Learning Chinese the Easy Way!

Settling in

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 11:57:36 GMT

I found an apartment my first day. It is close to my job and fairly close to downtown. I have get to get a scooter and a phone because I have to have some government paperwork processed before I can do that. My apartment is nice and I am figuring out where things are (stores, etc.) I have been walking a lot and its been hot (between 85 and 92 degrees with 75% humidity) so I have been sweating and drinking lots of water. I think tomorrow I'll venture to the City Library and try and find a library card. I can't start work til some government paperwork is processed so this week it looks like I'll be hanging out unless I figure something out.

Safe and sound in Taiwan

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 02:17:53 GMT

I arrive in Taiwan last night. The school had a driver pick me up and take me to the Hotel. I forced myself to stay awake on most of my flight over so I would sleep last night. It seemed to work pretty well. I woke up a few times but slept fairly well. I had breakfast and walked around a little bit. Its 91* F right now, so its a tad warm. In a few hours one of the secretary's from school will take me to a few apartments that are available for rent, and hopefully I'll find something today and be able to move in.

Going back to Taiwan

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:25:03 GMT

So blog readers, if you follow this blog you will have seen that I have not updated it for a while. So here's what you've missed...

-Peter returned to America to figure things out. He decided that he really liked being a Librarian (he worked in a Library in High School and College) so he went to Graduate School to get his Masters in Library Science. After he graduated he was offered a job back in Taiwan. Right now hes in California at his Grandparents house waiting for his flight tomorrow. He'll fly to Taiwan and be living in Hsinchu and will be the Librarian at an International School. He's decided to blog here about Taiwan related things and at his other blog about Library related things.

And that's what you've missed.

For everything else...

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 02:45:11 GMT

Plane ticket to Taiwan: $32,000 New Taiwan Dollars (NTD)

Chinese Textbook: $500 NTD

4 Semesters of Chinese Classes: $80,000 NTD

Cell phone: $500 NTD

Knowing how to tell Telephone solicitors in their native language: "I don't speak Chinese. I am an American": Priceless.

This is only a test part 2

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 05:27:53 GMT

Our teacher corrected our Achievement Tests. I was not surprised that I got the lowest grade in the class. However, it was my best grade on the achievement test so far: 67%. I am pretty happy with it. Had I understood one section better (the Chapter where I got a 55% on the regular test) I would have done better I am sure. However, this grade entitles me to be placed MOVING FORWARD AND NOT REPEATING ANY CHAPTERS.

Yes. After 4 quarters I am finally moving forward.

However, since I am taking a break, when I come back, I might ask to repeat some Chapters. But we will cross that bridge when we come to it.

Needless to say I am quite happy, quite pleased with myself.

This is only a test

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 06:53:21 GMT

A few hours ago I took what my school calls the "Achievement Test." This test is given every quarter to test what we have learned and to place us in the appropriate class for next quarter. They give this test about 2 weeks before the end of the term so they can have the old students registered so they know how many new classes they need to make for the new students.

This quarter I am repeating the same material as last. All 10 Chapters. Needless to say I felt I had an idea of what format the test would be based on this, and since this is my 4th Test total. I was wrong.

The test is automated. Everyone listens to the same recording at the same time. This test, unlike the previous ones they decided to NOT have a pause between the instructions and the questions. They also decided to not repeat the questions during the listening comprehension. Further they decided to have the speakers speak at a rate that was quite fast. Even faster that the tapes that come with our course materials. Needless to say, right of the bat I was confused. Every other previous test, and every other section they repeat the question and the answers. By the time I realized what had happened they were on question 2. So I had no choice but to guess and realize that I had to listen VERY carefully.

Later on I was puzzled because the question had a Character we have not learned. Yes. So I do not know if that was the correct answer, or the wrong answer (because the question was so fast I couldn't understand it). Further later on they used a grammar structure that we have not yet learned.

Another part of the test was giving directions. We had a simple map showing 4 buildings and were expected to tell how to get to the building. Last quarter we were allowed to write our answers. This quarter however, we had to RECORD our SPOKEN answers. They have never required this before.

The first question was "Where is the school?" I answered "The school is next to the Post Office" (it was) and then I got confused because the other 2 questions asked things like "From the Store, how do you get to the bus stop?", etc. And so I added to my answer assuming the question was SUPOSSED To say "How do you get to the School?" Needless to say I was unprepared for this turn of events and on one of the questions ran out of time. However, I got most of my answer verbalized so I hope its ok.

