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A publication of the Community Services Center Centered on TAIPEI Vol. 18|08 2018 MAY 2018/4/25 下午12:46 May 18 cover.indd 2 2018/4/25 下午12:46 CONTENTS May 2018 volume 18 issue 8

CSC COMMUNITY From the Editors 5 TAS 9 Center Gallery 6 May Activity Highlights 7 CULTURE Kiddies Korner 8 Traditional Chinese Gardens – Cosmic Beginnings 10 Book Clubs: May 8 Dr. Leaf Talks Dirt 12 Events About Town 9 The Great Buddha of the Century 14 CSC Business Classified 30 FASHION Publisher Community Services Center, Taipei Behind the Seams with Tailors in Taipei 16 Editor Suzan Babcock Co-editor Richard Saunders Advertising Manager Naomi Kaly OUTLOOK Magazine Email [email protected] Tel 02-2836-8134 Love Yourself 18 Fax 02-2835-2530 My friend, grief 19 Live in Hope 20 Community Services Center Editorial Panel Siew Kang, Fred Voigtmann

Printed by Farn Mei Printing Co., Ltd. FOOD & DRINK 1F, No. 102, Hou Kang Street, Shilin The Fattest Chinese People We Know (Part 2) 22 District, Taipei Moksha Indian Restaurant – An Experience of Passion Tel: 02-2882-6748 Fax: 02-2882-6749 E-mail: [email protected] for Indian Fine Dining, Food, Art and Culture 24 Spot Taipei 26 Centered on Taipei is a publication of the Community Services Center, 25, Lane 290, Zhongshan N. Rd., Sec. 6, Tianmu, Taipei, Taiwan Tel: 02-2836-8134 TRAVEL fax: 02-2835-2530 e-mail: [email protected] Silver Stream Cave 28 Correspondence may be sent to the editor at coteditor@ communitycenter.org.tw. Freelance writers, photographers and illustrators are welcome to contact the editor to discuss editorial and graphic assignments. Your talent will find a home with us!

Copyright 2018. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not be reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner.

COT is printed on FSC certified 100% post-consumer recycled fiber. The paper is certified in accordance with the rules of the Forest Stewardship Council which promotes environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world's forests. https://ic.fsc.org/

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May 2018_p3-end.indd 3 2018/4/26 下午3:01 TIGER TOTS PRESCHOOL A LOVING PLACE FOR LEARNING

Crown’s service offerings include: Everyone needs • International & Domestic Shipments • Transit Protection to know why... • Pet & Car Transfers • Immigration & Legalization We’ll help your whole family • Home Search • School Search prepare for the big adventure. • Settling-in Services

PRE-K AND KINDERGARTEN (LOCATED INSIDE TAS) Tel: +886 2 2719 2618 [email protected] TIGGER'S(PRE-2S), 2S AND 3S PLAYGROUPS (TIAN YU CAMPUS)  North American Curriculum  Gardening  Qualified Instructors  Fun and Educational Daily Activities  Low Student/Teacher Ratios  Field Trips  Gymnastics and Music Class  Fun After School Enrichment Classes Go knowing  Engaging Outdoor Playgrounds  Mandarin Playgroups www.crownrelo.com/taiwan

We’d love to introduce you to our diverse and incredibly special community of learners! Please call to arrange a visitation. CR ad Euroview AprMay.indd 1 22/3/2016 3:40:25 PM

TYPA MAIN OFFICE: (02)2873-1815 www.typa.org.tw

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May 2018_p3-end.indd 4 2018/4/25 下午12:40 COVER ARTWORK: On the Silk Road, Acrylic on canvas, FROM Please send email submissions, comments, and feedback to 160x120cm (showing in Lili's) [email protected]. by Patrick Lee THE

For more information, please go to our EDITORS website at www.communitycenter.org.tw Spring has arrived and with it a flurry of activities. In fact, COT TEAM May is one of the best times of the year to be in Taipei. For children, whose seasonal pent-up energy may be exhausting to their parents, a visit to Yangmingshan and the Futian Village Eco-educational Farm is a must. There, children can enjoy a wide range of outdoor DIY activities. For an outdoor Center activity, Richard Saunders will be Suzan Babcock Richard Saunders Naomi Kaly KC Editor Co-editor Advertising Manager Graphic Designer leading a hike to the Silver Stream Cave in Xindian. Please sign coteditor@ [email protected] naomi@communitycenter. graphicdesigntaipei. up for this once-in-a-lifetime outdoor adventure with Richard communitycenter.org.tw org.tw weebly.com before he leaves Taiwan. View a tiny temple built into the face of a cliff; pass behind a waterfall, where you can take stunning photos. For another hiking adventure, join Elene and Dean on their May 6th Live in Hope annual group hike up Elephant Mountain. Have a green thumb? Dr. Leaf suggests that before going Zee Dlamini Nomita Kavra Gupta Sydney Ko Editorial intern Editorial intern Editorial intern out to buy seeds or plants for your home, balcony or rooftop gardens, brushing up on the benefits of using clean soil for your plants is a must. WRITING AND PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS Foodies will enjoy a fine dining experience at Moksha, one Sue Babcock Richard Saunders of Taipei’s newest Indian restaurants. Located in the Tianmu Master Chi-Sung Hung Gabriele Seewald area of Taipei, Moksha offers a wide range of rich gastronomic Joan H. HungryinTaipei Mohan Sharma Sydney Ko Rosemary Susa culinary specialties. While in Tianmu, be sure to stop in at Lili’s Dr. Leaf TAS to see Patrick Lee’s painting “On the Silk Road”, which is our Patrick Lee Kath Teeboon Emilie Ma Grace Ting cover for May. Pai Su-yu Elene Van Sandwyk Spring time is also a time of transitions for many of our Joseph Reilly Doreen Wang Jenna Robinette friends who will be leaving Taiwan for other destinations. Richard Saunders is one of those friends. Richard has become a living legend, especially among the expat community. He is an avid hiker and trail guide in the true sense of the word; Pick COT up at: he has written over 200 newspaper articles on places to hike Uptown: in Taiwan; is a London trained classical musician in piano, a Community Services Center, No. 25, Lane 290, Sec. 6, Zhongshan North Rd. friend to the Community Services Center and of course, to our Sprout – No. 33, Sec. 7, Zhongshan North Rd. Centered on Taipei (COT) team. Richard, your twenty-five years George Pai’s Beauty – No. 14, Tienmu East Rd. Downtown: here in Taiwan has been a gift to us all. You will be missed. Ooh Cha Cha – 207, Sec.2, Nanchang Rd. NakedFood – 22-1, Lane 160, Sec.1, Xingsheng South Rd. Samyama (Art) Co., Ltd. – 2F, No. 1, Lane 119, Sec.1, Daan Rd. Sue and Richard

Accountant Monica Cheng COMMUNITY SERVICES CENTER Programs Manager Rosemary Susa Coffee Mornings Coordinator John Imbrogulio Cross-cultural Trainer Anne Jacquet The Community Services Center (CSC) is a non-profit foundation. CSC provides Communications Morgan Loosli outreach and early intervention through counseling, cross-cultural education and Events Coordinator Shan Lee life skills programs to meet the needs of the international community in Taipei. Mandarin Chinese Teacher Gloria Gwo CSC offers the opportunity to learn, volunteer, teach and meet others. Check out Lee Ming Yeh our website www.communitycenter.org.tw and drop by The Center to chat with us Systems Manager about our programs. You can also email us at [email protected].

Director Adam McMillan Volunteers Miyuki Boice, Daniel Chan, John Imbrogulio, Anna Loose, Leslie McFarlane, Office Manager Grace Ting John McQuade, Gloria Peng, Emmy Shih

Counselors I-wen Chan, Katherine Chang, Hui-shiang Chao, Benefactors Bai Win Antiques Jung Chin, Chiao-Feng Chung, Cerita Hsu, Carol Lee, European Chamber of Commerce Miranda Lin, Emilie Ma, Kuang-Shan Wan Grand Hyatt Taipei

Consultants Wendy Evans and Michael Mullahy Premier Sponsors Concordia Consulting ICRT Counseling Admin. Joanne Chua San Fu Global

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A percentage of all proceeds of items sold at the Gallery will go to the Center. Please remember that by displaying your items or MAY 2018 GALLERY shopping at the Gallery, you will be helping the Center to continue to provide valuable services to the international community.

SAHAR SHAIKH – AN EXQUISITE INDIAN COLLECTION OF JEWELRY Sahar’s exquisite collection of fine Indian jewelry features pieces from the regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat that are individually crafted. Special Kundan stonework, silver and stone pendants, earrings, bangles, bracelets and necklaces in turquoise, coral, pearl, amethyst, onyx, marcasite and garnet are perfect gifts for those seeking fine jewelry.

CHEN CHAO PAO’S PAINTING COLLECTION The Community Services Center is pleased to exhibit paintings by the renowned artist Chen Chao Pao. On loan from Faye Angevine’s Baiwin collection, Chen is recognized for combining his ancient Chinese splash brush technique and Western painting skills. These techniques are a new form of expression and subject matter for ink and water paintings. His work is highly sought after at auctions worldwide.

