The Pendulum Swings

Seems every time I have an experience that gets me thinking "I love Taiwan so much that I may never want to leave" it is rapidly followed by something that leaves me thinking "I want to leave tomorrow!". The chiropractic visit coupled with other events of the day put me in the "I love it" mode. But then... I took the trash out. As I was standing waiting for the trucks to come a rat scurried by. And by, and by. It sent me straight into "get me out!!" mode. I really, really detest - fear - loathe rodents.

When I take out the trash I stand with the maid from across the street. She does not speak any English, or at least she didn't used to. We always greet each other with a warm smile. Today after the rats first appearance I looked at her in horror and said RAT! She got it, and somehow (probably through gestures) asked me how big. I overestimated I am sure. But she seemed calm and was smiling. The next time it appeared, she saw it. As I shuddered and made awful faces she remained calm, smiling, even laughing a little. The rat was going into an opening a short distance from my feet. The maid got her broom, walked calmly to the opening and batted at it a bit. I don't know of course, but I think she did this just to make me feel better. The rat continued it's appearances. Eventually the garbage truck came. If you remember, we have to wait for 2 trucks - garbage and then recycling. As soon as the garbage truck left the maid picked up MY recycling and said to me "you go". She didn't have to say it twice! I said a quick "shei shei" and hurried home thinking "I am so ready to go HOME!"

Tick, tock.