The damper in the center of Taipei 101

“Do not be tense, just be ready, not thinking but not dreaming, not being set but being flexible” -Bruce Lee

The picture above is what you’ll see if you ever visit the top Taipei 101. It was once the largest building the world until it was surpassed by Dubai’s Burj Khalfa. The damper in the center of the building lets it sway like a wet noodle during an earthquake.

When I moved to Taiwan, I wasn’t at all scared of earthquakes. I’m still not. I’m a California girl and I grew up with shaking. I actually slept through an earthquake once while my family panicked. They really don’t phase me.

However, I was really glad to know that Taiwan is one of the most earthquake safe places around.

Taiwan has been through many earthquakes. Because of this fact, they have developed building techonology that creates flexible yet sturdy buildings.

The concept is simple. As Bruce Lee says; what is flexible will move. The damper in the center of Taipei 101 is basically a massive ball that allows the building to move from side to side. While Taiwan’s building don’t all employ this method, the principle is generally the same.

Recently, both Chile and Haiti suffered during massive earthquake damage and death because they were ill prepared. However, Taiwan went through an earthquake just a week or two later and there were no reported deaths. While there was damage to some older buildings, I think it’s safe to say that Taiwan is doing a pretty good on the earthquake safety front.

So, kudos to Taiwan and keep up the good work. I hope that we can encourage all countries to prioritize earthquake safety so that we avoid tragedies like those of the previous months.

Although its faults are many, its residents extremely varied, and both its present and history marked with violence, I love America.

I love America not for its government, not to for its war of terror, not for its imposition on cultures. I love America not for its shock and awe, not for its global ignorance, or for its military prowess.

I love America for its bare bones. I love America for the grassroots. Basically, I love America for its people.

People of all races, creeds, religions, ethnicities, and every other difference under the warm sun. Not that we don’t have our morons, thieves, and greed ridden criminals. This diversity is what creates the greatest beauty.

Out of chaos comes peace and out of America comes the greatest people I’ve ever met. Maybe it seems like I’m hypocritical of flip flopping like a politician but I’ve never doubted the ability of Americans. I’ve never doubted the ability to struggle from what seems hopeless and to come out stronger than ever.

Basically, I miss home. But I’m thankful for the amazing people from all the world that I’m meeting in Taiwan. However, I’m most blessed with the presence of intelligent, creative, open, honest, esoteric, stubborn, confident, and beautiful Americans.

Maybe it just says something about Americans who are willing to travel. To go out into the world with no clear plan. To out in search of anything without knowing whether you’ll find it or even caring. It’s that attitude that I not only relate to but also am thankful for.

When I do come home, I won’t come without gifts. I’ll come bearing lessons, stories, and a positive outlook. I’ll come with knowledge, motivation, and the smarts to back it up. I’ll come with love, hope, and an undying will to live. When I come home, I’ll bring the world back with me.

I also took some photos that weekend.

This was the view from our beautiful campsite.

Some talented teachers hiking up a river!

We kayaked on this amazing lake.

Here is a shot of the small town of Puli in central Taiwan.

The view from our campsite at night.

An early morning view.

A paraglider cruises by the campsite.

Overall, I learned that some things are transcultural. Good food, great friends, amazing photos, and unforgettable memories are cherished all over the globe.

Technorati Tags: taiwan, beautiful, pictures, sun moon lake, puli, video

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Or do we? Is some of this stereotyping and prejudice actually more close to an accurate perception than a farce?

The other day I went to one of my favorite places to eat in Taichung. It’s near my gym and my branch and they serve healthy American style food. For example, I always order the chicken sub sandwich on wheat. However, I always point to it on the menu and make a point to say “Wo yao zhe ge” or “Ji ro”. The first being, “I want this one” and the second being “Chicken”.

