Ramblings Only

- the Japanese are a class apart. So much respect for people, for customers, for their job. As I was waiting at the gate for my connection I couldn't help notice the employees. Compare it with how work gets done in US, or Europe, the indifferent or rather rude attitude towards customers, this was a welcome change. 

- I was so sleepy when I landed at 8:07PM. Would you believe it if I said I was sitting in a taxi and driving to the hotel at 8:37? 8:15 I remember walking out. Immigration was quick with no lines, because we were among the first. I even managed to get some cash from the currency exchange. Luggage was waiting for me with the priority tag, on the belt, and even before others from the flight came to the belt I was headed out to the taxi line. Got to make me happy.

- even though it was pretty 'late' in the night for a woman to be travelling alone, I never felt threatened even for a minute. Cab driver didn't know English. Taiwan is a very friendly country, people help foreigners quite a bit especially because of the language. Morning cab to work was ..... Unexpected. I had the address in English but the concierge just gave the taxi the old company address. I get off and I go in to the building to realize my company is not in that building! Security quickly finds someone who can speak English and he actually helps me get a taxi AND tell him where to go. 30minutes later he stops at a super tall building and says this is it. I don't see any sign of my company name anywhere. I reluctantly pay him and get down wondering if I would need to catch another taxi. I go in and lo behold 13 of the floors have my company on it. Phew!

- thankful for the elaborate breakfast. Thankful for the familiar muesli, and pastries among other unfamiliar local breakfast items. Meat or no meat dilemma was averted. 

- working on the 30th f-ing floor. I didn't know I was scared of such high rises. Hotel room is on the 16th floor and that was scary. I look out the window and there is a sheer drop all the way to the roads. From 30tg floor cars and buses look tiny, it is a heady feeling looking out the window. Of course bonus is the view of Taipei 101!