Loss is an inevitable part of life; things being found is rare — especially when cash is involved. Taipei has provided me with opportunities to appreciate the beautiful nature of the city and its people. Taipei is unique in many ways and this stands out from a traveler’s perspective.
Every time I come to Taipei, I am struck by its vitality, energy, kindness, vibrant night markets and bustling streets, but just as I began to immerse myself in Christmas shopping for my grandchildren, I was jolted by an unexpected loss.
Something important to me went missing, leaving me unsettled. I had lost my wallet, containing important documents, large amounts of money, blank checks and credit cards. While I was preparing to stop bank payments, report credit cards and apply for new ID cards, I decided to go to the police station. As I showed my name, I was immediately told that my wallet had been found at a nearby police station, sparking an unexpected journey that led to moments of joy and gratitude.
Finding gifts for my five grandchildren is already overwhelming, and losing something valuable compounded my unease. When I was informed that the wallet had been picked up by a Taiwanese 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 previous two incidents were 20 and two years ago. Both ended happily. The first happened in the Grand Hotel’s ballroom, where we were watching then-president Chen Shui-bian’s (陳水扁) election victory on the big TV screen. I was called out to join a dinner in a hurry and I mislaid my bag. It was a Saturday night, the US embassy was closed, and I had to fly back to the US that Monday for a major surgery. I went to the foreign affairs police station asking for help. The next day, my missing items had found their way back to my room.
The second was on the high-speed rail. I had left my bag and rushed to an important dinner which I was hosting. My sister checked the high-speed rail office and it was at the last stop.
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. I realized that my loss had turned into an opportunity to experience Taipei’s generosity and trustworthiness. I would have been more than happy to just have got my papers back, without the cash. It is truly an impressive experience to share.
Jung Tsai is a retired surgeon.
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