The point is that I’m making an effort to learn Chinese. Although the young Taiwanese man behind the counter might very well understand me if I spoke in English, I find it someone presumptive to force my language on him. It wasn’t very difficult for me to learn a few simple phrases in Chinese so why not use them?

I sat down waited for my “ji ro” when I couldn’t help but notice a very loud and obviously American man sitting next to me.

The sight was somewhat disruptive. He was sitting with a Taiwanese girl and yelling at her in English. Although, to him, he was simply talking.

“Ugh, this song is TERRIBLE! Just horrible. Hey, KILL THE MUSIC! KILL THE MUSIC!”, he screams to the Taiwanese man behind the counter.

The man working behind the counter looks puzzled but eventually changes the station.

“Oh, god that song is awful. It’s a Chinese version of a Linda Ronstadt song from the 1970′s. She sung it with Chris Christopherson. Horrible song and even worse in Chinese”

The waiter then brings him his drink and he says, “Thanks!”… However, when greeted with a blank stare he continues to say, “Thanks!” over and over until the poor waiter finally says “Xie Xie” or thanks in Chinese.

I’m sitting there wondering if I should have gotten my “ji ro” sandwich to go. I really enjoy my quiet times in this restaurant. I watch the news in Chinese and try to pick up some words that I know. I listen to whatever they play on the radio and I make sure to say “Xie xie” when I leave.

I exit and proceed to work where I begin a conversation with a fellow teacher about how he find Americans to be very arrogant, rude, and ignorant to other cultures. I defend America and say that “Well, not everyone is like that… I mean, sure, some are but…”

I find myself thinking about my recent experience with the American at the nearby restaurant and I actually change my opinion mid-conversation.

After relaying my story to my British friend, he replies, “Well, that’s exactly what I’m talking about”.

I’ve been thinking about this a lot. I make a special point to try my best to use the language of the country that I’m in. I don’t know many words but I will try to utilize the ones that I do and I attempt to learn new ones all the time. It is true that many Taiwanese people can understand and speak some English but honestly, why should they be expected to? The pressure should remain on the foreigner to try to adapt to their current living environment. I hold an American passport and to that I will hold true. However, when does being proud to be an American end? When does it simply become blind arrogance? I’m not sure but I hope that I can change some Taiwanese people’s minds about foreigners and Americans. I know I can’t destroy a stereotype on my own but maybe if I try hard enough then I can change just one person’s mind.

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The following is what my prescription looked like:

Yes, Christ. Apparently, Heidi Christina Briones becomes “Christ” in Taiwan.

This is all the medicine that they gave me.

It seems to be some kind of herbal concoction that I am supposed to take with water.

So, I guess I take these herbs for five days and then I’m cured. We will see what happens. The absolute best part is that the visit to the doctor was only $150 NT (New Taiwan Dollars). Which converts to about $4.50 USD. My medicine? Only $20 NT or about 80 cents. I love Taiwan.

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It truly is. Although the streets are crowded, noisy and polluted. Although the betel nut grin of the local can be too much to bear at times. Although the stares of the elderly are daunting at 7:00 am. Although there seems to be a overwhelming feeling of solitude for the foreigner.

A trip not too far outside the city of Taichung can remind you of the beauty that exists without trying. While your city days are filled with minor frustrations, screaming children, and the occasional scooter dodge, the great outdoors continue to exist in peace.

In this, I remind you to escape from the grind today. Even if you only visit a local park or pause to look at a bird nesting in a tree, take that moment. Take that moment and know that I am sharing the beauty of life with you. Take it now before life continues to pass by at such a rapid rate. Take it now and realize that somewhere, right now, there is a beautiful waterfall in a tropical forest that continues to flow whether you take this time or not.

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This is a picture at a local temple near my hotel in Taipei.

I hope all is well with everyone back home. I miss you all very much. I’m learning to be an amazing teacher and I’m having a great time with all my new teacher friends. Soon I will meet my students and begin to have an impact on their lives. I’m looking forward to sharing EVERYTHING with you.