Pliability

Sarah, Zack, and I. What a team.

Cultural shocks, as my beloved Taiwanese friend Ruby calls them, are few and far between for me lately. Waking up today, my roommate Zack and I looked excitedly at one another, knowing that we were struck with the same feeling - we are completely in rhythm with our new lifestyle. We have shed the habits that we have been living by, perhaps for years. The foods we eat, the drinks we drink, the people we eat with, the beds we sleep in, the stores we shop in...it is all new, yet it is all becoming home. I expected a much lengthier and more challenging adjustment, but I think there are a few sound reasons.

First, Taiwan is known to be very strongly westernized - the cultural rules and regulations that are so prevalent in places like Korea, China, and Japan, such as a very strongly-held hierarchy, do not have as strong a presence here. People are very approachable, and you can find someone who speaks English almost wherever you are (though things are often more fun and interesting when you can't).

Belting off Bohemian Rhapsody - karaoke, American stylee

Second, adjustment and assimilation is much easier when you are surrounded by a few compatriots...some fellow 'Mericans to confide in with the odd situations you get into throughout the day, stories of communication through sign language, etc.

Some tourists with our new friend Michael (right)

Finally, the people in Taiwan are so incredibly sweet-natured and accommodating that it is hard to find yourself being judged for your actions, whether it be language mispronunciation or just general ignorance. Be ready to laugh at yourself, but there's no shame, and certainly no judgement. The Taiwanese love to laugh and have a good time in pretty much every situation. There is a lot I am learning about how one can approach life. Perhaps their lighthearted approach is why they all look so youthful!



I'm off to Kenting tonight (see map) to help a friend celebrate his birthday and to say hello to the ocean, who I miss very much. It's quite a haul, and the scene in fact changes quite dramatically as you traverse the island, as people tell me. In this picture, southwest of Taiwan, you can also see the makings of a potential typhoon (Asian for hurricane).

Rain gear: check
Party cap: check
Sunblock: probably not

- Ja-mu-shee