The first few days were filled with wonderment and excitement and a few cross-cultural mishaps, but nothing major. For example the Taipei subway actually has stand-in lines to get onto the train. I though it was like New York, San Francisco or Beijing so I just hopped on the train when it pulled in... all it took was a cool stare from an old lady, well, and Eric telling me I had just cut the entire line for me to realize my bad. As the days transpired the alleys, streets and subways became more familiar- I maped the neighborhood as follows; the lady at the fruit stand with the chipped tooth who smiles at me, turn right, market on the left. The chip in the building wall just above the man who sells mung bean shakes- block from the house I was staying at. The parking lot with the sleeping guard and his trusty stray emulating his master- go straight, around the bend, right turn and I'm at Dingxi subway entrance. I'm a visual learner, what can I say- Ha! It was time to find my own apartment, so I spent a few days exploring neighborhoods and getting a feel for the Taipei. As I encountered difficulties along the way I soon realized the beauty in the Taiwanese people. They are the most friendly and helpful people I have come across. They will go out of their way to make sure that you find what you're looking for. They are generous, curious and painfully sweet in every possible way. I have a few people that I already feel indebted to (aside from mom and dad). They literally made it their mission to make sure I found a great place to live and offered to do negotiations to make sure I got the best price. It is through the kindness of the Taiwanese people that I found a beautiful place that felt just right.
Then the day came, it was the first day of school at National Taiwan University 台大大學 studying Chinese Language. Classes are 5 days a week, 3 hours long and with about 2 hours of homework each day and then another 2 hours of memorizing Chinese characters and grammar structure. I got smashed and it humbled me very quickly. My self image was destroyed in a deep way. I realized this was going to take a lot of work, a lot of time and a lot of energy. Hey- not that I thought it would be easy or happen over night but the reality left me felling skinless and raw. This feeling of bring turned inside out lasted a few months but then something happened, things started to stick. I was in an elevator and the automated Chinese message triggered as the doors opened and without trying I knew exactly what it meant! I think after that moment things have been a little bit easier for me. None the less learning Chinese language takes 100% commitment and determination.
As for this beautiful city called Taipei I don't even know where to start perhaps I wont start- I will leave it for our next episode and bid you a farewell.
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