One section I could not remember at all, however, I remember that on the test for that Chapter I did quite poorly. That is also the section that Friday I am going over with my Tutor. So perhaps we should have reviewed that sooner.

There is hope however. As soon as we started the test the teachers were up at the front of the room discussing because they had not seen the test before hand and evidently were quite angry about the changes and the material that was not appropriate for our level. I even spoke to my teacher about all this immediately after the test. She said she was also upset and would talk about it in clas tomorrow. To illustrate how mad I was, When I spoke to my Teacher I didn't even TRY to use Chinese.

The one saving grace is that our teacher is the one who grades the tests. If I get a very poor grade I refuse to take the same material over a third time (I'll be fine repeating the last 6 chapters, but not all 10, especailly since the last 3 chapters are the ones that I had the hardest time on). I will argue to be placed my next term based on the average grades of my in class chapter tests. From the moment the first question was asked I was thrown off my game psychologically and there was never any time to recoop that because of the timed nature of the exam.

Going Home

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 07:45:06 GMT

I will be leaving Taiwan on November 23. Nothing bad happened. Nothing traumatic.

I just had a realization today that I need to go home. I was sitting at school doing my Homework and had a realization that I need to come home. It was clear. It was direct. It is what I need to do. And it made me so happy.

I packed my books and hopped on the bus and then literally ran home to call my parents.

I do not expect people to fully understand. Some will be confused (I know my roommates are) but I know this is what I need to do.

I might be back. I don't know. But for whatever the reason I need to go. And so I will be packing my things, settling all my affairs and going back home. I am happy that I have been in Taiwan. I have met many great people. I have made many great friends who I care about deeply. I have seen some awesome things. But deep down I think I have been unhappy for a while. I truly think I have been forcing myself to stay here. Things are going well for me, so it is an odd time to leave, but I learned a long time ago to listen to the voice that tells you to do things. And so I am taking a leap of faith and doing that.

I am not a person who does things randomly. I am a person who makes deliberate and well thought out decisions. So the thought of buying a plane ticket to go home less than 30 minutes after having the thought, is not typical me. I feel like this is what I need to do and so I am doing it. I have faith it will work out. I have faith it is what I need to do.

Relaxing

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 05:21:52 GMT

The last few days my lower back has been hurting. I was thinking of what to call the pain and decided that "flank pain" was a good name. So I googled it just to see what the vast wisdom of the internets said.

Kidney Stones.
Urinary Tract Infection.

Being as my father and brother both have a history of the first I decided to go to the doctor today. The X-Ray and the Ultrasound were both clear. So the Urologist had me see a regular doctor who said it was probably just a strained muscle (most likely from the crazy bus drivers I think) and he gave me a muscle relaxer and some advice. So I should be ok.

However, rather funny thing happened while I was waiting for my X-Ray. They called out the name of the next people:

"Mister Li" 林先生
"Mister Chen" 陳先生
"Mister Huang"黃先生

And then...

"Foreigner". 外國人

Yes. Literally that is what was said. I had to laugh and smile.

Random thoughts

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 08:09:20 GMT

A few random thoughts since it's been a while since my last update:

You might recall my comment a few weeks ago about how hard parents push their children in school. I had a new student who (in my opinion) should be in a class lower than the ones I teach. Nevertheless, the first few times she came with him, dutifully sat outside the class waiting for him, and then departed at the end of class. Now that a few classes has gone by she no longer does this. In class a few days ago I asked my students what the most annoying sound was. Some of them said "nails on a chalkboard", others said babies crying on international flights, etc. When it came his turn he said, "My mom talking to me." Everyone burst out laughing, but I found it rather sad. I hope he was not serious, but perhaps she pushes him so much that indeed he cannot stand her voice. I do not know. A local expat magazine had an interesting article on the subject of parents in Taiwan and the drive for education [Click here, and scroll to pages 7 and 8 of the PDF file].

