Taiwanese Turkey Day

Thanksgiving is an exclusively American holiday. That doesn't mean there was lack of opportunity to celebrate here in Kaohsiung (what I so affectionately call K-town). I still had to work but I got my dinner on later that evening.

The day was actually fairly interesting. The government selected me to judge at an English competition. I know I've mentioned the English Fever in Taiwan in earlier posts. These competitions are one of it's manifestations. There are a number of categories. In storytelling, students memorize and tell a story, in English, to a group of judges. There is also the recitation category where students practice three English readings. They are assigned the reading they will do for the judges right before they get on stage (this isn't memorized). The final competition (and the one I was fortunate enough to judge) was the singing competition. Student groups prepare a song in English with choreography, props and costumes. I had a lot of fun and my fellow judges were great. In fact one of the judges lives right down the street from me. Jade is a professor of American Literature and we might meet for coffee sometime.

When I got home that evening, I met my friends Lauren, Martin and Alice for Thanksgiving dinner. Lauren and Martin are from Indiana and Martin had family in Columbus (it's kind of nice having someone who knows what I'm talking about when I mention the Bogey Inn). Alice is Taiwanese and this was her first time celebrating American Thanksgiving. We had a great time sharing our traditions with her and with each other. The food was great and Xiao Hu got her first of many bites of leftover Thanksgiving Turkey. It was great enjoying my Thanksgiving in Taiwan at a Mexican restaurant. Like C. J. said, at least it was a North American restaurant...close enough.

I've included some pictures from the day below.

Election Day Part II

At about midnight EST, around noon in Taiwan, Barack Obama made his acceptance speech to the country and to the world. I was eating lunch at a vegetarian restaurant attempting to explain our electoral system to a Canadian when she pointed to the TV and said, "It says 'Obama Wins'." I immediately stopped talking and attempted to listen to his speech despite the voice track of the translator drowning out his voice.

I have to admit, when I saw the Chicago skyline behind the him, that tears welled up in my eyes. This is such a historic time for our country that I just wanted to be there. I wasn't necessarily a supporter of either candidate but I am proud of our country finally breaking down some of the walls that have been standing for too long.

Now, I hope we can all move forward together and begin making those changes that our country needs. In the end, we are all Americans. I left a country that was despondent and losing hope. I will return to a country that will be refreshed and optimistic.

In cased you missed it or are out of the country like me. Here's the next president's acceptance speech.

Election Day

Today is a HUGE day in the USA. I feel some sorrow for not being there. History is about to be made and I'm living and working on foreign soil. I want to be a part of it and I feel left out...like a teenager who didn't get invited to the party of the year.

Of course, I had an invite. Everyone who's a U.S. citizen has the right to vote no matter where he or she is living in the world. I just got so wrapped up in my life and surviving my time abroad that I couldn't be bothered to send my R.S.V.P.

Now, I'm forced to go about my day in a country that doesn't care (nor should they) about who the next Commander-in-Chief will be. However, it's all that is on my mind.

America is at the edge of a cliff right now. In my mind, either candidate could push us over the edge or he could pull us back to safety. Only time can really tell what the result will be.

Either way, there's a part of me that wishes I was there to be a witness to this dramatic moment. It's one of those moments where everyone remembers exactly where they were and what they were doing when they heard the news...like JFK's assassination or 9/11. Except, instead of hearing of tragedy, we'll be learning of triumph.

I know America has hit a dark time. We experienced such a long run of prosperity that I think it's only natural (and inevitable) that we have our share of struggle. However, I always have hope.

Hope is what is getting me through the regrets of not being present in my home country and not casting my own vote. I hope my fellow Americans make the best choice for our country. I hope, no matter the outcome, our country will finally get the change we so desperately need.