| Reflections on the KIS Overseas Trip to Taiwan | |
| It was the first time I had ever left the country, and for me to decide to go on a trip with 8 strangers took a lot of courage. Therefore, I was determined to get along with everyone and have a good time. When we got there, there were pictures illustrating how we shouldnft flush toilet paper in the restrooms. I was surprised by how something that is commonsense in one country could be totally unnatural to me. When I turned on the TV, there were 97 channels. On satellite TV, you could watch NHK, Japanese TV shows, anime and American news broadcasts. Taiwan is a country with a very free media so there are many opportunities to listen to Japanese and English. When I went shopping most people could speak at least a few Japanese phrases, perhaps due to this influence from TV. When we had our international exchange event, the Taiwanese people were so outgoing and talked so enthusiastically about everything from everyday life to politics and economics that it was infectious. They were excited by the chopsticks we gave them, saying the patterns were beautiful and exotic. As for the paper cranes we gave them, the told us that children in Taiwan, having heard that Japanese fold a thousand cranes for people who are ill, have picked up the practice too. Also, Japan is a popular tourist destination in Taiwan. Many of them had come to Japan many times. One woman works as a tour guide and she said that recently theyfve started to have tour packages that include visiting Lake Towada. I felt that they were very interested in learning about Japan and had very positive feelings toward Japan. The National Palace Museum, one of the 4 great museums in the world, had some Japanese explanations for its displays. Unfortunately, it was under construction, so we could only see 1/4 of it. However, on the backs of our tickets, it said we could visit again for free before the end of 2006. If I have a chance, I would like to go back and spend a whole day there. I donft like foods with strong smells or strange spices, so Tina was worried. But I was able to eat things like soup, steamed buns and fish. I didnft look that different from the people around me, but when I spoke I was obviously Japanese. I experienced what it is like to be a foreigner. I only got to see the tip of an iceberg in Taiwan, but I learned that it is necessary to express to others your interest in them and desire to communicate. We all thought it would still be warm in November, but inside the buildings there was air conditioning and everyone was wearing sweaters. I made good use of the one long sleeved shirt Ifd brought. Personally, my motives for going to Taiwan were (1) to send postcards back to my friends in Japan, and (2) to buy CDs and books. I wouldnft have been able to complete these goals alone, but many people helped me succeed. I was able to experience many new things and meet many new people, so for me it was a very fulfilling trip. (Akiko SAWATA) |
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