An Alien in an Alien World

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.