Good Morning, Tainan

I was up at 7:15. School started the day before, and this would be my second day. I had reviewed, showered, reviewed again, filled my water bottle, and locked my door. Coming out from my side alley to the main alley, there was a thick mist, a fog.

I am never up this early.

Riding my landlord's bike onto the main road, I realized Tainan had been up for a while. Through the mist I saw the hustle and bustle of a city preparing for another day. I rode the bike down the familiar roads, but with a different, morning time appearance. More than the day before, when I was distracted with the advent of school, I noticed the masses of students on bikes and scooters, all heading where I was heading. I was one of many, just like a real university.

After class, I jumped on my bike and headed home, realizing I forgot my wallet. As I neared my place, I passed the 素食 where I eat religiously. The owner, preparing what would soon be lunch, saw me on the road. "早安!" he called. Good morning, I replied, realizing it was still before I was usually out and about.

I crossed the street, turning left by using the sidewalks, just as everyone else does, and passed the morning lady with the 菜包 stand. She spotted me, and yelled "早安!" I replied appropriately, and as I passed I heard another "早安!"

Turning my head, I saw the young man who had pulled up next to me on his scooter late one night last week. "I live there," he had said, pointing down the alley across from my place. "Oh. Nice. I live there," and pointed in the direction of my home. "Nice to meet you," he said before driving away.

This morning, he was beaming, just as before. He seemed happy to see me again.

Again, I replied with a smile, Good Morning!, and continued my ride home, happy to be so welcome in Tainan.