FIELDNOTE_0419_NALUWAN_CHARMAINE

This week, one of the grandma shared more about her attachment and relations with Naluwan in Hsinchu. What’s interesting is that she mentioned despite moving from Taitung, she don’t face the issue of a loss of culture, as the people here, including the younger ones in Hsinchu still work in continuing to uphold the tribe culture and participate in tribe activities.

However, when she first moved here, it was hard to adjust. Compared to Taitung which was more carefree and quiet, Hsinchu in contrast was much more expensive and also more happening on the streets, which can be dangerous especially in terms of traffic. Although Naluwan in Hsinchu was a foreign place to her, but the 40 years of stay here led to grow unforgettable emotions and attachment to this place, which is now also considered home to her. 

One memorable thing that was shared was how despite missing her home in Taitung, here in Hsinchu also feels like home now, because her children are all here. She said if goes back to Taitung now, she would definitely miss this home that she built here in Hsinchu. This makes me relates to the fact that “home” can be re-established anywhere, as long as there are familiar things or people around, like in the case of this grandma, her children were the factor that let her feel that this new place, is home.