A publication of the Community Services Center Centered on TAIPEI September 2013, Volume 14, Issue 1
Kinmen: A Magical History Tour LGBT in Taipei Love River: The Heart of Kaohsiung Are You Thinking Above-the-Line? A Peek Inside a Luxury Baby Hotel The Art of Antiquing WooGo California Smoothies Uncovering a Darker Period in Taiwan’s Past
Sept_13_Cover.indd 2 2013/8/27 8:21:49 AM Sept_13_Cover.indd 3 2013/8/27 8:21:57 AM Cover Image: Richard Saunders Alleyway in old Jincheng Town, Kinmen at night.
September 2013 volume 14 issue 1
5 letter from the editor
6 Richard Recommends national Theater and Concert Hall: September 2013 8 CENTER GALLERY The Center’s Favorite Finds 9 off the Beaten Track Kinmen
10 outlook LGBT in Taipei 12 Travel Love River
14 coffee Corner Frog Café
16 Expat Perspective Are You Thinking Above-the-Line?
18 Photography Depth of Field
19 hEalth The Facts About Probiotics CONTENTS 9 20 aRound Taipei The Art of Zuo Yuezi
22 antiques Faye Angevine and the Art of Antiquing
25 TCM Corner A TCM Approach to Menopause
26 dining WooGo Smoothies
28 Profile 22 Michael Hurst 30 Generation Y The Importance of Volunteer Work
31 Chinese Kitchen Bottle Gourd
32 community TAS
33 Events About Town Events at the Center 34 courses at The Center 26 cSC Business Classified
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 fax: 02-2835-2530 e-mail: [email protected] 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 2013. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not be reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner. www.communitycenter.org.tw SEPTEMBER 2013 3
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Sept_p3-end.indd 4 2013/8/27 10:06:57 AM expat perspective
Community Services Center
Publisher Community Services Center, Taipei Kari Schiro Richard Saunders Kara Wall Editor Co-editor Advertising Manager Editor Kari Schiro Co-editor Richard Saunders Advertising Manager Kara Wall Tel 02-2836-8134 Fax 02-2835-2530 letter from the editor Email [email protected]
Writing and Photography am often surprised by the juxtaposition of old and new Contributors Suzan Babcock Kirstine Krabsen Marina Burana Reese McMillan that I encounter daily in Taipei. One moment I’m outside an Ivy Chen John McQuade Apple store in the hyper-modern Xinyi District, and the next Michelle Cheung Chi-Kwun Laura Osborne I’m passing a Chinese medicine shop with ancient herbal Aly Cooper Shaun Ramsden Craig Ferguson Richard Saunders remedies lining the walls. It seems that every street has both a Thomas Furey Kari Schiro IStarbucks and someone selling xiaochi from a rickety pushcart. Shana Garcia Anja Serfontein Katharine Gill Rosemary Susa But my favorite blending of old and new occurs during Ghost Monica Hess Maria Tan Month (August 7 to September 4 this year) when, following Serina Huang Grace Ting ancient rituals, people all around the city prepare offerings for the spirits of the deceased. But what are they offering? Alongside the presumably more traditional fruits and incenses, Community Services Center Editorial Panel Siew Kang, Fred Voigtmann you often see Coca Cola, Doritos, and Oreos. Not only that but in addition to paper money, some generous relatives burn photos Printed by Farn Mei Printing Co., Ltd. 1F, No. 102, Hou Kang Street, Shilin District, Taipei of iPads and Coach handbags, ensuring that their ancestors enjoy Tel: 02-2882-6748 Fax: 02-2882-6749 the afterlife in style. I often wonder if the ancestors are reveling E-mail: [email protected] in the new-fangled luxury or rolling over in their graves.... This mix of traditional beliefs with contemporary concerns is sometimes frustrating — as people burn paper money by the Adam McMillan Director fistful, I can’t help but cringe pondering the carbon footprint Office Manager Grace Ting — but I also find the integration of the two admirable. Finding ways to remember and honor the past while moving into the Counselors Suzan Babcock, I-Wen Chan, Fawn Chang, Katherine Chang, Jung Chin, Wendy Evans, future is a challenge, one that the Taiwanese seem, in many Ting Ting Ge, Cerita Hsu, Carol Lee, Eva Salazar-Liu, ways, to take in stride. Ming-I Sun, Cynthia Teeters, Mark Yang In this issue, we explore this theme of “Present & Past” with Newcomer Orientation several articles that illustrate how tradition and history play out Consultant Amy Liu in contemporary life. Serina Huang’s piece on luxury postpartum Accountant Monica Cheng Communications Kari Schiro confinement centers captures the idea perfectly, describing Programs Coordinator Rosemary Susa how modern Taiwanese have adapted an ancient custom. Events Coordinator Bianca Russell IT Coordinator Shana Garcia Meanwhile, Thomas Furey examines the storied past and Program Support Bunny Pacheco remarkable, recent transformation of Kaohsiung’s Love River, Gloria Gwo Chinese Teacher now the city’s beloved centerpiece. Volunteers Nancy Achorn, Alison Bai, Lily Lau, John McQuade, Laura Osborne’s profile of Michael Hurst and his work exposes Monica Pillizzaro, Gloria Peng, Ruth Reynolds, a dark chapter in Taiwan’s history when Allied troops were held Anita Town on the island by Japanese captors, and reminds us that history Benefactors Bai Win Antiques is often much more immediate than we