Many people have asked about it's like to be a living as a foreigner in a very strange and alien environment. Those who have traveled to foreign countries know first-hand the handicap you automatically receive as a foreigner. When in Asia, double this. In half, because being white, well....it makes you stick out like a sore (more like a very albino and malnourished) thumb. The other half belongs to the fact that they are not as accustomed to foreigners here as in most countries in Europe, etc.
So what's it like? Well, I was thinking about it the other day on the MRT...and the conclusion somewhat surprised me. Obviously, at first, it's a bit difficult to settle in and grow accustomed to being the 'outsider', with no one to talk to, being stared at all the time, etc. However, after about a week, it started to feel pretty comfortable on that issue. Partly, I think it helps that I was already an alien in my home land. Not to say that I was completely socially unacceptable and excommunicated from those around me...just to say, let's face it, I couldn't relate (on a significant scale) with the average citizen around me, so I kind of have always done my own thing. At home, this has led to a lack of caring for how those around me perceive me, and to laugh it off if that perception happens to be negative. They can laugh at me as they please, I bear no ill-will. These accumulated skills and outlooks have been infinitely useful here in Taiwan. Constantly being judged, it's best to simply play the cards that you have in your hand and not worry about whether or not you're following suit. If you don't know the rules of the game, ask.
I also feel surprisingly at home (relative to how I felt at my actual home) here. Yes, I can not understand 90% of the conversation that takes place around me. So what? At home, I ignored 90% of the conversation anyway and another 5% I wish I had. It's almost comforting to know that I am not expected or required to know everything that is going on around me...I am allowed to have some freedom of learning, to kind of regain that stage of childhood when we can take experiences as they come and apply our own perceptions to them.
Of course, actually dealing with people face-to-face, where I am forced to engage in conversation is a whole 'nother issue, one that I will not engage in at this time.
Till next time, cheers.
A trash heap of updates, ramblings, and general nonsense on the projects of Pengy Poo Productions and the life of Scott
Thursday, August 13, 2009
What You've Missed
Short answer: not much.
Long answer: read on. Obviously, I haven't posted in a while. Contrary to popular belief, it is not because I have stopped breathing. Sorry to those I may have disappointed with the revelation. I blame my absence on three main excuses: the arrival of two loved ones, a typhoon was in town, and the laptop was out of commission.
On the first point...Josie arrived in Taipei on Sunday the 2nd, at around midnight, at which time I was dragged out of my room by her, Frank (Grace's brother) and his wife, to go to a foot massage place in Taipei. Despite the overwhelming confusion and exhaustion, the massage felt amazing on my post-parkour feet. Having Josie here was great, confusing, overwhelming, etc. It was quite odd to go from having no familiar faces to having the most familiar face of all so close to me (right next door). Inspite of the difficulties she is facing here, I think she is glad that she came, and I know it will be a great experience. She will be here until near the end of August.
A mere five days later, Corey also arrived in town. So, in one week, my daily interactions changed greatly. Corey's currently living here in the apartment, where we have the privilege of sharing a (thankfully large) bed (wink wink, nudge nudge). Not only is Corey's friendship and companionship welcome, he is a great resource, obviously much more adept to this thing than I.
On the second point...a typhoon blew through Taiwan this past weekend. So, I have already had an earthquake and a typhoon in my first month, both of which are commonplace. The bulk of the typhoon hit Taiwan for about 3 days, though we are now in a nice string of rainy days and minor flooding...not sure if that's related or not. Southern Taiwan got hit the hardest, with some deaths/casualties and many missing persons, mostly due to the resulting mudslides. Edit: last figure I have seen shows deaths at 500, rescue missions still ongoing. Here in Taipei County, we are relatively safe and dry, thanks to the wall of mountains between us and the east coast (from which the typhoons come). However, it was enough for the government to declare a 'Typhoon Day' (think of a snow day, except for everyone) in Taipei, which was actually kind of cool...people are not required to show up for work/school. Some vendors braved the weather and showed up any, and some stores were still open, but most commercial activity ground to a halt. Many people take this opportunity to go out to a movie, etc.
