Again, the supposedly 'World' Health Organisation is unable to overcome political pressures in its recent response to the spread of the avian flu.
Even though Taiwan has NOT EXPERIENCED A SINGLE case of the H5N1 avian flu in either animals or humans, the WHO marked Taiwan as an infected area. Why? Because according to the WHO, Taiwan is a part of China, which has reported dozens of flu cases in both birds and humans.
Please let's get the facts straight: Taiwan and China are separate territories, governed by separate governments and health and disease control authorities. When the WHO continues to cower under China's bullyinh and ignores such blatant facts, and continues to deny Taiwan and its people the right to information about avian flu prevention, its credibility and promise to provide 'universal' benefits to all irrespective of boundaries is at best questionable.
During the height of SARS, the WHO delayed assistance to Taiwan due to, again, pressure and politicking by China. Let's hope that the WHO and international community has since learnt the lesson that epidemics and viruses could care less for what political divisions and boundaries have erected.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
A letter to the doctor
Dear DrＴan,
You have seen me once for a short time. Then, my mum and I went together to see you at the hospital, and you even took time out of practice hours to discuss with us my dad's health circumstances. I understand that at the time we compromised your professinal duties toward my dad, but I am very grateful you were able to reveal to me my dad's physical conditions. The care of you and other doctors in recent years have given I also cannot express fully how grateful my heart feels.
Due to the fact that I live abroad permenantly I have little opportunities to be in Taiwan. This year I happen to have a little more time, and it is also the retirement of my dad, so I can spend more time with him. Some years ago my dad left home and practically cut off all links with family. We all know he is very ill, but however it is asked, dad is never willing to talk or discuss his health. Hence the reason I visited you at the hospital then.
Though now dad has returned home, his complexion and energy seemed to worsen more and more. He still isolates himself, and does not talk abut his condition. Even wanting to understand , to support, to take care of dad more is rejected. It can be seen he is very frail, has poor quality of sleeping, his temper is irritable, but he still does not pay attention to his diet-- often when there is something he likes he eats it non-stop, regardless of whether it is greasy (like that time when he continually had diahroea for ten odd days), or whether it is sweet, or whether or not his liver can handle-- and he also smokes endlessly. No matter how we persuade dad he does not listen at all and even blames us for interfering with his life. As his child, it pains the heart to see him continually deteriorate, as his mind and body seem to be in pain, but he still does not coopearate with the advice of the doctors and others.
In a few days I will leave Taiwan and go abroad again. I could say that many family members and I have done the best we could. With your care and periodical physicals, one could only hope dad's health can maintain its current stable condition. But many things depend on dad himself, and he himself needs to change his life style and the way he tends to his body. I hope the doctor will have the chance to remind dad to pay attention to his diet, sleep, and not to smoke. Hopefully with professional persuasions, dad can change himself. We can only hope.
Here I would again like to express to you and other doctors the gratitude that I cannot fully express. And I hope too that you can continue to bring other people health and happiness. How hard you all work!
Sincerely,
KW Chen
--
譚醫師:
您曾很短暫的見過我。那時我媽和我一起到醫院找您而您又利用門診時間抽空和我們談我爸陳嘉順的病情。我寮解當時很為難您身為醫師對我爸的專責任，但我非常感謝您能跟我透露我爸的身體狀況。幾年來您和其他醫師的照顧我也無法完全表達我的感激心。
我因為長期住國外很少有機會回台灣。今年剛好有多點時間在台灣也是我爸退休的時候所以我才能多和他相處。多年前我爸離開家裡而幾乎和家人斷絕聯絡。我們都知道他病的嚴重但爸爸不管怎麼問都不肯講或談他的健康。依此那時我才會主見去醫院找您。
現在雖然爸爸又回到家了但他氣色和體力幾乎越來越差。他還是把自己隔離起來，都不講他的狀況，連要去多寮解、多支持、多照顧爸爸都被拒絕。看的出他很虛弱、睡眠品質差、脾氣暴躁但他還是繼續沒好好注重飲食，時常愛吃的就不停吃，不管是油膩地 (像導致那次連續腹瀉幾十天)、很甜地或其他他肝無法負荷的食物，而又不停地抽煙。不管如何勸爸爸他都完全不聽或怪我們在干擾他生活。我身為孩子的看著他繼續惡化下去，每天心理和身體似乎很難過卻又不好好配合醫生或其他人的勸導，實在不忍心。
我再幾天就又要離開台灣出國去了。我想很多家人和我已經盡力了。有醫生您的照顧和定期檢查只能希望爸爸的身體能保持穩定狀況。但很多要靠爸爸自己，要他自己去改善他的生活習慣與身體保養。希望醫師有機會能多提醒爸爸要好好注重飲食、睡眠和不要抽煙。希望爸爸有專業的勸告能改變自己。
只能希望。
再此我又再次表達我向您和其他醫師無法完全表達我的感激心。
也希望你們能一直帶給其他人健康與快樂
辛苦了!
