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A publication of the Community Services Center Centered on GOING GREEN - AUGUST 2018 Vol. 18|10 2018/7/25 下午9:43 AUG 18 cover.indd 2 2018/7/25 下午9:43 CONTENTS August 2018 volume 18 issue 10

CSC KIDDIES KORNER From the Editors 5 25 Places to Visit with Kids in Taipei (Part 1) 8 Center Gallery 6 Book Clubs: August 6 CSC Business Classified 30 ENVIRONMENT Do you love marathons? Consider a green one in the future 12 Taiwan National Clean Up Day: a Sweeping Success! 13 How going green can make you happy 15

Publisher Community Services Center, Taipei Editor Suzan Babcock CULTURE Co-editor Richard Saunders Ghost Month: A Holiday for Feeding Hungry Ghosts 17 Advertising Manager Naomi Kaly Magazine Email [email protected] Tel 02-2836-8134 Fax 02-2835-2530 COMMUNITY Community Services A Man and his Boat 18 Center Editorial Panel Siew Kang, Fred Voigtmann Living with the Heat in Summer: Top Tips to Survive & Thrive 22 Printed by Farn Mei Printing Co., Ltd. 1F, No. 102, Hou Kang Street, Shilin Expat Living 27 District, Taipei Tel: 02-2882-6748 Fax: 02-2882-6749 E-mail: [email protected] FOOD & DRINK Centered on Taipei is a publication of the Community Services Center, Three Idiots Toast & Curry 24 25, Lane 290, Zhongshan N. Rd., Sec. 6, Tianmu, Taipei, Taiwan Tel: 02-2836-8134 fax: 02-2835-2530 e-mail: [email protected] OUTLOOK When Someone You Know is Struggling 26 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! TRAVEL Copyright 2018. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not Cloud Heart Falls 29 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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Aug 2018_p3-end.indd 3 2018/7/25 下午9:39 TIGER TOTS PRESCHOOL A LOVING PLACE FOR LEARNING

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Aug 2018_p3-end.indd 4 2018/7/25 下午9:39 COVER IMAGE: Rice fields in Taiwan FROM Please send email submissions, comments, and feedback to [email protected]. THE For more information, please go to our website at EDITORS www.communitycenter.org.tw As another school year kicks off, welcome back to those who’ve been on holiday and for new arrivals to Taipei, a warm COT TEAM welcome from all of us at Centered on Taipei and the Community Services Center! Warm is a bit of a misnomer this time of year, as another Taipei summer is in full, sweltering flow, and even old hands in Taipei find it difficult to cope with at times. There are ways

Suzan Babcock Richard Saunders Naomi Kaly KC to minimise the discomfort, though, and in this issue Kenneth Editor Co-editor Advertising Manager Graphic Designer Dickson gives us a rundown of ways to beat the heat. coteditor@ [email protected] naomi@communitycenter. graphicdesigntaipei. communitycenter.org.tw org.tw weebly.com With just another week or two before the kids go back to school, now’s the time to enjoy some quality family time together before the new school year begins. Taipei is a very child-friendly city, with, as Nick Kembel points out in his article this month, a wide variety of things to do and places to visit for families looking to keep their younger members amused. So

Zee Dlamini Nomita Kavra Gupta Sydney Ko many, in fact, that the article in this issue is the first of a two-part Editorial intern Editorial intern Editorial intern piece. Nick will introduce another eleven ideas in September’s issue of Centered on Taipei. Apart from an obvious love of children, one thing newcomers WRITING AND PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS will soon realise about Taipei is that it’s an especially environ- Sue Babcock Joseph Reilly mentally-conscious city. In this issue, we’ve chosen the topic Maudie Brown Richard Saunders “going green,” and in these pages you’ll read about how Taipei Kenneth Dickson Julian Smith Emanuele Gelsi Shamistra Soysa citizens and expats alike are working to improve the island’s Leslie Grover Rosemary Susa environment. Christina Grunwuld Taiwan Adventure Outings (TAO) Surrounded by the ocean, Taiwan gets more than its fair Ryan Hevern Grace Ting Nick Kembel Three Idiots & Curry share of trash, much of it washing up on its 1,200 kilometers of Michelle Maude-Roxby coastline. Many locals and expats alike are, however, working Michael Mullahy to keep the island’s beautiful coast (and its enchanting inland landscapes too) trash-free, through regular cleanups. One such initiative is run by expats Ryan and Dustin of Taiwan Adventure Outings (TAO), and in this issue, Ryan reports on TAO’s second Pick COT up at: Uptown: Taiwan National Cleanup Day, during which a staggering four tons Community Services Center, No. 25, Lane 290, Sec. 6, of trash was cleared from a total of fourteen locations around Zhongshan North Rd. the island. It’s clear from the photos accompanying the National Sprout – No. 33, Sec. 7, Zhongshan North Rd. George Pai’s Beauty – No. 14, Tienmu East Rd. Cleanup Day, that the hundreds of participants in this year’s event had a good time and as Shamistra Soysa explains in her Downtown: Ooh Cha Cha – 207, Sec.2, Nanchang Rd. article this month, going green can actually make us happier! 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 Samson Debele 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].

Volunteers Miyuki Boice, Daniel Chan, John Imbrogulio, Director Adam McMillan Becca Kintzley, Anna Loose, Leslie McFarlane, John McQuade, Gloria Peng, Emmy Shih, Office Manager Grace Ting Hellen Soderberg Benefactors Counselors I-wen Chan, Katherine Chang, Hui-shiang Chao, Bai Win Antiques Jung Chin, Chiao-Feng Chung, Cerita Hsu, Carol Lee, European Chamber of Commerce Miranda Lin, Emilie Ma, Kuang-Shan Wan Premier Sponsors Consultants Wendy Evans and Michael Mullahy 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 AUGUST 2018 to the Center. Please remember that by displaying your items or shopping at the Gallery, you will be helping the Center to continue GALLERY to provide valuable services to the international community.

A JOINT EXHIBITION OF YOUNG TAIWAN ARTISTS SPONSORED BY BAI WIN ANTIQUES The Community Services Center is pleased to have on loan from Bai Win Antiques a unique joint exhibition of young Taiwan artists. YURIE’S ASSORTMENT OF SILK Please stop by the Center to view FLOWERS AND ACCESSORIES the paintings of Chen Ah-Kim, Yurie Asada meticulously selects all her Chen Shu-Hwa, Lee Fin-Lan, Tang silk flowers for her exquisite silk flower Shu-Hui and Wang Cheng-Chi. 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.

COFFEE GRINDERS AND POTS MADE FROM STAINLESS STEEL AND WOOD Enjoy your coffee the old fashioned way. Come to the Center and check out these lovely items for coffee brewing throughout August and September. Morning Book Club Selection One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. For meeting dates, times & location, contact Julie Hu at: [email protected] Evening Book Club Selection The Readers of the Broken Wheel Recommended by Katrina Bivald. For meeting dates, times & location, contact: [email protected]

Taiwan is a perfect illustration of the saying that good things come in small packages. In comparison with more popular tourist destinations in the Far East, Taiwan is very modest in size, but despite its diminutive scale, the island has an astonishing amount to offer the curious explorer. The two volumes that make up Taiwan 101 are the perfect guide for exploring the very best of Taiwan: not only the island’s finest hikes, but also its best historic towns and cities, brightest traditional festivals, unique Chinese and aboriginal cultural riches, and its little-known natural wonders such as eternal flames, mud volcanoes and badlands. Taiwan 101: Essential Together, Taiwan 101 Volumes 1 and 2 present Taiwan’s finest Sights, Hikes and attractions to anyone who wishes to get to know this island of Experiences on Ilha kaleidoscopic charms, and comes with detailed information on getting Formosa around by public transport, and accurate GPS coordinates of nearly 800 by Richard Saunders fascinating places.

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THE CENTER NEEDS YOU! Do you have a skill or talent that you would like to share? Or have you found some great places around Taipei that you would like to take others to see?

Then why not consider teaching a course or leading a tour for the Center in Spring/ Summer 2019? If you are interested, or would like more information, please contact Rosemary at [email protected].