Last week I had the chance to go to a ceremony to celebrate the life of Confucius as it was his birthday. The elaborate ceremony is held once a year and last 2 hours. It was rather hot at 6 in the morning and halfway through the ceremony a few of the student dancers and others passed out from the heat. There was criticism of the ceremony from the opposition political party because rather than the "normal" dance, the dancers performed a special dance because (according to them) the President of Taiwan was there. It should be noted that the Temple had been closed for over a year and this was, in affect, its grand re-opening. This reason prompted the "special dance". I find this explanation quite plausible.

I have weathered 2 Typhoons since the last update. One drenching the moon festival festivities, and other other simply ruining another weekend. It would be nice if they came during the week and canceled school and work, but then I wouldn't get paid. So, weekend Typhoons while bothersome are much preferred for me.

I am battling a cold today. I hope that tomorrow it will be gone. My grades this quarter have been the best so far in my study of Chinese. I am quite pleased with this. It is owed to the fact that I do not speak English, but only Chinese with my classmates. I have also made further efforts to practice outside of class as well as redoubled my study efforts. All I think are paying off.

What did you say?

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 11:49:00 GMT

I was at the convenience store (7-11) the other day and was purchasing some beverages. There were 2 little kids ahead of me as well as an older lady. The little kids were counting out their money on the counter and the older woman getting some coffee. So while those transactions were being completed, they rang up my purchases.

Often they only offer you a plastic bag if you have many things. So I took this opportunity to speak Chinese. I asked the man at the counter if I could have a bag.

He looked blankly at me and said "I did not understand you."

Before I could even say anything, both boys in front of me, the older woman waiting for her coffee and the man's coworker all said at the same time, "He asked for a bag!" Needless to say I found this rather funny.

What this means is that in a random sampling 4 out of 5 Taiwanese can understand what I say.

In other news...
I think living in Taiwan will forever stunt my English language ability. I say this in half jest, but half seriousness. Mostly I think it will effect my saying "Burger King". The Chinese translation here is "Hanbao Wang" which literally means "Hamburger King". I find myself referring to it as such in English. There is a new one being built near school and I told a friend (an American) the other day: "They are building a new Hamburger King near school." He replied, "What?" Only because I didn't say "Burger King." This is not the first time I have not used the proper name in English, nor will it be the last I am afraid.

I've got the working man blues

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 14:18:36 GMT

I took the job I have now 6 months ago. I picked the company I work for because the preparation time was minimal and they don't have papers to grade, etc. That's the benefit of teaching conversational English: you read an article and discuss. For that reason I was willing to get paid less than the average salary in Taiwan. I wanted to be able to have time to study Chinese and make enough money to live off.

Fast forward six months.

My schedule is set, but it is rather weird. Monday 7-9 at Branch A; Tuesday 2:30-5:30 and 6:30-9:45 at Branch B; Wednesday 3:30-5 at Branch C and 7-9 at Branch A; Thursday a repeat of Tuesday; Friday 2:30-4 and 7-9 at Branch A. I also get paid a significant less than the average. I was ok with this but based on this I have no social life (Q:"Hey Peter, want to go out later on?" A:"No thanks, I have to work tonight") and while my salary is adequate for my needs, it does not lend itself to having much extra money. Plus I have a Taiwanese friend who speaks English as a Second Language and works at another Company, and HE makes MORE than me.

So I asked my boss almost 2 weeks ago for a raise. I indicated I had been working for 6 months and thought it would be appropriate. She said she would talk to her boss and see what the branches I teach at thought (they would ask some students to evaluate me). I said that was fine and I have been patient. Monday marks 2 weeks since I asked and on that day I would call my boss for an update. If the result was unsatisfactory (as in "No raise" or "Here is a $1 an hour raise") I would give notice and look for another job that pays more and has better hours.

Tonight towards the end of one of my classes a student asked if I was happy with what I got paid and (I don't recall exactly what he said) if I had ever asked for a raise. Obviously having students evaluate me means telling them I have asked for one and asking "Does he deserve a raise"?

I will be patient and wait til Monday to see what the deal is. I am almost certain if it is a "Yes" the dollar amount will be a pittance.

Parting gifts

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:22:44 GMT

A student in my Tuesday, Thursday Advanced English class is leaving Taipei to go to school in southern Taiwan. His name is Frank and he will be studying to be an Architect. While our interactions in class have just been simple, I find myself thinking of him as one of my best students. He is attentive, always participates and is just a genuine nice guy.