陳XX 敬上
You have seen me once for a short time. Then, my mum and I went together to see you at the hospital, and you even took time out of practice hours to discuss with us my dad's health circumstances. I understand that at the time we compromised your professinal duties toward my dad, but I am very grateful you were able to reveal to me my dad's physical conditions. The care of you and other doctors in recent years have given I also cannot express fully how grateful my heart feels.
Due to the fact that I live abroad permenantly I have little opportunities to be in Taiwan. This year I happen to have a little more time, and it is also the retirement of my dad, so I can spend more time with him. Some years ago my dad left home and practically cut off all links with family. We all know he is very ill, but however it is asked, dad is never willing to talk or discuss his health. Hence the reason I visited you at the hospital then.
Though now dad has returned home, his complexion and energy seemed to worsen more and more. He still isolates himself, and does not talk abut his condition. Even wanting to understand , to support, to take care of dad more is rejected. It can be seen he is very frail, has poor quality of sleeping, his temper is irritable, but he still does not pay attention to his diet-- often when there is something he likes he eats it non-stop, regardless of whether it is greasy (like that time when he continually had diahroea for ten odd days), or whether it is sweet, or whether or not his liver can handle-- and he also smokes endlessly. No matter how we persuade dad he does not listen at all and even blames us for interfering with his life. As his child, it pains the heart to see him continually deteriorate, as his mind and body seem to be in pain, but he still does not coopearate with the advice of the doctors and others.
In a few days I will leave Taiwan and go abroad again. I could say that many family members and I have done the best we could. With your care and periodical physicals, one could only hope dad's health can maintain its current stable condition. But many things depend on dad himself, and he himself needs to change his life style and the way he tends to his body. I hope the doctor will have the chance to remind dad to pay attention to his diet, sleep, and not to smoke. Hopefully with professional persuasions, dad can change himself. We can only hope.
Here I would again like to express to you and other doctors the gratitude that I cannot fully express. And I hope too that you can continue to bring other people health and happiness. How hard you all work!
Sincerely,
KW Chen
--
譚醫師:
您曾很短暫的見過我。那時我媽和我一起到醫院找您而您又利用門診時間抽空和我們談我爸陳嘉順的病情。我寮解當時很為難您身為醫師對我爸的專責任，但我非常感謝您能跟我透露我爸的身體狀況。幾年來您和其他醫師的照顧我也無法完全表達我的感激心。
我因為長期住國外很少有機會回台灣。今年剛好有多點時間在台灣也是我爸退休的時候所以我才能多和他相處。多年前我爸離開家裡而幾乎和家人斷絕聯絡。我們都知道他病的嚴重但爸爸不管怎麼問都不肯講或談他的健康。依此那時我才會主見去醫院找您。
現在雖然爸爸又回到家了但他氣色和體力幾乎越來越差。他還是把自己隔離起來，都不講他的狀況，連要去多寮解、多支持、多照顧爸爸都被拒絕。看的出他很虛弱、睡眠品質差、脾氣暴躁但他還是繼續沒好好注重飲食，時常愛吃的就不停吃，不管是油膩地 (像導致那次連續腹瀉幾十天)、很甜地或其他他肝無法負荷的食物，而又不停地抽煙。不管如何勸爸爸他都完全不聽或怪我們在干擾他生活。我身為孩子的看著他繼續惡化下去，每天心理和身體似乎很難過卻又不好好配合醫生或其他人的勸導，實在不忍心。
我再幾天就又要離開台灣出國去了。我想很多家人和我已經盡力了。有醫生您的照顧和定期檢查只能希望爸爸的身體能保持穩定狀況。但很多要靠爸爸自己，要他自己去改善他的生活習慣與身體保養。希望醫師有機會能多提醒爸爸要好好注重飲食、睡眠和不要抽煙。希望爸爸有專業的勸告能改變自己。
只能希望。
再此我又再次表達我向您和其他醫師無法完全表達我的感激心。
也希望你們能一直帶給其他人健康與快樂
辛苦了!