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Aug 2018_p3-end.indd 7 2018/7/25 下午9:39 KIDDIES KORNER Places to Visit 25 with Kids in Taipei

Part I TEXT & IMAGES: NICK KEMBEL

’ve been living in Taipei for ten years now, and my kids (Sage, 4, and Lavender, 3) were born and raised here. To be honest, before having children, I spent most of my weekends getting out of the Icity. But with kids, we end up spending more time closer to home, and what that means is spending more time uncovering the many fun sites and activities that this bustling metropolis has to offer. I don’t like driving. But thanks to the comprehensive coverage of the city’s fantastic metro system, we can get to just about anywhere in the city in comfort, not to mention the fact that friendly locals always insist on giving up their seats for passengers with young kids. All of the ideas below are MRT accessible, and take it to the top, then work your way back downhill through are places that we have visited at least once, if the zoo. There are several restaurants, an indoor museum not regularly. Many of them are popular tourist with dinosaurs, an insectarium, a Taiwanese animals section, attractions that you’ll definitely want to add to your and the famous panda couple, with a cub born here in 2013. itinerary if you’re only here for a few days, while We avoid the zoo in summer, when it’s simply too hot and others may be ideas for parents who are living here, most of the animals are asleep. and are looking for something new to do. [Practicalities: MRT (southern terminal of the brown line), open 9 am to 5 pm (weekdays), 8:30 am to 5 pm (weekends), NT$60 (adults) NT$30 (students) free (under SOUTHERN TAIPEI 5's), payment possible with EasyCard. 1. TAIPEI ZOO 2. The Taipei Zoo is the largest in Asia. It's so big that we go Right next to the zoo, you can catch a cable car up to the several times each year, and see a different section each tea growing area of Maokong (or “Cat Caves”); not many cats time. Go early to beat the crowds on weekends (lines start to be seen though). Lines can also get long around midday, forming when most Taiwanese begin to show up, around but move quickly. 11 am). After you enter, grab an English map from the info Once you get up to the top floor of the cable car station, center to the right. watch for the separate line for the “Crystal Cabin” (a glass- A smart thing to do is to go directly to the mini-train and bottom cable car), but note that this could be scary for some kids; my daughter was terrified, but my son loved it. There are two stops before reaching the top: Taipei Zoo South (where you can connect to the zoo), and Zhinan Temple, an impressive place with fine city views. The ride itself was the best part for our kids. Most people go up to Maokong to have tea in a traditional teahouse-with- a-view near Maokong station at the top, but that may not be the most exciting thing for kids. There is a convenience store at Maokong station, several food stalls and tea-flavored ice cream shops, and it’s a nice place to go for a stroll along the road in either direction. You

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Road Castle is an outdoor swimming pool with three big waterslides. It’s more suitable for slightly older kids, but there is one small, shallow, young kids’ section, and lots of grass for lounging or picnics, and it’s never very busy. On some summer weekends there are pool parties here, and they are actually fine for kids and only really take up one side of the large pool. Nearby, the Water Country Park is better for very young kids. There’s a calm cement stream that our kids liked to play in when they were babies, and then the chaotic, water- spraying-everywhere main section. This place is usually packed with screaming children in summer, but is good fun. [ Practicalities: Road Castle: 6 am to 10 pm, May 5 to September 30, NT$300 (adults) NT$200 (students) NT$150 (kids aged age 3-7), NT$75 (kids aged 0-3). Water Country Park: 9 am to 5 pm, July 1 to August 31, can also try an easy but rewarding hike (see #3) from here. closed Mondays, NT$80 (adults) NT$40 (kids). [ Practicalities: NT$120 (one-way trip to the top), NT$20 cheaper with EasyCard, NT$60 (kids 6-12), free (under 6's), runs 8:30 am to 9 pm (sometimes closed due to typhoons, EASTERN TAIPEI heavy rain, or repairs. Announcements are made on the MRT.) 6. OBSERVATION DECK 3. SILVER STREAM WATERFALL It’s such a touristy thing to do, and I had been living in If your kids are small enough to be in a carrier, or old Taipei for years before I ever tried it, but my kids loved going enough to do a one-hour (return) hike with not much up and up to the Observation Deck on the 89th floor of the tallest down, then definitely check out Silver Stream Waterfall. This “green” building in the world. The views are amazing of interesting little temple is built into a cliff wall in the jungle, course, and my son especially loved spotting the big H for with a waterfall spilling down from it. helicopter landing pads on tops of buildings. It can be a little tricky to reach, and there are a few different Besides the 360-degree glass deck, you can go up an ways, so I would suggest looking up some articles on it before outdoor terrace on the 91st floor, but it was harder for the you go, and bringing the name of it printed in Chinese () kids to see much from there. But don’t miss going in to see to show to locals along the way, and they will point you in the the giant, 730-ton hanging stabilizer ball that helps keep 101 right direction. from falling over in an earthquake! We usually take a trail that begins about a five minute walk The queue on the 5th floor, where you pay, is always to the right after disembarking from Maokong station, but it’s long; we waited for a grueling hour or so, even though we’d possible to get even closer by bus. bought tickets online in advance through Klook. Definitely [Practicalities: GPS: 24.95861, 121.58318 try to get here right at opening to beat the crowds, and even weekdays can be bad too, because it’s mostly foreign 4. BITAN RIVERSIDE PARK, XINDIAN tourists that come here. Straight south from Taipei, and at the terminal end of the But once you get through and board the world’s fastest green MRT line, Bitan in Xindian is a pleasant riverside area. It’s elevator, which has sparkling stars on the ceiling, it’s an not a Taipei must-see if you’re only in Taipei for a quick visit, adventure! but if you live here it makes for a fun outing. If your kids are older, you could consider climbing After you exit Xindian MRT, go left out the barriers, then Elephant Mountain, beside Taipei 101, for awesome (and left again and you’ll see stairs that take you up over the river flood wall. There’s a strip of covered restaurant balconies with river views, swan boats on the river that you can ride, and a pretty footbridge across the river. If you cross the bridge and go immediately left, you can explore some easy hiking trails on the other side. There are usually dragon boat races here if you happen to be in Taipei during the June Dragon Boat Festival. [Practicalities: Xindian MRT

5. GONGGUAN WATER PARK For us, summer is the toughest time to take our kids out in Taipei, because it is simply too hot to do much. There are surprisingly few kid-friendly places to swim or play in water in Taipei. The Taipei Water Park in Gongguan has two great ones though!

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free) views that include the building. It’s a little steep, but it doesn’t take long to get to lookouts with great views. Practicalities: 9 am to 10 pm, NT$600 (adults), NT$540 (students), free for children under 115 cm. Access from Taipei 101 MRT station (one stop further for Elephant Mountain).

7. SI SI NAN CUN (44 SOUTH VILLAGE) For a very different experience in the neighborhood of Taipei 101, you can pop in to Si Si Nan Cun (44 South Village), a collection of old army barracks that has been cutely restored into a little arts village with a shop and café inside. Also not a must-see, but something interesting if you’re around Taipei 101 and have extra time, and want an alternative to all the upscale department stores in the area. It’s a 5-10 minute walk from Taipei 101. Practicalities: Tuesday - Sunday 9 am to 4 pm.

10. HUA SHAN CREATIVE PARK Hua Shan is a Japanese-era winery repurposed into a creative arts park. There’s a large field at the back that is great for picnics, cute little shops to explore and a few restaurants, and there are rotating exhibits often aimed at children. Along with Da An Park, this is our go-to place in Taipei for a picnic with friends. [Practicalities: Zhongxiao Xinsheng MRT

11. SUN YAT-SEN MEMORIAL HALL Between the two Memorial Halls in Taipei, I think Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (#15) is more impressive, but if you 8. MALL (THE LIVING MALL) happen to be in eastern Taipei, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is We call it the “Ball Mall” because it’s shaped like a giant still worth a stop. ball. This mall that never really caught on has reinvented itself The grounds are nice for a stroll, there are rotating exhibits as a children’s play-center paradise. and a little souvenir shop inside, and your kids might find the Honestly, we find the play centers a little overpriced, and standing officers (with guns) captivating. have only tried the coin operated games at Tom’s World on [Practicalities: Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall MRT, 9 am to 6 B3, but definitely this could be a good option if you have a pm, free. rainy day in Taipei with kids. Head all the way to the bottom for the food court. [Practicalities: Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall MRT or Nanjing Sanming MRT (5-10 minute walk from either), 11 am to 9:30 pm.