Today as class was done and I was wishing him well in college (he has never been away from home and I can tell he is nervous about it) he gave me a little gift. It is a key chain that has a miniature set of shells inside a clear box. It is hard to describe, but if you go to a temple in Taiwan people use larger ones of these to tell God's will for them. I'll post a picture and a more detailed explanation later (once I find out what they are called and can look up more info).

I was touched by his kind gesture. It was very thoughtful and shows one of the reasons I think of him as one of my best students.

"I've come to rely on the kindness of strangers"

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 11:05:57 GMT

Adjusting to living in a new country has been quite the experience for me but I have found the people of Taiwan to be quite kind and giving.

A few examples have come from the students I teach English to.

I had been teaching for a few weeks and mentioned that I had been to the National Palace Museum and had enjoyed it. I wanted to go back because they have 3 permanent exhibitions, and 3-5 rotating ones. And while I was there most of the rotating ones were under construction. The next week one of my students brought me 2 free tickets. She goes quite often, has a membership and as such gets some free tickets very once in a while.

Just this past week 2 events happened only 2 days apart. The first: Another student gave me a little lazer pointer. I am often walking to the map and pointing to places in America whether they be places that the article talks about, or in telling a story. He thought it would make it easier because the map is against a wall and students desks are in front of them. It was very nice.

The most recent event happened yesterday. Our class discussion also revolved around the National Palace Museum. Newsweek recently did a "top 3 things" to see in Taipei and the Museum was one of them. We talked about our favorite piece of art that was displayed. Mine is a famous scroll called "Along the River During Qingming Festival." [ Wikipedia * NPMI] I mentioned that there were reproduction scrolls and I had wanted to buy one but it was too expensive and they did not have postcards of it.

A student says, "I have a copy of it I have had for years. I will give it to you."

"No," I said, protesting, "That is too generous I cannot accept it. It is kind, but too expensive a gift."

I left it at that.

Later that night that student brought to my other class the scroll. Still in the box. Obvious that is has been on a shelf unused, unappreciated for a long time.

Needless to say, while it goes against my nature to accept gifts of an expensive nature, especially from people who I don't know very well. However, it was offered without any prodding on my part. I am quite grateful and appreciative but those words don't seem to express adequately how I feel.

Don't block my Qi, but please, block the sun.

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 09:43:38 GMT

In traditional Chinese medicine and philosophy the concept of "Qi" is very important. Much like the "force" of "Star Wars" fame, Qi is an energy that allows people to function. If ones Qi is blocked, then one cannot do as well as one wants. Blocked Qi can be a cause for illness and other things. Allowing for the proper movement of Qi is paramount in the idea of Feng Shui.

Allowing for the free flow of Qi is of utmost importance. One of the things that can block Qi is cutting a single hair. Not on your head, but the hair that grow from moles and other skin markings. While in America we consider these hairs to be unsightly and trim or even have them removed, Chinese Medicine seems to dictate that the allowance of this hair to grow can allow for better flow of Qi. It is quite common to see older Taiwanese men sitting on the bus with a 7-8 inch hair sprouting from a mole on their neck or chin.

In stark contrast to that is the horror of having dark skin. Aside form aboriginal people who are naturally darker, Taiwanese women seem to be deathly afraid of becoming darker. Dr. Wu's skin treatment is sold promising whiter skin. Women walk around with umbrellas to block the sun (some even ride their bike one handed in order to allow for the holding of an umbrella). Ihave even seen women walking down the street with a book held over their head to achieve (they hope) the same purpose.

Perhaps the most strange to me is the use of "fake sleeves." Women will buy sleeves (fabric sown to act like a sleeve with elastic bands at each end) which they wear on their arms while wearing a short sleeve shirt. Often this fabric has a print on it which might be childish or floral or some other pattern, design or color that clashes with the rest of their ensemble. Fashion goes out the window in hopes of maintaining a whiter skin color.

"Man who catch fly with chopstick accomplish anything"

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:33:02 GMT

Mr. Miyagi says that to Daniel in the "Karate Kid" [see the YouTube clip]. I didn't catch a fly, but something interesting did happen the other day.

Sitting outside of school I was putting some lead in my mechanical pencil and my eraser fell off the table and under the metal umbrella stand underneath. I could see the eraser but neither me nor my friend could get it with our grubby fingers.

