VIP
VIP
Today I had the privilege to be taken on a field trip with one of my LE partners and his friend. They picked me up at the train station and we then proceeded towards a Haka (indigenous Taiwan people) village where we feasted on excellent Chinese cuisine after visiting a temple. My chopstick skills are improving but is still no match to the dexterity and quickness of theirs. The highlight of the day was however when we drove to “ Lion Head Mountain ” and had a very expensive cup of coffee at a secluded coffee house not known too many tourist but very popular among the local people. 
It first got interesting when I saw the prices per cup of the coffee. I decided to let it bother me as I am receiving my paycheck tomorrow! The 2nd flicker of interest arose when I noticed that the cup that was placed before me had a different pattern than those of my two friends. After a while the owner joined us and shared with me his English vocabulary as he explained I am a VIP guest (being a foreigner…) and that he specially chose my cup with his lucky finger (???). My cup can be compared to a 20 year old Charaz wine whilst those of my friends may be only a 12 year Charaz , I definitely felt very honored!
He later returned to our table with two ornaments carved from bamboo, and explained that this is his passion. I admired his masterpieces, expressed my appreciation for true art and took a photo of him. Before we knew it he had four other pieces displayed on the table and also his hand made tools that he uses. One carving showed the hand of Buddha holding a flower. 
My friend translated as he told that Buddha once took his students out to the field. Buddha didn’t speak but only smiled as he picked a flower. His students asked him the meaning of this but he just smiled at them. Later on one of his students understood that Buddha taught them all livings things are beautiful and should be appreciated.
The owner then further explained the different levels of bamboo carving and the importance of having patience and persistence. He is always eager to take in new students and explained that parents should encourage their children to acquire a hobby such as this. This would be much better than, for example, than watching TV. It is healthier, you practice patience, temper, dexterity, acquiring skill and, most importantly, you would have something to show for time spent….
I examined his work closely and was immensely impressed by the perfection, smoothness, perfect dimensions and the creativity. I also close watched this man’s hands and could clearly see healed cuts and bruises transformed into strength, confidence, flexibility, sensitivity and gracefulness while he handled his tools. This has inspired me once more to continue to develop my own skills and mastery of my nervous system to control, as I choose, my diaphragm, breathing, thoughts, feelings, emotions, values and beliefs whilst transforming my ideas into audible physical states. So that I have something to show for my time spend, and one day have the humbleness and desire to let my fellow man feel like a VIP.
