Asia Trip - Day 1

I had either no internet access or I was so tired I didn't have time to post. Therefore, the dates are off. For the purposes of blogging, I will name my posts after each day of my trip.

Sunday, 10/5 -

I've arrived! In one piece I might had. The plane ride wasn't fun, and was delayed an 1 1/2 hours in Anchorage, Alaska while fueling up. This wouldn't have been so bad if we weren't on the plane when the problem happened and inside the terminal where we had just been. I don't know the specifics because the sound system wasn't properly working in the back of the plane. And no, I couldn't see Russia from Alaska!

Still, I had a window seat, which was more than I could have asked for. It sure as heck wasn't first class sleeper seats, but better than the dreaded middle seat. I was able to stretch for long periods of time behind one of the galleys in the back of the plane with others. This helped lessen the toll on my body.

My co-worker's friend, M, met me at the airport and would be my guide for the day. I don't know how I could ever thank him, but he was a godsend in a city that although looked as if I could manage it, was still a bit trying for someone who has absolutely zero knowledge of Mandarin.

I needed a Silkwood scrub down after being in the air so long. Afterwards, we stopped at Tea Ren, which is probably like the Starbucks of Taiwan for tea, and ordered a bubble tea. I discovered that bubble tea originates from Taiwan and it appeared to be the drink of choice there from what I saw in my travels. Also, all sales receipts are part of the national lottery system, so they each have lottery numbers on them.

M taught me the MRT system, which is hands down, the BEST subway system I've ridden so far. Clean, functional, and easy to manage; I was impressed with the clearly numbered marked exits that you don't seem to see in other cities. In Taipei, any directions given to you from the MRT will include the exit number so you can orientate yourself once you're outside.

We first explored the area immediately around Taipei 101. Currently, this is the tallest building in the world and will be beat soon, if it hasn't already. The area it's located in is the more posh and Westernized district of the city. The mall beneath the building includes stores such as Vivienne Westwood, Coach, etc. You get the picture. This area was also where I saw the most Westerners in my travels there. We certainly stuck out like sore thumbs and quietly acknowledged each other. I counted only two people of African descent here. I know that one was definitely an American. It reminded me of footage from a heavy metal concert where you see that one single black person.

Afterwards, M took me to Daan Park. Right before we entered, we passed a group of animal supporters who were urging everyone to please adopt a puppy or kitten. I was devastated when they pleaded with me, in English no less, to please, please, please take one home. Even trying to place a puppy in my arms. I was heartbroken. M explained that Taiwan has an overpopulation problem and many animals run wild all over the city as there is really no animal control agencies.

I saw this later on with random dogs walking around, ribs and spines showing through mangy fur. Including one woman who called one of them over to give the poor dog the leftovers from her meal. Daan Park was nice and the first time I had ever seen authentic bamboo trees growing that weren't already attached to furniture from Pier 1. It was here where I was introduced to the joys of public toilets, which were…um…different.

Another official touristy stop was at Longshan Temple. Luckily for me, a procession was going on which enabled me to see people pray and offer up food and indulgences to the souls of their departed loved ones. M handed me several incense sticks and I followed, copying the bowing and throwing of sticks into burning cauldrons. Like any church, there was an opportunity to purchase religious doodads. I chose a few lucky charms and M showed me how to have them blessed. You hold them over the burning pots and circle them around three times.

The temple is near Snake Alley where there are also a proliferation of foot massage parlors. I felt sorry for the snakes being offered up for meals, especially since the pitch was akin to an auctioneer's schpeal. I learned later that the huge white display snake has been there quite some time, is fed often, and is a happy fat snake. At one foot massage store, M bargained us a few minutes of back and neck massage in addition to getting our feet and legs rubbed. The cost for 40 minutes of bliss? Ten US dollars!

It was here I learned somewhat the politics of skin color. M had mentioned skin color sporadically throughout our conversations, but I took it as he lived in a fairly homogeneous country and was curious of the different races and ethnicities in my city. He was chatting to the women as we sat side by side, getting our massages from them. He translated that they said they were jealous of my pale skin, which never tans in the sun. In protest, I took off my wristwatch to show off the pithy tan line I had to prove that I do. This only produced giggles from them and I realized I was fighting a losing battle. No matter what darker color I showed them on my body, I was still white as a ghost and living up to an image they coveted.

In the pre-trip research, I was excited to learn about all of the opportunities to acquire cheap electronics. M brought me to this multi-level building that was a labyrinth of tiny stores selling all sorts of mobile phones and computer components. My preference for an Mp3 with WiFi was met with no luck. The dazzle of this electronics warehouse quickly turned to confusion, and a headache, as I went from store to store trying to think of something else to buy instead. I liken the experience to being in the slot machine section of a casino. There is so much noise, crazy lights, and the crowds are insane. I left feeling on edge and desperately wanted to call it a night.

M left me at the hostel and I now had to fend for myself. However, I was so grateful for his help and felt confident I would be able to navigate this strange and exotic city on my own. I had booked the double room to myself, which was comfortable, and I slept like a baby.

I would only have a portion of the next day in Taipei before I flew on to Hong Kong for a short break.