Before coming to Kinmen in August, I had never heard of the place. One of my history professors remembered reading about it in the 1950s or 1960s due to China shelling the island, but he couldn't exactly remember many specifics. The internet did not help much, but I got a sense of what to expect on Kinmen. However, after arriving in August, all of my assumptions were shattered. I did not see any red warning signs noting minefields were somewhere nearby. It was not a war-torn military island-it was beautiful with finely kempt foliage lining the roads.
I thought that I'd be very bored after spending a few months here because it's such a small island. I figured that I'd knock out all of the attractions and places to visit rather quickly. Once again, my expectations were wrong. I now realize that I do not have enough time left on Kinmen to do everything that I want to-find more wind lions, explore off-the-beaten-path beaches, visit more tunnels, and do some more hiking on Taiwu. Both Big and Little Kinmen are full of so many hidden treasures that it saddens me that not many people know what they have to offer to tourists. The museums and tunnels tell of a time that few people know about after the Chinese Civil War. The restaurants and food stands have delicious foods (fried oysters, shaved ice, taro, jian bing) and drink (kaoliang) that I will probably never have the pleasure of tasting after I leave Kinmen.
One of my biggest fears about living so far away from home was being away from family and friends in America. I've never been away from home for so long, and I thought that it would take its toll on me. At times, homesickness struck, but for the most part, the new friends and "family" that I have made on Kinmen have helped me to enjoy my stay. I have made friends that I will keep for many, many years to come, and I am now a part of a family that I never expected to become a member of. The teachers, administrators, and students at 上岐 Elementary School welcomed me with open arms and took me in as one of their own immediately. They look out for me and still make sure that I am enjoying myself. On Monday nights, we have a small game night/conversation hour where we teach each other traditional games or discuss differences between the U.S. and Taiwan. Leaving these people will be one of the hardest parts as I begin the next chapter of my life.
I've enjoyed my time on Kinmen so much that I applied for a scholarship to study in Taipei, which I received a few weeks ago. The goodbyes won't be so hard since I'll only be a plane ride away.
Goodbye, Kinmen-for now.