For the past two weeks my Chinese has improved exponentially. This is due to the language lessons at the Taipei University of Education courtesy of the Rotary Club. While Chinese homework has consumed most of my time during the week, the weekend allowed for quality down time. With all this free time my attention was turned towards my quest for a pumpkin. Although ultimately unsuccessful my pursuit for a pumpkin had its benefits. I bumped into exchange students early Saturday morning at the MRT main station. Soon afterwards I found myself in an Internet cafe playing a computer game. Turns out that computer games just aren't my cup of tea, so I left in search of the ever present Seven Elevens to withdraw some money. The Seven Eleven I entered didn't contain an ATM that would work for me or any pumpkins but it did offer some friends and adventure.
My new acquaintances were from Manila studying Med. and were traveling in Taiwan after their mid-terms. One was originally from NYC and the other from London. Soon the acquaintances turned into friends and I found myself joining them. After a short MRT ride we ended up at Taipei 101 waiting for someone by the name of Noodles. Noodles arrives and by this time I had abandoned my search for a pumpkin because he had promised the best pearl milk tea in Taiwan. It was an hour commute to the residency of the best milk tea in Taiwan and was well worth every minute. The milk teas restaurant serves full meals and everything served has tea leaves in it. The milk tea is outstanding and we are treated to a free tea ceremony. During the ceremony I discover that the Taiwanese aren't the only ones who look down upon bagged tea. My new friend from London discusses tea with me and much to my surprise the coveted Barry's Tea stored at my house in the United States is poor quality. I am so shocked at this news since until this year Barry's Tea was the best tea I've ever had.
I decided to enter another Seven Eleven to try the ATM. Much to my surprise it was the last time I saw my card. When the machine did not spit my card back out after it denied me access I became worried. Then it became apparent the machine wasn't going to give it back. I didn't want to leave my card in there in case someone else was able to retrieve it. I assumed a fighting stance to guard the machine with my life and called the Seven Eleven employee over. My fears may have been exaggerated because the only person in the store beside the employee was a friendly man who was able to get me on a phone with someone at the ATM service who spoke English. I returned home without a pumpkin, without money, and without my card, but I did return with a light heart.
Later that night I discovered a church that offered an English mass. So the next morning I headed over to the church. After Mass the newcomers were encouraged to stand up and say where they were from. During the coffee social after mass I befriended two men of Nigerian descent. They had family in Vancouver and New Jersey and were teaching English here. After a walk in Daan Park we had lunch near my University. The food here is delicious and cheap. Filling meals are available for under three U.S. dollars.
The next morning I placed money on my Easy Card which allows me to use the convenient public transportation. I never used that card again. Unfortunately my Easy Card became lost in the path between my hand and my pocket. The worst part of this discovery is that it happened while I was already on the bus. A lovely lady gave me the necessary change I needed to get off the bus and find my way back to where I was supposed to be. I owe the people of Taiwan so much.
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