Another friend was sitting next to us and said, "Would a pair of Chopsticks work?"

He handed them to me, and I deftly used my mad-phat skills and yes, I captured the eraser and retrieved it in one fell swoop.

Props to me. My Chinese may suck, but damn I am good with those chopsticks.

Difficulty in Translation (from the China Post)

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 05:44:58 GMT

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is one government agency that loves to make translation extremely difficult, if not impossible, for translators.

Let's cite an example. When the International Olympic Committee (IOC) wanted to seat China to the exclusion of Taiwan, a genius in the Waichiaopu came up with a very honorable-sounding name, Chinese Taipei. Ours was named the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee, which remains an IOC member. That name has gained popularity: Taiwan is represented as Chinese Taipei in the Asian Development Bank, the World Trade Organization, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum; and so will it be in the World Health Organization, if President Ma Ying-jeou has his way.

That honorable name, mutually agreed upon by Taipei and Beijing, is a small nightmare for the people responsible for translating it into Chinese. Finally, the title was translated as "Zhong-hua Taipei (中華台北)" in Taipei and "Zhong-guo Taipei (中國台北)" in Beijing. Zhong-hua and Zhong-guo both mean China or Chinese in English, the only difference being "hua" stressing "flower" against the "country" for "guo." Participants in the Olympics from Taiwan call themselves representatives of Zhong-hua Taipei, but are addressed by the Chinese as those from Zhong-guo Taipei. Confusing? Well, it's just politically correct gobbledygook.

Our diplomats in Taipei have concocted more politically correct mumbo-jumbo. All missions abroad were told in a circular that they should describe all foreign VIP visits to Taiwan as "fang Hua (訪華)" instead of "fang Tai" (訪台) in their official correspondence with Taipei. The two terms in Chinese are causing unofficial translators more than enough trouble in rendering them into English (no official English translation is available). "Fang" causes no trouble, of course. It means a visit. "Hua" which is the same as the "hua" in Zhong-hua, well, means China or Chinese in an abbreviated form. Can an unfortunate unofficial translator translate the first term as "visits to China" or "Chinese visits?" That makes no sense whatsoever. A compromise, a breach in the golden rule of faithfulness in translation, is to describe it as "visits to the Republic of China." And if he wishes not to confuse readers, the translator must add "in or on Taiwan" to "the Republic of China." "Tai" defies translation. It may be the abbreviation of Taiwan or Taipei. The politically correct foreign service personnel mean the former, while free translators may think the latter is the right term to be used. Then another problem arises. What's wrong with foreign VIP visits to Taipei? Nothing.

What the diplomats did may be part of an unannounced de-Taiwanization campaign, a sort of counterattack against the de-Sinicization of the previous Democratic Progressive Party administration. Names mean little in real life, however. Officials had better call a spade a spade.

[Source"]

Pop my balloon

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 04:32:13 GMT

The last 2 chapters for this semester have been hard. I have not understood the grammar and barely remember the vocabulary. Last week I got a low score on my dictation and 20% on my test. This week my grade on my dictation was a Question Mark. Yes, in place of a grade there is a bog, fat red "?".

I always feel like the odd man out. In my last 3 semesters there has NEVER been another students in my class who has (a) never learned a foreign language (b) has not had some exposure to Chinese [as in one of their parents or grandparents speak it] or (c) is not Japanese or Korean [who already know how to write characters].

For the last 2 semesters I have always had to go back and repeat chapters. I have accepted this as what I have to do. It just takes longer to learn Chinese for me. People say that if I didn't work I would learn faster. Well, I have to work to make money so I can learn Chinese. What about scholarships, they say. Well, I can't apply for any of the scholarships cause my grade isn't grades are not good enough.

I am going to stick with it, but to be honest I feel pretty deflated today. I see my classmates from my first semester. They are at least 15 chapters ahead of where I am. Yet here I am plodding along in the end of my third quarter at the same spot they were at halfway through their second quarter. I know I should not compare myself to them, but its hard. I just wish it would sink in. I've already been here 8 months--what is my problem?

Speed Racer, Taiwan Style

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:01:31 GMT

In a former life I drove a 9 foot wide, 31 foot long bookmobile. So when I criticize the bus drivers in Taipei, I think I do so with some authority. I have one thing to say: SLOW DOWN.

