I woke up freezing to death from the lovely air conditioning. I guess I had begun to acclimate to the hot, humid environment of normal Taiwanese life. We are very spoiled in America with all of our luxuries and conveniences that we take for granted.
I got everything packed and ready to go. I only had time for an espresso from the machine in the lobby. I checked out of the hotel and walked down to the end of the street. I waited for the light and crossed it to reach the Ambassador Hotel. It's a five star hotel in Taipei and the airport shuttle runs from there about once an hour. It was about 7:30 in the morning and there wasn't a whole lot of people, out and about. As I approached the hotel's main entrance, the concierge walked up. "請問，先生，台灣桃園機場嗎？", "Qǐngwèn, xiānshēng, táiwān táoyuán jīchǎng ma?" or "Excuse me, Sir, Taiwan Taoyuan Airport?" I asked and I pointed to the curbside. "對對對，一，一，二，七", "Duì duì duì, yī, yī, èr, qī" or "Right, 1127", he replied. "謝謝你", "Xièxiè nǐ" or "Thank you", I thanked him and went to stand near the curb and wait.
Soon, 1127 arrived and I boarded, taking a front seat so I could see. I found that this bus also commutes a few students to and from school. Several students boarded the bus at various locations. I guess to them, it was just another bus that also went to the airport terminals.
At one point during the ride, our bus needed to change lanes to get on the freeway. The driver tried several times and it seemed one of the other buses would not let him in. Finally, he put on his blinker again and muscled his way over to the right lane, causing the other bus to blare his horn. Just as we were about to take the entrance ramp to the freeway, the other bus sped up and passed us on the left. He then pulled in front our bus and stopped, causing our driver to stop suddenly to avoid hitting him. The other bus' doors opened and the driver exited the bus, swearing angrily in Taiwanese. He came to the front of our bus and continued his rant. I thought it was somewhat comical. I could see our bus driver in the mirror and he maintained a cool expression wearing his sunglasses. The other driver shook his fist and walked over to the driver's side of the bus and continued to curse. Our driver simply turned his head toward the man and stared, never changing his expression or saying a word. Eventually, the other driver began to walk back to his bus. He turned and glared one more time and then returned to his bus and left. As we started to drive away, I let out a little chuckle, as I thought the other driver looked ridiculous with his display. Our bus driver just looked at me from the mirror and a smirk appeared on his face. We made our way to the airport and I thanked him as I exited the bus. The driver smiled and gave me a nod.
After I checked in and went through security, I bought a few items as I still had about $2500 NT or $75 US to spend.
The rest of the trip was uneventful, unlike last time when I left my laptop bag on the concourse train and had to go find it. This one was much easier.
I was very happy to experience what daily life is in Taiwan. It is a simple, but an enjoyable way of life. I'm sure there are many that have been heavily influenced by Western culture. I saw it many times, in Taipei. Designer purses and clothing. People trying to stay ahead of the Jones' and accumulating debt, just like those of us in the West. Tainan City is a city where people enjoy life at a little slower pace. They stop and smell the roses. They go to the park for walks together. Not that this doesn't happen elsewhere, you just get a sense of the real culture of the Taiwanese people in Tainan City. Having some of the modern technology along with ancient traditions together in a harmonious light. I truly enjoyed being a part of it, even but for a very brief moment in time.
I was made to feel...
At home in Taiwan.
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