It's become hard to ignore, especially after a weekend field trip. I am on the receiving end of the halo effect: my perceived general aptitude is downgraded on account of my almost nonexistent language skills. However, it's not just me. I've seen friends who are more proficient get the same treatment. Generally, I think the Taiwanese have pretty low expectations for foreigners.
Here are some more memorable instances where Taiwanese reactions range from surprised to utterly incredulous:
*using chopsticks
*cooking food for myself
*using a washing machine
*building a shelf
*shooting a paintball gun
*sledding down a hill
*mending a tear in my backpack
Sometimes, I think it's cute. Other times, I furrow my brows.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Teaching Update
Previously, I explained that I like teaching at the kindergarten more than cram school. Well, I still do. I promised updates about the cram school. This is the first installment: the bad class.
Candidly, one class kind of sucks. Mostly the boys - their behavior is a problem. I keep a journal/organizer. (It's titled Power Notebook! and I drew lightning bolts on the cover). Here is an excerpt about bad class:
Classroom management is critical to teaching this class effectually.
My first method started with putting names on the board and adding X's. The students knew that three X's were bad. This was a poorly planned idea. Creating a threshold only encourages more dicking-off up until the threshold. Basically, I clarified precisely how much dicking-off was allowed: 2.9999999 X's. Also, fear was short lived - soon they were less scared and more curious about that third X. I thought about a few options that, ultimately, would have been too lax or, on the other extreme, gotten them beaten (seriously) by their parents. I didn't like either option.
Next, I tried a combination of publicity and physical punishment. I had the troublemakers stand up on their chairs and hold their arms straight out. This was too much a distraction (and dangerous).
Then, I singled out troublemakers with a barrage of reading and questions. Better, but singling out one kid gives the others free reign. Also, the problem is compounded when the girls get bored because they aren't engaged.
Lastly, I started constantly walking around and standing over their shoulders. To date, this has been the most effective tactic for keeping them under control. Obviously, not effective when I must be at the whiteboard. Also, it makes me feel like such a disciplinarian.
I'm not too worried, though, as I think my disciplinarian role will be short term. Eventually, they'll be conditioned. When that happens, I'll lighten up and start to have more fun with the class.
I'll be the pack leader:
Just great, South Park - much better than advice from TEFL books. You can watch the full episode here: http://www.southparkstudios.com/full-episodes/s10e07-tsst
Candidly, one class kind of sucks. Mostly the boys - their behavior is a problem. I keep a journal/organizer. (It's titled Power Notebook! and I drew lightning bolts on the cover). Here is an excerpt about bad class:
The boys are shitheads. Anything is a toy: socks, rocks, coins, pencils. [They are] constantly shuffling around, talking, falling, fighting, and spilling water. No focus or participation.I can empathize because once upon a time I was the problem child. My mom could tell you about my preschool alter-ego whom I named Sassy. In high school, I was suspended for putting laxatives in a teacher's coffee. However, I'm a grown up now. (?) More importantly, a teacher who is being paid well by these kids' parents.
Classroom management is critical to teaching this class effectually.
My first method started with putting names on the board and adding X's. The students knew that three X's were bad. This was a poorly planned idea. Creating a threshold only encourages more dicking-off up until the threshold. Basically, I clarified precisely how much dicking-off was allowed: 2.9999999 X's. Also, fear was short lived - soon they were less scared and more curious about that third X. I thought about a few options that, ultimately, would have been too lax or, on the other extreme, gotten them beaten (seriously) by their parents. I didn't like either option.
Next, I tried a combination of publicity and physical punishment. I had the troublemakers stand up on their chairs and hold their arms straight out. This was too much a distraction (and dangerous).
Then, I singled out troublemakers with a barrage of reading and questions. Better, but singling out one kid gives the others free reign. Also, the problem is compounded when the girls get bored because they aren't engaged.
Lastly, I started constantly walking around and standing over their shoulders. To date, this has been the most effective tactic for keeping them under control. Obviously, not effective when I must be at the whiteboard. Also, it makes me feel like such a disciplinarian.
I'm not too worried, though, as I think my disciplinarian role will be short term. Eventually, they'll be conditioned. When that happens, I'll lighten up and start to have more fun with the class.