YURIE'S ASSORTMENT OF SILK FLOWERS AND ACCESSORIES Yurie Asada meticulously selects all her silk flowers for her exquisite silk flower arrangements. She focuses on the concepts of “harmony” and seasonal flowers, which will complement any home or office interior. Accessory items include earrings, bracelets and necklaces for those seeking gifts for someone special.

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MAY ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS Cracking the Code: A Tour of over the hills below); then If you will be here for the Survival Chinese II the National Palace Museum continues deeper into the summer and have the time, 10:40 am – 12 noon Tuesday, May 8th; 10 am – wooded hills, climbs over why not consider taking NT$6,300 12 noon a ridge, and descends to one of our Survival Chinese This course builds upon the Guide: Bridget Chi reach the terminal station classes? skills learned in Survival NT$800 of the Maokong Gondola. Mondays and Wednesdays; Chinese I and offers Have you ever felt daunted Here, one may pause to June 6th – July 25th approximately twenty hours by the thought of spending enjoy a cup of tea, or take of language instruction for a day at the National Palace the Gondola straight back Survival Chinese I people who would like to Museum? Do you find the down to Muzha Zoo MRT 9:10 – 10:30 am upgrade their basic skills myriad of objects and crowds station. This hike is largely on NT$6,300 and go one step further at the Museum bewildering? dirt trails, with steps at the Would you like to be able with Mandarin. This class Join Bridget, who has a beginning and end. There's to communicate with is also suitable for anyone background in art history and one short, moderately steep shopkeepers, taxi drivers and who has taken some basic is keen to share her passion, climb, but the hike is suitable co-workers? Whether you've Chinese lessons and would to unravel the mysteries for walkers who regularly just arrived in Taiwan or have like to continue with his or of the NPM and help you hike in Yangmingshan and been here awhile, this is the her studies. Course materials to become an “old hand” are confident on dirt trails. class for you. Learn spoken included. when guests come into town Walking shoes with a good Mandarin in a relaxed and asking for a tour. This will be grip are essential. Bring informal environment right an interactive visit to view water, snacks and rain/sun here at the Center. Course some of the objects that protection, as needed. materials included. define the museum. Bridget will also set the objects in Chinese Brush Painting their historical context. Delve Workshop into the hidden symbolism Fridays, May 4th – May of Chinese art objects and 18th; 12:30 – 2:15 pm THE share some fun trivia about Instructor: Jennifer Tong the NPM’s collections. Cost NT$3,000 CENTER of museum admission and Bring out your creative headsets included. talents in this beginning brush painting class where NEEDS YOU! Magnificent and Scenic: the emphasis will be on Silver Stream Cave Hike holding the brush correctly, Do you have a skill or talent that you would RESCHEDULED DATE: Friday, producing proper brush like to share? Or have you found some great May 11th; 9 am – 1:30pm strokes, and applying the places around Taipei that you would like to Guide: Richard Saunders proper amount of ink to the take others to see? $800 paper. Even if you are not Silver Stream Cave is a tiny artistic, you will be surprised temple built into a cliff face at the results. By the end Then why not consider teaching a course or behind a tall waterfall in of this class you will have leading a tour for the Center in Fall/Winter the hills around Xindian. produced two beautifully 2018? If you are interested, or would like This hike starts by climbing painted pieces: a decorative up to the temple, passes panel to display, and a paper more information, please contact Rosemary at right behind the waterfall fan. Cost of all materials [email protected]. (offering magnificent views (brushes, ink, paper, fan and through the water and out panel) included.

OTHER EVENTS MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY May 28, noon Democrats Abroad Taiwan will be honoring American servicemen and women with a Memorial Day ceremony at Taipei Prison wall. There will be readings, music, and a lunch gathering to follow. For updated information on all DEMOCRATS ABROAD TAIWAN events, follow us on Facebook: @DATWN

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Fun Activities for Kiddies

Here are some exciting new things to do this May with your little ones.

TEXT: SYDNEY KO

WHAT WHY WHEN AND WHERE

FUTIAN VILLAGE As the temperature rises, May is a fantastic month to Address: 18, Lane 131, Jingshan Road, ECO-EDUCATIONAL FARM spend a week on a farm, and perhaps cultivate one’s Yangmingshan hidden agricultural talents. From views of nature Hours: 9 am – 5 pm (Closed on straight out of a painting to experiencing the joy of Monday) birdwatching and a DIY art class, Futian Village Eco- Telephone: (02) 2862-2145 Educational Farm is a great opportunity for children to not only have fun, but an education outside of the classroom.

KUO YUAN YE MUSEUM OF Find out how delicious Taiwanese pineapple cakes Address: 1, Lane 9, Qingnian Road, CAKE AND PASTRY are made by visiting this museum, which offers Yangmei District, Taoyuan City hands-on pastry making activities - both entertaining Hours: 9 am – 5:30 pm and educational. Aside from classes, the museum Telephone: (03) 496-2201 has a history. Coming from Zhangzhou in China, Kuo Yuan Ye’s ancestors immigrated to Taiwan in 1708 and started a bakery. This pastry brand has been run by four generations!

APHOPHIS PLAY CENTER If you’re discovering a lack of places to take the kids out Address: 11, Songshan Road, Xinyi for an outing, Aphophis Play Center may be a solution. District (Citylink Songshan Station, Located on the 3rd floor of the Citilink mall, above 3rd Floor) Songshan MRT station, an entire floor is dedicated Hours: 10:30 am – 8 pm, seven days a to fun. This indoor playground consists of DIY craft week activities, a family restaurant, and dance classes. Telephone: (02) 2747-6600 It doesn’t stop there either: the play center is stocked Fee: NT$150 (adults), NT$500 with LED light wall, ball pit and Lego blocks. It’s also (children). The play center is intended perfect for wet plum rain days! for kids aged 10 and under.

BAILUSHISHAN TRAIL Need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city? Address: Dahu Park, 31, Chenggong Try a hiking trail at Dahu Park in Neihu. From beautiful Road, Section 5, Neihu District natural scenery to aesthetically pleasing views of the MRT Dahu Park (brown line) Taipei skyline, it’s worth the thirty-minute climb. There is an exercising area for adults on the top as well. Hike the trail, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the peace and break from the city!

May Morning Book Club Selection Justice: What’s the Right Thing To Do? by Michael Sandel. For meeting dates, times & location, contact: [email protected]

May Evening Book Club Selection The Grand Design by Stephen Hawking. For meeting dates, times & location, contact: [email protected]

8 MAY 2018 www.communitycenter.org.tw

May 2018_p3-end.indd 8 2018/4/26 下午3:03 CSC EVENTS ABOUT TOWN Taiwan Adventure Outings: 華山1914文創園區 中4A exhibition hosted by Jai Station, 367, Miaoli County, Yuanzui Mountain (Bird's Time: 26 May, 12 noon - 7 Prakash, a self-taught painter Sanyi Township Beak Mountain) pm from India. He is one of the 勝興村14鄰勝興89號 Time: 5 May at 7 am Telephone: 02-2558-2012 youngest craft persons to Time: Starting around 6 pm Telephone: 09-0515-4204 With the immense success have won the President of Telephone: 037-870-435 Taiwan Adventure Outings that the fair witnessed last India’s National Award for Starting in the month (TAO), a travel consultancy year, the Dancing Elephant his various style of miniature of April, fireflies will be and operator that focus on Wine Fair is back once painting. This exposition throwing a spectacular destinations in Taiwan, offers again. This wine-tasting fair focuses on the symbol, the show by appearing around a day trip to hike Yuanzui emphasizes offers wine from Tree of Life, which often the Shengxing Station. Mountain in Taichung. It is twenty different Spanish depicts our celebration, Aside from the firefly show, a 4-5 hour climb with steep vineyards. Additionally, this prayer, submission and Miaoli is also a place filled ridges. As wholesome as event will be held within the appreciation in the face of with amazing local cuisines this outing can get, once on Huashan 1914 Creative Park, immortality. The exhibition and history. Starting with top of the peak, hikers are which houses other small art started in Malaysia, than Shengxing Train Station, the able to see Jade Mountain. exhibitions and boutiques. India, Hawaii, Canada in the train station dates back to The company provides last three years; and now, it Qing dynasty, and was later transportation and picks up Tree of Life Exhibition in has finally arrived Taiwan in renovated under Japanese travellers from their locations Taiwan 2018. Therefore, it is truly an rule; hence, the Japanese- in Taipei, making it extremely Location: Craft Design Hall, opportunity to witness this styled architecture. Miaoli is convenient and accessible. NTCRI, Nantou universal symbol come to life also known for Hakka cuisine Time: 5 May - 19 August in paintings. and tea-tasting. So really, if Dancing Elephant Wine Fair Telephone: (04) 9233-4141 there is any retreat from the Location: Huashan 1914 The Tree of Life Exhibition Firefly Shows around Taiwan busy city life, traveling to Creative Park is an extraordinary art Location: Shengxing Miaoli is the place to go.