imagined. Similarly, European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan Hau Ran Foundation Richard Saunders takes us “off the beaten track” on a historical Nita Ing tour of present-day Kinmen. The Regent Taipei In anticipation of The Center’s Charity Auction Dinner coming Premier Sponsors BP Taiwan Ltd. up on October 4, when a number of collectibles from Bai Win Concordia Consulting Antiques will be on auction, we’re profiling one of The Center’s Costco Wholesale Taiwan HSBC most ardent supporters, Faye Angevine, a woman with a ICRT passion for merging the ancient with contemporary life through antiques. The Community Services Center (CSC) is a non-profit foundation. CSC provides outreach and early intervention through counseling, cross-cultural education and life skills programs to meet the needs of the international Enjoy! community in Taipei. CSC offers the opportunity to learn, volunteer, teach and meet others. Check out our website www.communitycenter.org.tw and drop by The Center to chat with us about our programs. You can also email us at csc@ communitycenter.org.tw.
Centered on Taipei is printed on 50% post consumer waste content stock. We have also replaced the glossy laminated cover with a softer aqueous based resin coating which makes it easier to recycle. By committing to post consumer paper stock we support the market for recycled fibers and reduce environmental impact. Recycling paper uses 60% less energy than manufacturing paper from virgin fiber. Please send email submissions, comments, and feedback to "Every ton of recycled paper saves enough electricity to power a 3 bedroom house for an [email protected]. entire year." (http://www.greenseal.org/index.cfm)
www.communitycenter.org.tw SEPTEMBER 2013 5
Sept_p3-end.indd 5 2013/8/28 4:13:54 PM National Theater & Concert Hall Richard september 2013 Recommends NATIONAL THEATER Great Wall String Quartet Quartets by Haydn, Hindemith, Beethoven and Piazzolla Richard Saunders Beijing Opera September 2 – 8 September 8
he new season at the National CKS Cultural Center gets underway Novel Dance 2013 – Akram Duo: Ibragimova and Tiberghien in September as the National Symphony Orchestra sinks its Khan DESH Violin sonatas by Beethoven September 20 – 22 September 11 collective teeth into Richard Strauss’s gorgeous (if rather over- inflated) Alpine Symphony and Sibelius’s thrilling Violin Concerto. Guy Cassiers & Toneelhuis: Gonzalo Rubalcaba Trio TheT illustrious Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet make an appearance on Sunken Road Summer jazz continues the 25th, with an interesting and wide-ranging program featuring works September 26 – 28 September 14 by Mozart and Hindemith, while in an equally varied evening’s music, EXPERIMENTAL THEATER Taipei Symphony Orchestra the Academy of Taiwan Strings couple a violin concerto by Paganini with Works by Beethoven and Janacek’s First String Quartet and a rare chance to hear music by one of Trio Amos from Vienna Shostakovich Soviet Russia’s greatest contemporary composers, the late Alfred Schnittke. Contemporary music for flute, cello September 15 RR Several of this month’s most intriguing offerings though come from an and accordion unusual source – the Experimental Theater. I’d wager that very few expats September 26 Ning Feng and Academy of Taiwan Strings have ever ventured inside this, the fourth of the CKS Cultural Center’s iOFloat & Jorinde Jankowski Works by Paganini, Janacek, performing spaces, which generally devotes itself to contemporary theater Improvisation, contemporary music Schnittke and Boccherini in Chinese, but this month’s Innovation Series features a sequence of and painting – all at once! September 19 performances of contemporary music that will hopefully find an audience September 27 among more adventurous non-Chinese speaking music lovers. There’s no NSO Season Opening Concert Lecture: Playful Piano Works by Strauss and Sibelius easy way into the enormous complexities of much contemporary music, A talk (in Chinese) about innovative September 21 RR but probably the best way to start learning to appreciate it is to hear (and piano playing techniques see) it in a live performance, where the emotional (as well as the more September 28 Berlin Philharmonic Wind obvious intellectual) qualities of much of it are generally more apparent. Quintet The biggest names are saved until the final concert in the series (on Quatuor Danel from Belgium Pieces by Ibert, Hindemith, Mozart Contemporary string quartets and Beethoven September 29th), when the fearless Forum Music Ensemble tackles an September 28 September 25 RR early (and much analysed) piece of Stockhausen, Kreuzspiel, along with works by other contemporary giants Yannis Xenakis and Peter Eötvös; Tribute to the Contemporary The Classical Viennese Spirit earlier performances in the series offer an interesting range of programs Epoch Orchestral works by Beethoven, featuring multi-media performances and music by lesser-known composers Music for ensemble by Xenakis, Mozart and Haydn Stockhausen and others September 27 from Taiwan and the West, which promise challenging but hopefully also September 29 fascinating listening. FORUM MUSIC AUDITORIUM Bouncing back into the realm of far more “accessible” music, Greek NATIONAL CONCERT