I'll be the pack leader:
Just great, South Park - much better than advice from TEFL books. You can watch the full episode here: http://www.southparkstudios.com/full-episodes/s10e07-tsst
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Kenting
I hadn't planned on traveling for a while but couldn't resist a study abroad reunion. I went to Kenting this past weekend to meet an old friend. Dramatic travel guide-like description: Kenting is marked by its idyllic coastal highway, a plethora of beaches, and as a surf and scuba mecca. (I think I nailed that.)
Firstly, it was great seeing an old friend after two years. Last time I saw this girl was in Buenos Aires, where nights out frequently enveloped breakfast. Generally, I will admit to being a touch apprehensive before a reunion. Often, I find it less than comfortable/enjoyable reuniting with friends past. More particularly, ones that don't meet expectations and leave me feeling nostalgic. Well, this weekend was a comfortable mix of catching up and catching sun. I mentioned it was great seeing her. It really was - her impress stands the test of time.
Also, I realized my luck having chosen to live in Donggang, situated between Kaohsiung and Kenting. It will be convenient for me to spend weekends surfing and scuba diving in Kenting. My friend had to take the high speed rail from Taipei to Kaohsiung. Then, a bus from Kaohsiung to Kenting. Altogether, about a four or five hour trip. For me, only a little longer than hour bus ride to white sand.
Shortly after arrival in Kenting, we rented scooters. The scooters made everything more accessible and were really fun to drive. I thought of them as more toy than transport, however, the scooters (90cc) easily reached speeds of 80-90 kph. I officially caught scooter fever.
On day one, we scootered to a scenic lighthouse right before sunset and spent some time hiking by the ocean. Later, dinner and drinks with a new friend from the hostel. This turned into more drinks. Then, walking around and more drinks and more friends. 'Twas a later night than expected but totally worth sleeping a few extra hours the next morning. (I can't resist a bro-out.)
Sunday, we scootered to another beach popular with surfers. I wasn't sure about trying surfing, but the cool dude from the previous night was there and offered free lessons. I couldn't pass up free pointers. I always imagine trying a new sport and just being a natural. That hasn't happened yet. Surfing is hard. "You look like a shipwreck out there," succinctly sums it up. Still, it's fun.
We left the surf beach and slowly scootered home, stopping along the way to check out landmarks, take pictures, and do some snorkeling.
Altogether, a great weekend.
Firstly, it was great seeing an old friend after two years. Last time I saw this girl was in Buenos Aires, where nights out frequently enveloped breakfast. Generally, I will admit to being a touch apprehensive before a reunion. Often, I find it less than comfortable/enjoyable reuniting with friends past. More particularly, ones that don't meet expectations and leave me feeling nostalgic. Well, this weekend was a comfortable mix of catching up and catching sun. I mentioned it was great seeing her. It really was - her impress stands the test of time.
Also, I realized my luck having chosen to live in Donggang, situated between Kaohsiung and Kenting. It will be convenient for me to spend weekends surfing and scuba diving in Kenting. My friend had to take the high speed rail from Taipei to Kaohsiung. Then, a bus from Kaohsiung to Kenting. Altogether, about a four or five hour trip. For me, only a little longer than hour bus ride to white sand.
Shortly after arrival in Kenting, we rented scooters. The scooters made everything more accessible and were really fun to drive. I thought of them as more toy than transport, however, the scooters (90cc) easily reached speeds of 80-90 kph. I officially caught scooter fever.
On day one, we scootered to a scenic lighthouse right before sunset and spent some time hiking by the ocean. Later, dinner and drinks with a new friend from the hostel. This turned into more drinks. Then, walking around and more drinks and more friends. 'Twas a later night than expected but totally worth sleeping a few extra hours the next morning. (I can't resist a bro-out.)
Sunday, we scootered to another beach popular with surfers. I wasn't sure about trying surfing, but the cool dude from the previous night was there and offered free lessons. I couldn't pass up free pointers. I always imagine trying a new sport and just being a natural. That hasn't happened yet. Surfing is hard. "You look like a shipwreck out there," succinctly sums it up. Still, it's fun.
We left the surf beach and slowly scootered home, stopping along the way to check out landmarks, take pictures, and do some snorkeling.
Altogether, a great weekend.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Sorry, Bros and Libertarians
I've heard Four Loko is now banned in the States. Animated Taiwanese news reports:
Highlights: 0:13, 0:38,
Also related, I perked up when I saw Robin Hanson took notice. I usually perk up when I read his blog. Anyhow, he remarks :
On the bright side, I haven't seen any Thanksgiving recipes that required Four Loko as an ingredient.
