The minute Westerners step off the plane here in Taiwan, they become at least a year older. Really! By some (mis)calculation that I still do not understand, even after being here for six years, this year I am 40 years old, instead of the 38 I would be in South Africa. More baffling is the fact that last year I was only 38 in Taiwan! I have aged two years in a year.
Now that wouldn't be so bad if nobody asked me my age, but unfortunately that is a regular question here when meeting people. Question 1: "What is your name?" Answer: Dion. Question 2: "Are you married?" Answer: No. Question 3: "How old are you?" Answer: 40, but in South Africa I'm only 38. Question 4: "So why aren't you married yet?" Answer: A smile.
There are certain expectations of me it seems now that I'm 40 that I was not burdened with when I was only 38. The fact that I'm still 38 in South Africa is of no importance whatsoever. That I don't look my age, according to the Taiwanese I meet, is a double-edged sword. I meet a lot of single women and have delightful conversations with them ... until we get to Question 3! Talk about being so near and yet so far!
I think the worst compliment I have ever received was, "You're hot, for an older man!"
Oh God! Kill me now.
18 May 2005
Dion Marc Delport