HALL violinist Leonidas Kavakos is here for a recital on September 1st featuring Excursions: a Recital of Piano four varied sonatas for violin and piano: Beethoven’s seventh, Ravel’s early Leonidas Kavakos Music from Three Continents Violin sonatas by Debussy, Works by Albeniz, Godowsky, A minor (published only in 1975), the single, late example by Debussy, and Beethoven, Ravel and Respighi Poulenc, John Ireland, Barber and the luscious sonata by Respighi. Two weeks later the Taipei Symphony September 1 RR Alan Hovhaness Orchestra plays a little more Beethoven (the Prometheus Overture), along September 14th (7:30 pm) with the quite un-Romantic Ninth Symphony by Shostakovich, written in RR: Richard Recommends 1945, and inhabiting (on the surface at least) a light and cheerful world, although with closer acquaintance this is revealed as a disturbing illusion. For full details, please log on to the Culture Express website at The final movement begins with an incredibly emotional bassoon solo http://express.culture.gov.tw or take a copy of the monthly program (which just might be the greatest orchestral bassoon part ever) which from CKS Cultural Center, available from MRT stations, bookshops explores unexpectedly profound musical depths, while the high spirits of and ticketing offices. the finale that follows take on a forced quality that begins to sound quite TICKETING OFFICES: sinister well before the frenzied conclusion. • NTCH: (02) 3393 9888 Finally, I’ll be giving a piano recital (postponed from April due to injury) • ERA: (02) 2709 3788 of Romantic music, at the Forum Auditorium in Minzu West Road on Saturday, September 14th. The main work in the recital is a selection of six movements from Leopold Godowsky’s magnum opus, the huge Java Suite, We want your twelve pieces that recall and describe in music Godowsky’s 1923 tour of the Indonesian island of Java, its gamelan music and exotic culture. Also on feedback the program are two movements from Albeniz’s Iberia suite, the four jazzy Excursions by the great American composer Samuel Barber, and Poulenc’s Let us know what you think of Soirees des Nazelles, a series of musical snapshots (alternately witty and touching) of the composer’s friends. A preview of the Godowsky Java our magazine. Take the Centered Suite (played by myself at a recital five years ago) can be found on Youtube on Taipei Reader Survey by visiting (Google “Richard Saunders Godowsky”), but I hope to see some of you at the recital: tickets are available through the NTCH ticketing system and www.communitycenter.org.tw. from 7-Eleven Ibon machines. It’s quick and easy!
6 september 2013 www.communitycenter.org.tw
Sept_p3-end.indd 6 2013/8/28 4:14:23 PM Sept_p3-end.indd 7 2013/8/27 10:07:00 AM GALLERY The Center's September 2013 Favorite
Lily Chim’s Chinese Knotting In September, The Center wall features Chinese knotting by Lily Chim. The theme of these beautifully framed pieces is: “Arise, Shine.” Knotting is a traditional Chinese folk art with splendid colors and changeable twined compositions. Lily accepts custom orders. She also teaches Chinese Knotting at The Center, with a course beginning October 1st. Le Lotus Creative Jewelry Design
Text & Images: Monica Hess
Cherry Hill Antiques ften we travel past and through places without Accent yourself and your home with the jewelry and ever really seeing them. Walking through decorative pieces presented by Cherry Hill Antiques. The the Tonghua Night Market, there is such a Chinese-style jewelry features knotting combined with old and cacophony of sights and sounds, it's easier to new jade, cloisonné beads, lapis coral, and other semi-precious simplyO find the quickest path through the crowd and try to stones. Colorful bags, placemats, and coasters are new arrivals, avoid the oncoming traffic. handmade by South China Hill Tribes. One day on my way home, I happened to glance to my left and saw a lovely green-colored storefront. On closer inspection, I could see all sorts of jewelry and beads inside. Yaya Tsai, the owner, presides over a treasure trove of pretty, shiny things. Looking for ready-made baubles? You'll find them here at prices to suit most budgets. Looking for something custom made in a jiffy? You've come to the right place! Recently, a group of us made an appointment to meet Yaya in the early afternoon before her shop opens. We spent the first hour just looking in all of the cases, pulling out drawers to see the many custom options. Next we Center’s Charity Corner selected the findings for earrings and then the beads that Amy Liu has kindly donated some beautiful jewelry to help had attracted our attention. Within minutes, Yaya had support The Center. Her jewelry comes in a wide variety of turned our selections into professional-looking pieces! designs to meet all your accessory needs. There are necklaces, Even if you're not in the market for new jewelry, you'll bracelets, and earrings for you to choose from. 100% of the be warmly welcomed into Le Lotus and regaled with proceeds goes to The Center. colorful tales of Yaya's latest exotic bead-buying adventure. Stop by, or call and make an appointment today! A percentage of all proceeds of items sold at the Gallery goes to The Center, so please remember that by displaying and shopping here you are helping us to provide much needed services to the international Le Lotus Creative Jewelry Design community. 1F, 111 Linjiang Street (02) 2700-6558, 0920-549-355