COMMUNITY | TAS Taipei American School Enjoys Success in Two Robotics Competitions

TEXT & IMAGE: TAS

aipei American School won first place at the Australia and Hawaii Regional FIRST Robotics Competitions (FRC), and qualified for the World Championship in Detroit, MI, U.S.A. TIn Australia, the TAS team won all but one match. They ranked number one in the qualifying rounds by a significant margin, and went undefeated in the elimination rounds to win the coveted Blue Banner as the captain of the first seed alliance, advancing them to the World Championship. They were also the only team to achieve a 100% success rate for the autonomous portion of the matches. They even helped write successful autonomous code for many other teams at the competition so that their allies could score an extra ranking point in every match. The TAS team also won the Quality Award for their robot’s build and design. The same team also had an incredible performance at the Hawaii Regional FIRST Robotics Competition. They ranked Regional Chairman's Award, which is considered the most #1 through the qualification rounds, losing only one match. prestigious award given at an FRC event. It is given to one Then, as alliance captain of the number one seeded team, team at each regional competition for their work in STEM they went undefeated through elimination rounds and education outreach and impact on the community. became Hawaii Regional Champions for the second year in Visit our website (www.tas.edu.tw) to find out how the a row, earning the coveted Blue Banner and advancing once team does at the World Championship from April 25th – again to the World Championship in April. They also won the 28th!

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Traditional Chinese Gardens Cosmic beginnings

TEXT: SUE BABCOCK IMAGES : WEB

hinese gardens have been If you stop for a moment and think B.C. What resulted was a situation said to be cosmic diagrams, carefully about this two-way view, where the city and family were ruled by allowing us a view through humans are quite small compared to selective interpretations of Confucius’ the sage’s eyes of the world nature; however, nature is formed in ideas, a hierarchy of importance, andC man’s place in it. These places of the image of a human. Taking this one formality and man-made order. The solitude have lent themselves over the step further, the Chinese have, over the garden and its landscape were formed centuries to poets, artists and scholars. years, made a conscious attempt to live on Taoist ideas of irregularity, free form, Chinese women have long sought harmoniously with nature, while not originality and a mirroring of nature. refuge in gardens for emotional comfort submitting passively to life. and strength that can often only come IMPERIAL ORIGINS from the whispering of wind through SOCIETAL INFLUENCES Records show that as long ago as the leaves and boughs of a nearby pine China was in internal chaos due to the 14th century B.C., slaves were used or weeping willow. The gardens have warfare between states by the time of to build parks for their masters. These also been a place of merry-marking Confucius (551-479 B.C.). It was a time parks were to be perfect miniatures as old friends meet or young children of lawlessness, violence and personal of nature. They contained grown scamper among the towering and ill- gain. His doctrine was one of order trees which had been transported shaped rocks before being discovered. for the society and family. The wave from outlying areas, wildlife, winding The ancient Chinese creation myth of of conservatism, once his principles pathways, pavilions, terraces and Shang Ti and the Cosmic Egg perhaps were presented and considered, was corridors. The gardens also served illustrates for us how the Chinese feel accompanied by paternalistic attitudes, the monarchs as hunting grounds. about nature, and their place in it. ceremony, hierarchy and a rational Magnificent lodges were built within “A very long time ago, there was an way of thinking. These were all ideal the gardens for the monarchs and their egg, the world. When the egg hatched, ingredients for a traditional form of families. These were to make them as there appeared a god whose lifetime government. comfortable as possible while away from was that of 18,000 years. When he Taoism was another school of their home in the capital or city. After died, his head separated into the sun thought that also had profound a while, these grounds were copied by and the moon; the rivers and seas were influence upon the Chinese way of lesser families of nobility on a much made from his blood, the plants from thinking and its art forms. Taoism smaller scale. Flowers were cultivated, his hair, the mountains from his legs supported mystical, anti-rational, ponds dug, small hills and mounds of and arms, the thunder from his voice, experimental ideas, along with the earth created, all in the imitation of the rain from his perspiration, the wind worship and contemplation of nature. nature. By the Tang (618-907) and Song from his breath, and his fleas became Its attributed founder, known as dynasties (960-1279), “hill and water” the ancestors of man.” Lao-tzu, lived around the 5th century gardens were quite the rage.

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Traditional garden designs

GARDEN DESIGNS AND not to upset the balance which had FLOWERS ARCHITECTURE been created. Rocks, stones, sand, Flowers were chosen with care for There were five basic guidelines trees, shrubs, flowers and moss, all their scent and romantic symbolism. employed in the building of the lent an artistic touch. Grass or lawns Orchids represented feminine charm exquisite imperial gardens; restraint, played little or no part in the garden. and the chrysanthemum symbolized artistic screening, framing, contrast It has been written that grass for many a long life. These gems of the garden and borrowing. When applying these Chinese is associated with the fields of have been for centuries the inspiration guidelines to smaller but equally soft grasses of the northern steppes, for poets and artists. charming gardens, they brought forth upon which continual raids were made to the Western eye an understanding of by savage and ferocious bands of A BALM FOR THE SPIRIT the unique order and arrangement of wandering tribes. Looking at it from a To the visitor today, as in the past, what the human hand could do when practical standpoint, if the garden space the Chinese garden is more than dipped into nature’s treasure box. is small, the space which is defined by just a place to stroll and spend a few The imperial gardens of China usually a light green lawn would quickly and hours. It is a balm for those seeking covered large, scenic areas outside the sharply acknowledge this limitation and solitude. There is a hush that is felt capital, complete with accommodation throw off the balance of the courtyard when entering a Chinese garden that to assure occupants a continuity of or garden. One clever way of off- quickly and quietly envelopes us. Our living style. The landscape was created setting the space problem is to create senses are heightened as we pause and to make the eye linger longingly on an illusion. A wall half-concealed by reflect upon the various shapes, the a tree, flower or water scene before trees or shrubs, a coat of soft misty- mountains, trees and rocks that are traveling on to a new visual delight. grey paint to tone down the harshness strategically placed within the garden The structuring of a garden began of the day’s light, or the use of round wall. On sunny days, sun spots dance with the careful selection of its location. doorways, strategically placed, provide with shadows upon a nearby wall. In Hills, mounds of earth and ponds the promise of more to come. the evening, a full moon casts moon were then created according to the shadows upon a still lake. We become size of the land, scaled in proportion WATER refreshed and perhaps linger, before to the surroundings. Architectural Waterfalls, streams, ponds and lakes reluctantly exiting through a gated door structures were built, with care given are garden basics. The word shanshui to the outside world. (山), which combines the Chinese characters “shan” (山; mountain) and “shui” (; water), means landscape. The main body of water flowed into smaller ponds. To divert its flow, tiny islands, bridges or pavilions were Suzan Babcock is a long-time placed so as to create the effect of resident of Taiwan. During her mountain streams as they bubbled and stay here, she has managed gurgled their way along. These were four successful careers in often shaded by the graceful willow, education, cross-cultural surrounded by bamboo, or beside a relations and counseling, plum or pine tree. although being a mother has been her favorite.

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ingredients plants will not grow to their full potential.

SOIL TYPES In Taiwan, soils may be sandy, alluvial, slate alluvial, schist alluvial, brown forest, podzolic, volcanic or red. Soil texture depends on the amount of clay, silt and sand that it holds. The size of the particles is also relevant. Sand makes up the bulk of soil particles. Sand can’t hold water, and nutrients Falling in Love with your are flushed through by rain. Therefore, sandy soil doesn’t have the organic matter or the microbes that plants Toaster Oven need. Silt particles are smaller and slippery when wet and like dust or powder when dry. The smallest pieces are clay, and they tend to clump heavily together when wet. Both the silt and ON THE GROUND LEVEL clay (the heaviest) particles are dense TEXT: DR. LEAF IMAGES : WEB Soil damage in the Taipei Basin and and do not drain well. There also isn’t throughout Taiwan is great, due to much organic matter in the soil. contamination from heavy metals, and soil pollution affecting the quality of WHAT IS THE HEALTH OF YOUR Spring has arrived in Taipei and food (especially rice) has become a SOIL? Seventeen essential elements are the urge to replenish indoor, socio-economic concern. Soil quality standards and guidelines have been necessary for plant growth: nitrogen, balcony and rooftop flower and developed to assess the soil risks. phosphorous and potassium are vegetable gardens is at an all-time The government, farm groups and the most important ones. The acid- alkaline balance and proper texture high, judging from the size of the dedicated individuals are continuing to look at farming systems of operation also contribute to healthy soil. If the crowds at the Jianquo Weekend and rapidly changing soil qualities, and pH range is out of balance for your soil Flower Market. are monitoring contaminated soils and this means that the soil nutrients are becoming chemically bound to the soil But before we go any further, I promoting land use changes, along with educational outdoor workshops, particles and the plants will not receive have to say: don’t waste your and classes regarding the function of the nutrients that they need. money on new plants, seedlings or healthy soil. Healthy soil has a pH within the 6.5 to 6.8 range. If the soil is less than 6.5 seeds this year. That’s right. Don’t SO WHAT IS CLEAN SOIL? it is too acidic for most plants to grow waste your money unless you have Clean or healthy soil is the basis in. One popular method to raise the clean soil to put them into. or foundation for growing healthy, pH of soil is to add organic matter or nutritious plants and flowers. When limestone, which will add magnesium to there is healthy soil there is less need for the soil. Soil improvement will happen fertilizer. Plants grown for consumption slowly, over a two-year period. If your in healthy soil will yield crops that will soil pH is higher than 6.8, then you will not put your health at risk. need to increase your soil’s acidity. Soil is made up of air (yes, air), bits Organic materials such as peat moss, and pieces of rock, organic material and sawdust, leaves or other naturally acidic water. But the good stuff in healthy soil materials will help to lower the pH is the tiny organisms. These organisms range so that the soil can return to a are creepy-crawly worms, insects and healthier state. microbes that add to the richness The following fertilizer recipe that of healthy soil. Without all these many have successfully used is totally

