意想不到的金門生活

2019年12月，我抵達桃園機場，抱著興奮的心面對即將啟程的國外生活。期待去感受國外的生活日常，體驗不同的文化、語言與習俗。

但我怎麼也沒想到的是，我會在一座從來沒聽過的小島裡找到自我，而這座島嶼正是「金門」。

一年前，帶著僅會的兩句中文「你好、不好意思」以及兩卡行李箱，從台北來到金門。作為一個好奇心十足的人，騎著電動摩托車旅行，是我認為探索金門最好的方式，因為沿路的風景讓我非常著迷。

我在有著鄉野傳說的坑道裡探索；站在景色壯觀的洋樓陽台上遠眺；也曾在廢棄古厝的殘骸間悠悠漫步。看著這一磚一瓦的歷史遺跡，讓我好想要了解之前這裡所發生的故事，他們會是平民百姓、富貴人家或是為國走上前線的男軍人、女軍人？

住在金門的這些日子裡，我也在做金門的YouTube影片拍攝。這讓我更加確信，金門不應該只是被定義為戰地。雖然我對戰時的遺跡很有興趣，但我想同時也很重要的是去感受這座島嶼具有創造力的未來。

你可能會說，在金門住久了就會開始無聊了啦！現在一年過去了，我還是像第一天到金門那樣，騎車到不知名的小徑，在村莊和村莊間蹓躂，繞著太武山健行。

而住在離海邊走路不到5分鐘的路程，更是為島嶼生活增添許多樂趣。

當然，充滿熱情的金門人絕對跟那些名勝古蹟一樣重要。我特別喜歡對好奇盯著我的陌生人微笑致意。通常他們也會微笑以報，就這樣我們建立起無須言語的友好默契。這不僅讓我的日常更便利，當受邀去陌生人的家裡喝下午茶時，我也能聊上幾句。

儘管我大部分認識到的金門都是我所看見與經歷的，不過我也會嘗試去了解在地的店家、與路人閒聊以及當我需要幫助的時候向當地的朋友請教。雖然不是每次都那麼順利，但這也讓我跟社區的朋友可以更親近。

這一年在金門的旅程意想不到地難忘。在旅行13個國家之後，我想金門的文化與歷史不是其他國家的城市可以相比擬的。

When I landed at the Taoyuan Airport in December 2019, I was excited to start my life abroad. I expected to face the usual experiences of living abroad -- such as different cultural norms, language barriers, and customs.

What I didn’t expect though, was to find myself on an island I never heard of: Kinmen.

A year ago, with only two Chinese words ( 你好 and 不好意思) and two suitcases, I moved from Taipei to Kinmen. As a curious person, I discovered the best way to explore was by scooter and I became fascinated.

I’ve explored tunnels that are said to be haunted, stood on the balconies of magnificent Western-style buildings, and walked the empty shells of abandoned traditional homes. Every piece of history I see makes me wonder what happened there before -- whether they were ordinary people, rich families, or military service men and women.

Living in Kinmen and making videos has impacted me as I believe Kinmen’s image shouldn’t be defined by war. While I have an interest in the war-time relics, it’s important to see Kinmen’s history pre-war time and experience its creative future.

After a year, you’d think I may be bored. Yet like day one, I still love to ride my scooter down unknown paths, wander villages, and hike around Taiwu. Living a 5-minute walk from the beach is just a bonus.

But I cannot talk only about the unique destinations. The local people are just as important as they are truly welcoming. I particularly enjoy smiling at strangers when they stare in curiosity. They usually smile back and we create a positive connection without a word.

But luckily, my Chinese has improved. This hasn’t just made daily life easier, but when I get invited into a strangers’ home for tea, I can attempt to have a conversation. Although I learn most of what I know about Kinmen through what I see, I try to get to know local business owners, chat with people in the street, and ask questions when I need help. While it’s not always easy, it helps me build a better relationship with the community.

My unexpected year on Kinmen is unforgettable. After traveling 13 to countries, Kinmen is a place unlike any other on cultural and historical levels.

撰文｜Kayla Marie
攝影｜Kayla Marie
翻譯｜Elaine Lin
核稿｜陳昱青