8 september 2013 www.communitycenter.org.tw
Sept_p3-end.indd 8 2013/8/28 4:14:48 PM expat perspective
RICHARD SAUNDERS EXPLORES TAIWAN'S LESS-TRODDEN PATHS
natural heritage is also well worth exploring. The coast, which features long kilometers of lonely deserted beaches, Kinmen is perhaps the island’s scenic highlight. Kinmen is famous for birdwatching, and the coastline (along with the island’s A Magical several reservoirs) is home to the island’s 200 recorded species. Kinmen is one of the best- History Tour equipped of Taiwan’s outlying islands to deal with tourists, local and foreign. Car and scooter hire ying just a few kilometers off the coast of Mainland is easy if you have a local license, China, the island of Kinmen seems a gentle kind of public transport is good, and place, and indeed for most of its long history the food options are plentiful. Best island has been a backwater, a place where in times of all though, many homestays Lpast scholars contemplated higher thoughts and wealthy here offer the chance to stay in businessmen built stately houses for their extended families. a traditional southern Fujian- The island wasn’t without its dangers — pirate activity off style house, and while not the coast was once a problem, and small groups of bandits exactly luxurious, they’re among sometimes hid out in the island’s low, rocky hills, but on the the most atmospheric and whole life must have been quite comfortable. memorable accommodations Kinmen would doubtlessly have remained a sleepy, you’ll find anywhere in Taiwan. traditional backwater had it not been given a leading role in the fight for control of China between the Nationalist Party and the Communists after the Chinese Civil War. In 1949, Kinmen (like the Matsu islands to the north) became a military base from which Chiang Kai-shek hoped to retake control of the Mainland. Of course this never happened, and after the Communists suffered a dramatic defeat at the Battle of Guningtou while trying to invade Kinmen in October 1949, both sides dug in for a long wait, which was shattered by the First and Second Taiwan Strait Crises. These brought Kinmen (or Quemoy, as it was known in the West) to the attention of the world as America considered various options, including the use of nuclear weapons, to stop the advance of the Communists. At the height of the fighting, a staggering half a million shells were dropped on Kinmen in just 44 days during the summer of 1958. It’s this extraordinary proximity of the peaceful and the violent in the island’s history t hat makes it such a fascinating destination. There aren’t many islands where you can admire the swallowtail roofs and intricate brickwork of a traditional Fujianese village house, and ten minutes later walk into the depths of an underground army stronghold to admire its stock of Howitzers trained at enemy shores, just a few More information about Kinmen can be found on Richard’s kilometers away. blog, Off the Beaten Track at While Kinmen’s historic structures and its wartime http://taiwandiscovery.wordpress.com/ heritage are undoubtedly its biggest drawcards, the island’s
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) and Taipei Escapes I and 2, which together detail sixty day trips and hikes within easy reach of Taipei city. A fourth book, a guide to Taiwan’s offshore islands, is out now.
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Sept_p3-end.indd 9 2013/8/27 10:07:09 AM outlook
Community = Cultures of Diversity
Text: Suzan P. Babcock
ach morning, on an average weekday, the diversity found in the neighborhoods and a staggering 2.6 million people their communities. It’s the people. pour into and through Taipei City Taiwan’s rich historic heritage has resulted in a during rush hour, not to mention the unique fusion of multicultural influences gained additional 6.3 million people that pass through from its Austronesian aboriginals, the Dutch, the Ethe surrounding suburbs, according to April Han Chinese, the Spanish, the Portuguese, and 2013 estimates by the Taipei City government’s the Japanese during their various presences in Department of Social Welfare. and associations with Taiwan. Now, that is a heck of a lot of people, buses, Travelers to Taipei are often impressed by motorcycles, cars, taxis, bicycles, and baby the scale and variety of the city’s multicultural strollers — all randomly moving around like neighborhood events, sightseeing opportunities, charged molecules — for anyone to cope with. night markets, park and garden settings, But in spite of this urban chaos, there is traditional teahouses, upscale galleries and something about Taipei that continues to hold coffeehouses, top-notch museums, intriguing and keep my attention, even after all these years. temples, shopping districts, fusion-foodie places, What is it, you may be thinking? Well, it’s the daily and areas specific to cultures of diversity. Taipei boost of energy and surprise that each day brings has become one of the hottest international Asian watching or being a part of the Taipei scene. It’s cities to visit.
