Arriving In TPE

When I was offered to do CPC inspection at TPE, I grab the assignment without thinking twice! It is an easy task nobody would refuse except Rosnah, who currently experiences post natal birth.  With little info available, I sign up for the trip which is approved 3 days later.

What to expect from TPE? Little research leave me clueless as the flight took off from KUL on sunny morning. Passengers  which made up 90% Chinese didn’t  offer much clues except their ice cold faces which translasted into BORING . I searched for anything that smelt Taiwan from inflight reading materials but sadly none were  avaialable. The I recall a name – ASUS, my laptop. Yes ASUS is Taiwan very own brand. All the sudden a flow of new info cramped into my brain: ACER, Apacer, BenQ, Dlink & the list goes on & on.  I felt like I know more than what I bargain for! Yea, this trip would be a worthwhile, I’m going to check out the ultimate IT centre in the whole world!

After 3 hours of occasionally bumpy ride, a brunch combo of mushroom chicken rice & delightful pumkin pie, the flight finally made its way to TPE intenational airport.  MH333 lands as scheduled amidst cloudy sky. Which reminded me of summer in London. The temperature is 27 degree & I’m going to have fun today! I’m back! I was in TPE airport some 15 years ago on transit flight to LA. but this time I’m back for other reason-to fullfill my working responsibility.  Chartered on familiar element, the steep curved pitched roof dicates the signature of unmistakenly Asian.  Name changes, style change, people change, but TPE airport remain the same.

Upon arrival, I was greeted by Lawrence, the station manager, who is kind enough to usher me through imigrations posts like a royalty. My royalty was put to test on final check point when the lady in nurse  uniform started nagging while staring at me. Well, Paris got that all the time, why not me? That didn’t help me at all in trying to rationalize why TPE feels so old. Every single construction elements screamed the glorious period of 80s. The tiles, wall paints, structural members, even the people felt 80s. “the airport is undergoing renovation work, the new renovated airport will be as big as KLIA”, Lawrence try to impressed me. In the wake Asian economy power, a new & bigger airport is required to boost the ego. But it seemed that Taipei was slightly behind Jakarta in that sense. I shoved my way in between construction works, to find a cab waiting for me at the end of corridor while admiring some ancient piece along the way.

In my livin' room

Sitting in this living room, while listening to Krall’s “ let’s fall in love” I find myself sipping cordypine while writing this journal ,which I hope would be  lasting affair with writing. Arghh….”the look of love” is playing now. Krall sounds as mesmerizing as ever. Glad that I have bought Radial JBL. It does justice to her richly confidence voice.  I have an early lunch consists of some broil eggs & plain rice. They are not an ideal staple as far as good balance diet is concern. My resources are running out. Can someone help me with the Giant grocery shopping please?

 I have few things playing in my mind now. My lifelong dreams were to come true when I visit Paris in January. Shopped for winter clothing last night and I am a step closer to Eiffel now! Coves jacket, truckee top, and wool socks complete the must have list! Maybe I should get a pair of boot at Paris winter sale if I can afford it J. Now, the jacket is hang proudly in the wardrobe & serves as constant reminder of the next big thing in January! Norman will be in town soon to detail on our itineraries. I have anticipated the cold weather and brief daylight so there is no issues on trying to manage Jimmy’s expectations. I truly believe this trip would be unique in its own way.

Next on my list is a mini project called “Enhancement Project to my living room”. As I sitting here looking over my not so cosy living room, one can help but notice a makeover is a necessary! This space where I go back everyday (almost lah) ,to get rejuvenated, educated and along the way to get inspired! If inspiration is crucial, this room badly needs a spruce up! The long curtains just melt lazily into the entire room. It’s like being in a beige room punctuated by few dots of less than inspired pieces. I need $3k to fix this, at least! Can someone donate me some money?

I also worry about how I manage my time. Seems like staring into PC takes so much of my time which essentially could be spend on other issues like reading and writing. I start to develop interest in economics lately which I found very exhilarating. I’m also interested in current world issues. I tune in to Al-jazirra & CNN more often than Starworld! But this is not good enough. There is so much information laying around ready to be picked up. I need to read more! Need to grow and set priorities. Now, if you excuse me, I have to check out the CNN afternoon news!