After retiring, Su Wen-kuei spent an additional year at the school to facilitate a smooth transition. Subsequently, he embarked on an adventurous journey, renting a small apartment in Taitung and living alone for two years. His rationale was to experience life in different places, and Taitung, with its beautiful landscapes and abundant natural resources, became his chosen destination. Being a popular tourist spot, many of his students visited him in Taitung, especially during the hot air balloon festival, a situation that brought him great joy despite the challenges of managing numerous student interactions. During these two years, Su Wen-kuei pursued one of his long-standing desires – writing a book.

Having previously authored several books about Tamsui and Dr. George Mackay, including a biography titled “Taiwan’s Son-in-law with a Black Beard,” and assisting in the creation of the Tamsui Studies textbook at Tamkang High School, he utilized his time in Taitung to write “The Endless Nostalgia of Tamsui,” a personal reflection on his life in Tamsui and his perspectives on life. This book was published upon his return to Tamsui.

Subsequently, he lived in the rural areas of Yancheng in Budai, Niu Tiaowan, and Taibao in Chiayi for three years. During this period, he collaborated with Tamkang University on two books: “Collecting Precious Images with Lien Yizong” and “Opening the Album of Tamsui’s Devoted Followers,” which collected historical images of Tamsui. Following the conclusion of his long-stay experiences in Chiayi, he returned to Tamkang and published “Stories of Tamsui’s Historical Sites over the Years,” a book containing valuable materials used in his thirty years of guiding and explaining.

Su Wen-kuei stated that as long as he is alive and mentally sound, he will continue writing and leaving behind valuable works for future generations. Among all the books he has written, he takes particular pride in the “Tamsui Church’s 120th Anniversary Commemorative Album” and the Tamkang High School history textbook. His five years in Taitung and Chiayi’s long-stay program had a crucial purpose – to experiment with a lifestyle that young people could consider when planning their own life paths.

▲ On both occasions of the book launch events, there were photo sessions with Professor Su Wen-kuei.