Sunday, December 27, 2009

Silver Linings - Ilha Formosa


As many of you know, sad circumstances precipitated my journey to Taiwan late last month. I was deeply saddened to discover that my likeness had been used to perpetrate such heinous crimes and felt compelled to fly out and express my deepest sympathies to the victims and their families while also highlighting the ever-growing danger that internet crimes pose. Under the cloak of anonymity that the internet affords, everyone can be virtually anyone, and it is only through careful vigilance that we can thwart such malicious schemes. If my coming here and speaking out about these events can help prevent this sort of tragedy from befalling even one person in the future, my journey was well worth it.
Taiwan itself has been a poignant revelation. I arrived with no inkling of what to expect and was greeted with the warmest of welcomes. The Taiwanese people have been so generous in their hospitality and support, and the new friendships I have formed here are ones I will treasure forever. Hope to be back soon to see you all again!
Below are some of the special moments and people that defined my stay in Taiwan. After it had been dashed to smithereens by someone who savagely preyed on innocence and compassion, my faith in humanity was restored and deepened by the beautiful hearts and souls they put on full display.