This news headlines this past week here in Taiwan have been dominated by President Chen's visit to Central America. The visit was a chance to meet with some of the nations that enjoy open relations with Taiwan...yes, there are still a few. Twenty or so countries have resisted jumping on the "One-China" philosophy, therefore recognizing Taiwan as a sovereign state. Not, in my opinion, the smartest economic move. Cooperation with Taiwan does not bode well with the mainland.
Anyhow, the purpose of this post is to express my joy at seeing one of my favorite places on the planet, Honduras. The pictures and stories that have been included in the reporting have stirred some good memories.
My year in the jungles of Honduras was a wonderful time in my life. I have never met better folks than those living in the less-than-ideal environment that is Central America.
The smiles on the faces and the endless hospitality that prevails there are priceless. I am really enjoying my time here in Taiwan, but I do miss that just happy to be alive mentality that runs deep in Honduras. Folks here are far too hurried and wouldn't dare to exhibit the overt acts of affability that you can count on when you are living/working/visiting Central America.
Taiwan, along with the rest of the world, should take a cultural cue from Honduras and their neighbors...loosen up and enjoy life.
Showing posts with label China. Show all posts
Showing posts with label China. Show all posts
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Monday, March 12, 2007
Manners Police in China
Pssst Taiwan, pay attention!
The 2008 Olympic games are going to be held in Beijing, China. The government has taken extraordinary steps in preparing the city for the flood of foreigners and press. One of the most curious steps they have taken is the release of a book of manners that has been widely distributed among the citizens. The topics include appropriate behavior at a sporting event, fitting behavior in public, and proper greetings to those of the opposite sex. The powers that be hope to stop the rude behavior in public that has saturated Chinese society. The government has dispatched hundreds of officers to help enforce the standards and have promised stiff penalties if citizens don't comply...
I am 100% behind this idea.
The Taiwanese leadership could take a cue from this move and start a campaign to stop such lovely acts as spitting, picking your nose, passing gas, and ignoring lines in public.
This is not a radical idea...just common sense. I see these acts on a daily basis and it's nauseating.
The 2008 Olympic games are going to be held in Beijing, China. The government has taken extraordinary steps in preparing the city for the flood of foreigners and press. One of the most curious steps they have taken is the release of a book of manners that has been widely distributed among the citizens. The topics include appropriate behavior at a sporting event, fitting behavior in public, and proper greetings to those of the opposite sex. The powers that be hope to stop the rude behavior in public that has saturated Chinese society. The government has dispatched hundreds of officers to help enforce the standards and have promised stiff penalties if citizens don't comply...
I am 100% behind this idea.
The Taiwanese leadership could take a cue from this move and start a campaign to stop such lovely acts as spitting, picking your nose, passing gas, and ignoring lines in public.
This is not a radical idea...just common sense. I see these acts on a daily basis and it's nauseating.
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