Regardless of the country in which they find themselves, foreigners are always aware that they are foreigners. They are constantly aware that they originate from a different place, that in their current location they are different and at times exotic. In Far Eastern countries, like Taiwan, this awareness is heightened as the differences between foreigners and the local inhabitants are more pronounced. Foreigners look different, speak a different language and generally cannot speak the local languages, are usually taller, and do not always behave according to local norms.

Foreigners are aware that they can get away with almost anything short of murder, because their status as aliens excuses their lapses of judgement and behaviour. Often the inability of the local inhabitants to communicate with the foreigners allows unacceptable conduct to pass unchecked. A disapproving "Tut, tut!" might be targeted at the backs of deviant foreigners, but either the foreigners do not register these disapprovals or choose to ignore them. They play on their foreignness to claim ignorance. Ironically, most foreigners simultaneously attempt to blend in, strutting around with a confidence they do not always feel that suggests that they are quite at home in their alien environment.

In Kenting, resident cool-looking, sun-tanned Westerners lounge in packs of unconcerned laziness. They would be called beach bums in any other country. In Kenting they are akin to devils. They form a group acutely aware of their difference from the other Kenting residents, as well as from visiting foreigners from other parts of Taiwan who actually work legitimately to justify their presence in the country. Kenting's resident foreigners seem to live by the saying that work is for those who can't surf.

Unfortunately their philosophy and lifestyle is foisted onto all foreigners who arrive in Kenting. The impression that many Taiwanese residents in Kenting have is that foreigners come to Kenting to get drunk, take drugs and, as far as the foreign men are concerned, to find an innocent Chinese girl who they can take advantage of.

I was aware that I was being watched and judged during my stay at the Beach House and felt under pressure to be on my best behaviour. I was rewarded with a warm handshake from Er Geh at the end of my stay. I had passed the test!

9 August 2002

Dion Marc Delport

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