Welcome Linda Back to Taiwan

One of my old friends, Linda, came back from the working holiday program from Australia the other day. Annie, Rita, Emily, Joyce and I were so thrilled to see her again and had dinner together. All of us had a good time on such a beautiful Thursday evening. Nothing can be beat when old friends hang out together and joke around to their hearts' content.

She told us how stuck-up or arrogant some young Assuies could be on the streets by throwing things at pedestrians (most are Asians) and calling them names. Also, she shared with us how smart the working holiday program was held by the Australia government. Here is how it works. Each participant can apply for all kinds of jobs but he/she can not work at one company for more than 6 consecutive months. While this sounds that people can be up for any job opportunities, most of the jobs that people on the working holiday program can successfully land are labor jobs. Labor jobs are both time-consuming and energy-consuming. Most local people usually don't give those jobs a hoot at all. So, this working holiday program seems to be a feasible and workable solution to the labor force shortage probelm with those jobs. However, for working holiday takers, it's not that bad. They can work and tour around Australia at the same time. Besides, compared to the pay offered by similar jobs in Taiwan, what Linda earned was better off. She also stressed that if one could watch out for the money taken out of his pocket instead of squandering, one could even save 20,000 NTD a motnh. All of us were blown away by this fact because I had thought it was more like a sweatshop. Obviously, I was wrong.

In additon, she also shared her views on Koreans she hung out with. They are cliquey because they simply hang out with their compartriots most of the time. It's a bit hard to become part of their groups. However, maybe it can also be interpreted as a sign of patrotism or strong unity. It depends on how you see it. In addition, they are also snobbish in one way or another. For example, one of Linda's Korean coworkers talked to her pretty frequently at work because she wanted to practice speaking English (Linda's English is pretty good). The Korean woman didn't spend much time talking to other coworkers who couldn't speak English properly. It's so obvious that anyone with a brain could sense her ulterior motive. Besides that, Korean people she knew could be very insensitive to and inconsiderate of their roommates or housemates. They like to hang out together and cheer for their national baseball or football teams whenever there is a live broadcast on TV. Their big screams, yelling, and acclamations could be heard even in the middle of the night when other roommates are trying to get some sleep for an early next day. She was annoyed and irritated by this uncivilized and selfish behavior. Although they did usually apologize to her, nothing changed a bit. Just as the old saying goes, "history repeats itself." So, Linda told us she didn't like those "kimchi people", but she couldn't resist the great flavor of "Korean food." Actually, what she told us about Korean people just coincides with what my another student told me. She also had similiar experiences when she studied in New Zealand. However, those might be just sporadic or isolated cases. We can't say all Korean people are like that. Maybe they just happened to meet people like that. However, what most people in Taiwan know about Koreans is based on popular Korean dramas. At least I only know one thing or two about them. It could be a far cry from the reality. So, Linda's experience can definitely give me some insights into what to expect when I meet Koreans next time.

While we were listening to her stories in Australia, Linda surprised us by taking out of some gifts from her bag. What I got are a tube of "Holiday Skin Daily Facial Moisturiser" manufactured by Johnson & Johnson and a "bracelet." According to the directions of use on the box of the moisturiser, it says "Johnson's best facial moisturiser now has a light tanning ingredient - so whilst this fast absorbing formula with an essential vitamin and moisturiser complex leaves skin feeling soft and moisturised all day, it also gradually builds a beautiful, light and even looking tan after just a few days of use. Use daily as your regular moisturiser for a natural-looking tan that develops after 3-4 days of use. Your healthy glow will be maintained with continued daily application." I guess a product like this can be only found in a place where people are sun-worshippers. She knows I like to have my skin tanned and that's why she bought this for me. How sweet! As for the bracelet, it looks cool too. It can add some touches when I want to dress like a young man. So, I'd like to say "Thank you" to Linda and wish her the best with her exotic relationship.

We can broaden our horizon, experience different life styles and cultures, clear our heads and explore who we are when we travel. We can also learn a lot by listening to stories and life experience of others. All of us were very delighted to see Linda again and listen to her bitter-sweet stories in Australia. She will continue her working holiday program in Australia in late April. As good friends, we are all here for her. Welcome back to Taiwan, and enjoy your life in Australia after late April.