Probably singing 'I Want it That Way'

When you think of Asian cultures, many people think of Karaoke.  Well living in Taiwan has definitely given justification to that association!  Kind of like Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts in the US, karaoke establishments (aka KTVs) line the streets.  There is at least one every block, if not more.  People of all ages enjoy a good KTV session…morning, noon or night.  I believe some stay open 24 hours (so if I’m ever looking for entertainment at 4am, I’ll know where to go).  I’ve only been to one official KTV ‘lounge’ and this monumental event took place this past Monday afternoon, right after lunch.  We used it as a way to celebrate finally getting paired up with the local English teachers (LETs), as well as a bonding experience.  So here’s the deal: you go into a hotel-like lobby where you check in and say how many people in your party.  They then take you to a private room, which may be on the 7th floor (again…still very hotel-looking…actually, if I may be honest, it looked like what I imagine a high-class brothel might look like).  So we were taken into this room with a few couches, some stools, a few tables, a large flat screen tv, and a little computer that contained all of the songs.  Each room is also equipped with binders full of song choices…both Chinese and English.  In this culture, you just jump right into it.  No alcohol, no tension-breakers, its *bam!* My Heart Will Go On! Let’s start this thing! (btw, I have heard more Titanic references in the past few days than I have in years!)  

Billy and his LET having sharing quality bonding time

So that’s it.  After that its 3-4 straight hours of sing-a-longs.  We heard American hits, several Beatles songs, of course, and many awesome Chinese favorites.  One of the perks of choosing a Chinese song is that the music video would also play on the tv, along with the words (by words I mean characters and not the Romanized version.  Therefore my input in these songs was very limited).  One of my new favorites for both the song and the video is by an artist named Jay Chou.  Think Asian + Cowboys + Amish + milk + small pink pony = AMAZING.  I included the link to the music video on YouTube because I think everyone should get the chance to see this little piece of heaven.  Asian Cowboys take the stage

On the other hand, if you chose an English song, the video that played usually consisted of random 80s models walking and posing around different landscapes.  My Heart Will Go On starred a tall brunette with a cut off T-shirt walking around some harbor in Canada.  Sure.  Why not?!

We also received a ‘light’ snack to fuel us during the hours of entertainment.  Additional proof of American stereotypes at work:

Fried America: hot dogs, chicken wings, french fries, onion rings, and fried corn nuggets (?)

In conclusion it was an amazing experience.  My goal for the year is now to have the above Asian song (and dance) memorized so that I can perform it during KTV.  You would be jealous, admit it.