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the purpose of creating community gardens. These groups actively engage people from neighborhoods to teach them how to grow healthy food for themselves, their families, friends and neighbors. Local community colleges have begun to step up to the plate by inviting specialists with experience in agronomy to lecture and provide hands-on demonstrations. Teaching people how to create environmentally sustainable gardens, including the cultivation of healthy soil, is paramount to our health.

organic. It consists of one part bone lettuce, rosemary, tomatoes, chilies, meal, one-half part kelp meal, one-half Swiss chard, garlic, cilantro, beet leaves part Dolemitic lime, four parts soy bean and squash. meal and one-fourth part of agricultural lime and one-fourth part gypsum. Seed RECYCLING PRODUCES SURPRISES meals and various lime ingredients are Growing lettuce from discarded important for a healthy garden. This stems is fun. Cut the leaves from a mixture, along with compost matter, head of fresh lettuce leaving one to two will produce incredible results. Costco inches of stem. Place the stems in an also has some good deals on soil and inch of fresh distilled or bottled water garden products. and place in a sunny location, or under LED lights. Change the water daily. This SPRINGTIME GARDENS IN TAIPEI works only with lettuce that comes Ok, now that you understand the from mature rounded heads or cones importance of having clean, healthy of lettuce, not the leafy kinds. Within soil, you’re ready to plant. Early in three days you will see new growth May, before the plum rains begin, is from all the stems. Use bibb, romaine an ideal time to sow a garden. Go to or red lettuce stems for best results. your favorite market or the Jianquo Dr. Leaf is a writer currently on assign- Weekend Flower Market in downtown WHY YOUR CLEAN SOIL ment in Taipei, who loves puttering Taipei and look for vegetables and GARDENING EFFORTS MAKE A around his jungle-style rooftop garden. herbs to fill your future salad bowl. DIFFERENCE Seasonal favorites that grow well More and more citizen groups are include thyme, parsley, green onions, forming throughout the Taipei area for

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May 2018_p3-end.indd 13 2018/4/25 下午12:40 CULTURE The Great Buddha of the Century

TEXT: GABRIELE SEEWALD IMAGES: MASTER CHI-SUNG HUNG

I am from Earth. I live in Taiwan. That’s how Master Chi-Sung Hung introduces himself. I can’t help but be deeply touched by his words, as it expresses what I have felt myself for a long time. He goes on sharing that we need to purpose of his life was to create a pure bought. He taught himself how to read give this world a new dream, a new land for everyone to walk on: Peace and write both modern and ancient story, a new narrative, that we are all Earth. Chinese, and started to contemplate one Humanity sharing one Earth. His The youngest of five children, he deep question of life and death, dreams mission is very clear: Peace-ing Earth, as believes Guanyin saved his life even and reality at a very young age. In order he calls it. before he was born: his parents owned to quiet his over-active mind and relax We are sitting in his Heart Tea House fireworks factories in Chiayi and his his body, he started to meditate every in Xindian, sipping beautiful Taiwan Tea, mother was supposed to move to one day when he was 10 years old. surrounded by his artworks: paintings of the factories shortly before giving At the age of 20, while he was in of Nature, of Guanyin, of buddhas birth to him. A Master told her not to university, and while he was meditating and the few hundred books he has move to the factory, she followed the he cried and the pain in his chest from written and published and keeps gifting Master’s advice, and shortly afterwards the accident fifteen years before was to me: The Sutra of the Heart, Earth they were spared from a huge completely and permanently released. Entrepreneurship, Happiness – a Shared explosion that took place in the factory Around the same time, he went Global Vision – from Gross National and killed many. on a seven-day Zen retreat and was Happiness to Gross Earth Happiness, When he was five, there was an invited by a Zen Master to follow in his with the former Prime Minister of explosion in another of their factories footsteps and pass on his teachings. Bhutan, Retreats of Modern People, that killed three people. His chest was He refused, because in his mind he is and his Relaxation Zen Meditation CD. severely injured near his heart by an not a monk, he is just a man. He was He calls himself “The Earth Zen iron rod, and he felt pain in the area for interested in only building a pure land Person,” and tells me that he knew years afterwards. His father had passed for everyone to walk on, to be happy, when he was 20 years old that the when he was seven, and his mother, healthy and at peace. whom he calls a genius, brought up all When the monumental rock-carved five children and successfully ran the statues of the Bamiyan Buddhas factories, doing international business in Afghanistan were destroyed by even though she had never learnt to the Taliban in 2001, he decided to read and write properly. His older sister, transform his sadness and anger over Salina Hung, who is now a published the destruction into creating a piece author and artist in Taiwan and a dear of art of unprecedented size, and friend, helped to raise him and to run dedicated to Peace Earth: he vowed to the family business. paint the largest painting of a Buddha in He would grow up pretty much left to the world and in history, watching over his own devices, and perused a library Earth and all beings. full of ancient Chinese writings and a He mobilized supporters and collection of sutras that his father had sponsors for the huge undertaking,

The Great Buddha of the Century will be on show at Kaohsiung Exhibition Center, 39, Chenggong 2nd Road, Qianzhen District, Kaohsiung. The exhibition is open from May 9th to 13th between 1 pm and 9 pm.

14 MAY 2018 www.communitycenter.org.tw

May 2018_p3-end.indd 14 2018/4/25 下午12:40 CULTURE

working with Taiwanese companies and Meditation on Sunday, 13th May from technology to develop a special canvas 4:30 pm to 5 pm and read the Earth material and non-toxic, sustainable Peace Meditation written by Master colors, and studied how to paint such a Hung in their mother tongue. huge painting, preparing a workshop for Everyone is invited to join the it in Taoyuan. Following years of trial exhibition opening on Wednesday, 9th and error, and fully trusting in Buddha May at 6 pm, or visit the exhibition at and letting Him paint through him and their own leisure over the following for Peace, The Great Buddha of the days. Century will be unveiled at Kaohsiung Peace, Health and Happiness to all, Exhibition Center, where it will be and Happy Mother’s Day! displayed from 9th to 13th May, as part of the Earth Spirit Cultural Festival. The 166 m x 72.5 m painting will be displayed from the ceiling of the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center. This logistical and technical accomplishment Mother of three, Writer, was made possible here in Taiwan with Speaker, Entrepreneur, the support of numerous Taiwanese Bridge Ambassador of corporations, the Kaohsiung City Heart, Lover of Life, Government and Tourism Bureau. Wild Grace Founder of Dedicated to Mother Earth and Rejuvenate, Wild Grace Rejuvenation Peace Earth, the dates of the exhibition Resort & Well-Being Center, Spiral Gabriele Seewald and Master Chi-Sung Hung around Mother’s Day couldn’t be more Seeds Consulting & Education Projects. fitting. Contact: [email protected] for Children, mothers and families further information about the Earth are invited to join the Earth Peace Spirit & Cultural Festival

www.communitycenter.org.tw MAY 2018 15

May 2018_p3-end.indd 15 2018/4/26 下午3:08 FASHION Behind the Seams with Tailors in Taipei

