While some of my closest friends hail from Taiwan, I hadn't had the opportunity to visit the island until this year. Taiwan, I discovered, is a beautiful island nation with incredibly hospitable people. Upon landing at Kaohsiung airport, I made my way directly to Zuoying train station and then strolled to Lotus Pond. In the late afternoon, I ventured to Qijin Island via ferry. The following morning, I boarded a local bus to explore the Fo Guang Shan temple and monastery.