陳XX 敬上
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Cold front
Another cold front, the wintry atmosphere is not yet over. Silent chilling winds, dense, dark clouds hanging low...sometimes I wonder whether the sun will shine again. It can be very cold here, despite the lures of warmth and cosiness this place seems to offer.
Been home almost three days, and I'm starting to wonder why I bothered to come back. Three weeks away from home, and each moment seemed so free, so carefree...I could be where I want, do what I want, be with who I want.
At home, the atmosphere is tense. As expected. Yet another 'iron curtain' has decended on this apartment, dividing the place effectively into two camps. No dialogue, just silence and attempts to ignore and dis-acknoledge the presence and actions of the other. Sure, dinners are shared at the table, but 'cold war' continues. Silently I eat, and am always the last to finish, and the one to tidy up the mess.
I sit and am in the middle of it all, and I wonder how people can treat one another like this; how a married couple, no less, can treat one another like this. Such ridiculous state of affairs and childish pouting and hatred! The only conversation that lasted longer than five minutes ended with heightened tensions...again, about money, about mortgage, about property.
I was half expecting to properly spend some quality time with my parents before I'm most likely scheduled to leave coming Saturday. But one worked almost the whole weekend, and the other hid and slept. I spent most of the time tidying up my room, sorting out things into "to take" and "not to take" with me back to Holland. Should probably have done it all a long time ago, so there'd be less junk to rumage through and filter. But then looking at the brochures, tickets, receipts and maps, and the detailed description and analysis of my life and happenings that is my diary, I've been able to 'relive' so precious moments.
I've come a long way, and travelled far this past few months (almost a year). Someone asked me what my 'afterthoughts' are...
I'm still not sure.
Been home almost three days, and I'm starting to wonder why I bothered to come back. Three weeks away from home, and each moment seemed so free, so carefree...I could be where I want, do what I want, be with who I want.
At home, the atmosphere is tense. As expected. Yet another 'iron curtain' has decended on this apartment, dividing the place effectively into two camps. No dialogue, just silence and attempts to ignore and dis-acknoledge the presence and actions of the other. Sure, dinners are shared at the table, but 'cold war' continues. Silently I eat, and am always the last to finish, and the one to tidy up the mess.
I sit and am in the middle of it all, and I wonder how people can treat one another like this; how a married couple, no less, can treat one another like this. Such ridiculous state of affairs and childish pouting and hatred! The only conversation that lasted longer than five minutes ended with heightened tensions...again, about money, about mortgage, about property.
I was half expecting to properly spend some quality time with my parents before I'm most likely scheduled to leave coming Saturday. But one worked almost the whole weekend, and the other hid and slept. I spent most of the time tidying up my room, sorting out things into "to take" and "not to take" with me back to Holland. Should probably have done it all a long time ago, so there'd be less junk to rumage through and filter. But then looking at the brochures, tickets, receipts and maps, and the detailed description and analysis of my life and happenings that is my diary, I've been able to 'relive' so precious moments.
I've come a long way, and travelled far this past few months (almost a year). Someone asked me what my 'afterthoughts' are...
I'm still not sure.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Almost full circle
I look back, and try to capture the last glimpse of a close one standing there, waving goodbye. I try not to think that it may be a long time yet before I set foot on this piece of land, in this place. I try not to think about what I will leave behind as the bus speeds forward. Out of sight, out of mind.
Hurried goodbyes, repeated scenes that have been replayed over and over again at so many moments, so many places in the past three weeks. For now, the ‘Farewell Trip’ has come to an end, and I sit again on my bed at home in Taipei. I wish goodbyes could be easier. Before, I used to dwell on them, and as the bus or train pulled away, everything I saw would remind me of how much I am going to miss the place and people there. Everything I used to look at seemed to call to me, to beckon me to stay, when I fact I was already going. But this time it was different.
No tears, no long drawn-out sadness or dwelling on the long times apart ahead. Perhaps it was because it is still so uncertain when exactly I’ll be leaving Taiwan. Somehow, saying to these friends and relatives that I may very well be back very soon helps to alleviate the sadness of going away. Or perhaps, I’ve somehow managed to ‘live in the present moment’, and to take every moment as it is and as it comes and goes, so I’ve become no longer susceptible to the ups and downs of moods and events. Who knows what it is… But really, this time, it was different.