Where it’s happening
One neighborhood that is easily accessible by the MRT is the Ximen district, a popular shopping area and the home of a popular gay bar. On weekends, it is not unusual to have to wait for a seat at the Red House’s trendy outdoor café, I was told by friends who were about to update me on Taipei’s gay and lesbian community. The Red House or Red Theatre is a Western-style red brick octagonal building that was constructed in 1908 by the Japanese during their occupation of Taiwan. It was also the site of the first public market on the island. Currently, the Red House also offers a venue for local artists and designers to present and sell their products, a teashop, the Moonlight Theatre, an indoor theater and performance hall, cultural exhibits, and, of course, a really comfortable outdoor café. The National Taiwan Normal University’s Shida Road and night market area is also a popular LGBT-friendly neighborhood that includes stores and bars geared toward the lesbian community such as The Love Boat, GinGin’s, The Hours, The Witch House, and Twiice. To quickly find out what and where things are happening in Taipei, many also
LGBT IN TAIPEI use the website Utopia Asia (www.utopia-asia.com), which has been serving the gay and lesbian community for over 18 years. Tolerance
Back at the Red House outdoor café, my friends and I participants from Taiwan and around the world. have been seated and our orders have been taken, so I ask Third, the Taipei LGBT community offers a wealth of my friends what it is like being lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, or information about places to socialize, clubs, bookstores, special transgender (LGBT) in Taipei. First, I am told that Taiwan has events and meeting places, things to do, the current dating become one of the most LGBT-friendly countries in Asia and scene, health-related issues, and even drop-in clinics offering that Taipei is now considered the gay/lesbian capital of Asia, HIV/STD testing. mostly because it is a place where gays and lesbians can be In response to my questions, one friend further explains open about their relationships and gain acceptance. that Taiwan has had a long history of multicultural influences Second, Taipei hosts the biggest and most spectacular annual and that the Taiwanese people have developed a tolerance for PRIDE event in Asia, which focuses on celebrating diversity things that are “different.” Additionally, my friends Bexplain, in partnerships and pushes for a broader definition of family Taiwan has a strong Buddhist base, and Buddhists are respectful relationships. Last year’s PRIDE in Asia parade, which took of almost everything, because they believe everything exists for place the last weekend of October, attracted more than 50,000 a reason.
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Sept_p3-end.indd 10 2013/8/28 4:15:18 PM expat perspective SOME LGBT RESOURCES Community and activist groups
Taipei is also home to a number of LGBT community Gender and Sexuality groups. Across the street from the National Taiwan University’s main campus and located inside Fembooks, Rights Organization the first feminist bookstore established in the Chinese Taiwan (located in community, is the headquarters of Gender and Sexuality Rights Organization Taiwan. Another major activist group Fembooks) in Taipei is the Taiwan Tongzhi Hotline. No. 5, Lane 56, Xinsheng In 2003 Taiwan became one of the few Asian countries to actively take a stance against discrimination based on South Road, Section 3 sexual orientation by proposing marriage equality under the Human Rights Basic Law. However, this bill, which would be the first of its kind in Asia to legalize marriage Taiwan Tongzhi Hotline equality, remains stalled. www.hotline.org.tw
Stumbling blocks Taiwan LGBT Pride Community Confusion, loneliness, shame, forced silence and pain, worry, acceptance, magnified confusion and upset, and keeping secrets were some of the tag Taiwan PRIDE 2013 words and phrases that my friends shared with me to describe how they October 26 felt and how they lived before they were able to begin to deal with their feelings and move forward toward accepting themselves and their sexual www.twpride.org orientation. One man told me that he began to ask himself questions such as: “Why was it considered ‘bad’ to be gay or why was it considered ‘wrong’?” The Community Services He told me that Taiwanese society still conditioned people to think only in terms of set gender roles, especially regarding family roles and Center offers confidential expectations. “It took me a long time to finally accept that I was a person counseling for a wide without a ‘defect’ and that the ‘defect’ is coming from within our society and its understanding and perception of being gay.” range of issues, including sexuality-related issues. To make an appointment Small steps toward better understandingsTwith a Center counselor, There is an old Chinese saying about community that goes something like please call (02) 2836-8134. this: If you are to understand people, then you have to say “hello” to your neighbors. As public opinion in many countries shifts more and more toward greater acceptance, international groups have stepped up to the plate and begun working toward a better understanding of the LGBT population. Randy Thomas, an ordained minister and Executive Vice President of Exodus International, publicly apologized on July 23rd, 2013 for remaining silent regarding the harmful actions of some members of his organization toward LGBT individuals (randythomas.co/2013/07/23/apology). Recently, on his flight back to Rome from Brazil, Pope Francis said, “If a person is gay and seeks the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge that person? The Catechism of the Catholic Church says these persons must never be marginalized. They must be integrated into society.” (newstalk.ie/ Suzan Babcock has been Gay-who- am- I- to-judge). associated with The Center since Before saying goodbye to my friends, I ask them if they have anything 1988 as a counselor, lecturer, else to add. Collectively, they say that to understand and appreciate trainer, and contributor to diversity and cultures of diversity, people need to create an interest or Centered on Taipei. Currently, willingness to learn something that is foreign or different to their usual way she is trying to figure out how to Bof thinking. The next step is to listen…really listen, without interruptions or keep her container garden from without formulating objections for debate. After that, it is up to the listener becoming airborne during super to say “hello” to their neighbors, LGBT and straight alike. typhoons.