9. MIRAMAR FERRIS WHEEL The 95-meter high Ferris wheel at Miramar Department Store is a Taipei landmark. You can enjoy amazing views of Taipei 101 and Yangmingshan from the top. Miramar also has an IMAX theater with the largest screen in Asia, so it’s another good option for rainy days. [Practicalities: Jiannan Road MRT station, 12:30 to 11 pm (Monday - Thursday), to midnight (Friday), 11 am to midnight (Saturday), 11 am to 11 pm (Sunday), NT$150/200 (adults, weekday/weekend), kids under 110 cm free.

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The weekend craft and design market beside Red House is also worth a look! [Practicalities: Ximen MRT; exit 6 for shopping area or exit 12. LONGSHAN TEMPLE 1 for Red House. Of the many, many temples in Taipei, Longshan Temple is one of the oldest, and is probably the most well-known 14. DINOSAURS AT THE LAND BANK EXHIBITION HALL temple in Taiwan. For kids, I like it because of the large OF THE NATIONAL TAIWAN MUSEUM (artificial) waterfall and carp pool out front, because it is This dinosaur-themed museum housed in an old bank is a always bustling with activity, and because all the fortune- must for dinosaur-loving kids. A complete skeleton of a huge tellers out front make it quite an experience. brachiosaurus takes up the atrium, while you can peer into You can also take a wander through Herb Alley next to it, dinosaur faces from the second-floor café. or through the shops nearby selling many Buddhist statues The main building of the National Taiwan Museum is and supplies. A real learning experience for kids! across the street in 2/28 Park. The park is also fun to explore [Practicalities: Longshan Temple MRT, 6 am to 10 pm, free. with kids; it has carp ponds, a decent playground, and an interesting water fountain memorial. 13. XIMEN () [Practicalities: NTU Hospital MRT Station or Taipei Main I add this to the list because it might be interesting for Station. Land Bank hours: 9:30 am to 5 pm, closed Mondays, older kids, approaching teenage age. Ximending is Taipei’s NT$30 (adults), NT$15 (students), free (under 6). coolest shopping neighborhood for young teens, with Japan- style billboards, tons of shops selling souvenirs and quirky items, street graffiti, and trendy restaurants to choose from. For something weirder, you can try Da Che Lun (a train sushi conveyor belt restaurant), or the Modern Toilet (a poo-poo themed restaurant). We also like the large area of LGBT-friendly bars behind Red House (a Japanese-era landmark that is also interesting), especially the small Thai restaurant near the entrance, because there aren’t many places in Taipei with patios. They don’t mind kids, but there might be people smoking and drinking around you.

There are certainly more things to do with kids in Taipei, and I didn’t even touch on the city’s many play centers or kid-friendly restaurants (check out the great website “A Toddler in Taipei” for more info on those!) For links to many of the places I mentioned, and to some discount entrance ticket deals, please see the version of this article originally posted on my website at https://www.nickkembel.com/destinations/taipei-with- kids.html

Nick Kembel is the author of Taiwan in the Eyes of a Foreigner and has contrib- uted to numerous publications and magazines. He runs the site Spiritual Travels (www.nickkembel.com).

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Aug 2018_p3-end.indd 11 2018/7/25 下午9:39 ENVIRONMENT Do You Love Marathons? Consider a Green One in the Future

TEXT: CHRISTINA GRUNWOLD IMAGES: WEB

n 2017, Taiwan held 784 marathons. The goal is that runners can tick a box With between four and five thousand saying that they will bring their own runners attending each run, it’s re-usable cup and shirt when signing up. safe to say that the Taiwanese love “This requires a big change in Irunning. Maybe you do too. mindset, because the organizers feel Runners need a lot of water. So they need to give a present. But runners Greenpeace Taiwan estimates that last we have interviewed said that the year four million single-use plastic cups shirts were terrible. They did not like were given out and thrown away. the texture and fitting. So they threw Runners also need clothes, and them out. And when shirts go to the organizers often send out packages incinerator they become single-use with polyester shirts or bags before a plastic,” explains Hoki Lo, Project run. Three million shirts were given as Leader at the Greenpeace plastic souvenirs in 2017. campaign in Taiwan. Unfortunately, many of these do not Taipei City Government – the host of get used. And if they are used, they the country’s largest marathon – has release plastic fibers with every wash – committed to reduce the use of plastics micro plastics that end up in the ocean, at Taipei Marathon, to be held on in the marine life, and finally on your December 9th, 2018. plate. “We hope to promote plastic- free lifestyle through running. As BECOMING A MINDFUL RUNNER runners become more mindful to the Greenpeace Taiwan is working with environment when they run, we hope organizers and running groups trying to it will spill over into other areas of their give marathon runners the opportunity everyday lives.” to go green. A survey done by Greenpeace Taiwan shows that: Nearly 80 % of the runners noticed the impact of single-use items in a race, And 70% are willing to bring their own cup.

Christina Grunwald lives with her family in Taipei. She is an Anthropologist, Organizational Development Consultant and avid Iyengar Yoga Practitioner.

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Aug 2018_p3-end.indd 12 2018/7/27 下午4:02 ENVIRONMENT Taiwan National Clean Up Day: a Sweeping Success!

TEXT: RYAN HEVERN IMAGES: TAIWAN ADVENTURE OUTINGS (TAO)

he results are in! On May 20th, major concern that seemingly goes 2018, Taiwan National Clean unchecked. Education on how to Up Day had fourteen locations, properly dispose of garbage and Overall, throughout with volunteers cleaning up recyclables will never be complete. We the fourteen locations around Tthe coastlines and forests of Taiwan. can only move forward. Taiwan, 4.14 tons of garbage An incredible amount of garbage was The forests are not spared either. collected. What used to be a special once a year was picked up by hundreds This year, the 2nd annual Taiwan event has turned into a year-round of volunteers. Here is a National Clean Up Day, organized tourist trap that does not take into breakdown, by location: by Taiwan Adventure Outings and account the drastic environmental sponsored by Quiksilver & Roxy, was a impact it imparts. Setting off sky massive success. We had an abundance lanterns at Pingxi and Shifen in eastern Ruifang: 1,833 kg of companies and groups step up to every day creates a Baishawan: 520 kg lead clean-ups at each location on the huge amount of garbage in unreachable Jinshan: 350 kg day. All credit goes to the hundreds locations. Thankfully, we had three : 250 kg of volunteers who took time out of teams of volunteers out in the forests their day to brave the sun, get dirty, surrounding Pingxi and Shifen, Wai'ao: 200 kg and make a positive impact in their collecting as many sky lanterns as they Wulai: 185 kg communities. could. Fulong: 172 kg An incredible amount of garbage So let's get to the positives! We Hualien: 153 kg litters the coasts of Taiwan. Partial had fourteen locations organized and blame can be put on the dire health sponsored for clean up on May 20th, Tamsui: 150 kg of the Earth’s oceans, and on Taiwan's 2018. In our second year running Tainan: 150 kg unique geographic location. This, Taiwan National Clean Up Day, we had Taitung: 130 kg however, is not the only reason: far a modest goal of collecting one ton of Shifen: 27 kg from it. Taiwan has a major plastic trash. We exceeded that goal by over consumption problem, and pollution three tons! Pingxi: 15 kg by Taiwan's fishing industry is a Yushan: 4 kg

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Ryan Hevern is the Co-founder of Taiwan Adventure Outings (TAO). He and Dustin Craft started TAO two years ago and love that Taiwan offers endless outdoor activities.

