Saturday, February 21, 2009

Guest Post! "A Walk in the Park"

So this post was a long time coming. It's a recap of my sister's trip, by (yep!) my sister. Hope you enjoy! I've been pretty busy and haven't yet been able to get my thoughts on some of our time together down on paper. ...er... blog. Enjoy! I know she'd love to hear your thoughts, and will likely answer any questions you have for her through comments.

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A Walk in the Park
by: Lynzi


As I’m lying on my couch on a very cold rainy day, watching only one of the greatest movies ever made, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, (sorry Chase, Batman is good too), I couldn’t help but to burst out laughing at a scene I have seen over a hundred times. I have always found this part hilarious, but my recent trip made it just about ridiculous. If you have never seen the movie, picture this- Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) is trying to annoy and drive away her boyfriend Benjamin Barry (Matthew McConaughey) and shows up at Ben’s work with a new Chinese Crested dog and a gift for Ben. When she gave it to him, it was a plaid shirt that matched what she was wearing along with the outfit the dog had on.

I used to watch that scene thinking “Aw how cute, but oh please, no one would do that.” To my surprise, this was a common thing I saw in Taiwan. Even though I don’t think I would ever actually go that far, Chase, and others, would basically describe me as a typical OC blond who carries her dressed up dog in her purse. And there I was going to Taiwan.

I’m Lynzi, by the way. I went to Taiwan to spend two exciting weeks with my brother and got more out of it than most could imagine. With my busy schedule (planned for me by the family) I had no time to be jet lagged, and thank God, I managed. (That Starbucks' triple shot espresso that I was overwhelmingly happy to be given helped carry me through the first day.)

Chase wanted me to get up and be at the bus stop by “8:05am” my first morning with him to go to his school, but I replied with a laugh: “Umm, no.” I was going to sleep in and oh how I was excited after traveling. To my dismay, that “sleeping in” turned out to be an hour more than chase wanted to get me up. I was woken up by the family saying they were leaving for a company's fancy end of the year party and I should come. I said “Of course,” then was told we leave in 30 minutes. (This was a daily occurrence.) We pulled up to this beautiful restaurant where the party was held, and I got a little taste how Chase feels everyday. We were “fashionably late,” which in itself is an excuse for everyone to look at you, but throw a blond American into it, and you get one girl feeling extremely awkward. Especially considering 95% of the people in the room were guys. After the long three hours we spent there, I finally got to go home and see Chase for 5 minutes before he had to leave again. (This, also, was a daily occurrence.)

One of these “occurrences” led me to have a very interesting day. Chase had plans one morning, so I decided to go out. I went to see my friend Stephanie’s business. She had to work a little so she sent me off to walk around in a gem market, but took my money so I couldn’t buy anything and get over-charged. After a little while I got tired of just looking, and random people asking me where I’m from, and them yelling “Go Obama!!” after my reply. I walked back to the store, and Stephanie then gave me my camera, bought me an umbrella, and sent me across the street to Taichung City Park. I loved it. The park was simply beautiful with a lake in the middle. I snapped a few shots for five minutes and made it about 100 ft before I was stopped by the police; a police woman, actually. She asked me if I was alone, and I replied yes. She seemed almost a bit concerned. I told her I was alright, just taking pictures and wasn’t lost. “Well, come with me. I’ll take you to the station and tell you about the park.” I was up for anything seeing that I didn’t have any plans and wasn’t about to tell a police woman “no”.

“My name is Lady,” she said. I smiled and returned the introduction. I think she was excited to practice her English. We took the conversation slow, but she surprised me with what she knew and understood. She took me to the police station located within the park and then started to introduce me to the police Chief, as well as the other policemen. Four of them were there at that time. The Chief told one of them to make tea, and had another get their special, unopened Chinese New Year cookies and candies.

Dennis was one of the policemen I met, and though I still don’t know his age, he wasn’t much older than me and I could tell Lady was on a mission. She got the two of us talking immediately, telling me “He speak good English. Better than me.” He was super sweet, and I could tell he was exceptionally nervous. Whenever he got quiet, Lady would very strongly say something to him in Chinese, like a mother would tell her son to say “Thank you” or “Please” to someone with that certain look on a mom’s face. Then Dennis would ask me another question. I also found out that Lady had a daughter studying at a university not too far from me in California. Small world, right? Her face lit up when she heard I was from there, and I saw this peace in her. We had an instant connection, and I made a wonderful friend.

I was with them for longer than I thought I was. We even played with a traditional Chinese toy, which made for some laughs. At some point when we were sitting at one of the work desks that they quickly cleaned for our tea party, I thought to myself “Hmm… I’m in Taiwan, at a police station, having tea and cookies with the policemen, woman, and Chief. Uhhh? Ok.”