On the third point...since my arrival in Taiwan, the bottom of the LCD screen on my laptop has been acting up. A hardware problem that resulted in the affected area displaying odd, pixelated purpley lines. Unfortunately, as time progressed, it slowly begin to creep higher up my screen. So, after an adventure (walking around somewhat lost for 3 hours with Yaling, not her fault) around Banciao, I deposited my lappy at the ASUS service center for repair, which they said would take 1-3 days. But, that was right before the typhoon struck, so I expected a delay. I (braving the situation of walking into that place alone with no appropriate Chinese phrases up my sleeve) picked it up about 5 days later, quite painlessly. All in all, very impressed and pleased with the ASUS service here.
Well, I guess that's all for now, I guess I hit most of the major points. I am going a bit crazy...it has been far too long since any strenuous physical activity (especially parkour...I really felt like I was making good progress every session, and I don't want to lose that)...rain, rain, go away. Tomorrow will be my last lesson with one of my tutor students, she will be leaving for America next week...tis a bit sad.
Stay tuned for more frequent updates in the future, got a few planned once I get around to it.
Hope all is well with you, my good reader.
Edit: updated to show more current death toll
Long answer: read on. Obviously, I haven't posted in a while. Contrary to popular belief, it is not because I have stopped breathing. Sorry to those I may have disappointed with the revelation. I blame my absence on three main excuses: the arrival of two loved ones, a typhoon was in town, and the laptop was out of commission.
On the first point...Josie arrived in Taipei on Sunday the 2nd, at around midnight, at which time I was dragged out of my room by her, Frank (Grace's brother) and his wife, to go to a foot massage place in Taipei. Despite the overwhelming confusion and exhaustion, the massage felt amazing on my post-parkour feet. Having Josie here was great, confusing, overwhelming, etc. It was quite odd to go from having no familiar faces to having the most familiar face of all so close to me (right next door). Inspite of the difficulties she is facing here, I think she is glad that she came, and I know it will be a great experience. She will be here until near the end of August.
A mere five days later, Corey also arrived in town. So, in one week, my daily interactions changed greatly. Corey's currently living here in the apartment, where we have the privilege of sharing a (thankfully large) bed (wink wink, nudge nudge). Not only is Corey's friendship and companionship welcome, he is a great resource, obviously much more adept to this thing than I.
On the second point...a typhoon blew through Taiwan this past weekend. So, I have already had an earthquake and a typhoon in my first month, both of which are commonplace. The bulk of the typhoon hit Taiwan for about 3 days, though we are now in a nice string of rainy days and minor flooding...not sure if that's related or not. Southern Taiwan got hit the hardest, with some deaths/casualties and many missing persons, mostly due to the resulting mudslides. Edit: last figure I have seen shows deaths at 500, rescue missions still ongoing. Here in Taipei County, we are relatively safe and dry, thanks to the wall of mountains between us and the east coast (from which the typhoons come). However, it was enough for the government to declare a 'Typhoon Day' (think of a snow day, except for everyone) in Taipei, which was actually kind of cool...people are not required to show up for work/school. Some vendors braved the weather and showed up any, and some stores were still open, but most commercial activity ground to a halt. Many people take this opportunity to go out to a movie, etc.
On the third point...since my arrival in Taiwan, the bottom of the LCD screen on my laptop has been acting up. A hardware problem that resulted in the affected area displaying odd, pixelated purpley lines. Unfortunately, as time progressed, it slowly begin to creep higher up my screen. So, after an adventure (walking around somewhat lost for 3 hours with Yaling, not her fault) around Banciao, I deposited my lappy at the ASUS service center for repair, which they said would take 1-3 days. But, that was right before the typhoon struck, so I expected a delay. I (braving the situation of walking into that place alone with no appropriate Chinese phrases up my sleeve) picked it up about 5 days later, quite painlessly. All in all, very impressed and pleased with the ASUS service here.
Well, I guess that's all for now, I guess I hit most of the major points. I am going a bit crazy...it has been far too long since any strenuous physical activity (especially parkour...I really felt like I was making good progress every session, and I don't want to lose that)...rain, rain, go away. Tomorrow will be my last lesson with one of my tutor students, she will be leaving for America next week...tis a bit sad.
Stay tuned for more frequent updates in the future, got a few planned once I get around to it.
Hope all is well with you, my good reader.
Edit: updated to show more current death toll
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