Even this time, when I hugged a dear friend goodbye, I expected warm tears to flow. My eyes watered, but I kept my ‘cool’ (or should I say, I kept my ‘dry’), and experienced those final pre-departure moments as they were, nothing less and nothing more. The sadness, the disappointment at going away, the anticipation of the moment of leaving, the not-knowing when I’ll again return…they came and went.
They say that tears keep a person in touch with his ‘human side’. Perhaps in not crying, not letting go, I’ve lost touch with my ‘human side’? Or perhaps, I’ve somehow managed to control my emotions, and not let them drive me around and up and down. I’d like to think I’m still love, care, and see the world and everything and everyone in it as deeply as I did before. But if experiences, circumstances and what I’ve learnt in recent months has changed me, then so be it.
Leaving is difficult, going is much easier.
Hurried goodbyes, repeated scenes that have been replayed over and over again at so many moments, so many places in the past three weeks. For now, the ‘Farewell Trip’ has come to an end, and I sit again on my bed at home in Taipei. I wish goodbyes could be easier. Before, I used to dwell on them, and as the bus or train pulled away, everything I saw would remind me of how much I am going to miss the place and people there. Everything I used to look at seemed to call to me, to beckon me to stay, when I fact I was already going. But this time it was different.
No tears, no long drawn-out sadness or dwelling on the long times apart ahead. Perhaps it was because it is still so uncertain when exactly I’ll be leaving Taiwan. Somehow, saying to these friends and relatives that I may very well be back very soon helps to alleviate the sadness of going away. Or perhaps, I’ve somehow managed to ‘live in the present moment’, and to take every moment as it is and as it comes and goes, so I’ve become no longer susceptible to the ups and downs of moods and events. Who knows what it is… But really, this time, it was different.
Even this time, when I hugged a dear friend goodbye, I expected warm tears to flow. My eyes watered, but I kept my ‘cool’ (or should I say, I kept my ‘dry’), and experienced those final pre-departure moments as they were, nothing less and nothing more. The sadness, the disappointment at going away, the anticipation of the moment of leaving, the not-knowing when I’ll again return…they came and went.
They say that tears keep a person in touch with his ‘human side’. Perhaps in not crying, not letting go, I’ve lost touch with my ‘human side’? Or perhaps, I’ve somehow managed to control my emotions, and not let them drive me around and up and down. I’d like to think I’m still love, care, and see the world and everything and everyone in it as deeply as I did before. But if experiences, circumstances and what I’ve learnt in recent months has changed me, then so be it.
Leaving is difficult, going is much easier.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
March 7, 1996
Ten years ago, China 'tested' missiles by firing them close to the shores of Taiwan. The closest fell within a dozen kilometers off of Taiwan's harbours in international waters.
The 'Missile Crisis of 1996' resulted in months of tense standoff and fear, which eventually faded after the US sent the largest deployment of military force since the Vietnam War to the Taiwan Straits.
Ten years on, China's missile threat is sadly much unspoken of and ignored by the international community. More than 700 missiles are now pointed toward Taiwan, and each month many more are added. China's claim to Taiwan is as resolute as ever, and it has repeatedly vowed to 'liberate' the island through 'non-peaceful' means.
Why is such behaviour continuing without condemnation and alarm?
Instead, it is Taiwan, and the country's desire to be democratic, and free from the yoke of tyranny, that is being labelled "trouble-maker".
What injustice!
The 'Missile Crisis of 1996' resulted in months of tense standoff and fear, which eventually faded after the US sent the largest deployment of military force since the Vietnam War to the Taiwan Straits.
Ten years on, China's missile threat is sadly much unspoken of and ignored by the international community. More than 700 missiles are now pointed toward Taiwan, and each month many more are added. China's claim to Taiwan is as resolute as ever, and it has repeatedly vowed to 'liberate' the island through 'non-peaceful' means.
Why is such behaviour continuing without condemnation and alarm?
Instead, it is Taiwan, and the country's desire to be democratic, and free from the yoke of tyranny, that is being labelled "trouble-maker".
What injustice!
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
"Cease to function" or "Abolish"?
About the National Unification Guidelines/Council.
