Taiwan – Elvis has left the building
Right, I might be cheating a bit by adding this as a new country. I didn’t even get my passport stamped, and it will surely be the briefest entry on this blog as I was there for less than an hour, and technically didn’t set foot on Taiwanese soil. BUT! I was in Taiwanese waters, and the boat parked (or whatever the nautical term is) right off the coast of Jinmen, part of Taiwan. And dammit, if Prestwick Airport can still proudly proclaim that it’s the only place in the UK where Elvis has been, then I will grant Jinmen the same honour. Only with me, not Elvis. And I don’t plan to die on a loo in a white jumpsuit anytime soon.
From Gulangyu it’s possible to go on boat trips around two Taiwanese islands. Having exhausted the possibilities for this tiny islet the day before, I decided to go on one. It only lasted an hour and 40 minutes, most of which time I spent feeling as sick as a dog on the choppy sea. Truly, I don’t know why I keep going on boats in China. I am to sailing what Dan Quayle is to gun safety.
To add insult to nausea, I could see precisely nothing in the thick fog that encased us as soon as we left Gulangyu.
So all in all, a non-event.
However, should the question of Taiwan ever arise in a pub discussion (it often does; my friends are very cultured, and we never talk about Chantelle and Preston, Big Brother, chocolate etc), I will nod vigorously, and proclaim myself to be an expert, as I once went there.
Tags: Taiwan, Travel
Suzanne
From my vast knowledge of nautical dialogue I’d hazzard a guess ‘parked’ would be known to sailors as mooring, or dropping anchor.
It seems your turn of bad weather has coincided with the start of our summer and we’ve had a couple of nice afternoon bbq’s. (There’s not been anything as adventurous as your Chinese diet though.)
World Cup meltdown is nearly here. Have you been keeping up with the Peter Crouch robotics goal celebrations? Get practicing now for next Saturday’s first game with Paraguay.
Love you lots.
Michael
669539 Blog Verification…
669539…
Suze- talk about tempting fate- I quote-
“I don’t plan to die on a loo in a white jumpsuit anytime soon.”
You do realise that from this point forwards ANY TIME you wear your white jumpsuit you will have to strip prior to entering any lavatorial buildings, just in case.
This would cripple me socially.
This is meant as a warning, not as a concealed threat in the same way as when somebody says as a farewell- “look after yourself” as if they are giving you a gentle warning of imminent violence.
(Before you e-mail to ask-Yes I have been on nights again Suzanne!!)
Jon I have a question for you. Do you think the quote you mention is a Freudian Slip? It’s the word “soon” in the statement which concerns me. By including the word “soon” Freud may consider this reveals an unconscious belief/desire that she will (one day) die in a loo in a white jumpsuit.
Hope you are well.
Love Clare
P.S. Suze – I think you should e-mail my concerns to Jon.
hi Suze you meet the fellers quick lending you money as well gosh you must look honest. its nice to see that there are such nice people a bout love irene
Hi Suze!
I have been away for the past week and have just caught up with your blog and photos…its amazing just how much you get upto in such a short space of time!
You maybe the expert on Taiwan…but I am the expert on big brother! So if you change your mind and want a proper conversation you know where to come(ha ha!).
Message to Paul: That wonderful Fiat Panda you spoke of was actually my first car and for some reason once it was passed on to Adrian fell apart!!! Could have something to do with the amount of bodies and weight forced into it from St Anselms?!
Take care Suze
xxx
P.S. Re: dance e-mail…I have to confess to doing most of those moves or having a good laugh trying anyway.
My cup of tea didn’t get a chance to go cold on this blog Suze!! Only kidding. Don’t know the relevance behind mentioning it ( maybe a little sympathy for all us overworked and underpaid- sorry Jon but you don’t come under the underpaid category!!) but I too am on nights again…!! Hope your not getting writers block Suze, couldnt get through my night shift without your novels to read!! lots of love x x
C L- 12 quid an hour at night- luxury!!! As my dad says- don’t whinge about how much you get but how hard you have to work to get it— on nights again- although I’m obviously so busy that I can check my e-mail. How to disprove an argument with yourself in less than 20 seconds…….