were engraved in my head. Ever since then, I fell hard in love with solo travels.

“Let us remind ourselves of the energy nature provides.” We observe, perceive, and pay attention to the tiniest things in life; beauty and happiness are everywhere. What nature offers is not only about the opportunity for us to receive or to transform, but also to be amazed every moment.

I appreciate every single person I have met in Hengchun, we shared ideas and learned from each other. Here is something that I’ve written down, “The capacity to an open mind and physical freedom change the perspective of oneself.”

"Solo travel" is my lifestyle philosophy. Even if it was to run away from reality for a little bit, I could still recharge and gain different sources of energy out of it. Wherever, whenever, listen to other's stories and have an open mind, share yours, too.

Photographer/ Chang Yu Hsuan @shotbyje9_3
Text/ Ya Wen Li 
Jade Tsai @jade_tsai

Translated/ Esjoanne