G www.communitycenter.org.tw SEPTEMBER 2013 11
Sept_p3-end.indd 11 2013/8/28 4:15:32 PM travel LOVE RIVER LOVEthe Heart of KaohsiungRIVER The Love River (愛河; aihe) is Kaohsiung's version of the Seine, the Thames, the Danube, the Hudson. It’s Kaohsiung’s heart. It is not only a symbol but also Kaohsiung’s centerpiece. The whole city directly and indirectly depends on this waterway for inspiration, comfort, and aesthetic beauty, and the city’s citizens bask in its encouraging presence.
Text & Images: Thomas Furey
❤ A Storied Waterway
Ask any Taiwanese person about Kaohsiung, and almost assuredly the first thing that they’ll mention is the Love River. Kaohsiung isn’t necessarily known for stunning tourist attractions, but nonetheless the Love River commands recognition. The river itself is only 12 kilometers long and was once a simple irrigation ditch. Its transformation spans decades and includes periods of great prosperity and stunning decay. It is a great natural area in the expansive metropolis of Kaohsiung and harbors over 17 species of fish and some crabs — although it wasn’t always such a welcoming habitat. The river has a turbulent and historically formidable past for such a serene body of water. From Japanese occupation to the infamous 228 incident, during which people protested at the Town Hall (now a history museum) located right next to the Love River, to moments of incredible pollution, these riverbanks have experienced a lot. Today, the Love River is a great place to visit. People enjoy many things on and beside the river: exercising, strolling, riding ferry ❤ A Polluted Past boats, lounging, eating at riverside cafés, getting caricatures of themselves drawn, and even kissing secretly on secluded benches. However, the Love River wasn’t always this It’s Kaohsiung’s soul and if anyone disagrees, they only have to take a way. In years past, the river was neglected, walk along the riverside paths. Ray Chung grew up in Kaohsiung and abused, and used for sewage and factory run-off has seen the river change immensely. The 25-year-old recent college disposal. “When I was a kid, all I can remember and military graduate believes in its importance and influence on the is how stinky the river was. I can remember local population. “I think the Love River is the heart of Kaohsiung. It dead fish and bags of garbage, bottles, grease flows through the middle of the city. From a boat you can see all of and everything. You couldn’t even tell it was Kaohsiung because it goes through everything. It’s the heart pumping a river. We didn’t call it the Love River at that through all of Kaohsiung. You can go there after work or school with time; we called it the dump,” Chung says. friends or family.” A local homemade hat vendor named Xie The river’s name comes from a boating company called, “Love Zongliang, who sells his wares next to the river’s Boating Service,” which started near Chungcheng Bridge in the 1940s. banks, agrees with Chung. “When I was a kid, Young romancers came to the area and from then on it began to be it was very dirty and my mom didn't want me known as the Love River. To this day it remains a great place to bring to come here because it was very messy and a date, and generations of couples have enjoyed its attractions. “I there were a lot of gangsters around,” Xie says. remember my parents told me they used to date around the Love Another man, who plays his flute near the river River. They would walk along the river holding hands, at one time, for visitors, echoes that sentiment. “When I then not holding hands if others were watching, just talking and being was a kid, it was very messy and dirty here, and with each other. The Love River is a good name for it, because people a lot of homeless people slept here,” he says. are always walking here, creating love,” Chung explains.
12 september 2013 www.communitycenter.org.tw
Sept_p3-end.indd 12 2013/8/28 4:16:01 PM LOVE RIVER expat perspective
Rubber ducky, you’re the one... In September an enormous (and enormously cute) visitor is set to arrive in Kaohsiung. From September 19 to October 20, “Rubber Duck,” a giant inflatable rubber duck sculpture created by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman, will swim the waters of the Love River between Love Pier and Glory Pier. If you’re hoping to meet the friendly yellow fellow, book your accommodations soon: city officials expect that the duck will draw thousands of visitors!