Lady said something else to Dennis in Chinese, and he asked me if I wanted to take a walk in the park and he would tell me about its history. My heart kind of fell in my stomach at the thought, but luckily Lady came along with us. After our walk, and thanking them for an incredible afternoon, they said goodbye so they could patrol the park. I then saw Stephanie coming to me with a worried look on her face but laughing and telling me I have been gone for over two hours. “Two hours?!” I apologized and then proceeded to tell her everything that has gone on in my walk in the park.

My trip was filled with lifetime memories and crazy stories. That park was only my second day, and day by day Taiwan continued to excite me with its hidden charm that I had to discover myself in different unique ways. My time with my brother and being able to share in the outrageously ridiculous occurrences that take place there, is something that will never leave me, and will never cease to amuse me.

I love Taiwan, and truly hope to be able to take another walk in the park again someday.


Go on an adventure. You never know what might happen.

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About the Author:
Lynzi is the second in the line of 4 kids, and just celebrated her 18th birthday.
Now entering adulthood, she has no idea what she wants to do when she grows up. She does, however, love to travel and has already visited England, Dubai, and Africa - which she's planning on returning to this Summer. She is a Ballet-Dancing Extraordinaire and (I think) hopes to marry rich.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

my favorite part was "go obama!" lol, that's sooo cute. this is a really charming entry. it reminds me of this book i'm reading, A Woman's Passion for Travel: True Stories of World Wanderlust, which has a collection of short stories from all kinds of women traveling the world! awesome.

Andhari said...

If a girl likes How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days that's when I know I gotta like her. LOL.

Sounds like a real fun time in Taiwan. And the pic with Chase is uber sweet!!

Gavin said...

Glad you're still on the scene Chase, you went quiet there for a few days.

Lynzi,dont worry about liking How to Lose a Guy..., there is specific medication these days to correct that chemical imbalance, science can do great things these days!

Sounds like a fun trip, even though you aroused suspicion by the police early on (be honest, you were stealing cars), you sound pretty well travelled, unusual for an American, its great to get perspective on your dictatorial country (a joke a joke relax!!).

Happy holidays!

Don said...

Nice to hear from Lynzi! True life adventures certainly broaden the horizons, and fact often is stranger than fiction (matching clothes).

Sounds like you could do a few other guest posts on the other countries you've visited...

Don

brittanybaker said...

haha! the police station sounds like an unforgettable experience. So glad you got to go and spend some time with your brother. The whole trip sounds like it was amazing...

the girl in stiletto said...

ngah ha ha ha ha. matchmaking in taiwan? a lifetime experience, no? :) glad to hear that she had a great time in taiwan.

chase: (I think) hopes to marry rich wakakakaakak that cracks me up. such comment coming from a brother, that is just plain sweet.

San said...

hahah. what an absolutely exciting trip you seem to have had. im looking forward to visiting taiwan someday. :)

Young Traveler said...

Hooray for sisters and occasionally awkward cultural experiences.

Chase, glad to hear from your sister!

Also, I gave you a shout out on my blog. Check it out when you get a moment.

Lindsay said...

Awww, that first picture is so adorable. Makes me wish I had a brother!

lindsay || newyorkwords.net

Jon and Steph said...

Chase....You two are too cute! Isn't it such a treat when family visits!

Thanks for the comment, it made my day ;)

Anna Lefler said...

Awesome post and, OMG, how cute is your family?!?

BTW, I can totally see you as an emcee. You'd be awesome at that, I just know it.

Take care and talk soon...

:^) Anna

Anonymous said...

LYNNZZii i never heard this story! this is HILARIOUS.. but for some reason i wanted to cry. i think i'm just awkwardly emotional right now. but goodness girl, i want to live your life so badly! soo jealloouuss. you are so very very blessed and your trip just keeps getting more and more exciting i want to hear more!

Anonymous said...

So, as this being my first blog ever, I feel very new to this whole scene and takin it one step at a time. Next step being replying to all of you!

Floreta- I'm so glad you mentioned that book! I may have to go pick it up.

Gavin- I choose to take my liking that movie as a gift, rather than a problem needing correction ;) Insomniaclolita knows what I'm talkin about. (And shhh. No need to arise unnecessary suspicion.)

The girl in stiletto- That little quote from Chase was a surprise to me. Buuutttt, I can’t say he was lying :p

Britty- Love you friend. We will take a trip somewhere soon. Just pick a place.

Thanks everyone for such wonderful comments, and thank you for reading about my trip! Keep posted about Chase’s craziness

Boye said...

craziness, awesomeness

sarahlynn said...

Sounds like a fabulous adventure!
Everyone in South Africa loves Obama too!
And I am jealous, I want to come visit!

? said...

Happy belated birthday. Beautiful pictures and family

Rachel said...

Your sis is darling - glad that you had a nice visit.