TEXT: JENNA ROBINETTE IMAGES: JENNA ROBINETTE & WEB

eople say the best thing a lot of advantages. First, it’s almost dress; narrowing sleeves or pant legs; you can wear is a smile, always cheaper to mend damaged shortening straps or shoulder seams; but they don’t usually tell items than to buy something new. It and even tightening a waistband. you the second-best thing can be quicker and easier to repair your Always buy a garment for your widest –P knowing a good tailor. If you’re like clothing than to go shopping. You help part and take in the other sections. For most people and don’t know how to the environment by keeping clothes out example, if you have broad shoulders, sew, a tailor can be a lifesaver. Tailors in of the landfill. And what I like best is buy a jacket that fits in the shoulder Taipei are remarkably accommodating, that you get to breathe life into a piece and have the sleeves taken up, or the affordable, and abundant. Not only can of clothing that you love! body taken in by adding darts. If you they can save you money by repairing have wider hips, buy for your hips and damaged clothes, but they can also ALTERATIONS – CUSTOM-FIT FOR take the waist in. alter clothes to look like they were YOU When you go shopping, many shops made especially for you. Apart from The best way to look put-together and offer in-house alterations free of charge creating custom garments from scratch, stylish is to wear clothes that look like – even at the night market! It doesn’t tailoring services generally fall into they were made to fit you. But nearly all hurt to ask. If you are buying a garment three categories: repair, alteration, or of my clients complain that they can’t you know needs an alteration, calculate reinvention. To understand how and find clothes that fit them perfectly well. the total cost with the tailor’s fee to why to use a tailor, keep reading as I If you’re tall, short, big chested, small decide if it’s worth it or not. Sometimes guide you through each step of your chested, wide hipped, narrow hipped, it’s best to just keep looking. visit to get the best results or otherwise differ from a standard fit Keep in mind that the more model, then welcome to the club! complicated the alteration is, the more REPAIR—DON’T THROW IT AWAY! Hemming is one of the easiest expensive it will be. Anything that We all have damaged clothes in our alterations you can make to get your needs to be hand sewn will be more closets. Missing buttons. Broken clasps. clothes to suit your body size and expensive. Replacing or working around Stuck zippers. Ripped seams. Pockets proportion. Shirts, pants, skirts, and lining, boning, sewing leather, fur, and with holes. Torn lining. Fallen hems. dresses all look better when they are at chiffon, or doing alterations on beaded Overstretched elastic. In fact, in these the right length for your body. I’m sure or sequined garments are usually the days of fast fashion, these problems petite women will feel me on this one. costliest alterations to ask for. I once are all too common. Many people Another common service is making had to raise an armhole and take in the simply throw their damaged clothing a garment smaller to contour your side seam on a vintage beaded dress, away and buy new clothes, because it body to ensure a better fit. This and the price was double the cost of seems easier. But getting your clothes includes taking in side seams; adding the dress. Make sure it’s worth it, and mended by a professional tailor has darts to the front or back of a shirt or always ask the cost beforehand.

16 MAY 2018 www.communitycenter.org.tw

May 2018_p3-end.indd 16 2018/4/25 下午12:40 FASHION

REINVENTION – GET CREATIVE! your name and number so they can Revamp clothing items you never call you when it’s ready, especially if wear by turning them into something they didn’t give you a pick-up date. totally new. This requires some You wouldn’t believe the number of imagination, but can instantly refresh unclaimed items they have taking up your wardrobe. Try turning a dress into space! Note their business hours. a skirt by adding an elastic waistband. Chop off a pair of long sleeves and PICKING UP YOUR FINISHED make them short or even sleeveless. GARMENT Crop tunics into shirts or shirts into When you go to pick up your crop-tops. Turn pants into shorts, maxis garment, I recommend taking it out and into midis, or midis into minis. Add a fully examining their work. If you can, centered zipper to a shirt or sweater to try on your garment again to make sure make it open. Update the buttons on a it’s what you wanted, and take a look jacket. Add embroidery patches to just in a full-length mirror. If it’s not quite about anything. You could even use the perfect, have the tailor alter it again. Be fabric from a dress you loved and make nice about it. Even the best tailors don’t dinner napkins or a pillowcase. The always get it right the first time. This is possibilities are endless. If they skip this step, it could be a red why it’s especially important to have flag that you won’t get the results clear communication in the beginning, FINDING A GOOD TAILOR you’re after. Make sure you are wearing and to make sure they have the skill So how do you find a good tailor the appropriate undergarments to complete your task. If they aren’t in Taipei? Ask around. Take the best and footwear you plan to wear with capable of giving you the result you’re recommendations first. While repairs the garment, as this will affect the after, try another. There are many and simple alterations can be handled alteration. talented hardworking tailors in Taipei to by most street-side tailors in your To avoid any misunderstandings, help you. neighborhood, I recommend digging thoroughly check the garment Once you’ve found a tailor you a little deeper to find someone with together with the tailor to spot any like, treat them like gold! The best more skills for complicated projects or blemishes or imperfections before thing you can do is bring them more for reinventing a piece. you leave the garment there. This is business. To refer them to your friends, I recommend you start with just one to ensure you both know if something ask for a name card or drop a pin. I simple repair when working with a was or wasn’t there before. I once added my tailor of over ten years to new tailor, such as getting something discovered an unsightly snag on a Google Maps, just so I could refer her hemmed. Evaluate their workmanship silk dress upon pick up, which I was and her team, because they really do before you bring in your favorite convinced wasn’t there to begin with. exceptional work! expensive jacket. Like any service She insisted it was already there when Now you can shop with the relationship, build rapport. Don’t I dropped it off, but since we hadn’t knowledge of these services in mind. waste your time on anyone who isn’t checked, there was no way to tell who You can always make a garment shorter nice to work with. Make sure you can was to blame. Now I never forget to or more fitted, but check to make sure communicate exactly what you want – check over all sides of the garment, there is enough fabric inside the seam if don’t be afraid to show a picture, draw not just my alteration area. you want to let it out to make it bigger. one, or bring a similar garment that I hope you are ready to navigate your looks just the way you want. PRICING AND PAYING next trip to the tailor and inspired to If your project requires any hardware A professional tailor might not be the refresh your wardrobe. If you meander (zipper, buttons) or fabric (replacing a cheapest, but if they do quality work, the alleys of Taipei, you’re sure to find lining), for best results bring your own. the price will certainly be fair. Always a cozy shop with a hardworking tailor You can pick up whatever trim you ask ahead how much you’re paying busily sewing away, ready to help you need beforehand at the fabric market. for what service, and what factors will with your next project. Although not necessary, it gives you affect the price you are paying for your more control about the final look. garment repair. Keep in mind if you are Your tailor should have basic options short on time you’re going to have to available, but they might not have pay an express fee. It’s a good question Jenna Robinette has exactly what you need on hand. to ask for future reference in case of an lived in Taiwan for alteration emergency. As a general rule, over 15 years. With AT THE TAILOR’S it normally takes 7-10 days to finish an past experience as For any alterations, a tailor should alteration. a freelance fashion have a fitting with you and a place for Most tailors I’ve worked with write designer and resident costume designer you to change. You should try on your down your information on a receipt for the English theater, The Lab, she garment and they will pin or chalk and ask you to prepay for their services, now works as a personal stylist for exactly where you want the alteration. or leave a deposit. Don’t forget to add Meimeiwawa Multimedia.

www.communitycenter.org.tw MAY 2018 17

May 2018_p3-end.indd 17 2018/4/25 下午12:41 OUTLOOK Love Yourself

TEXT: EMILIE MA IMAGE: WEB

his sculpture by Alexander looking for! And until we meet “the partner. When I asked her to stop her Milov captures one of the one” in ourselves first, we won’t be work talk for a little while, she said most poignant moments in a able to meet “the one” in any partner. she felt a tinge of sadness welling up couple’s interaction. From the As Marianne Williamson jokingly said inside her chest. Instead of letting her Toutside, the two adults have thrown in in Letting Go and Becoming, “How can ramble on and on about work, escaping the towel, and have their backs turned I blame him for not wanting to spend into her default work mode, I invited against each other, while, deep down the evening with me? ‘I’ don’t want to her to just notice that tinge of sadness inside, their inner child is still trying to spend the evening with me!” How can and see what would happen next. reach out to each other – desperate for we ask others to love us when we don’t Unexpectedly, that sadness led to her contact and connection. To be seen, even like ourselves? How can we ask unresolved grief over the death of her heard, felt and understood by another others to treat us nicely like our best father, coupled with overwhelming is a healthy human need that we can friend while we’re tearing ourselves guilt for not being able to be with him hardly live without. The need to bond to shreds like our own worst enemy? at his deathbed. She said sobbingly starts at birth in our relationships Such requests are not only unfair but that she still couldn’t forgive herself with our primary caregivers. How they outright absurd. Before we ask others for not being there with him at his final interact with us influences how we to do anything for us, first, we should moments, and that there was a part see ourselves (as lovable/unlovable) ask whether we are willing to do exactly that kept admonishing her, “You should and others (as trustworthy or not) and that for ourselves. For example, if we be punished!” As she was experiencing shapes our relational templates later want our partners to accept us whole- the intense guilt of “abandoning her in life. Once formed, these templates heartedly for who we are, we need father when he needed her most,” she are very difficult, if not impossible, to first ask ourselves, “Can we accept was surprised to see an image of her to modify. They are comparable to ourselves in the same way? Are we father smiling at her lovingly and telling different pairs of colored glasses showing to our partner who we are? her in a soothing voice, “I’m so proud through which we see ourselves, others Or, most importantly, do we even know of you. And seeing you happy is what and the world. The tricky part is that who we really are?” makes me most happy.” With that, oftentimes we are not even aware that So next time when the wounded she felt her guilt lifted and her whole we are wearing glasses. child in us pops up during a fight with body started to relax. At the end, she Many of us live our lives through the our partner, rather than expect them to promised her father that, from now filter of our past relational wounds, take care of it for us, let’s try something on, she would learn to “make time secretly hoping that someday when different. First, be still inside and for herself and stop punishing herself we meet our soulmate, all our wounds notice any impulse to escape. Then, through overwork.” will be miraculously healed. So we just let that impulse be there without Deep connection with another comes keep searching for this soulmate who fighting it with fire – just feel and from deep connection with yourself will sweep us off our feet, shower us sense that impulse to escape without first. So learn how to be “the one” with unconditional love, and eventually caving in to our default coping, be it you’ve been waiting for, especially complete us. When that dream fails eating, drinking, or sleeping, whatever during the most trying times in your to materialize, we try instead to that may be. These ineffective coping life. As you learn to you lift yourself up, change our real-life partner into our mechanisms, or “symptoms,” are our you learn to lift your partner and your ideal partner, only to realize that we repeated failed attempts to solve the relationship up as well. And only when can’t find love this way, either. In this problems; at the same time, they are you can meet yourself deeply first – disappointing pursuit of happiness, we portals to the core issues underlying body, mind, and soul – will you be able may lose heart and start to wonder our real problems. If we can stay long to meet another at that intimate level. whether “the one” actually exists in enough with that impulse to escape this world. I believe “the one” does and face our fear, we will little by little exist. And the reason we haven’t been discover the hidden solutions to heal Emilie Ma is a licensed able to find him/her is simply because that wounded part and release its psychologist in Taiwan. She we’ve been looking in all the wrong burdens. has been providing guidance places, because that special someone Recently, I had a session with a client and counseling services for does not live somewhere out there, but who has been working herself to death more than twenty years. Her specialty someplace in here – inside each of us. for unknown reasons. She has no time is focused on trauma recovery work, Yes! We are the one we’ve been for herself, let alone for her intimate especially on complex trauma.