❤ Riverfront Restoration
The Love River essentially used to be a cesspool in the center of Kaohsiung. In the sixties and seventies, the river was used as a convenient place to send raw sewage and industrial waste. In 1968, the name of the river was changed to Benevolence River (仁 愛河; renai he), and factories and families would dump their miscellaneous waste into its waters. In 1978, the executive Yuan decided things needed to be changed. Dredgers were purchased and a long clean-up operation began. In 1986, flood gates were installed to further clean and purify the water. Yet it wasn’t until ❤ Reflection Of The City 1999 when Mayor Frank Hsieh was elected that the river began to drastically change. Xie In a sense, the city is reflected in the status of the river, explains, “The last mayor (Hsieh) did a good both literally and figuratively. “You can tell what has changed job to make the Love River cleaner. Before the in this city by observing the river — before the city was very last mayor, other mayors didn't do anything to polluted and then we began to clean it up. You can see the city change anything, but [he] made the city and improving by looking at the Love River,” Chung says. Today, river prettier.” Mayor Hsieh put forth a plan the Love River is a place for people to congregate beside for a complete reconstruction and overhaul. and enjoy. The city holds the annual Dragon Boat Race and Sewage was no longer allowed to flow into the Lantern Festival here, along with a Love River Triathlon when river, and bike paths, trails, art museums, and participants swim in the river. Visitors sail, boat, meander, pedestrian bridges were installed. “When I was converse, play mahjong, and bike along its welcoming banks: getting older, it started to get so much better.” activities almost unimaginable 20 years ago. Xie continues, “Then, one day the government said that the Love River was totally different and to come check it out. Everyone noticed. They had the first Lantern Festival there in 2001. It was so crowded. Ten years before, I couldn’t Tom Furey is a recent graduate from the imagine walking around there.” The journey University of Oregon with undergraduate was complete, and the people of Kaohsiung degrees in journalism and Chinese language continue to utilize this place in every way and culture. He recently moved to Kaohsiung possible. “Now there are a lot of lights and to pursue teaching opportunities and employ many people come here to take a walk and do his Mandarin language skills. You can find exercise... It has slowly become better and it's him blogging about life in Taiwan at http:// not stinky anymore,” Xie says. tomtaiwantime.wordpress.com/
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Sept_p3-end.indd 13 2013/8/27 10:07:16 AM coffee corner Frog Café
Text & Images: Aly Cooper
Summertime is about adventure and exploration. It’s the time of year when you let loose, chalk everything up to “being on vacation,” and eat and drink without counting calories. I mean it’s Taiwan: you’re going to sweat it out anyway, right? Yes, well this is what I tell myself, and these are truths that I told my son. When he’s sitting on the back of my bike in what feels like 100-degree weather, riding to a coffee shop by the river, I tell him: “It’s an adventure”... “How exciting”... “You are the luckiest kid EVER” (all of which must be said with passion and enthusiasm, sans sarcasm). I’m thinking when he reaches 7 or 8 he may stop believing me. Time will tell. For now, however, our adventure is your adventure! Aren’t you, like, the luckiest readers ever?!?! Are you feeling that palpable sense of excitement yet? I thought so!!
