A Hundred Fragrant Seeds

So far, my job has taught me that desk graffiti, cafeteria lunches, and teenage giggling are a universal language. And, I guess, so is Toto’s “Africa.” I have about ten full days under my belt, and I don’t want to be foolishly optimistic, but I think I’m going to make it.

Ghost month has come to a close here in Taiwan, which means fewer tables in the street with food on them, and fewer dirty looks when I whistle without thinking. At the beginning of ghost month, someone told me I shouldn’t whistle as whistling is known to attract ghosts. Ghosts are more active at night and during ghost month, so you especially don’t whistle at night during ghost month. Of course, as soon as someone told me this, I found myself accidentally beginning to whistle constantly without being conscious of it. So I have a parade of ghosts. I haven’t asked how our nearby neighbors with whistling pet birds deal with the ghosts yet, but I will find out for you, gentle reader.

Website