Impromptu Interview

Being Caucasian in Taiwan is like being a member of a secret society that isn't secret at all because you're wearing your membership card taped to your forehead. Being a part of this secret society means that other Caucasians smile and wink at you on the street because they are part of the secret society too and they have their membership cards taped to their foreheads. Taiwanese people smile and wink at you on the street, either because you remind them of their favorite celebrities, who belong to the secret society, or because they want you to help them practice their English. At times being a part of this secret society can be quite enjoyable. At other times it can be quite strange.

01Starbucks, the original

In a particularly peculiar moment, I am jogging in my neighborhood today and I pass by a kindergarten. The owner of the kindergarten is sitting inside and must have seen me coming through the window. As I pass by, she comes outside and starts jumping up and down and waving her arms in the air like a crazy person. Not sure what is going on with her, I stop to see what is up. Mind you, I am jogging, so I am completely sweaty, out of breath, and wearing nothing but a sports bra, a pair of mesh shorts, and my sneakers. Well, without warning, the woman starts asking me about my teaching qualifications. I explain to her that I am a teacher, but that I am not seeking further employment at this time. That doesn't stop her. She continues to interview me right there on the spot, asking me about my teaching methods and work habits, and so on. Finally she tells me that she wants to offer me a position. At this point I have to put a stop to the conversation, given my physical state, and I suggest that we meet at a more convenient time for me, like when I am showered and wearing clothes. She agrees to let me go but makes me promise to come back and give her my resume in case I become available in the future. As I lope away, it occurs to me that I have never been interviewed for a job while working out before. What a curious thing this secret society is.

02Barista Coffee

Speaking of curious things, have I mentioned the lack of copyright laws in Taiwan? I haven't? Well, I can't say for sure that there aren't copyright laws in Taiwan, but I can say for sure that they are not in the least bit enforced. This laxness of the law manifests itself most conspicuously in the coffee culture. If you think the United States has a lot of Starbucks, you should come to Taipei. Not only can you find a Starbucks on every corner, you can, without fail, find four imitation Starbucks's within a twenty-yard radius of the original. And the best part is that they all have the same logo...with minor adjustments. It cracks me up, to say the least. I've attached pictures. Enjoy!

03Is Coffee

04E Coffee