Marshals the victims of jury duty

Day III of jury duty – excitement fills the room as three jury panels –blue, purple and red - are called to court; but not ours – we’re green.

So we sit and wait – green with envy!

I feel sorry for the court marshals who police the room – very accommodating and friendly but under constant pressure from my fellow jurors who seem to hold them responsible for them being sent a summons to be here.

Some jurors are downright abusive – shouting at the marshals and demanding the system be changed; like the poor officials have the power to change the laws governing jury selection in Ontario.

Through it all, though, the court officials remain polite and never lose their temper.

“We’re used to it,” one of the officials tells me.

They are to be admired – not abused.

My 'likes" & 'dislikes' about Taiwan

The Taiwanese are a fun-loving lot!

DATELINE TAIPEI – There’s much to like about this incredible country of beautiful coastlines, dramatic black mountains, quaint villages, dynamic cities and gentle, peaceful people.

But there were a few things I didn’t like while travelling around this Asian beauty the past week.

My likes:

- Pineapple cake – yummy!

- Taipei’s subway – the cleanest on the planet!

- The Taiwanese people – the friendliest in Asia!

- Night markets – they’re so much fun!

- Temples – my favorite was Kuan-du temple, circa 1661!

- Clean streets – garbage doesn’t gather here like Hong Kong!

- Wi-Fi – it’s accessible everywhere in Taiwan!

- Soup filled dumplings – Ding Tai Fung restaurant was the best!

My dislikes:

- Stinky to-fu – yuck!

- Traffic chaos – typically Asian (thank goodness they have a great subway).

So, as you can see, my “likes” about travelling in Taiwan far outweigh my “dislikes”.