Taiwan 2016, Part Two: Mama's Old Stomping Grounds

Last time we were back in Taiwan, Zoey was only 3 and Nathan was 18 months old. I didn't explain too much to them that Taiwan is my hometown - that I was born in a hospital here, went to school here, ate different kinds of food as a kid, rode in a scooter all the time when I was their age, and didn't speak English growing up.

It's a little different this time around. The kids are older and their school experiences make it interesting to see and hear about the time when their mama was little too. Growing up, my parents both worked full-time. I spent the first 15 years of my after-school life at my grandparents' house as all the schools I went to are within a 5-8 minute walk away. It brought back so many distant memories when I took my kids on the route I walked everyday to school and bought them the same breakfast, snack and lunch that I LOVED as a kid (all still from the same places/vendors just down the street!) Of course, a lot has changed in this neighborhood too. Like that old, beloved McDonald's that got torn down and moved for the new subway system they were building. I had my first fancy birthday party there in 3rd grade (note: it was considered really expensive to eat at McD's in Taiwan back in the day, and birthday parties were a big deal in my family!)

Anyway :) I love that I get to re-experience the old and discover the new in my childhood stomping ground with my kids. It almost feels a bit surreal. I also feel officially old.

Here are some pictures to share with you all::

Outside my grandmas house :) the path I walked through everyday when I was little

Izzy loves hanging out with great grandma

Out on a morning walk with my 3rd aunt

Napping in the bed I used to sleep in as a kid

Exercising hand muscles together

Showing z around my elementary school

In 7-11 beverage heaven

Running around the old factory site that is now a huge park

Blowing bubbles :) izzy learned how to successfully blow her own bubbles now too!

Lots of old walls that are perfect for pictures :)

My babies :) 21 months/6/4