jangmi

Holy typhoon! What a wild storm. I went out a little earlier today, anticipating that it might be my last chance before having to stay in all night, as "Jangmi" was supposed to hit northern Taiwan this afternoon. It's a category 4 (on the hurricane scale, which goes up to 5)! It really wasn't too bad while I went out. It was windy and spitting rain, but I didn't even use my umbrella as I walked to the bus stop. A small boy whizzed past me on a big bicycle, in shorts and bare feet, soaked to his little bones. He smiled at me and called "Hallo!" I smiled back, delighted by his carefree spirit.

I went downtown and picked up some things at the bookstore and then got some coffee from Starbuck's to bring home. I asked the girls working if they would close soon. They said "maybe" and one added, "But we're always open. 'Always Open, Starbuck's'!" (That's the slogan for 7-11; everyone knows the jingle "Always Open, 7-11!" Taking the bus back home, the storm started to pick up. I only had to walk a few blocks after getting off, but they were treacherous! My heavy-duty umbrella caught the wind and yanked my arm along with it, flipping inside out and threatening to haul me off like a kite. The rain was blowing sideways by now, so there was no point in using the umbrella anyway, and I wasn't about to lose my latte (in my other hand) over a silly umbrella. I found a sheltered corner and closed up the umbrella, tucking it under my arm. Then I made a dash for home--totally drenched and feeling awfully light on my feet (about to blow away?) By the time I got in to my building, I was giggling. It was exhilirating! I remembered how I love rain, and storms. Their strength; the way they remind us of how small we are. How they change our plans and show us that we're not in control. How they give us pause--time for waiting, reflecting, surrender--before it passes and we charge back to our routines and to-do lists.

Now I'm holed up in my cozy room with my latte and a few National Geographics. I'm burning candles and listening to Nina Simone, her husky voice harmonizing with the howling wind outside. My plans for the rest of the day are simple--cleaning, laundry, baking sweet potatoes, yoga, writing letters. Much less ambitious than my pre-typhoon plans of traveling to the East coast or museum-hopping in Taipei, but I don't mind. This is a good way to spend a Sunday afternoon, too.

For all you weather-buffs, check out: http://www.cwb.gov.tw/V6e/index.htm and click on "Typhoon Warning" on the left. Then choose the "potential track area" option and click "Animate." (I live in northwest Taiwan) I will try to get some pictures from my balcony in a bit--I'm charging my camera battery at the moment!