"The Good, the Bad?and the Shakened"
Ginny Cheng

It only seemed like yesterday when I first decided to embark on this journey "back" to Taiwan. I use this word carefully because I believe in order for me to go "back" to something, it means I must have recollections of what, or in this case where, I was returning to.

Unfortunately, I left Taiwan at 4 months old. I doubt anyone clearly recalls his or her first few months after birth. However, if I'm wrong and there's such a person, I'd like to meet him/her!

Granted I returned to Taiwan briefly for a year 1/2 of formal education at age 7 but soon moved to the states where I remained until today. Where to begin? Initial reactions (Bold - subtitle heading)

In the three months here, I can't comprehend all the things that have happened to and around me. While many are small daily occurrences, they all are significant for my experience in this "unexplored" territory.

In the brief exposure to Taiwan, I have come to realize the decision to move to Taiwan has been the right one (I'm sure there were many doubts from friends and families in the states).

In the short period, I've stumbled upon crazy customs, disorienting experiences, gotten lost in my own neighborhood, been appalled by rude behaviors, touched by the kind heart of the Taiwanese people, learned about the dating scene in Taiwan, found out how the world is even smaller in Asia, been shaken up in an unexpected earthquake (although I suppose all earthquakes were not expected), exposed to facets of Christianity in Taiwan, wondered about office politics, gotten involved in Asian American groups, met numerous dynamic people, suffered heat strokes, met some psycho people (yes, they're everywhere), joined a new but expensive gym, found out I love the food here, sang all night (sometime buzzed) in the ever popular KTV places, wondered what people at home (Seattle) are doing. And now even a new development�started to see someone exclusively...stay tune to the "dating" stories in future installments. Other reactions? Well, depending on where you're from, you'll notice the change in the weather, traffic, air quality and the amount of people when you're in Taiwan. Having had experience in the mild and breezy weather of Seattle, WA, Taiwan's humidity nearly killed me. Not only did the sun scorched as soon as you stepped out but you are constantly sweating!

If the weather doesn't kill me, the scooters that roam the streets can surely do just as much damage. Given the fact that being polite and courteous on the road can actually harm you, people here drive to get somewhere, any way they can! This is not an exaggeration. This is the norm! People keep asking me when I will be behind a wheel�all I can say is, not anytime soon. I admit I do miss driving�but not that much!

The people here are rude and kind at the same time! Is it possible? I didn 't think so until I came here. You could go through one day wanting to kill off complete strangers on the bus to being touched by a new friend you 've come to cherish!

Despite being warned that my sensitive skin would suffer as a result of the pollution in Taiwan, I find the humidity actually keeps my skin moisturized. I admit the air quality is less than desirable compared to the clean Washington air, but it's livable. I do appreciate the rare opportunities of taking a brisk after I wake up around dusk or the period right after a heavy shower. At those times, I find the air quite "clean".

"Swarm" is the word I would use to describe a typical main street in Taipei. Basically, imagine NY's busiest street and triple that amount! People all moving at an amazing pace as if they all are late for an important meeting, which is most likely the case. People here "go places" with a purpose and it's fascinating to watch them�hustling and bustling.

Oh, but can they enjoy themselves also? That's right, call it the yin and yen concept but that's what I've observed. People even tell me that they do it to feel balanced�after all, what's the point of working your life away when you don't take the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor (this concept hit even closer to home after the earthquake)? Ask around for people's lifestyle and you'll find they can work over time and still catch up with friends late into the night ? even on weeknights. Soon I even found myself being swept into this "crazy" but fun lifestyle. I know it' ll get old, but for now, it's exactly what I need! On Shaky Grounds (Bold - subtitle heading)

Two months after my arrival, the earth moved violently one night. While the quake only lasted seconds, the world would witness the power of extreme destruction. The news of a 7.6 magnitude quake that struck the center of the island on Tuesday, September 21, 1997, in the middle of the night spread within minutes to the world. Many learned of the tragedy before the people in Taiwan could figure out what knocked them off their feet.

In the middle of typing this entry, I experienced yet another aftershock from what is now considered the worst earthquake in Taiwan history.

It was a "moving" experience for I anticipated and even emotionally prepared myself for the "big one" to hit Seattle, WA all my life. Yet I come here and experience it. Ironic to say the least.

Despite the tragic hitting close to home, I think for the most part people in Taipei are far removed from the true impact of this quake. Friends that have gone to the South to help out witnessed the aftermath in an indisputable way in which no media with their high tech camera equipment would ever truly capture. They described the odor of death, the looks of confusion, shock, fear and isolation, and the dwindling spirits of the people as hopes of finding any survivor faded away.

Personally, experiencing the earthquake only reaffirmed what I've always believed. Life, when taken for granted, has no meaning. To live your life without living is like eating the best home made pie without smelling the aroma, or tasting the texture and flavor or savoring the feeling of satisfaction as the warmth fills your stomach (& heart if it was a really special occasion).

I still live my life with the same passion and intensity only I now stop toreflect more often (e.g., taking the time to put them into words), and actively find the good stuff that makes life real�the "daily" stuff. The things that warms my heart and soul�they may not be noticed unless you take the time to really search for them: like an elderly walking hand in hand�laughing with or at each other, a kid that stops crying after his mom gives him a tight squeeze, when some random person picks up a litter she sees, when the bus driver wakes up a passenger because he knew where she needed to get off, when a cab driver waits for you to get to your front door safely, when you get inspired to write a little story or when someone trust you to listen to their problems without judgment. These stories and experiences are all around of us�really�in Taiwan, I've made the extra effort�and have learned so much about human race as well as myself. Red China Flexes Muscles (Bold - subtitle heading)

I find myself more passionate about the welfare of the Taiwan people and how they were treated by China after the earthquake.

I can't believe China's insensitive tactics at a time when mother nature's fiery has caused such devastation. In recent history, I've only heard of the international community stepping up to help in the humanitarian efforts...which is already a task in itself in terms of coordination and quick response.

Up until this "political motivated" offense by China, I like many others, felt indifferent to the "one country, two systems model". But now, it forces me and I'm sure many others, to question and demand that China be held accountable for their actions. I think the sentiments worldwide is of shock that China would interfere like this. But the world quickly overlooked that shock as they celebrated China's 50th anniversary of Communist Party Rule early October.

It's shameful that China has forgotten so quickly that not too long ago when they had their flooding crisis, the Taiwanese people assisted them with no questions asked! More than $1.5 billion USD was collected and many even flocked over there to assist in the rescue efforts despite safety warnings.

What does it say about China, who claims to care about the welfare of Taiwan and its people -- since they claim it's "part of them", that they could stand by and hinder the efforts without blinking an eye. The only thing they managed to accomplish was to show the world that they are mercilessly and calculating. But the international community indirectly should take some responsibility as well...for it is because they've tolerated China's behavior (specifically when it comes to threatening Taiwan with military force) in the past that China can continue to "flex" those muscles.

I'm not big on politics and I admit I don't have the answers. Perhaps I just wanted to be a voice...perhaps if more voices are heard. - GC