Jung Tsai
Lost is an inevitable part of life and found is evidently a rarity. Especially, when there is cash involved .Yet, amid the anxiety and joy of three experiences that I have adventure in Taipei city offer me the opportunities to appreciate the beautiful nature of Taipei and its people. Taipei is unique in many ways and this one stands out from a traveler’s prospective.
Every time I come to Taipei, I always struck by its vitality, energy, kindness, vibrant night markets and bustling street. But just as I began to immerse myself in the Christmas shopping for my grandchildren in United States I was jolted by an unexpected loss.
Something important to me went missing, leaving me anxious and unsettled. I loss my wallet which contains my important private documentations, large US and Taiwan dollars, many empty checks and credit cards. However, my story didn’t end there. While I was preparing to stop bank payments and reporting credit cards companies and applying new identification cards I decided to go to police station first. As I walked in to the Police Department and showed my name I was immediately told that my lost had been found and placed at a nearby police station, sparking an unexpected journey that led to moments of joy and gratitude.
When I first realized what I had lost, I felt panic set in. Navigating for gifts to my five grandchildren is already overwhelming, and losing something valuable compounded my unease. But when I was informed that it had been picked up by citizen of Taiwan and turned in to the local police station, I felt a glimmer of relief. This small but powerful act of honesty and kindness again and again became my connection to the spirit of Taipei—a city where people look out for one another.
My last two incidents were 20 years ago and 2 years ago. Both have happy endings. First one was happened at Grand Hotel’s ball room where we were watching President Chen’s election result on big TV screen. and I was called out to join a dinner in a hurry I missed carrying out with my bag. It was Saturday night, the US embassy was closed and I must fly back US on Monday for many major surgeries, I even went to police station of foreign affairs asking for help. Next day, my missed items found their way back to my room. What a relief ! The second one was in a high-speed railroad seat, I left it and rush to an important dinner which I was the host. On the way to purchase cake I had no iPhone and wallet. My sister checked the railroad office and It was at the last stop. How fortunate I am on all three occasions! It teach me I must watch out more carefully myself as now a day already we have so many items to carry.
“Haste Makes Waste.”
When I arrived at the police station, I was met with professionalism and empathy. The officers handed over my belongings with care, their gestures simple yet profound. In that moment, I realized that my initial loss had turned into an opportunity to experience the generosity and trustworthiness of Taipei’s community. When the truth is ,In fact, I would be more than happy to just got my papers back not the cash. It is truly an impressive experiences to share .
Luke 15:24
“For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry”.
(December 13, 2024)