When I first moved to Taiwan, I thought I was just going on an adventure. I didn't expect that this journey would completely reshape how I see the world—and, unexpectedly, how I see antiques.

From Baguettes to Bao: Embracing Eastern Culture

For almost five years, I traveled across Taiwan, visiting everything from bustling night markets to serene temples tucked into the mountains. I ate things I never thought I would (stinky tofu still haunts me), learned to appreciate the poetic flow of Chinese calligraphy, and spent hours marveling at intricate temple carvings that had survived centuries of typhoons and earthquakes.

In the beginning, I was overwhelmed. Everything—customs, food, even the way people interacted—challenged my European way of thinking. But as I immersed myself in it, I began to see the beauty in the details. The way Taiwanese artisans hand-carve deities for temples reminded me of the craftsmanship in French antique furniture. The way history was woven into daily life made me reflect on my own cultural heritage.

Antiques and Identity: A Full Circle Moment

One of my most profound experiences was visiting Taiwan's traditional buildings—wooden homes with curved rooftops, ornate doors, and interiors filled with lacquered furniture. These places felt like living museums, rich with history and personality.

And then it hit me: I had spent years appreciating the beauty of another culture's past, but how well did I really know my own?

That realization made me reconnect with French antiques in a new way. Just as I admired the craftsmanship of Taiwanese temples, I began to see French antiques not just as objects, but as storytellers of history—pieces of my own cultural DNA.

Bridging Cultures Through Antiques

Today, when I browse a brocante or restore a century-old French cabinet, I carry with me the lessons I learned in Taiwan. Antiques, much like cultures, evolve but never truly disappear. They hold memories, craftsmanship, and a little bit of magic.

So, while I may no longer be in Taiwan eating night market snacks at midnight, the experience shaped me in a way that's impossible to ignore. If you ever have the chance to live in another culture—do it. It'll challenge you, make you question everything, and ultimately, enrich you in ways you never expected. Just maybe... try the stinky tofu earlier than I did.