HOW CAN WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE? The waste collected was a wide variety of plastics, glass, sky lanterns, cigarette butts, toothbrushes, straws, large appliances, fishing equipment and more. Below are some recommendations on how to reduce your footprint and consumption of single-use plastics. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle is a cliché, and still has some merit; however we recommend something else. REDUCE, REDUCE, REDUCE. Reduce your plastic consumption by using your own thermos for water and coffee. Reduce your use of single-use utensils like soup spoons and chopsticks by bringing your own. Taiwan (and greater Asia as a whole) has a huge problem with single-use plastics in restaurants. You can greatly reduce your impact by bringing the above items with you. Say “no” to plastic bags. Taiwan has pledged to go plastic-free by 2030, and already the Environmental Protection Agency has banned single-use bags in seven industries this year. Join beach and forest clean ups! Not only do these events bring communities together for a cause, they help raise awareness of our plastic consumption, educate on proper disposal methods, and put a massive smile on everyone's face!

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Aug 2018_p3-end.indd 14 2018/7/27 下午4:03 ENVIRONMENT How Going Green Can Make You Happy

TEXT: SHAMISTRA SOYSA IMAGES: WEB

hen I was young, I loved taking long walks on the beach while collecting seashells and marveling Wat the beauty of the setting sun and twilight skies. Recently, I took my two- year-old son to the beach, excited to 1. Volunteer - Participating in group activities such as beach clean-ups, share the same experiences with him. tree-planting campaigns and community garden projects can help us feel However, instead of the clear, sandy more socially connected, while keeping feelings of loneliness and depression beaches dotted with seashells and at bay. In fact, some studies show that people who volunteer with the scrambling little crabs I was expecting, motivation to serve the community actually live longer. This is especially true we were greeted by pieces of plastic, for older people. crunched-up cans, broken glass, dirty old straws and oil stains. The sense of calm upon hearing the lap-lap of the ocean waves, and the excitement of building sand castles and jumping in the tide pools, was quickly replaced by feelings of dismay, disgust and sadness. Many of us underestimate, or indeed may not even realize, the influence our environment has on our emotions and mental health. On the other hand, thousands of years ago, the importance of living in harmony with nature and arranging our environment to improve 2. Walk and Cycle - By choosing transport methods such as walking and our well-being, was described in various cycling versus driving a car ensures we get daily exercise, with the added philosophies, such as feng shui. bonuses of saving money on gas and not contributing to air pollution. More recently, it has become evident Using public transit such as the bus or metro is also a great way to build that not only does the environment in some exercise to your daily routine. Through various physiological influence our mood, but taking steps to processes, exercise helps alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, be more green can also have a positive and is associated with improved self-esteem, a positive mood and better impact on our mental health. Here sleep. Exercise is also helpful for people with schizophrenia. Antipsychotic are a few things you can do to help drugs often have the side-effect of weight gain, which can be countered by the environment, while gaining some activities such as brisk walking. psychological benefits yourself: 3. Nurture an indoor garden - Various indoor plants such as peace lilies and English ivy can improve indoor air quality. They also contribute to an increase in concentration and problem-solving skills. Moreover, while indoor plants can help improve your mood and reduce stress, the potting soil can also help reduce symptoms of daily stress, leading to better sleep! If you don't have much of a green thumb, start with succulents such as snake plants or Aloe vera - they need little care, look great, and provide most of the benefits of other indoor plants.

4. Grow more plants - Horticultural therapy, where individuals participate in gardening activities, is often used as a healing tool for people recovering from mental illness. Growing a plant requires attention and care, and fosters

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6. Start a trend - Either consciously or unconsciously, we tend to follow the “everybody else is doing it” school of thought. Having said that, it’s not unusual to hear people say positive feelings of empowerment. In other words, being that their neighbors, peers and family don’t influence their responsible for the growth and well-being of a plant can boost conservation behaviors. In reality, perceived energy-related a person’s confidence. It’s also a fun activity to share with practices of our family and neighbors and peer pressure to children. It promotes creativity and imagination (how amazing engage in conservation activities can significantly influence would it be if you found magic beans and grew a magic our household energy use. So, if you start doing activities beanstalk?), patience, and responsibility. such as composting, and taking measures to conserve energy, there is a high probability that people around you will start 5. Promote green spaces - Children love playing outside, doing it too! and aside from the fact that it’s a great way for them to get some exercise and some extra vitamin D, there are lots of other benefits. There is some evidence that children who live in greener environments, and children who spend more time Shamistra Soysa holds a Doctor of Psychology in Clinical in green parks versus non-green outdoor play areas, display Psychology from the University of Western Australia. She is fewer symptoms of ADHD. That is, they are better at paying deeply concerned about our oceans, the waste that is coming attention, more able to delay gratification, and are better at from them, our psychology and mental health. controlling their impulses.

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16 AUGUST 2018 www.communitycenter.org.tw

Aug 2018_p3-end.indd 16 2018/7/25 下午9:39 CULTURE Ghost Month: A Holiday for Feeding Hungry Ghosts

TEXT: SUE BABCOCK IMAGE: WEB

here is an ancient Chinese custom, which is observed The food that you see outside shops is called spirit food, on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month. At this and can include such delicious entrees as a roasted chicken, time, the Gates of Hell are opened allowing all the suckling pig, fried fish, cups of wine, cans of beer, bags of hungry ghosts of the dead to rush through them. As coffee or soft drinks, whole pineapples, oranges and bowls Tthese ghosts scramble to reach the earth’s surface, people of rice. from Taiwan’s towns, villages and communities prepare for Once all the food has been carefully arranged on the table, their arrival. This annual visit from hungry ghosts and spirits, paper ghost money is burned and incense or joss sticks are including those of dead ancestors, is known as Ghost Month stuck into the food as a way of praying and offering blessings or the Hungry Ghost Festival. This year, Ghost Month begins upon the food table, and for those providing the food. on August 25th. WHO COMES TO THE TABLE? SETTING UP A TABLE In Buddhism and Taoism, hungry ghosts are spirits that are It’s important to have a special outdoor offering table set neglected or abandoned by their descendants. Therefore, up for these returning ghosts. Shops, banks, garages and when someone dies it is important to perform the proper department stores are common places to see tables piled religious or cultural rites to ensure that the departed ancestor with incense, gifts of paper ghost money and material goods. does not become a wandering ghost. Some angry ghosts A small basin of water and a hand towel are also usually return year after year, searching for their living relatives. placed near the table so that the ghosts can wash their hands. These ghosts might be angry because they were not ready to Also seen are traditional red wine cups neatly lined up in front die, they have unfinished business to attend to, or because of an incense container. they were sent to Hell. One reason that they are sent to Hell For family members who would like to spend a little more is because their family mistreated them, forgot them or didn’t money on their yearly offerings, paper models of cars, homes properly bury or cremate their body after their death. and even cruise ships are placed with care on these special tables for departed relatives and lost or wandering spirits. BIDING THE HUNGRY GHOSTS FAREWELL Some families hold banquets inside their homes, where Having had one month to wander the earth and eat to their they honor the dead by placing plate settings and an empty spirits’ content, the hungry ghosts are summoned to the Gates chair at the table in a spot usually saved for guests of honor. of Hell and make their descent back to the underworld. The However, it’s the offering of food that is the most important gates are slammed shut and remain closed for another year. component of this festival.

WHAT DO YOU FEED A HUNGRY GHOST? If you want to maintain a happy relationship with these Suzan Babcock is a long-time resident wandering spirts, it is best to offer them their favorite foods, of Taiwan. During her stay here, she because you don’t want them to wreak havoc on you or has managed four successful careers in your family. Some believe that feeding these hungry ghosts education, cross-cultural relations and will help to relieve their suffering when they return to the counseling, although being a mother has underworld, and give them sweet memories of those who been her favorite. fed them.

