Greeting Forumosans! My mom always told me to introduce myself in public situations, so before I unload with a bunch of questions, I thought I’d say hi. Mom also told me to never arrive at a gathering empty handed. So I brought a jug of habu sake from Okinawa for those who are so inclined, a fifth of The Macallan (16 y.o.) for those who aren’t and strawberry lemonade (strawberries are from the back yard) for all others. Grab a glass and gather 'round.
My name is Rob. I’ve been lurking for a couple of weeks and found the site very helpful. I’m currently living in the southwest Idaho, USA area. I’ve been here for around 15 years. Prior to that I lived in Washington state for a dozen or so. And before that, I was a military brat. My mom is Okinawan and I was born there and have been back a handful of times in my adult life. In my professional life, I’m a scientist for an MNC (in your lingo) or a big company in regular speak. In my real life, I’m a sport and dirt bike riding dad who likes to teach his girls how to play golf, tie flies, play guitar, bass or drums, barbecue brisket and cuss at the Raiders, Mariners, Sonics, Cougars and Huskies. (Translation for those not from the western US - Oakland American Football team, Seattle baseball, Seattle basketball, Washington State University sports, University of Washington sports.)
I’ve read through many of the threads in this discussion going back a couple of years at least. I’ve done the searches as best I could and came up with a few more answers to my list of questions. I’ve looked all over the net and talked to a few people in my area. I’m not a message board neophyte, just new to this neighborhood. I’m already in guanxi (I’m trying to get my Taiwan groove on) deficit to you kids but hope to turn it around in due time. Immediate contributions would probably come in motorcycle and music discussions. I know squat (poo, diddly, zip, nada, nothing) about getting a cell phone, settling disputes with neighbors, the political inclinations of betel nut girls, where to find big undies, overcoming the smell of choudofu or durian, all the ways to spell Keelung road or if the different spellings put you in a different place, whether or not “they” truly like foreigners, why the old women stare or how to get around in Taiwan.
After all this, why am I coming out? I need to know if “expat with an expense account” is a persona non grata (unwelcome individual) around these Forumosa parts?
I may be able to help you decide. Am I an a$$? Only in the privacy of my home. More like a dumba$$ than an a$$hole. Am I an ugly American? I’m staunchly supportive of the men and women who serve, would die for my country if called on and despise the foreign policy of my government (liberal or conservative). I am on my best behavior when overseas and go out of my way to be gracious to visitors to my country. I want people to know that there are good people in the US but will keep my political, social and religious opinions to myself when visiting. Am I a snooty rich boy? Not on your life. We live a fairly simple life in a small Idaho town. If I’m not at work, I’m at home with the wife and kids and try to engage in leisure activities that all of us can enjoy (other than pulling over a ton on a deserted Idaho highway or at a track day on an Italian twin). No, Italian twins don’t make you rich. Am I a snooty academic? Nope, I chew tobacco, listen to hair metal and prog rock, wrench on my motorcycles, do my own taxes, mow my own lawn, raise my own kids, love on my only wife, worked for my tuition for my degrees and help my elderly neighbors when their cats get lost or a fence needs mending. Am I a wordy ba$tard? You bet, if it helps make my case or makes someone/anyone laugh.
So, knowing more than you wanted to know about a former lurker, can I play or should I slink away?
Thanks for your time.
Rob.