Highlights: 0:13, 0:38,
Also related, I perked up when I saw Robin Hanson took notice. I usually perk up when I read his blog. Anyhow, he remarks :
The FDA likes to present itself as a paragon of scientific rigor, but there is no rigor here. No randomized experiments or even careful regressions. Just public pressure to “do something” about vivid examples of “those people” hurting themselves.
Little remains of the rule of law precept to treat people equally. ... Clearly the goal is to target particular vaguely-imagined classes of people, and regulators would be fine with having the law specify ... whatever it took to get to “them” without overly bothering “us.”Read his entire post here.
On the bright side, I haven't seen any Thanksgiving recipes that required Four Loko as an ingredient.
Friday, November 19, 2010
My Rooftop View
Here is the view from the rooftop of my apartment complex.
Look at the last two pictures; Kaohsiung's skyline is barely visible by day but jumps out at night. I am going to spend a lot of nights on the rooftop. To date, it's the best I've had - no trespassing necessary.
 |
| Dapeng Bay |
 |
| At night |
 |
| Looking at Donggang |
 |
| At night |
Look at the last two pictures; Kaohsiung's skyline is barely visible by day but jumps out at night. I am going to spend a lot of nights on the rooftop. To date, it's the best I've had - no trespassing necessary.
It's Still Dre Day
First track release from Dr. Dre's forthcoming album: http://www.drdre.com/kush/Revealed.aspx. Yeah, I'm stoked.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Canada is Gay...
...At least according to OkTrends, the enthralling blog that crunches OkCupid's wealth of data. The content is fresh, empirical, and plenty jocular. So yeah, basically the opposite of this post's low-brow title. Anyhow, read the entire article here: http://blog.okcupid.com/index.php/gay-sex-vs-straight-sex/. You're welcome.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Field Trip
Today was government inspection day at the school. Government inspection day also means field trip day for foreign kindergarten teachers, unlicensed teachers, and enough students to put the school's pupil count within regulation.
There are three foreign teachers and we rotate field trips. I feel like I drew the short straw: today's trip was a nearby park. Yes, parks are nice, but compared to an aquarium or water purification plant field trip!!! We're talking SHARKS!!! And FLOCCULATION!!! Respectively, I hope.
Maybe next time...
There are three foreign teachers and we rotate field trips. I feel like I drew the short straw: today's trip was a nearby park. Yes, parks are nice, but compared to an aquarium or water purification plant field trip!!! We're talking SHARKS!!! And FLOCCULATION!!! Respectively, I hope.
Maybe next time...
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
DIY Bamboo Organizer
I needed a kitchen rack and couldn't find anything suitable. Bamboo is cheap and abundant so I decided to make one. I used duct tape, some twine, and a Leatherman multi tool.
Step 1. Cut all of the bamboo to size. Bamboo is hollow, so this was easily doable with a Leatherman.
Step 2. Clean off the bamboo. The stalk on the left was fresh out of the plastic. The right was after cleaning. What a difference.
I think bamboo is a cool material because it has a lot of character.
Step 3. Lash the vertical and horizontal posts together.
Step 4. Keep lashing.
Step 5. Add racks accordingly. I wanted the organizer to be utilitarian so the top rack doubles as a cutting board. I added S hooks to the hanging shelf so it can hold spatulas, tea strainers, etc.
I'm happy with the final product.
Step 1. Cut all of the bamboo to size. Bamboo is hollow, so this was easily doable with a Leatherman.
Step 2. Clean off the bamboo. The stalk on the left was fresh out of the plastic. The right was after cleaning. What a difference.
I think bamboo is a cool material because it has a lot of character.
Step 3. Lash the vertical and horizontal posts together.
Step 4. Keep lashing.
Step 5. Add racks accordingly. I wanted the organizer to be utilitarian so the top rack doubles as a cutting board. I added S hooks to the hanging shelf so it can hold spatulas, tea strainers, etc.
Monday, November 15, 2010
One Month
Today marks one month, but I still feel more transient than resident.
On a macro level, I've been incredibly systematic. Step one was job searching, then interviews, then deciding which job to accept. Then, I accepted a job and moved into a permanent apartment. Roots planted? Check.