President Chen declared that the guidelines have "ceased to apply", whereas the latter council has "ceased to function"...but does that mean the same as "abolish"?
What's the difference?
A subtle one I guess. If it's ceased to function, then it still exists, but simply has no purpose any more. If it's abolished, then it has become history. Why the difference? I guess it is more a compromise, a play of words shrewd politicians like Chen like to engage in. It placates the Americans, who have been against Chen's intentions from the very start, and it probably is seeking to calm China down, even though it didn't have that effect.
I am for the abolishment, though the ceasure of functioning and applying will do.
That document is an outdated attempt by a minority of people in Taiwan who for over five decades have exploited and mislead Taiwanese people into believing in the legend that Taiwan is a part of the great motherland called China. The document and council were drafted at a time when politics and society were just recovering from the days of authoritarianism and one-party rule; a time when party (leader) policy became synomonous with national policy.
In today's Taiwan, in a democratic and free society, such nonsense drafted without the people's consent has no place.
UPDATE 15 March 2006
Has the US lost track of its fundamental values when it comes to dealing with Taiwan?
"The US, however, is under pressure from China to oppose Taiwan holding such a referendum. What other possibilities are there, apart from a referendum? A unilateral declaration by the Taiwanese government that unites it with China? Would the US agree with that? That may not be what the US wants to see, either. The US does not want any of the above options. So what is the US' ultimate stance on the Taiwan issue?
Taiwan's situation has changed. After the dissolution of the authoritarian state, the Taiwanese people's self-awareness has been awakened. The number of people advocating independence or self-determination is increasing constantly. They are dissatisfied with the "status quo" and they demand the right to decide their own future. They are getting increasingly tired of the US. "
MAY 2, 2006
Inane Flap Over an Outdated and Inept National Unification Council
President Chen declared that the guidelines have "ceased to apply", whereas the latter council has "ceased to function"...but does that mean the same as "abolish"?
What's the difference?
A subtle one I guess. If it's ceased to function, then it still exists, but simply has no purpose any more. If it's abolished, then it has become history. Why the difference? I guess it is more a compromise, a play of words shrewd politicians like Chen like to engage in. It placates the Americans, who have been against Chen's intentions from the very start, and it probably is seeking to calm China down, even though it didn't have that effect.
I am for the abolishment, though the ceasure of functioning and applying will do.
That document is an outdated attempt by a minority of people in Taiwan who for over five decades have exploited and mislead Taiwanese people into believing in the legend that Taiwan is a part of the great motherland called China. The document and council were drafted at a time when politics and society were just recovering from the days of authoritarianism and one-party rule; a time when party (leader) policy became synomonous with national policy.
In today's Taiwan, in a democratic and free society, such nonsense drafted without the people's consent has no place.
UPDATE 15 March 2006
Has the US lost track of its fundamental values when it comes to dealing with Taiwan?
"The US, however, is under pressure from China to oppose Taiwan holding such a referendum. What other possibilities are there, apart from a referendum? A unilateral declaration by the Taiwanese government that unites it with China? Would the US agree with that? That may not be what the US wants to see, either. The US does not want any of the above options. So what is the US' ultimate stance on the Taiwan issue?
Taiwan's situation has changed. After the dissolution of the authoritarian state, the Taiwanese people's self-awareness has been awakened. The number of people advocating independence or self-determination is increasing constantly. They are dissatisfied with the "status quo" and they demand the right to decide their own future. They are getting increasingly tired of the US. "
MAY 2, 2006
Inane Flap Over an Outdated and Inept National Unification Council
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Time to go home
I think it's time to leave home again, and time to go home.
It's been over eight months since I left Holland, and I'm starting to feel that I've overstayed my welcome at home here in Taiwan. I never knew and never imagined that it could come to this, but it has.
Admittedly, I've not been doing anything 'productive' in recent weeks. I've not been studying, nor have I been working. In short, "not productive", productive being contributing to the economy, in the strict sense. Instead, I've been volunteering, travelling, reading a lot, and doing a lot of writing, and getting to know myself a little better. But those are by no means 'productive'.
In yet another heated exchange with dad, he showed much disdain in what I'm doing (which in his opinion is noting). It all started because I said that I'm planning to go down to Puli, and he accused my "heart not being at home at all" (I will skip the insulting remarks he made about my friends). It hurt. Why else have I been at home all this time, if not to be at home and be with him? I could be out there, doing things I liked (volunteering or even working (ok, admittedly illegally), getting my driver's license, visiting friends and relatives), but no: I chose to be at home so that he could be better taken care of while he was/is ill.