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Aug 2018_p3-end.indd 17 2018/7/27 下午4:04 COMMUNITY A Man and His Boat

TEXT: MAUDIE BROWN IMAGES: MAUDIE BROWN, WEB

There’s a jellyfish! And look, with the smell of drying flying fish another fish!” I’ve never seen a hanging heavy in the air. It’s not a harbor where the water is this strange sight to see pigs and goats clean! Crystal clear water with a roaming freely all around the island. visibility“ so good you can almost see all Unfortunately the evil claws of modern the way to the bottom. The turquoise living and all that comes with it pose a water with strokes of yellow sun great threat to the peaceful, down-to- dancing on the top was too irresistible earth way of living for the inhabitants of for me not to jump in. With a big splash Lanyu. I quickly found myself in the middle of this beautiful blue environment, BEAUTY AND UGLINESS only to hastily get out of the way of an When visiting Lanyu I was surprised approaching boat. I guess a harbor is by the beauty and pristine nature not the ideal place to take a swim.... of the island, but at the same time I Lanyu or Orchid Island is incredibly was equally surprised by the amount beautiful. The island is pristine, and of trash that is scattered all over the compared to many other places, nature beaches. Plastic and styrofoam that is untouched and well preserved. Being drifted across the ocean and somehow on the island is like being in a world made Lanyu its final destination, as well where time stopped twenty years as plastic bottles that were conveniently ago. The main occupants of the island “forgotten” by their irresponsible are the indigenous Tao people, many owners. of whom still live in their traditional How can we address this problem? homes according to their traditions. The The whole culture of the Tao people villages carry a peaceful atmosphere, revolves around the ocean. If we fail

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Aug 2018_p3-end.indd 18 2018/7/25 下午9:39 COMMUNITY A Man and His Boat

area. As inhabitants of the Earth we are had to sell his own motorcycle, which all responsible for preserving the ocean, he used to rent to tourists for extra as our actions might just affect people income. He had to do this in order to on the other side of the planet in a have enough finances to complete the positive or a negative manner. building. Because of this, the Banji Pongso A NEW INITATIVE Environmental Association was born. This problem has started raising A-Wen’s passion for making a difference concern amongst some of the islanders. and raising awareness towards the A-Wen (林正文), a local Tao man, plastic pollution situation around Lanyu realised the need for the recycling caught the attention of Woo Tze Hong of plastic materials. He took on the (胡梓康), a dragon boat coach in Hong initiative and obtained a compress Kong, and his wife Sophia (Kwok Siu Yee baling machine for plastic bottles, but 郭笑儀), who were visiting Lanyu. Woo unfortunately Lanyu has no recycling facility. Everything has to be sent to to protect the ocean it poses a direct Taiwan, which is a costly and difficult threat to the culture of the Tao people. process. Apart from recycling, A-Wen Many indigenous cultures are dying out also realized the significance of because in many cases the environment education and teaching children from has changed to such an extent where a young age about the importance of it is just not possible anymore for nature conservation. He had the dream those people to live according to their of building an environmental education traditions. Therefore it is of the utmost center by incorporating plastic bottles importance to protect the ocean into the building materials. This dream environment around Orchid Island. The became a reality, but towards the end ocean is also not bound to a specific of the construction process, A-Wen

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Aug 2018_p3-end.indd 19 2018/7/27 下午4:05 COMMUNITY

is more like 100 km. The strong Kuroshio Current (“black tide”) starts off the east coast of the Philippines and flows northeastward past the east coast of Taiwan and on to Japan. Woo and Sophia managed to find a suitable workshop at the Taitung Sugar Factory to construct the boat. The sugar factory owner allowed them to use an open space there for free, which was 郭笑儀), who were visiting Lanyu. Woo very useful as it allowed passersby got the idea to construct an ocean-going to engage and get involved with the dragon boat, and get a team to paddle project. The construction of the boat FIRST ATTEMPT it all the way from Taitung to Orchid took place from March 2017 to May Finally the big day arrived for the Island in order to raise funds to support 2018. A lot of effort, finances and hard first attempt to paddle to Lanyu. The A-Wen’s initiative. The trip would also work went into constructing the boat. traditional custom of the Tao people is raise awareness of the plastic pollution At the same time Zhang Ma Chun ( to launch their boats from the beach, situation in the ocean. ), a skilled Tao canoe builder and his and therefore it was decided to launch The direct distance between Dawu son Mi Sra Ko Sirman constructed their from Nan-Tien beach, close to Dawu () harbor in Taitung County and own beautiful traditional Tao canoe harbor, from where the support boats Lanyu is 75 km, but taking natural with the aim of paddling it, together would also sail. The dragon boat factors, such as the Kuroshio Current, with the dragon boat, acrosss to Lanyu. takes twenty-two paddlers. Because into consideration, the rowing distance of big waves that day, a boat of such

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a size couldn’t in fact be launched from the beach. We capsized on our first attempt and one of the steering paddles snapped. This was a great learning experience, Maudie Brown is a South African for perfecting a plan that will lead to future success. Apart who grew up in the village of from the paddle the boat was unharmed and ready for a D'kar in Botswana. She's currently next attempt, in 2019, when the boat will be launched residing in Taipei. from the harbor instead. All the paddlers were taken to Lanyu anyway, where we took part in a three-day program, walking around the island and picking up trash to help raise awareness about the pollution situation.

A GLOBAL VOICE Protecting the environment starts with ourselves, but as we look at the seriousness of ocean pollution around the world, our own little efforts might not be enough to prevent this from becoming a global disaster. Awareness needs to be increased, and big counter-efforts need to be put into place. Let us all take hands and join A-Wen and Woo Tze Hong in a global voice where we can raise awareness, help educate, and make a difference. After all, looking into a crystal clear ocean where fish swim freely without any plastics floating around them is incredibly beautiful. Will we make an effort to keep it this way, and where it is already polluted, help to clean it up? I hope so.

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Aug 2018_p3-end.indd 21 2018/7/25 下午9:39 COMMUNITY Living with the Heat in Summer: Top Tips to Survive & Thrive

TEXT: KENNETH DICKSON IMAGES: WEB

We all share a world that is warming slowly, so the record temperatures Taipei is experiencing this year are likely to become more frequent. To look after yourself and your loved ones in our warmer world, you need to learn effective strategies to deal with the problems caused by excessive heat. Fortunately, there are many ways to keep your cool in Taipei's sweltering sizzle.

2. Heat exhaustion 3. AC is your friend and enemy: Heat exhaustion is when your core summer colds, chills and just can't combat the buildup of heat comforts 1. Drink water, avoid sugary fast enough, and it creeps up even on From icy-cold department stores to drinks long-term residents here. You need sitting under blasting Arctic breezes on The summers are sizzling here. If to recognize the signs before heat the bus, you can't seem to escape either you're from a cooler area of the world, exhaustion takes full effect: you may the heat or the cold. The real challenge you'll underestimate the need to stay feel dizzy, faint or pass out; your face is going from hot to cold to hot again in hydrated. The humidity in Taipei reaches pales, you start sweating heavily, or you cycles throughout the day. Sometimes 80 per cent or more, with ambient throw up. These are all indications of in a busy day, you forget to take into temperatures in the daytime of 32~38 heat exhaustion, and need to be dealt account the continual cycle. degrees C. Your body craves water, as it with immediately, or else you risk heat Summer colds are not unusual in needs to replace the perspiration that stroke. other parts of the world, but liberal soaks your clothes. Once you suspect you have heat use of AC can increase your risk of But the sugary sweet drinks you find exhaustion, get out of the heat and catching one. The cold air constantly in convenience stores don't quench stay out of it. Drink liquids, especially irritates the mucous membranes and the thirst. If anything, they make you sports drinks, to replace lost salts. air passageways, exposing you to even more parched than before you Try any cooling method, such as cold additional bacteria from either the air or partook. Water is almost always at compresses, ice packs, cold showers the AC unit. Some reports also indicate hand. Just pack that cup, beaker, bottle or fans. However, if you suspect that that extensive use of AC can increase or flask in your bag. You can fill it up the measures aren't helping, don't intolerance of the heat as you switch everywhere you go. It's cheaper, more waste time, and seek emergency help environments throughout the day. environmentally friendly, and downright or advice at once. It’s likely a case of satisfying! heat stroke, and needs urgent medical attention.