18 MAY 2018 www.communitycenter.org.tw

May 2018_p3-end.indd 18 2018/4/25 下午12:41 OUTLOOK My friend, grief

We’ve met a few times before, grief and I.

Sometimes, it’s been a passing hello on the street. Occasionally, it’s been a short stay. Other times, grief has taken up residence in my soul. This time it’s the latter. The return of an old friend.

Late at night, grief comes knocking. When I answer the door, he stands there apologetically with two full suitcases and a carry bag. A long stay, then. Who is it this time?

In the first hour, denial is a friend to me. She shoos grief away and shuts the door. Assures me that he has the wrong address and she’ll see about finding him somewhere else to stay. It is all a terrible mistake. She’ll sort it out.

But in the spare room, grief is quietly unpacking his belongings. Settling in. Putting on the kettle. Patting the dog. Making himself at home. As he knocks on the door to hand me a cup of tea, one look says it all. So it’s true, then.

Organisation rushes in, pushing grief into the corner, demanding the phone calls be made. Messages must be sent, she cries. There are people who need to know and we must step into the role of responsible one. She thrusts the phone into my hand and my fingers blindly dial; a voice that I’m sure isn’t mine calmly speaks. News breaks, and grief’s empire spreads.

Yet he still sits quietly in the corner. Apologetic that his presence is such a bother. A crumpled black suit hangs loosely from narrow shoulders. He’s a man who is called to do his job but does not enjoy the process. He does it because nobody else can. Nobody else will.

Wailing and howling, sorrow arrives. Never one to shy away from expression of feelings, he takes over the place. This is his show, after all. He’s the star here. Let there be no death marked without sorrow. Let it out, he says. Let it go. Feel the pain; that sharp, burning, nauseating pain from your very depths. Let me out.

I reach out to grief and take his hand. Nod my head and pull him into an embrace. I feel his boney shoulders tense and then relax. Welcome back, friend, I whisper. You are not reviled here. You are the price I pay for love.

Insomnia creeps in and takes over. Tonight will be a night for staring blankly at the ceiling, kicking off the duvet, compulsively checking Facebook. She sits heavy on my chest, bearing silent witness. Somewhere between witching hour and dawn, she slips out. Uneasy sleep takes me.

Grief shakes me awake just as birdsong starts. For a brief, blissful moment, I am unaware. Then his face comes into focus and he hands me a taste of my new bittersweet reality. It all comes rushing back, and for a moment I am breathless. Behind him, denial, organisation, sorrow, and insomnia sit and wait.

They’re all here to mourn you.

Kath Teeboon April 2, 2018

www.communitycenter.org.tw MAY 2018 19

May 2018_p3-end.indd 19 2018/4/25 下午12:41 OUTLOOK

Live in Hope

TEXT: ELENE VAN SANDWYK IMAGES: ELENE VAN SANDWYK, WEB

Left: Dean Brownless and Elene Van Sandwyk

even though the consequences can be deadly. On the other side of the world in South Africa, I practiced a few techniques that would later help me n Irish man walked into a A NEED FOR MORE cope with culture shock and depression coffee shop. There he met Having done a similar walk in Ireland, in the aftermath of my divorce from two Taiwanese, an American Dean wanted to bring some of the an emotionally abusive ex-husband. and a South African, and six community and the positive impact Walking out of a marriage and into Aweeks later, together they walked up he experienced there to Taiwan. His a completely unknown world was a mountain with seventy other people original aim was to raise awareness probably not the smartest thing – from all walks of life to raise positive for suicide and self-harm prevention. insight comes with hindsight they say! awareness of mental health issues in But once he saw the response of the Adjusting and making a life in Taiwan Taiwan. first Walk in Hope, he knew there certainly required a lot of work. But This, in a nutshell, is how Live in was a need for more. He is intimately in the end, I managed to create a life Hope started. With that first walk we aware of the impact of anxiety and I now love (even on hot, sticky, humid realized what a need there was for a depression, not only on those suffering Taipei summer days). Live in Hope has group in Taipei where people could from it, but also on their family and given me a community to rely on when get together and do something fun friends. During a visit to Taiwan, his I need help and support, as well as a with the aim of creating a positive life. sister unfortunately couldn’t handle the platform to share some of the things We decided to change the name from pressure and force of her anxiety alone I’ve done that have helped me create Walk in Hope to Live in Hope, so that anymore. Luckily, through the network a positive life. I never subscribed to we could include other activities in our and resources he had built up with Live the idea of “finding” myself – I’m not program: everything from walking to in Hope, Dean was able to get her the some lost object that once found would writing. Since then, Dean Brownless help she needed, and later take care of be complete and remain the same and I have been running the day-to-day her until she was well enough to return for the rest of my life. No, that is far administration for Live in Hope, with home. Without Live in Hope, things too passive, vague and static for me. the help of many great people who might have turned out very badly. Instead, I subscribe to Oscar Wilde’s have inspired and motivated us in turn. Mental health problems are often take on the matter: create yourself! And swept aside and not taken seriously, that’s what I’m trying to do, day by day.

20 MAY 2018 www.communitycenter.org.tw

May 2018_p3-end.indd 20 2018/4/25 下午12:41 OUTLOOK

A POSITIVE IMPACT culture has its own way of dealing with tips and information on mental health Together, Dean and I have put our things and (as with everything in life) issues and lifestyles. For this year we hearts and souls into Live in Hope, and this doesn’t always work for everyone. are planning board games, writing, hope to do so for many years to come. Some need a different approach, walking, yoga, biking and so much We have found ways that help us create and some really need a Taiwanese more! Our next event is the annual a positive life for ourselves, even here approach, so we hope to expose you to Walk in Hope on May 6 at 4:30 am at in the unknown and unfamiliar, but we as many choices as we can. Somewhere Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain). Before have very different techniques. And in the middle are the Taiwanese kids you scoff at the time, think about why. we realize that not everyone is going who grew up or went to college outside The walk symbolizes many people’s to like them. So we have slowly been of Taiwan and now find themselves struggle with mental health issues. As expanding our events and, as a result, readjusting to a culture that’s supposed you walk through the darkness and into our community to include anything and to be their own. This is a confusing the morning light, you are embodying anyone that can bring a positive impact state, and it’s not easy straddling two their emotional and mental struggle. to other lives. We don’t think there’s a cultures, languages and countries while After this walk, you will have a better one-size-fits-all method, and we don’t dealing with everything else life throws understanding of their struggle and prescribe or promote any particular at us. We aim to include those who feel why they need help and support. lifestyle. We don’t think everyone who cast aside by their own community, What better way to show you care and has an “off” or anxious day needs a those who haven’t found a place in want to understand and support those therapist or another pill. And if you do Taiwan or feel they don’t belong to around you – chances are someone in need one then you need to make sure their current group, those who simply your life is struggling right now – than you find the right one for you. Either need to get out of the house, and those by walking a mile in their shoes? way, we can point you in the right who hope to inspire, encourage and direction and offer support along the support others. way. But we won’t get involved in your Through our monthly events we life if you don’t want us to. will introduce you to new activities, hobbies or techniques that may help DIFFERENT STROKES you to create a positive life. At these We simply realize that adjusting to a events, we hope you will meet new new culture can be hard, so we try to people and learn or relax a little, but Elene is a South help members of the expat community we won’t force awkward encounters or African currently to find new hobbies, meet new people “sharing” moments. If you feel the need creating a life in Taipei. or simply find out where they can do to reach out to one of us, we will be She loves living out her passion for or get things they used to enjoy back happy to share more of our techniques publishing, helping others and seeing home. On the other hand, we realize and resources with you. Join us on them happy. Contact her at: elene@ that locals have their own problems and social media where we share positive liveNhope.com or follow Live in Hope a bag of tricks to deal with them. Asian and encouraging messages as well as on Facebook or Istagram.

www.communitycenter.org.tw MAY 2018 21

May 2018_p3-end.indd 21 2018/4/26 下午3:11 FOOD & DRINK The Fattest Chinese People We Know (Part 2)

