Field Trip

FRIDAY, 2 NOVEMBER 2012.

At my request, I was granted a field trip via high-speed train to a wonderful art museum in another city where a former colleague works. A Brittish scholar and two Taiwanese hosts were along for the ride. But first there was the obligatory lunch stop at a high-end restaurant and sweet shop in a beautifully renovated building. We started with Chinese appetizers and sides, but then massive burgers arrived, complete with knife "skewers" and plastic gloves (to be worn when handling the food). Hours later, a frozen dessert signalled the possible end to the meal. (We had an appointment at the museum, so I was watching the time discretely and silently repeating my "we are not in control" mantra.) We arrived terribly late to a welcoming reception, tea, and presentation of gift bags. With little time remaining, we raced through the museum with every possible form of assistance made available to us. The art was incredible--I longed to linger--and I thoroughly enjoyed an interactive technology exhibition. When the museum closed, we turned down offers of dinner, spa services, foot massages, etc., but still were no closer to the train station. A tour and stop for cheese cake did the trick, and we were headed back to Taipei around 8pm. After thanking our hosts kindly, John and I slipped around the corner to a little noodle shop where we sat and slurped with the locals for very little money. My shrimp dumpling noodle soup was incredible!