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4. Don’t get caught in the rain! As if getting enough water into you wasn't problem enough, Taipei's summers come with hard, heavy afternoon rain showers. You might be enjoying the slightly cooler winds of early afternoon, as the sun appears to hide behind the clouds. Then the drama begins! Cool winds, darkening skies, loud claps of thunder and even flashing neon skies. Yes, it's a rainstorm. You don't get much warning as the first splodges soak the ground in large, NT$10-sized marks. 6. Sunburn, sun cream & and airflow. You don't need a lot of Within seconds you need to take cover sunglasses layers here either. You should avoid as the rain comes pounding down on While heat is the most obvious necklaces or jewelry against bare your new and hopelessly inadequate enemy of the day, large doses of UV skin (that includes metal bracelets umbrella. rays are even more harmful. Many for watches) to prevent rashes or Don’t endure the rainstorm, and days in summer here, the UV levels are abrasions. Looser fitting garments will hope that it will pass. It will end, but designated “dangerous.” While harmful reduce the risk of fungal infections and not in a few minutes. Avoid the rain and for most people, those with lightly heat exhaustion. In case you encounter stay dry. The last thing you want to do pigmented skin are especially at risk, colder air (from the AC or at a higher is get on an air-conditioned bus, taxi or and face long-term or permanent skin elevation), a light jacket or cardigan is MRT carriage when you’re soaked to damage and high risks of developing quite sufficient in summer months. the skin. Seriously: duck out of the rain. skin lesions or skin cancer if they I also suggest, if you feel spend too long in the midday sun. Your uncomfortable in the heat, or find 5. Hours of the day unprotected skin may burn in the sun yourself sweating a lot unnecessarily, Summer temperatures in Taiwan within about twenty minutes. changing clothes during the day. It usually exceed thirty degrees C in the If you come from a sun-worshiping means a little extra washing, but after daytime, but the hottest parts of the culture, you'll have to damp down your a long day outside, a quick shower and day are usually between 10 am and desire for rays. The sun can be your change of clothes can be as invigorating 3 pm. More importantly, you need worst enemy. Take care of your skin by as a ten-mile jog! to pay attention to the apparent using proper sun care methods: cover temperatures, which can be up to five up, wear sun cream, stay in the shade, Take It Easy, Physically! degrees higher. During the midday wear shades, and use a parasol. Yes, Avoid doing strenuous endurance hours, it's not uncommon to see the even in summer. The next time you visit exercise in the heat, until it cools down heat approach or exceed forty degrees. Pinglin or Muzha, you'll see tea workers later in the day or after sunset. After While you may be tempted to completely covered as they harvest the all, there is a reason people walk much take part in daytime adventures with tea leaves. Now you know the reason. slower here: by walking slowly they're your local friends, or stand under the Your sun cream needs to be high SPF; not generating as much body heat! streaming sun with co-workers, you most recommend higher than SPF30. Take a little more time as you adjust need to pay attention to your own Foundation SPF may not be sufficient, to a tropical climate. You're not always body. The risks of heat exhaustion, heat so apply underneath your makeup. A going to have the same energy when stroke, and sunburn are high; even local good dermatologist will help you, if humidity and heat go through the people get struck down by all of these, you are worried about your skin or any roof. Be kind to yourself, take a more sometimes fatally. suspicious growths that may develop. leisurely pace, and you'll be fine. Vigilance is also essential.

7. Clothing choices So you packed for a New York spring or an English summer, and you arrived here with woolly sweaters, raincoats, Kenneth Dickson and thick shoes. I suggest you buy an has been living and entirely new wardrobe, as most clothes working in Taiwan for sold in colder climes are unsuitable a while now. Though here. That three-piece suit or wool skirt Taipei is warm in the will just hide away in the wardrobe. summer, he manages to soothe those I strongly advise, even for men, hot days with smoothies, cold water looser clothing around the neck, legs, (or the occasional beer), and lots of ice chest, and waist to increase comfort dishes.

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Aug 2018_p3-end.indd 23 2018/7/27 下午4:07 FOOD & DRINK Three Idiots Toast & Curry

Taiwanese customers, they decided to THE VEGETABLE IN THE SANDWICH introduce to their menu toast and other If you’re hankering for some familiar foods that the locals like. traditional Indian food, there are They also wanted a restaurant with numerous restaurants in Taipei that can a colorful, contemporary feel, which satisfy that need, including Andy’s own would attract a younger clientele. Out of India. But if you expect the menu Another reason why the restaurant is at Three Idiots to follow the script of so popular is that it remains open all what traditional Indian food is like, you day, and doesn’t take an afternoon rest will certainly be in for a surprise. TEXT: EMANUELE GELSI IMAGES: THREE IDIOTS TOAST & CURRY like many other restaurants. Judging Andy Arya is certainly not the first from the number of fully occupied to take traditional food and represent tables on the late afternoon of my visit, it in a new form. When the now I think Andy and Nina decided wisely to world-famous chef Massimo Bottura n the English-speaking world, the open their restaurant for longer hours, re-appropriated traditional Italian names of Indian restaurants are especially at night. dishes, he provoked outright hostility usually fairly predictable. They Of all the 75 Indian restaurants in among Italians, who felt that he had contain words and phrases like Taiwan, Three Idiots Toast & Curry is messed with grandmother’s recipes. I“spice”, “Indian kitchen”, “saffron”, the first and only vegetarian Indian But all Bottura wanted to do was to “masala", “curry”, “palace”, “Delhi”, restaurant, and not only that, its respect and bring back into focus the "Taj Mahal”, and “Taste of India.” menu follows the vegetarian food ingredients of those traditional dishes. But how about this one: Three Idiots requirements and practices of certain This doesn’t mean that Andy ignores Toast & Curry. Just the name alone Buddhists, who cannot eat pungent traditional Indian cuisine. On the immediately tells you that someone spices such as onion and garlic. These contrary, he knows the rules, and, is following a different idea of what spices, it is believed, lead to anger and because of this, he knows how to work constitutes “authentic” Indian food. passion. This is also the reason why with them. After all his first restaurant The Taiwanese, particularly the Andy’s curries are not exceedingly hot. serves traditional Indian fare. And he youth, are largely unfamiliar with However, if you like your curry dishes has learned from and still consults with Indian food, explained the owners of spicy, be sure to mention this to your his mother in matters of Indian food. Three Idiots Toast & Curry, Andy Arya server. The chef will prepare your curry For example, the masala recipe that and his wife, Nina. So, to attract more toast the way that you like it. is prevalent in all his dishes has been

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drumming and English. It was even more serious. He craved good Indian food, and back then Indian restaurants were few. During this time, he realized (much to his surprise) that the dishes he prepared for his friends were as good as the ones that he was eating at restaurants in Taipei. It was at this moment that he discovered that cooking was his passion, and that he excelled at it. He began to dream about opening an Indian restaurant. However, opening a passed down through generations quick instructions on how to eat it. restaurant in a foreign country seemed of women in his family. Even now, Pani puri is a popular Indian street a Herculean task, full of challenges Andy’s mother is in charge of grinding food. It consists of crispy, hollow balls and dangers, so Andy held back. Then, the masala ingredients daily, thus of puff pastry that must be cracked he met the love of his life, Nina. With keeping their family’s tradition alive. open on one side with a spoon as her encouragement and practical Furthermore, Andy only uses spices you would a soft-boiled egg or with a approach to business (Nina tends that are imported from India, and he finger, and filled with the accompanying not to overthink, because she knows ensures that vegetables are grown seasoned potatoes, chat masala, things will work out) Andy opened Out locally, and without using pesticides. chickpea and mango. The final touch is of India, his first restaurant, near the Andy shows respect for all the a spoonful of tamarind-flavored water, National Taiwan Normal University’s ingredients used on the Three Idiots poured over the vegetable-filled pastry. I main campus. It was a huge success, menu. He balances the contrast was instructed to eat the whole thing in especially with international and local between Indian and non-Indian flavors one big bite. It was delicious. Each order students, and professors. and ingredients with great care. When I of pani puri is served with six pastries. A Fast forward to 2018. Andy and ate at the restaurant, I ordered a pesto perfect addition to your meal. Nina now run five Indian restaurant mushroom grilled masala wheat toast, Also on the menu are Arabian outlets in Taipei: Out of India, their because I wanted to see how pesto, vegetarian platters, salsa avocado first restaurant, which opened in 2004, a food of my native country, would tortillas, and a tofu curry. These serving traditional Indian food, and four interact with Indian flavors. Well it dishes are examples that prove that branches of Three Idiots Toast & Curry, worked! spice elements from different cultural an Indian fusion vegetarian cuisine I was pleasantly surprised to find a cuisines can peacefully coexist with restaurant; the most recent branch successful balance of masala and pesto, each other. opened at ATT 4 FUN in June. sandwiched into good-quality bread Andy and Nina are currently looking (and as an Italian that’s important, HOW IT ALL BEGAN at opening two more branches. So, let believe me). Included with the toasted In 2000, after abandoning his this be a lesson: if Andy had studied sandwich was a salad lettuce and studies in fashion design, Andy left medicine as his father had wanted him cherry tomatoes, along with a handful northern India to begin a six-month to do, he would be a doctor now, and I of potato chips. language course in studying Chinese would not have had the good fortune of My next sampling from Andy’s menu at National Taiwan Normal University eating one of the most delicious Indian was pani puri. I had fun eating its in Taipei. While studying Chinese, he vegetarian meals I have ever had. dribbly deliciousness. Since this was faced a serious problem. No, it wasn’t I also think that Andy would be a my first time eating pani puri, I needed money this he obtained by teaching perfect honorary member of the group of engineering students from the hit Bollywood movie the Three Idiots. He exemplifies the movie’s main character, Rancho, whose motto was to “Pursue excellence and success will follow pants down.”