TEXT: DOREEN WANG IMAGES: WEB

In the second of a three-part series, Doreen Wang muses on growing up in 1990s New Jersey… and her father’s vermicelli soup

y father throws dry, vermicelli soup. The crunch and levity her. I wonder what it’s like to be the crackling vermicelli into of celery. The precision of slicing into a president’s daughter. I wonder about the pot, minces celery ball of fishy remains. The zing unleashed trying to change your accent, sound into some quick upside- by crushed white peppercorns. It’s hot more like what the leader of America is downM smiles, and before I know it, the – blow on it first. supposed to sound like. I wonder about fish balls have bloomed like flowers in I think Clinton is in office now. But I whether or not you lose a sense of you the rolling water, steeping the water don’t know what he’s done for me or in the process. There are wars going with their flavor. He flicks his wrist to my family. My parents are praying that on in the world. China and Taiwan signal the pepper shaker to release a power beads, the feel-good fashion established contact a few years back. A cream-colored puff of dust into the air statement of the moment, will keep few years back, Mama was mugged by – a cloud that hesitates before settling the jewelry business afloat. I’m trying a man who first punctured her tires and into the pot. It makes me want to to fit into yet another new school. then offered to help her change them. sneeze. It is almost midnight, the house But I remember Clinton has a young I haven’t seen my family in Taiwan mostly silent. My mother is either daughter. Everyone’s talking about in a long, long time – since that time asleep upstairs or talking on the phone animatedly to someone in China or Hong Kong or Taiwan. It’s business – the number of strands needed, the cut 15-MINUTE VERMICELLI SOUP (c. 1997) of a bead. And it’s gossip: “What do you mean Fatso left his wife?” My sister has probably ended up in bed without brushing her teeth again, snoring lightly with mouth drooped open and covers half tossed on. I’m at the kitchen table. I haven’t finished my homework, again. I’m dreading school tomorrow. I’m a procrastinator and a perfectionist – the two barriers to a life of accomplishment bundled into one. I’m not sure what INGREDIENTS: INSTRUCTIONS: Baba and I are talking about in the • 50 grams (1.76 oz.) package of green 1. Boil a pot of water kitchen. He can’t help me with anything bean vermicelli (Longku brand 2. Cut a deep “X” into the fish balls I’m working on. I think that year it was preferred) and put them in boiling water algebraor geometry? A history paper • 4 frozen fish balls 3. Chop celery into ¼ inch pieces and or test? I can’t help him with what • 1 stalk celery add to pot plagues his days – looming bankruptcy, • White pepper 4. Add vermicelli noodles. an irrevocable rift between him and my 5. When noodles turn translucent, mother. So maybe I just complain a little turn off heat about how I’ll have to stay up until two, 6. Serve with a generous sprinkling of or three, or four. Maybe he talks about white pepper each step of the process of cooking

22 MAY 2018 www.communitycenter.org.tw

May 2018_p3-end.indd 22 2018/4/25 下午12:41 Grandpa had a stroke and I was still young enough to cry at the sight of him in a hospital gown. Where did the 90s go? The bits and pieces swim like soup in my head. I want to lay out each piece – as if there was a thick wooden carving board in front of me – parse out which year this and that happened, sever parts and gather others, arrange sinews of the past into tidy piles for preparation. To look at the parts and pieces so closely is somehow a confession that I needed them – each cleaved muscle, tendon, and bone. I needed that thin, fishy broth, that fibrous mass of clear sticky noodles, that bright contrast of crisply diced green celery...not for growing up, but rather simple survival. In that small town of 1990s suburban New Jersey, I was rarely allowed the luxury of belonging. I felt widely different from everyone else in looks, language, and culture and wide, wide, wide in distance from the prodigious kitchen of my grandmother and the saturated, vivid markets churning Taiwan’s gears well before and after the daily journey of the sun. The food my father tossed together in a quiet storm of activity was xiaoye acting as lifeline. Even now, more than twenty years later, I’m still not sure if high-school me worked late into the night for my father’s vermicelli soup, or if that vermicelli soup always appeared, around midnight, because of high- school me. ----

Doreen Wang grew up in the United States but for generations, her family has lived in Tianmu, which is also where her grandfather met and married her grandmother in early 1949. Doreen has received a Kundiman fellowship as well as a Pushcart Prize nomination for her creative writing and has taught a workshop on writing true stories at the Center this past April.

www.communitycenter.org.tw MAY 2018 23

May 2018_p3-end.indd 23 2018/4/25 下午12:41 FOOD & DRINK Indian Restaurant An Experience of Passion for Indian Fine Dining, Food, Art and Culture

TEXT: PAI SU-YU IMAGES: MOHAN SHARMA

aipei has taken center-stage AN AMBIANCE OF INDIAN ART AND as a cultural cuisine capital CULTURE worthy of international Once seated, Mohan handed each of acclaim. Even the inaugural us an attractive black and gold menu, TMichelin Guide Taipei 2018 will attest which displayed a stunning mandala on to this. its front cover. Mohan explained that Throughout Taipei city, a wide range he had given a great deal of thought to of rich gastronomic surprises await the design and creation of his extensive those whose culinary sense of discovery menu, because he wanted to provide is open to explore new cultural cuisines. an authentic Indian dining experience for his guests. MOKSHA – DISCOVER THE FOOD OF Moksha’s interior is an art gallery INDIA filled with commissioned works. For those looking for a refreshing Delicately framed hand-carved scenes fine dining Indian experience, a visit of marble and Indian paintings adorn constant attention to even the smallest to the newly-opened Moksha Indian the walls. Mohan had each piece details to create his restaurant’s restaurant is highly recommended. commissioned because he wanted to beautiful interior design. It has an impeccable ambiance and give guests a glimpse of true Indian While we were looking over the an attractive menu of dishes filled culture. He mentioned that it took six various items on the menu, we were with a kaleidoscope of pungent, spicy, months of careful preparation and served complimentary fresh and crispy balanced flavors and textures, which poppadum cones that had been placed have been carefully paired with regional into slots on top of a miniature wooden specialties. cabinet. At the bottom of this cabinet From the moment we arrived were four small drawers. Inside each at Moksha, we were made to feel drawer was a homemade Indian pickle genuinely welcome. Mohan and relish, beetroot, papaya, carrot and manager Patsy are true professionals, garlic to be placed into the poppadum having gained years of experience with cones. It turned out that Mohan well-known international restaurants designed these poppadum cone and dip and organizations that also served the cabinets himself. They added a pleasant diplomatic and business communities. touch to our table and complemented And they speak English. Mohan’s explanations about India’s food culture.

SIGNATURE DISHES FOR THE DISCERNING PALATE Since we had arrived at Moksha later in the evening than we had expected, we decided to have a simple meal. However, in going through the menu, we were pleasantly surprised by the wide range of familiar and unfamiliar Indian selections. Signature dishes included chicken wings, prawn chettinad, galouti kebab, seafood curry, chicken tikka, sarson salmon, dabeli, yakhni shorba, non-vegetarian kabeb platter, dosa,

24 MAY 2018 www.communitycenter.org.tw

May 2018_p3-end.indd 24 2018/4/25 下午12:41 FOOD & DRINK

sheermal, coconut naan, butter baked in a clay oven with an onion & and The Imperial, New Delhi. chicken, nalli ghost, and Moksha tomato sauce, herbs and mild spices. Taipei visitors and residents alike special kulfi. All regional dishes are We paired this with garlic and coconut have so many culinary choices available prepared with authentic spices brought naan. Our drink was lassi, selected to them. Having a memorable fine directly from India. from the restaurant’s sizeable beverage dining restaurant experience depends The selection for an appetizer was menu. on the quality of the food and the easy. We chose one of our favorites, standard of hospitality. A restaurant’s the samosa with potato and peas. Our A MEMORABLE FINE DINING reputation also depends on how plump and perfectly tanned samosas EXPERIENCE guests remember and relate their arrived within eight to ten minutes after We were not disappointed with our dining experience to others. Has ordering them. Each bite was a time- choice. The butter chicken curry was their experience been comfortable sensitive explosion of finely blended prepared to perfection. Even now, and relaxing? Are guests’ comments spices. They were delicious. as I write, my mouth is watering as I acknowledged and were any necessary Choosing an entrée generated much remember how utterly enjoyable each changes made? Are guests returning? discussion. After carefully examining and every bite tasted. I have given Without a doubt, Mohan, with his all four of the set menu specialties for careful thought as to why this was such managerial and kitchen team, has lamb, seafood, vegetarian and chicken, an enjoyable meal. For me, being part excelled in creating an outstanding, we finally narrowed our possibilities of a culinary dining experience that was authentic Indian dining experience for down to three chicken curry selections created with such dedicated passion on those who dine at Moksha. And judging from the Moksha set chicken menu. the part of Mohan and his team of chefs from the continued on-line rave reviews But we could not decide between the was exceptional. from returning guests, it appears that in murgh lababdaar, the murgh saadwala, During the course of our evening, we order to secure a table, it may be wise or the butter chicken curry. Grateful and learned that Mohan gained experience to make advance reservations. relieved for Mohan’s knowledgeable as a chef by working with established In fact, I think that I will make our suggestions, we decided to choose the international hotels, including the JW next reservation right now. butter chicken curry, deboned meat Marriott, Hilton Worldwide, The Westin Moksha Indian restaurant 138, Zhongshan North Road, Section 6 (across the street from the Tianmu Sogo Department store), five minutes’ walk from Zhishan MRT station (02) 2834-7050 (區中山138號 )

