In short

the trip is coming to an end.
jerome is heading home soon.
now in Taipei waiting for his flight home.
managed to spend a day in Kaohsiung.
witnessed dragonboat racing, which made him miss his team.
sad. didn't bring camera. didn't take pictures.
watched narnia here; theatres are not too shabby.
ticket costs NT230 = S$11.50, quite ex huh.
show ended late. returned hotel at 0030hrs.
tired. that's why jerome's writing in this lazy way.
the transit here (also called MRT) is new and ultra-clean.
people are generally warm here, though some can be grouchy and impatient.
food galore along the streets, but jerome doesn't want to risk GE and miss more training sessions.
thinks he will come back again. but this time to go taipei city itself and not get stuck in the airport!

there are many stray dogs along the streets.
jerome had a harrowing experience with one.
happily munching his mcnuggets away while walking along the quiet streets at 2345hrs after his movie.
saw a dog lying on the pavement and he actually smiled at it cos it looked adorable while reclining.
the canine obviously saw my bite-sized chicken chunks cos he followed me.
walked behind me silently, no barking, no growling.
and he followed.
and followed.
for a good 500m.
my hair was literally standing.
i grabbed my macs paper bag and folded it shut so the dog can't detect my crispy supper.
fortunately it did not pounce on me.
was half contemplating throwing a nugget at it but i fear more hungry dogs will emerge from the unlit alleys.
i only have 6 nuggets for goodness sake.
so, keep a lookout. either that, or buy a 20-nugget pack.

these 8 days have been eventful.
had a taste of squadron life and made friends in the process.
had a chance to think through career options.
was inspired to better my game after seeing dragonboaters on the river bank.
visualising. going through strokes. crowd screaming. 20-40 starts. long pull. last charge. all-so-familiar.
jerome has a better idea now.
what tickles him.
what turns him on.
what excites him.
the zebra may have found his home.

it's time to move on.