I came here on a short business trip with Sony Ericsson for the first time in September 2007. However, my first impression was not very positive to be honest. I thought it was a grey and boring city. Part of the reason was that I came from a short stop over from my beloved Bangkok, so everything that was in comparison at that time lost.
The second time I went there was in December 2007 and now things started getting much better! I actually changed my mind and liked Taipei instead! So, from that trip, I had a wish to work in Taipei for some period of time. Who knew at that time that this dream could come true almost exactly 6 years later?
I have been here almost at least once a year since 2007 except 2012 when I changed purchasing team and lost all my Taiwanese project work. I have been to Taipei 11 times before I finally moved here.
I guess everything happens for a reason, right? So, if I didn't change purchasing team to a more key component team and Sony didn't restructure in Lund, I wouldn't be here now.
Actually, I was offered a local contract in Tokyo, but I rejected it almost immediately and tried to give my employer a counterproposal of a Short term assignment in Taipei instead. After a couple of weeks, they gave me a firm proposal of a 2 years Long term assignment. I negotiated for a 1+1 contract instead. Just like a football player contract. A footballer that I "never" became in my life.
Well, folks, here I am in Taipei City starting from 1 December 2013!
I now stay in a new fully furnished 2-bedroom apartment next to Qsquare Mall and Taipei Main Station. The entrance of the mall is just a few steps away! My apartment is awesome and I really love that nobody has ever used it and the furnitures or other equipments before.
Commuting to work takes about 30min door-to-door by taking the Blue MRT Line and then changing to a short bus ride.
Life is good and fair sometimes!
Now I'm just waiting for my wifie to come in the end of January and share this adventure together with me!