Pai Su-yu is a writer and educator working between Taiwan and Hong Kong.

www.communitycenter.org.tw MAY 2018 25

May 2018_p3-end.indd 25 2018/4/25 下午12:41 FOOD & DRINK Spot Taipei

pot Taipei is a great example of the New American and I recommend going with a group if brunch scene in Taipei, you can, to be able to share and sample featuring affordable more plates, although the menu will Sprices, generous portions and (most have changed since my visit, which was TEXT: JOAN H, HUNGRYINTAIPEI importantly) some hearty, tasty a while ago. IMAGES: HUNGRYINTAIPEI American dishes not otherwise found in Let's start off with some favorites Taipei. Not be confused with the (also from my last visit: lovely) Spot Theater, the independent Scallops crudo - Hokkaido scallops movie house founded by Taiwanese film with candied chorizo and homemade director Hou Hsiou-hsien, Spot Taipei rice crackers. Scallop lovers could easily is a restaurant tucked away in an alley eat three or four pieces, which if my behind Ming Yao Shopping Center on eyeballing estimate is correct is about Joan created Hungry in Taipei in Zhongxiao East Road near Sun Yat-sen one scallop. Not looking at the menu, 2005 when she moved to Taiwan from Memorial Hall. I thought the toppings were sundried California and couldn't find much tomatoes. information online about restaurants in Chicken wings - dry rubbed and English. She has since blogged about fried, with pickled celery, Dijon sriracha over six hundred Taipei restaurants, and blue cheese sauce were one of found places to fulfill her Mexican, my favorite things during the meal. If cupcake, BBQ and pho cravings. She you are a chicken wing lover, you gotta has explored Taipei's night markets, order this. I had two, but could have shaved ice, dumplings and fine-dining easily eaten more. The skin was crispy scene extensively. Hungry in Taipei has and coated with spicy sweet sriracha. been mentioned by BuzzFeed, CNN I didn't taste the blue cheese at all, Travel, NY Post, Lonely Planet Taiwan, but I didn't miss it. It’s a fun twist on Taipei Times, Bizarre Foods and the traditional buffalo wings. Culinary Institute of America. http:// Pan roasted chicken - a half chicken, hungryintaipei.blogspot.tw/ deboned, with wilted Chinese kale,

26 MAY 2018 www.communitycenter.org.tw

May 2018_p3-end.indd 26 2018/4/25 下午12:41 FOOD & DRINK

potato puree, chicken jus, chives and chervil, is a table favorite every time I've been here. The potato puree is buttery and creamy (rivals the mash at Robuchon) and the whole dish just works. In the fried chicken waffle sandwich (battered, fried chicken, Asian ranch, gruyere cheese, pickled onions) the waffle wasn't too heavy, the chicken was tender, and the portion is hearty, so it’s a filling meal for one, or can be shared between two to four people. Each time I've eaten it, I wished both the waffle and chicken were crispier. If they could offer a version of this sandwich with the same level of crunchiness and flavor as the wings (with a little cabbage slaw) that would be AAAAAmazing. Right? Fried sriracha chicken waffle sandwich!! It sells itself. At my first bite of the ribeye for 2 (a 22 oz USDA prime ribeye, sous vide, The poached eggs were perfectly chimichurri sauce, confit garlic, arugula) runny, the hollandaise had the right I wished I wasn't so full, so I could eat consistency and flavor, and the lemon more. The ribeye was perfectly cooked gave the heavy dish a lighter accent. to a nice medium rare, but still had a The shredded duck confit is mixed nice charred crust while being juicy on with sweet potato then fried into a the inside. The confit garlic was creamy croquette. It would be nice to see if and melted in the mouth, and I really Spot Taipei could do a great crab cake liked the chimichurri sauce, which was eggs benedict. Swoon. slightly creamier than other places that Last, but not least, the Ferrero I've had it. I ended up enjoying the Rocher cornflake-crusted French leftovers at home later. toast with Nutella dipping sauce The duck confit croquette benedict wasn’t too dense, and almost tasted (sous vide duck confit croquette with like a cinnamon bun stuffed with sliced lemon hollandaise) came at the end bananas. The chocolate flavor doesn't of our meal, so I took a quick bite. really come out in the French toast, so chocolate lovers will need to dip it in the Nutella. The whole thing is deep fried, so it is an indulgence. This dish takes a little longer to prepare, and just as well, since it was like a dessert. Recommended for sharing, it comes in four big pieces, and would be too much for one person as a meal. Spot Taipei has been popular, so reservations are recommended. They have two floors of seating, which makes it great for larger groups, though the upstairs loft seating is a bit dark, with low ceilings.

SPOT TAIPEI 58, Lane 233, Dunhua South Road, Section 1 (02) 2775-4117 (區23358 號 ) MRT: Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Hours: 11 am - 10:30 pm

www.communitycenter.org.tw MAY 2018 27

May 2018_p3-end.indd 27 2018/4/25 下午12:41 TRAVEL

RICHARD SAUNDERS EXPLORES TAIWAN'S LESS-TRODDEN PATHS

SILVER STREAM CAVE TEXT & IMAGES: RICHARD SAUNDERS

he first time I read about Silver book, in an attempt to find this curiosity Stream Cave () in an that sounded so fascinating on paper, old Chinese guidebook, way thrusting the characters for “Silver back in 1994, I felt sure my Stream Cave” in my trusty book at any Tshaky Chinese skills had translated the locals I could find for directions. description of the place completely And yes, when I finally stood inside wrong. A far as I could tell, the entry Silver Stream Cave looking out through in the much-used, dog-eared book the veil of falling water, I found my (from which I learnt so much about the translation of the hieroglyphics in beautiful countryside around Taipei in the book wasn’t so far out. Silver my early years here) said that this cave Stream Cave is the most unusual and in the hills between the southern Taipei arresting natural/cultural curiosity in suburbs of Xindian and Muzha was a the immediate vicinity of Taipei City. crack in a tall cliff over which poured a It’s not the most beautiful spot close high waterfall, and that a small temple to the metropolis: the bare, unpainted has been built into the cracks in the cliff concrete and shiny bathroom tiles used behind the cataract. to build the temple into the face of the My interest thoroughly aroused, I sheer cliff put it firmly in the category boarded a bus to Xindian (there was no of functional rather than aesthetically MRT in those days) at the first available pleasing structures, but it’s a site that’s opportunity and followed the vague unique in the Taipei area, if not in all lines drawn on the sketch map in the Taiwan.

Richard Saunders is a trained classical musician and writer who has lived in Taipei since 1993. He has written several books (available at the Center and in bookshops around Taipei), including Yangmingshan: the Guide (a complete guide to the National Park on Taipei’s doorstep), Taipei Escapes I and 2, which together detail sixty day trips and hikes within easy reach of Taipei city, and The Islands of Taiwan, a guide to Taiwan’s offshore islands. His latest book, Taiwan 101: Essential Hikes, Sights and Experiences around Ilha Formosa, is out now.

28 MAY 2018 www.communitycenter.org.tw

May 2018_p3-end.indd 28 2018/4/25 下午12:41 TRAVEL

With the MRT providing a head start, Silver Stream Cave is an easy and fairly quick escape from the city. It’s just a short hop by bus from Xindian (the southern terminus of the MRT green line) then a 20-minute walk to the trailhead, where a signpost points up a long series of steps, climbing the thickly wooded hillside beside the cascading stream to the waterfall and the unique little temple behind it.

On May 11th Richard Saunders will be leading a hike that visits Silver Stream Cave, before continuing into the unspoilt wooded hills beyond it, finishing at the Maokong Tea Gardens. Silver Stream Cave and the walk are also described in Taipei Escapes II on pages 136 – 141.

www.communitycenter.org.tw MAY 2018 29

May 2018_p3-end.indd 29 2018/4/25 下午12:41 CSC BUSINESS CLASSIFIED

#14 Tienmu E. Road | Telephone 2871-1515 | [email protected]

Stage Time and Juice at the Red Room XXIX

We invite you to join us at the Red Room on Saturday, May 19, from 2:30 to 4:30 pm for Stage Time and Juice, our bi-monthly family friendly event.

Ruth Giordano will be on-hand to direct a story-telling activity, and Constance Woods will lead a group painting activity.

Time: Saturday, May 19, 2:30 to 4:30PM Location: Taiwan Air Force Base (TAF) 2F LIBRARY No. 177, Sec. 1, Jianguo S. Rd (Intersection of Jianguo S. Rd. and Jinan Rd.) Suggested age: 5-99 Your patronage: NT150, Discount NT100 (ages 5-18)

To keep updated on workshops and events at Stage Time and Juice, please follow our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/redroomjuice/

30 MAY 2018 www.communitycenter.org.tw

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