If the stops are less than half a mile or a quarter of a mile apart, why do they insist on pulling across three lanes of traffic to the left hand lane after each stop, only to have to suddenly go back across 3 lanes of traffic to the right to pick up passengers?

I realize that there are scooterists and bicyclists in those lanes, but really, do they have to go across all 3? Just go in the middle, it would save less swerving and hassle.

Also, if they go slower, they wouldn't t have to brake so quickly. I am surprised that after 8 months of riding on the buses in Taipei, the other day was the first time I fell down when it came to a near screeching halt. I am lucky that I did not hit my head on the back of the bus (where I was sitting). The kind riders of the buses usually push the signal to to indicate they want to get off. Why must they wait til the last minute to suddenly swerve from the left hand lane, back to the right hand lane? They have had ample warning.

The buses are also often crowded. I have resigned myself to the the fate of standing most of the time. This cuts down on my flash card studying time because I must hold on for dear life it seems. They are quite crowded to the point where some mornings I literally must push people out of my way in my quest to go to exit at the front of the bus. Some times when it has been quite crowded and I am slowly making my way to the front, I have found myself being pushed from behind. I later discover (the 3 or 4 times this has happened) that it is not a young person, but an old lady. One who you would assume would be sweet and polite. But again, I should realize that these sweet, old ladies will also fight to be the first on the bus in hopes of gaining a prized seat wherein they can safely ride the bus as the driver performs slalom runs in the middle of Taipei.

I just wish I could spend the bus rides I have studying my flashcards and not terrified for my life as it flashes before my eyes.

Observations

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 10:04:35 GMT

Summer vacation is upon us. This means lots of little children unsupervised wandering around Taipei. I encountered some the other day at a Coffee Shop, around 15 of them loitering around, playing cards and just generally being little kids. It did not bother me so much, but was interesting to observe.

Last night a mother brought her kid to work to sit in the common area and work on homework while she was in English class. Prior to her class the daughter was using an abacus (yes, a real life abacus). While she performed her calculations, the mother was FEEDING her. The child could not take a break to feed herself, but in order to continue her homework was being fed during the course of it. At first I was shocked, but then I realized it was simply indicative of the pressure that parents in Asia put upon their children to succeed.

Some parents send their children to a Buxiban (an after school school) where they learn English and other subjects. It is not to tutor them, but to be extra work so they learn more. Most students who attend school for 5 hours a day then go to a Buxiban for another 3-4, returning home at 9 or 10 at night. I think it is a lot of stress, but when you look at the scores on the Math and Science (compared to America) I think that perhaps there is something to it. One of my students was an exchange student in Boise, Idaho for a year last year. He said he always got 100% on his math because it was not challenging enough. I do not know if he had already had the class in Taiwan, but when most of our American students don't get 100%, I think that is something we should ponder on.

Teaching "English"

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:51:42 GMT

One of the perks of my job is sometimes having very strange and interesting conversations with my students. Especially about me and America in general. This last week a student asked where I was from (this poses a difficult answer for me because I was born and lived in California for 8 years, lived in Michigan for over 15 years and then in the last year lived in both Oregon and Pennsylvania). I told him America (versus Canada). He then said, "Not England? You sound like you are British."

I think I stared at him for a little bit and blinked a few times. Maybe I laughed, I don't remember exactly how I responded, but I do know it included reassuring him that I indeed was American.

One of my other students then asked, "Are you Mormon?"

This further perplexed me and I asked what made her think that (I don't look different or anything).

"You talk like you are a Mormon."

So evidently Mormons talk a certain way.

She continued, "The first day of class when you started to talk you reminded me of those nice Mormon boys on their bikes. I have talked to a couple of them and they talk just like you." So whatever that means, I talk like I am a Mormon. :)

Sick again

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:32:27 GMT

The last few weeks I have been ill.

One weekend it was slight stomach bug. The next week it was a virus (fever of 102) then an infected saliva gland (yes, I know, HOW does that happen?) and now, as of last night, possible food poisoning (or some other stomach thing).

The weather has changed and has gotten hotter so maybe I caught something. But I am sick of being sick. I have already missed 3 days of Chinese class (out of 16 so far) and 3 days of work this month. I just hope I get better soon

Can you spare some change?