Emanuele Gelsi is a committed Taiwan Foodie. He loves Taiwan and enjoys sharing his latest gastro adventures with friends.

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Aug 2018_p3-end.indd 25 2018/7/27 下午4:09 OUTLOOK When Someone You Know

TEXT: MICHAEL MULLAHY is Struggling IMAGE: WEB

n the news recently was the sudden death - at his own Second, what can we do that is most likely to help this hands - of beloved celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain. “better place” come to be? This second question is probably Unexpected deaths always come as a shock, especially much more difficult than the first question. After all, if you so in cases of suicide. Our normal response to tragedies knew what to do, you wouldn’t even be thinking about this Ilike this is to try to understand. How was this possible, we question in the first place. Here, your existing knowledge wonder. Why would someone so well-liked and successful of the person you’re concerned about can prove extremely choose to give it all up in the prime of their life? Somehow valuable. Our common-sense, everyday knowledge of people he, like countless other celebrities, hid his suffering so well is often very insightful. If you know someone well enough to behind his public image. What was his suffering, and how did be concerned about them, and you already have a sense of it overcome him? why you should be concerned, then you’re already well on Philosophers recognized long ago that humans have a your way to knowing what might be best to do. natural desire to make sense of the world we live in, to understand people’s actions and the reasons they have for ISOLATION doing what they do. This desire is especially intense in the It’s worth mentioning that a sense of isolation is one of aftermath of a tragedy. Real tragedies unsettle our confidence the main risk factors for suicide. This means that people who in our knowledge of the world. We realize we didn’t know as feel alone or cut off from others are at a higher danger than much as we thought we knew. others. The practical implication of this is straightforward: In these sorts of situations, many people turn their helping a person feel less alone or isolated can be very thoughts to the people they care about most. How are my important. loved ones doing? Is anyone I know suffering in silence, Note that there is a difference between feeling isolated struggling deeply with the life they are living? How can I best and actually being isolated. It’s certainly possible to feel take care of the people I love, and how can I prevent a similar alone or cut off when surrounded by people we know, just tragedy from happening in my world? as it’s possible to feel connected and content even if we Here, I’ll consider the question of what you can do if you are thousands of miles from friends and family. The latter are concerned about someone you know. Of course, it would situation is possible if I know that my relationships are strong, be impossible to give specific advice about specific situations. I know I have a place in the world where I belong, and I know Instead, all I can hope to do is discuss some general principles that my physical isolation is only temporary. Feeling isolated and clarify a few important issues. in the midst of people, on the other hand, is possible if I don’t feel my relationships are meaningful, or if I don’t know where LIMITS and with whom I belong, or if I don’t know when my sense of First of all, it’s important to keep in mind that there is loneliness will end. always a limit to what we can do to help another person. There is no secret, mysterious answer to how to help We can, of course, take action that really does give support, someone feel less isolated. Sometimes it’s a matter of encouragement, and assistance to others, and these gestures talking with them. Perhaps it’s good to ask what’s going on, absolutely can make a difference. But when it comes to the or perhaps reaching out more will give them opportunities existential questions of how a person relates to their life, to talk or connect. Other times, doing things together may ultimately nobody can make a decision for someone else. make the difference, especially activities that you know are Nobody can make another person decide to get their life meaningful for them. Some people like to enjoy activities with together, or to go on living. No matter how much we would others (watching a movie, chatting over a beer), while others like for another person to choose these things, all we can do appreciate the sense of accomplishment of doing something is help them in their own process. challenging (hiking up a mountain, winning a board game). This means that, when reflecting on how best to help At the very least, going out of your way to help someone you someone we care about, the proper question is rarely “how care about can make them feel a little bit better, or help them do I get this person in a better place”; instead, the most have a little more courage to get through the day. But at the productive line of thinking tends to be “what can I do to help same time, showing your concern and commitment could this person get themself to a better place?” very well be a significant reminder for them of what makes life worth living, of the good reasons they do in fact have GETTING TO A BETTER PLACE going through life as well as possible. Looking at a situation in this way forces us to be clear about two things. First, what are our hopes for the person? Based on what we know about them, what exactly might a “better Michael Mullahy is a licensed counseling psychologist place” look like for them? In concrete terms, how would you in Taiwan. He enjoys hiking, reading and traveling in know that things are starting to look more encouraging? his free time.

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Expat Living

TEXT: MICHELLE MAUDE-ROXBY IMAGE: WEB

have conceived three babies in three man - something she could tell simply a tendency to terrify the kids. different countries. I always think by the way he sat in his pushchair. She His nickname was also appropriate that makes me sound like I’m either was obviously very fond of him and because of his insistence in very well travelled or promiscuous we enjoyed meeting regularly, but I taking charge of any issues in the Ion an international scale. The truth know that I often confused her with my neighbourhood - everything from is that I am a “trailing spouse,” an choice of words. attempted break-ins to dog poo. And awful expression used to describe a When I once told her that my lively for reasons still unknown, he would person who follows their partner to little boy had “ants in his pants,” it take a twice-daily glance into our live in different locations for work. wiped the adoring smile right off rubbish bins. A creature of habit, every Much as the term evokes images of a her face, and she retreated without December he would call at the houses wife clinging on to the coattails of her a backward glance, lest she become on our short residential street and international man of mystery, there contaminated by the insects now ask for a donation for the two men have been many an interesting article inhabiting the poor child’s nappy. employed by the commune who came written on the important role that After two happy years, and with to clear the snow during winter. spouses play in the success of their another baby boy in tow, we moved One December morning the Colonel partner’s international assignments. on to Geneva in Switzerland. With was knocking on doors for this annual I like to think that I have played an Lake Geneva and the snowy alps as campaign, and when he made it to our integral role in my husband’s meteoric a beautiful backdrop, we met people house I welcomed him with a friendly rise, especially in my willingness from all over the world and again “Merry Christmas!” Thinking that he to throw myself head-long (and became friendly with expats and was approaching to give me the three- sometimes tits-up) into life in each locals alike. I will never forget one kiss greeting that the Swiss typically country we have called home. elderly Swiss neighbor in particular, practice, I leaned in to reciprocate. We started off in Singapore, an who had orange teeth and breath that Unfortunately this was not his intention easy introduction into expat life with smelled of mothballs. I affectionately at all, but by then it was too late, I was Western brands, a diverse expat nicknamed him “The Colonel,” on already on my way to his face and in community, and widespread use of account of his upright gait and daily his obvious panic he moved his head to English. Nevertheless, I soon learned march along our street, during which rescue the situation, but insteadour that misunderstandings can occur even he would poke his head right through lips met! Worse still, we were now only if two people are speaking the same the bush in our garden to identify in the middle of the traditional greeting language. the source of the noise that would and so I had to plough on regardless, Our lovely Malaysian neighbor, inevitably be coming from my children. adding a kiss on each cheek to the Margaret, would coo over our toddler It was like a turtle’s head popping smooch on the lips that had already and insist that he would one day out from its shell, except a little less been bestowed. become a very powerful and successful endearing, with way more wrinkles and A hasty request for a donation