However, on a micro level, there are still voids both materially and otherwise.
For example, I'm writing this post not from my living room but instead leaned over my balcony, the only spot I can pirate a bar of precious unencrypted wireless. My apartment is still a work in progress. Shopping is still an adventure, as is getting food. I don't have a go-to list of my favorite places for x, y, and z like in Minneapolis.
Also, if you asked, "Tim, what is your schedule like?" I couldn't really tell you because my schedule is still peppered with transitional stuff. Aside from work, I don't have a routine but really want one. That's not meant be taken ad absurdum or romanticized: "Tim, traveling is all about spontaneity bla bla bla embrace bla bla." No. I'm not traveling abroad. I'm living abroad. It's a different concept.
That also explains why my transition has been pretty uneventful. I want to be settled in before I start my kick-ass weekend adventures. I'm plenty spontaneous but more pragmatic, I guess. I think settled in means the following:
On a macro level, I've been incredibly systematic. Step one was job searching, then interviews, then deciding which job to accept. Then, I accepted a job and moved into a permanent apartment. Roots planted? Check.
However, on a micro level, there are still voids both materially and otherwise.
For example, I'm writing this post not from my living room but instead leaned over my balcony, the only spot I can pirate a bar of precious unencrypted wireless. My apartment is still a work in progress. Shopping is still an adventure, as is getting food. I don't have a go-to list of my favorite places for x, y, and z like in Minneapolis.
Also, if you asked, "Tim, what is your schedule like?" I couldn't really tell you because my schedule is still peppered with transitional stuff. Aside from work, I don't have a routine but really want one. That's not meant be taken ad absurdum or romanticized: "Tim, traveling is all about spontaneity bla bla bla embrace bla bla." No. I'm not traveling abroad. I'm living abroad. It's a different concept.
That also explains why my transition has been pretty uneventful. I want to be settled in before I start my kick-ass weekend adventures. I'm plenty spontaneous but more pragmatic, I guess. I think settled in means the following:
- I feel my apartment is adequate.
- I have an ARC.
- I have my "regular" venues.
- My Monday-Friday has some structure.
What I'm Eating - Pigs' Feet
Someone recommended that I try pigs' feet. Here it is, with soup to the right:
I liked the soup. It was light on the palate and had a really silky finish with just a hint of sweetness. Its smell actually reminded me of hay and there was no lipid layer. I guessed it was a plant based soup. Wrong-o. It was made from dehydrated Skipjack tuna. The tuna is dehydrated whole, thinly sliced, and then made into stock. The stock is consumed as soup or used to cook with. I had most all of the soup because I wasn't keen on the pigs' feet.
The feet were braised, and I can't imagine them being prepared another way because there is oh-so-much connective tissue, fat, and bone. Not that I particularly dislike any of those things - in the contrary, my favorite cut of steak is the bone-in ribeye - I just need a suitable ratio. Next, the skin had a chewy, waxy combination of a texture. Not in the slightest was there any delicious baconesque flavor. Contrary, think lard flavored jello. For me, this was a one-and-done.
I liked the soup. It was light on the palate and had a really silky finish with just a hint of sweetness. Its smell actually reminded me of hay and there was no lipid layer. I guessed it was a plant based soup. Wrong-o. It was made from dehydrated Skipjack tuna. The tuna is dehydrated whole, thinly sliced, and then made into stock. The stock is consumed as soup or used to cook with. I had most all of the soup because I wasn't keen on the pigs' feet.
The feet were braised, and I can't imagine them being prepared another way because there is oh-so-much connective tissue, fat, and bone. Not that I particularly dislike any of those things - in the contrary, my favorite cut of steak is the bone-in ribeye - I just need a suitable ratio. Next, the skin had a chewy, waxy combination of a texture. Not in the slightest was there any delicious baconesque flavor. Contrary, think lard flavored jello. For me, this was a one-and-done.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Bring Some Duct Tape
Lately, I have been Macgyvering some things around my new apartment and I'm reminded how useful duct tape is. It stops small leaks in plumbing, ripping and tearing in furniture, bug-proofs screens with holes, and reinforces all types of things. It even allowed me to build a bamboo kitchen organizer without investing in clamps. The kitchen organizer is wicked-cool looking and functional - thanks, duct tape.
