Anthony Mindiola - Indefinite turns into definitely

Pictured left to right is Gilbert Anthony, Lou, Leroy Adams and Eduardo Melendres.

Jan. 1, 2013

Well departure day arrived and as you'll already know, the last leg of our flight from Tokyo, Japan to Taipei, Taiwan was canceled and labeled indefinite on the flight board. As my anxiety was rising so was my impatience and so was my expectations of being in what I've learn has been coined "The Taste of Asia." Already I see the differences in the American culture and Asian culture from driving on the left side of the street, not to mention the driver is operating the vehicle from the right side of the bus. We make the connecting flight the next morning and arrive at our hotel. The language is different but the meaning of the smiles and the politeness is the same. During my first morning walking the street with my roommates with intentions of getting something to eat, we encountered a Taiwanese student who was glad to converse with us and show us his city. We walk pass his house, which to American belief is a yard with a white picket fence but was instead a building with an entrance to a Buddhist temple that decorated the entry way. The pride that he showed for his home was the making of his father and his family and was part of the community for years. Lou, a young 19 year old, who was on break for the New Year, spoke good English with an Asian accent and was majoring in English Literature. We met at the corner of Linsen N Rd @ Minzu E. Rd near food stands as we were ordering noodles from a local vender. This was definitely an encounter that only a few with an Asian bucket list dream could fulfill. Meeting someone that shared his identity and authenticity with us has definitely turned a 12 hour indefinite delay into an hour of indefinite taste of Asia. This is only the first day of a definite experience that I'm looking forward to.

Page maintained by UHD Academic Affairs Webmaster

Last updated or reviewed on 1/15/13