『GUEST』John Melbourne's story by John Melbourne

Hi, my name is John and my wife’s name is Sue. A few weeks ago we were asked if we would host a member of the Taiwanese G.S.E. Team.  We gladly accepted. 

We met the team at Drummoyne Sailing Club on Sunday, 13^th March  for lunch and we were introduced to Jean who stayed with us.  That’s when the fun started.  Her suitcase was a monster.  At first, I thought it was a coffin and that I would need a bigger car to get it home.

On the following Monday night at the Rotary meeting we were introduced to the team of five girls. I found it hard to believe Delphine, the team leader, was only 18 years old. She was doing a great job of keeping the girls under control.  That night the girls put on a great presentation about Taiwan which everyone at the meeting enjoyed. 

On arriving home from the club, Jean told us about her life growing up in Taiwan.  One of the things that stuck in my mind was when she would go out with her family for a meal.  Her Mum would spend all night kicking her under the table and saying, “Jean, don’t eat so much!”    I thought this was a bit harsh.  That was until my wife and I took Jean out for an Indian dinner at our favourite restaurant.  During the course of the evening I started to understand what Jean’s mother was talking about.  This little girl can eat!   The waiter came to the table three times thinking we were finished – the fool.    Jean just kept eating and saying this is delicious. 

When we got home, Jean organised what I thought was a Taiwanese Tea Ceremony.  On a tray she had a tiny teapot and a very small ceramic monk.  She then explained  to us that the monk would pee on the one he didn’t like.  Interesting, I thought.  Jean then poured hot water into the tea pot. Next, she poured hot water  onto the head of the monk and the monk then proceeded to pee all over me.  Well, this of course, had everyone in the room rolling around the floor laughing.

We had a lot of laughs while Jean was staying with us.  We thoroughly enjoyed having her stay  and would just like to let Jean know she can stay with us anytime. 

Love John and Sue Melbourne.