I always bring duct tape with me while doing any serious traveling and advise others do the same; it is well worth its storage space given its almost infinite utility.
I have used duct tape to:
fix rips and tears in rain gear, bug nets, and my backpack cover
tamper proof baggage
tape my camera to ad hoc tripods/trees/rocks/walls/etc
tape shirts or pillow cases to a curtainless window
tape over a drain to wash clothes
create makeshift bandages
All small potatoes, though, Mythbusters lifted a car with duct tape.
I always bring duct tape with me while doing any serious traveling and advise others do the same; it is well worth its storage space given its almost infinite utility.
I have used duct tape to:
fix rips and tears in rain gear, bug nets, and my backpack cover
tamper proof baggage
tape my camera to ad hoc tripods/trees/rocks/walls/etc
tape shirts or pillow cases to a curtainless window
tape over a drain to wash clothes
create makeshift bandages
All small potatoes, though, Mythbusters lifted a car with duct tape.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
What I'm Eating - Sushi
Yeahhhhhhhhhh :
Top left to right: smoked carp, crab, smoked carp, and two swordfish. Bottom left to right: don't know, don't know, don't know, roe, and octopus. My favorite was the swordfish and first two don't knows. Cost: 3.00$USD. This is the tip of the sushi iceberg - I haven't been to the fish market yet, nor is it Bluefin season.
(Update [Thanks, Cheech]) : The yellow wrap on the bottom row is tofu skin, which has a spongy texture and more subtle flavor than seaweed.
Top left to right: smoked carp, crab, smoked carp, and two swordfish. Bottom left to right: don't know, don't know, don't know, roe, and octopus. My favorite was the swordfish and first two don't knows. Cost: 3.00$USD. This is the tip of the sushi iceberg - I haven't been to the fish market yet, nor is it Bluefin season.
(Update [Thanks, Cheech]) : The yellow wrap on the bottom row is tofu skin, which has a spongy texture and more subtle flavor than seaweed.
First Chinese Lesson
Last Friday, I had my first language exchange with another teacher from the school.
The language exchange is mutually beneficial (but more for me?). My teacher gets to practice her English while teaching me Chinese.
The first lesson was the Chinese alphabet. We are working on pronunciation. Some sounds are completely new so lack English words I could use to approximate the sound. This is why vocal coaching is important. First, I would say a letter until a had the pronunciation correct. Then, I thought about what I was doing with my mouth to make the correct sound. For example, where is my tongue, what shape are my lips in, is my throat open or closed? I took notes for practicing independently.
After the alphabet, we practiced saying different tones. Chinese is a tonal language with four basic tones: high, rising, falling, and falling then rising. Also, a fifth neutral tone. English is not a tonal language, however, we do vary our tones. Think about a question where you expect an affirmative answer. Say this out loud: "You're coming with, right?" "Right," is the rising tone. And a desist command like, "No!" is falling. I use references like this to help me say things correctly.
I think this step is critical. Also, It's not something I can teach myself so having a native speaker helping me is invaluable.
The language exchange is mutually beneficial (but more for me?). My teacher gets to practice her English while teaching me Chinese.
The first lesson was the Chinese alphabet. We are working on pronunciation. Some sounds are completely new so lack English words I could use to approximate the sound. This is why vocal coaching is important. First, I would say a letter until a had the pronunciation correct. Then, I thought about what I was doing with my mouth to make the correct sound. For example, where is my tongue, what shape are my lips in, is my throat open or closed? I took notes for practicing independently.
After the alphabet, we practiced saying different tones. Chinese is a tonal language with four basic tones: high, rising, falling, and falling then rising. Also, a fifth neutral tone. English is not a tonal language, however, we do vary our tones. Think about a question where you expect an affirmative answer. Say this out loud: "You're coming with, right?" "Right," is the rising tone. And a desist command like, "No!" is falling. I use references like this to help me say things correctly.
I think this step is critical. Also, It's not something I can teach myself so having a native speaker helping me is invaluable.
First Week of Teaching
Last week was my first full week of teaching. My schedule is kindergarten in the morning and cram school in the afternoon.
Monday to Friday, I teach kindergarten with a Taiwanese co-teacher 9-11:30am. Here, kindergarten is three years long. The youngest kids are three. I sort of feel bad for them - I was at home cutting patches out of my hair until age five.