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followed, after which he scuttled off darkened room and, once there, told back to his house, probably to tell his to remove the robe and my bra and wife that the crazy English woman perform a variety of poses for X-rays. across the road had tried to stick her It was then that the grumpy nurse tongue down his throat. handed me a wine cork. I was As the language of love was clearly fairly sure she wasn’t asking for my not a winner with the neighbors, I opinion on the nice Burgundy she had attended French language lessons just popped open, so I surveyed my to help me converse with more naked body, wondering what on earth confidence. It certainly made a her intention could be. “La bouche” difference in shops and in medical she commanded. My French lessons situations, of which there were many. really coming to the fore now, I did dogs and a whole array of insects that I gave birth to my third baby boy in as instructed and put the wine cork looked like they belonged on Mars. On Geneva, and there were also plenty in my mouth, as though puffing on a occasion I was known to use an entire of broken bones and cut heads to put cuban cigar. “Non!” she scolded me, bottle of kitchen cleaner going into my new language skills into practice. and motioned that I was to turn the battle with cockroaches the size of my I was in good health in spite of all the cork the other way round, lengthwise, thumbthose bastards just wont die! chocolate, wine and fondue consumed, thus forcing my mouth wide open, so Sitting alone one night, I was but I did have a niggling pain in my side that now I resembled the grey dude in confronted by a spider as big as my which bothered me enough to visit a Edvard Munch’s The Scream. hand, and I knew that I had to jump doctor. This doctor insisted that it was Standing there in the the darkened into action to protect my sleeping linked to a shift in my bone structure, room, naked, except for a pair of brood. With heart thumping through caused by having pushed three large knickers, with my mouth wedged wide my chest and trembling with genuine babies out of a small pelvis, and so she open and both arms above my head, I fear, I considered my options. I necked referred me to a chiropractor. felt proud of myself for retaining such my glass of wine and grabbed the In the chiropractor’s office I was grace in what was a rather confusing vacuum cleaner, but with lightening to strip down to my underwear. I had situation in a foreign country. A quick speed the spider shot into the family not anticipated this when throwing consultation with the doctor afterwards bathroom, and so I did what any on my clothes earlier that morning confirmed what I already knewthere protective lioness would doI cello- during the usual breakfast-time chaos, was absolutely nothing wrong with taped the door shut. and so I felt a familiar tide of dread me. Oh, and that the cork in the mouth When my husband returned home wash over me. I was seventeen again stretches the top vertebrae in the neck from his business trip several days at a bridesmaid dress fitting for my so it can be x-rayed properly. Another later, he could only marvel at my brother’s wedding; I was in a brightly valuable lesson learned. resourcefulness as he removed the tape lit communal changing room, the other Clearly still shaken by my brush with and declared the bathroom open for two bridesmaids resplendent in virginal the cork and the chiropractor, I drove business. The spider was never to be white lace matching sets as I stood pale home ready to relive the whole ordeal seen again. I think I read once that we and awkward in bright pink bra, black for my husband, only to reverse straight eat eight spiders per year in our sleep, Mickey Mouse knickers and luminous into a post in our driveway, ripping off but I don’t feel that this particular green socks. a huge chunk of the back door panel. I critter could have met his end that way, It came as some relief to find that later heard him telling my father-in-law as you’d have needed a knife and fork there were no brightly coloured that it looked as though somebody had for him. undergarments on display this time - gone to work on the side of the car with And so, it is with absolute confidence the overall look was neither “grandma” a can opener. that I continue to trail behind my man nor “porn star,” but probably So, having made my mark in Europe, to our next destination. No amount of somewhere in between. After self- my husband’s job brought us back to language barriers, medical mishaps or consciously walking up and down a few Asia and Taiwan. A fabulous mixture of cultural cock-ups can hold me back. times while the doctor examined how I sparkly-new and scruffy-old buildings, Cambodia here I come. moved, I was handed a robe and asked temples, tropical green mountains and to follow an angry-looking nurse to a a general assault on all of the senses. Not to mention the apparent daily competition among the locals to see who can squeeze the most humans, Michelle Maude-Roxby joined a creative dogs and belongings onto the back of a writing class this past spring which scooter. I liked it immediately, with only was taught by Doreen Wang, one of one exception - the wildlife that came the Center’s writing instructors. With with our decision to live high up on a encouragement from Doreen, Michelle hill overlooking the city. took a leap of faith and submitted her We had regular visits from rats, a final writing assignment to COT. We giant-ant infestation, millipedes, wild hope that you will enjoy reading it.

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RICHARD SAUNDERS EXPLORES TAIWAN'S LESS-TRODDEN PATHS

Cloud Heart Falls TEXT & IMAGES: RICHARD SAUNDERS

(as the crow flies) from the waterfalls at Manyueyuan. Despite becoming better known in recent years, it remains a haven of peace and beauty, even at weekends. The trailhead is clearly marked by an exuberant flourish of plastic trail ribbons beside a narrow, winding road, two kilometers south of the tiny settlement of Xiongkong, a thirty- minute drive south of Sanxia. The trail is wide and makes for fairly easy walking, following the contour line as it winds along the thickly forested mountainside. It’s a beautiful walk, and although more popular now than a few years ago, the vast forest through which the path passes is still wonderfully quiet and mysterious, and the forty minutes’ walk up to the waterfall passes swiftly and painlessly. Cloud Heart Waterfall is possibly the most perfectly beautiful waterfall in New Taipei City. Surrounded by a dense canopy of thick rainforest, the water falls free of the rock in a wide curtain, only to catch on a ledge two-thirds of the way down. Fine as the view is from the path below, climb onto the rocks in the stream below the fall, and work a way carefully up through the boulders to the edge of the pool to see the waterfall at its loveliest, plunging into a deep and large plunge pool invisible from the trail. It’s a truly idyllic place. ith such evocative place names as Full Moon Mountain, Cloud Heart Falls and North Piercing Heaven Mountain, the area south of Sanxia in The hike to Cloud Heart Waterfall western New Taipei City promises rich pickings (and getting there by public Wfor the hiker, and it doesn’t disappoint, with some excellent transport) is described in detail walking opportunities to waterfalls, 2,000-year-old trees, and in Taipei Escapes II, which is several challenging mountain summits. available from the Center. The area is by no means undiscovered, and Manyueyuan National Forest Recreation Area is one of the region’s most popular beauty spots, thanks to its stunning setting, beautiful waterfalls, and relatively easy access. The waterfalls of Manyueyuan are by far the best-known in the area, but they’re certainly not the only ones. On the southern flank of Mount Beichatian, several hours’ rough hike from the nearest road, a series of waterfalls including the beautiful Bridal Veil Fall lies hidden, while beside the road between Sanxia and the Forest Recreation Area lie a pair of tiny but pretty cascades which would make a good destination for a summer picnic. Finest of all, though is the wonderful Cloud Heart Waterfall (), set in deep jungle just a few kilometers

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.

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

RED ROOM AUGUST EVENTS AUGUST 12 FILMMAKER NIGHTS Monthly meetings with invited speakers talking about their work, screenings, workshops and networking opportunities.

AUGUST 18 STAGE TIME & WINE 101 We gather to share anything we feel the need to: words of our own, the words of others, a sound, a song, a style, an experience, a gesture, a dance, silence.

AUGUST 31 KIND OF RED (JAZZ NIGHT) The last Friday of each month, Red Room welcomes you to engage in pairing wines, finger foods & social music.

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This month, we are pleased to present Richard Saunders.

Beautiful Lanyu by Richard Saunders

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