But how naive of me to think that anyone needed my taking-care-of. Dad made this very clear: he can take care of himself. So the smoking, the eating anything and everything, the craving for and taking in of sweets and additives that are obviously harmful to someone with liver disease and diabetes is taking care of himself? How naive I was to think that I can change all that when I am around. If I am not there, I will not see, and I will not worry, and I will not even be tempted to make a small difference.
All those meals I prepared, and the troubles behind the scenes, and those visits to the hospital meant nothing. People who know me will all too well know that I am not someone who seeks recognition or praise for what I do. But at least some acknoledgement that my presence is appreciated, or even understood, is all it takes. Unfortunately, dad made it clear that my presence is not needed, and that I would be better off away.
I am not angry at him, and I will (try) not to dwell on this for longer than it takes. But it hurts, and I see the hurt, to feel rejected by your own dad. I made it clear again to him that I have not forgotten my priorities and plans to study and to work in the future, but that I simply would like to use this year exploring the possibilities and myself. I made it clear to him again that compared to others my age, I have already gone far (of course there's always the possibility of going further: sky is the limit) in terms of study and experience. But dad is not the least bit interested or understanding. "Young people like you should be studying!"
But study what? And do what in the future? I still am at a loss what my future holds, even though I know myself I should start to apply and decided already. All that is expected of me is that I study and work. And I intend to, but is it too much for this 21-turning-22 year old to spend a few months doing what he likes? Why all this stigma that young people should be either working or studying?
Who would have known that circumtances and the situation at home would come to this? I'll try booking a flight first thing tomorrow morning.
David, it's time you left.
It's been over eight months since I left Holland, and I'm starting to feel that I've overstayed my welcome at home here in Taiwan. I never knew and never imagined that it could come to this, but it has.
Admittedly, I've not been doing anything 'productive' in recent weeks. I've not been studying, nor have I been working. In short, "not productive", productive being contributing to the economy, in the strict sense. Instead, I've been volunteering, travelling, reading a lot, and doing a lot of writing, and getting to know myself a little better. But those are by no means 'productive'.
In yet another heated exchange with dad, he showed much disdain in what I'm doing (which in his opinion is noting). It all started because I said that I'm planning to go down to Puli, and he accused my "heart not being at home at all" (I will skip the insulting remarks he made about my friends). It hurt. Why else have I been at home all this time, if not to be at home and be with him? I could be out there, doing things I liked (volunteering or even working (ok, admittedly illegally), getting my driver's license, visiting friends and relatives), but no: I chose to be at home so that he could be better taken care of while he was/is ill.
But how naive of me to think that anyone needed my taking-care-of. Dad made this very clear: he can take care of himself. So the smoking, the eating anything and everything, the craving for and taking in of sweets and additives that are obviously harmful to someone with liver disease and diabetes is taking care of himself? How naive I was to think that I can change all that when I am around. If I am not there, I will not see, and I will not worry, and I will not even be tempted to make a small difference.
All those meals I prepared, and the troubles behind the scenes, and those visits to the hospital meant nothing. People who know me will all too well know that I am not someone who seeks recognition or praise for what I do. But at least some acknoledgement that my presence is appreciated, or even understood, is all it takes. Unfortunately, dad made it clear that my presence is not needed, and that I would be better off away.
I am not angry at him, and I will (try) not to dwell on this for longer than it takes. But it hurts, and I see the hurt, to feel rejected by your own dad. I made it clear again to him that I have not forgotten my priorities and plans to study and to work in the future, but that I simply would like to use this year exploring the possibilities and myself. I made it clear to him again that compared to others my age, I have already gone far (of course there's always the possibility of going further: sky is the limit) in terms of study and experience. But dad is not the least bit interested or understanding. "Young people like you should be studying!"
But study what? And do what in the future? I still am at a loss what my future holds, even though I know myself I should start to apply and decided already. All that is expected of me is that I study and work. And I intend to, but is it too much for this 21-turning-22 year old to spend a few months doing what he likes? Why all this stigma that young people should be either working or studying?
Who would have known that circumtances and the situation at home would come to this? I'll try booking a flight first thing tomorrow morning.
David, it's time you left.
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