My first two classes every day are with the youngest kids. It is a class of nine students. Small classes are easier to control. The lessons are simple: numbers, phonics, running around and pointing to colors and stuff. These kids are really really young and also really restless. If they get squirmy, then I'll have them run around. That's the gist of classroom management. These two periods are a cakewalk.
My third class is with middle age kids. This class is also easy, but I have to teach them things beyond a few words and running around. In fact, I have to discourage running around because the class is larger; misbehavior quickly crescendos.
My morning classes end at 11:30 when lunch starts. Lunch is free and usually pretty good. Today was calamari, veggies, chicken, and thick lo mein noodles. I have a two hour lunch break every day. I have been running errands during that time, but ultimately hope to fill this time with a cool activity which is TBD.
My afternoons in the cram school start at 2pm. The cram school is more difficult. More to come regarding the cram school...
Monday to Friday, I teach kindergarten with a Taiwanese co-teacher 9-11:30am. Here, kindergarten is three years long. The youngest kids are three. I sort of feel bad for them - I was at home cutting patches out of my hair until age five.
My first two classes every day are with the youngest kids. It is a class of nine students. Small classes are easier to control. The lessons are simple: numbers, phonics, running around and pointing to colors and stuff. These kids are really really young and also really restless. If they get squirmy, then I'll have them run around. That's the gist of classroom management. These two periods are a cakewalk.
My third class is with middle age kids. This class is also easy, but I have to teach them things beyond a few words and running around. In fact, I have to discourage running around because the class is larger; misbehavior quickly crescendos.
My morning classes end at 11:30 when lunch starts. Lunch is free and usually pretty good. Today was calamari, veggies, chicken, and thick lo mein noodles. I have a two hour lunch break every day. I have been running errands during that time, but ultimately hope to fill this time with a cool activity which is TBD.
My afternoons in the cram school start at 2pm. The cram school is more difficult. More to come regarding the cram school...
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Adios, Kaohsiung
I left Kaohsiung last weekend. I'll miss a few things.
Mostly, I'll miss my new friends, Nato and Chista. Nato owns the hostel and Chista is his girlfriend. Life would have been difficult without all of their assistance - getting food, getting places, and getting a phone to name a few. Faithful blog followers will remember Nato as the tangerine-giver from my "Taiwanese Nice" post.
Anyhow, his hostel, Chez Kiki, was the cleanest I have ever stayed at. The interior design was refreshing and thoughtful. Nato has a great place and works hard to ensure sure his guests make the most of their stay. For that, I am grateful. Check out Nato's blog here: natojay.blogspot.com.
Here is the inside of the hostel (main room, third floor):
Here is Kiki, the mascot of the hostel:
Mostly, I'll miss my new friends, Nato and Chista. Nato owns the hostel and Chista is his girlfriend. Life would have been difficult without all of their assistance - getting food, getting places, and getting a phone to name a few. Faithful blog followers will remember Nato as the tangerine-giver from my "Taiwanese Nice" post.
Anyhow, his hostel, Chez Kiki, was the cleanest I have ever stayed at. The interior design was refreshing and thoughtful. Nato has a great place and works hard to ensure sure his guests make the most of their stay. For that, I am grateful. Check out Nato's blog here: natojay.blogspot.com.
Here is the inside of the hostel (main room, third floor):
Here is Kiki, the mascot of the hostel:
 |
| Awweeeeeee ... |
When Pointing Fails...
This is about the time I tried to buy a cell phone and failed. Usually, some creative gesturing, a word or phrase, and, of course, patience get me things. Not this time. So, it marks a first: feeling helpless.
In Taiwan, a work permit or long-term visa is necessary to buy a scooter, get internet, or have a monthly cell phone plan. However, my go-to guy, the hostel owner, said it was possible to buy a pay-as-you-go phone without either.
Start time : 9:50am.
I walked to the nearest Carrefour. Carrefour is the Walmart of South America, Asia, and Europe. Here, Carrefour sells everything ranging from produce to motorized scooters. In the electronics section, I pointed to a phone. Hurray, the phone was taken out of the display case and ready for purchase. Next step, I pointed to a phone card to buy minutes. Nothing. Little more gesturing: card plus phone, card and phone connecting, card and phone dancing. "Phone no work," said store clerk. I nodded my head and pointed to the card again. Nope, no card, just a head shake for no. Maybe this phone was only available with a plan. I didn't know and didn't want to buy a useless phone. I decided to go back to the hostel and research more.