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 09:40:09 GMT

It seems that my horrible math ability is actually better than my horrible Chinese ability. As anyone in my family can attest Peter is not very good at math. I sometimes have to do simple calculations on paper or on a (surprise!) calculator. Despite this ineptatude twice in the past 3 days have I had to correct store clerks. In both cases I gave them the exact number of coins so I could (a) divest myself of them and (b) so I wouldn't get any more. This effort seems to prove useless.

Taiwan does not have cents. However its dollar comes in coin form for 1, 5, 10 and 50. Today for example something cost $160. So I gave the clerk $1060 who promptly gave me back change in the amount of $840. That would have been right had I given her $1000, but that was not the case. The same thing happened when I bought a bottle of water the other night.

It is heartening to know that even though I struggle with Chinese and Math, my Math is better than those who can speak Chinese.

Questions about Apostrophes and Elephants; or Why I wear my Headphones

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 10:27:22 GMT

While waiting to cross the street to take the MRT to work a man looked at me and started talking to me. I took out my earphones so I could hear what he was saying. I did not understand all he asked, but I did get the fact that he was asking (in Chinese) if I was an American.

I responded and he proceeded to ask me a question about a phrase: "Elephants stuffed peanuts." I responded that I was not familiar with that phrase and perhaps he meant "An elephant stuffed with peanuts" (as in had eaten too many). He did not mean that and repeated the phrase, asking whether an apostrophe was necessary. I told him I was not sure because the phrase did not make sense.

We continued our conversation across the street and into the MRT station. It became apparent that he was mispronouncing a word. "Peanuts" was supposed to be "penis." Yes, that's right. Evidently he had read an article about a museum that had a stuffed elephant phallus and he questioned the possessive nature of the apostrophe.

I wonder who remembers the grammar of newspapers, but be that as it may I spent the next 6 minutes trying to explain when an apostrophe would be necessary (to indicate possession) and ways to reword the sentence so it would not be necessary. I tried to steer clear of using the exact phrase and kept saying "tigers stuffed head" instead. Despite my attempt at that he continued to use his example and somewhat loudly.

I was rather embarrassed to be discussing the possessive nature of an elephants stuffed reproductive organs in such a public place. I was lucky that my MRT stop was only 2 stations away and that he did not decide to disembark at the same location as me.

While I do not mind conversing with strangers this is exactly why I listen to my iPod while taking public mass transit.

Für Elise is trash

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 14:09:45 GMT

I really don't think Für Elise is trash, but now every time I hear it I think of garbage. Much like the Ice Cream truck playing Scott Joplins rag "The Entertainer", the garbage trucks in Taipei City play Ludwig Von Beethoven's bagatelle to announce that they are there and ready to pick up the refuse.

Trash in Taiwan is very organized. Official garbage bags must be used. A tax on the bag pays for the frequent trash pick up. Your trash much be organized into paper (for recycling), food waste (which is given to pig farmers for feed), plastic bottles (also for recycling) and another category I cannot remember.

Despite this system trash can still be found in some streets and alleys, abandoned lots and of course the river wherein I have been paddling for Dragon Boat practice for the past 6 weeks. Today it rained and one of the team members said, "Just think, the rain is cleaner than the river so you are getting a shower." Everyone laughed. But someone also mentioned that it was probably more acidic. Who knows, maybe by the end of the race I'll end up with a third eye and a tail.

Look both ways

Fri, 30 May 2008 08:37:09 GMT

It has been said that when you are a foreigner in another country you should wait for the locals to start before you cross the street. It is pretty good advice and advice that for the most part I have followed. I have been in Taiwan for 6 months now and admit that I have on occasions been lax regarding this truism. Complacency perhaps has set in. Today however my vigilance is renewed.

I saw the bus coming, but it had to stop at another light before the one I was at. The crosswalk changed and showed the green walking man with the amount of time (89 seconds, don't ask why it couldn't be a full minute and a half at this light, I have no clue, other lights have 90 seconds). I was 2 seconds into the crosswalk when I looked over and saw the city bus headed straight for me. It was far enough away that I was able to jog out of the way but it scared me. I had looked before and it appeared the bus was stopping at the first light, but I guess he decided not to and put the 外國人(waiguoren; foreigner) in his sights.

I was lucky this time. Next time the bus driver might decide to speed up. At any rate, it means for now I will regress to allowing the locals to take the first steps off the curb.