I walked back to where I entered the store. Wrong; the entrance and exit are not juxtaposed or even close to each other. In order to exit, I had to walk through the entire store and three floors. I did, however, find a clerk who asked what I needed in Engrish. "Nothing," I said, "I tried to buy a phone, but wasn't able to." Next, the process repeated with more people around. I learned new stuff, though. Turns out, I needed a SIM card because these phones did not have them. I was given directions to a nearby store, Telnet, that would have them.
11:45am.
I exit Carrefour with only a six pack of tiny(330ml) cans of Coca-Cola and start walking to Telnet.
At Telnet, I got a little further. I point to a phone. Good. SIM card. Good. Next was paperwork. I filled in my name. Next is the identification. I pulled out my passport. Then, my drivers license as a second form. Again, standstill. I couldn't explain that I wanted a prepaid phone so didn't need an ARC or visa. I couldn't even buy Coca-Cola here. I just left.
12:25pm.
I felt defeated every single step I took while walking home on that uncomfortably humid day.
1:30pm.
I explained to the hostel owner what happened. He volunteered to help me. I couldn't refuse. First, we went to get a SIM card. That was pretty involved and he had to explain my passport, why I didn't have visa, and that I didn't need a work permit for a prepaid phone. Next, we got a compatible phone.
All of this would have been impossible without a translator.
3:25 pm.
I got a phone.
In the States, I feel competent and even resourceful. Feeling helpless is tough to grapple with.
Anyhow, I think I'm writing about this because in the future I'll feel frustrated learning Chinese. I want to remind future Tim that staying up late and learning new vocab and grammar, however frustrating, will indeed serve a larger purpose.
In Taiwan, a work permit or long-term visa is necessary to buy a scooter, get internet, or have a monthly cell phone plan. However, my go-to guy, the hostel owner, said it was possible to buy a pay-as-you-go phone without either.
Start time : 9:50am.
I walked to the nearest Carrefour. Carrefour is the Walmart of South America, Asia, and Europe. Here, Carrefour sells everything ranging from produce to motorized scooters. In the electronics section, I pointed to a phone. Hurray, the phone was taken out of the display case and ready for purchase. Next step, I pointed to a phone card to buy minutes. Nothing. Little more gesturing: card plus phone, card and phone connecting, card and phone dancing. "Phone no work," said store clerk. I nodded my head and pointed to the card again. Nope, no card, just a head shake for no. Maybe this phone was only available with a plan. I didn't know and didn't want to buy a useless phone. I decided to go back to the hostel and research more.
I walked back to where I entered the store. Wrong; the entrance and exit are not juxtaposed or even close to each other. In order to exit, I had to walk through the entire store and three floors. I did, however, find a clerk who asked what I needed in Engrish. "Nothing," I said, "I tried to buy a phone, but wasn't able to." Next, the process repeated with more people around. I learned new stuff, though. Turns out, I needed a SIM card because these phones did not have them. I was given directions to a nearby store, Telnet, that would have them.
11:45am.
I exit Carrefour with only a six pack of tiny(330ml) cans of Coca-Cola and start walking to Telnet.
At Telnet, I got a little further. I point to a phone. Good. SIM card. Good. Next was paperwork. I filled in my name. Next is the identification. I pulled out my passport. Then, my drivers license as a second form. Again, standstill. I couldn't explain that I wanted a prepaid phone so didn't need an ARC or visa. I couldn't even buy Coca-Cola here. I just left.
12:25pm.
I felt defeated every single step I took while walking home on that uncomfortably humid day.
1:30pm.
I explained to the hostel owner what happened. He volunteered to help me. I couldn't refuse. First, we went to get a SIM card. That was pretty involved and he had to explain my passport, why I didn't have visa, and that I didn't need a work permit for a prepaid phone. Next, we got a compatible phone.
All of this would have been impossible without a translator.
3:25 pm.
I got a phone.
In the States, I feel competent and even resourceful. Feeling helpless is tough to grapple with.
Anyhow, I think I'm writing about this because in the future I'll feel frustrated learning Chinese. I want to remind future Tim that staying up late and learning new vocab and grammar, however frustrating, will indeed serve a larger purpose.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)