A TWO-CUP AFTERNOON My family had been to Frog Café when we first moved here, and I wanted to check it out to see if it was as I had remembered. Though slightly directionally challenged, I managed to “re”-find this little heavenly oasis of a café off of the Guandu Bike Path (just over that big red bridge…landmarks are a necessity with me). It provided the perfect stopping point on our journey. Before you start thinking that I was unduly influenced by hunger or dehydration during the course of this review, I can assure you my mental faculties were completely intact when I Frog Café sign was, as I understood it, bike repair and rentals, open their vast ordered my two iced coffee beverages. knocked down in the last typhoon. The space for art shows, and encourage Yes, two. I mean I was already there, café itself resembles (or is?) a massive “showing your creativity” (all of which why not seize the opportunity?! Truth shed with slightly dingy white siding, is prominently described within their be told, if I hadn’t already been shaking a bright orange post out front, and a menu). In addition to these gems, they slightly from over-caffeination, I would wall of wooden panels in which to hang also have a delightful array of coffee have ordered a third iced coffee. up your bike, should the urge strike types, including espresso, Americano, Withhold judgment, please. you. The outside map on one wall is flavored lattes, mochas…basically all a great way to gather your bearings the beverages of goodness that I love. AN OASIS FOR THE WEARY and locate museums, parks, shops, TRAVELER etc. in the local vicinity. Inside is open SHAKEN NOT STIRRED? Before I describe Frog Café, I think and spacious with a loft area, vaulted As I mentioned earlier, this was a this is the perfect time to state that I ceilings, and vividly painted orange two-cup kind of afternoon, and I was am not a coffee shop elitist. I appreciate walls. Look above you and you’ll see craving something cold. In looking at diversity: coffee shops that are a bit bicycles suspended in flight. Wait. Back the pictures, it appeared as if their iced off the beaten path, ones that offer it up. A shed? Really, you’re thinking. latte drinks were a little heavy on the something a little unique. This being YES! AND…wait for it… it has open milk, while I am partial to the reverse. said, Frog embraces that spirit and seating outside with white plastic chairs Forever indecisive, I was happy to breaks away from chandeliers, baubles, and tables. Completely unpretentious have my options scaled down. My first and romantic ambience. This is a café and perfect for the environment it was order was the Iced Special Blended off of a bike path, folks; it certainly designed for. Frog welcomes the weary Caffe (NT$120). At first glance I thought wasn’t posing as the Hilton. In fact, traveler, and to make it even better, perhaps there was a misunderstanding, it’s worth mentioning that it’s pretty their tagline is: “Coffee. Share. Design. seeing that a decadent martini easy to ride right past, seeing as the Gallery.” They sell unique items, offer was placed before me. Well,
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Sept_p3-end.indd 14 2013/8/28 4:16:22 PM misunderstanding or not, I took a sip anyway. Oh that sip. It was heavenly, with creamy hints of vanilla. Rich and icy, it was sweetness perfected: a special blend indeed. When I dared to ask our waitress what was in this concoction, it turned out to be cream, sugar, and espresso. Ha! In my world, this is also known as the trifecta of awesomeness. To temper the sweetness of my first drink, my second choice was the Iced Americano (NT$110). This was an iced coffee that gripped the taste buds and scratched the back of my throat with its boldness. This drink was the perfect counterpart to my first order, and both proved to be more than adequate fuel for our trek into parts unknown. Prices range from NT$90–180, with their iced versions being slightly more expensive.
Frog Café 12-2 (back building), Lane 100, Longmi Road, Section 1, Bali, New Taipei City (新北市龍米路二一段100巷12-2號) http://cafe.frogfree.com/bike/html/coffee.html, Open Daily 9 am – 9 pm
Aly Cooper is an expat wife of two years who enjoys adventures with her six-year-old son, reading, eating, blogging, having A LOT of coffee with friends, volunteering and spending free weekends exploring what the island has to offer with the family. http:// caffeinatedblisstaiwan.blogspot.tw Got a suggestion for our resident caffeine addict? Send them in via coteditor@ communitycenter.org.tw.
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Sept_p3-end.indd 15 2013/8/27 10:07:21 AM expat perspective Are you thinking ABOVE-THE-LINE? SCENARIO 1 Text: Maria Tan and Anja Serfontein Bob has just been relocated to Taiwan, and he is now staying at a hotel, waiting for his wife and kids, who will arrive in two weeks’ time. He has asked his secretary Day in and day out many Ann to help him find an apartment. Since this is his first time in Taiwan, he gave thoughts create and manifest his instructions to Ann at his natural speed in his native language, and though Ann themselves in our minds. wasn’t sure what he was saying, she just nodded her head. A week has passed, ’ Some are doubts and some and Bob has yet to hear from Ann. After checking with her, he realized she didn t understand his instructions because he spoke too quickly for her. Frustrated, Bob are positive reinforcements, has vowed that he will speak Chinese fluently. and more often than not it is Start learning a phrase in Chinese our thoughts and respective a day — a phrase a day! beliefs that create the reality Come on! You’re too busy to that we encounter on a commit to learning the language. daily basis. Below are three You can try, but don’t beat examples of conflicting yourself up if you can’t. You can do it so long as you commit! Say, “a phrase a day.” perspectives that illustrate how different mindsets can lead to different results. Try to see how they apply to your PLEASE. Who has the own life. And don't forget: time? Just fire Ann and get a new secretary! “Minds are like parachutes – they work best when open!”
When our minds get entangled in the “should do...,” we enter the arena of “commitment” versus “trying.” Although it might sound hopeful that Bob is willing to try to learn the language, he will only succeed once he puts his entire willpower behind it and focuses on the goal at hand. Rome wasn't built in a day; hence, even Get out of your house. the biggest goals can be achieved if we are committed, even if it’s just a small step Take up a new hobby. a day! Now complete the following sentence in your head: “I am committed to...” Meet new people! Acknowledge this number one priority in your life and don't beat yourself up if other things fall behind.
Well, why not learn a new But you don’t know them. And skill? There are several what hobby can you take up? SCENARIO 2 MOOCs (massive online Bob’s wife Jane is having trouble open courses) available. sleeping. She took an indefinite leave But your friend from back home told from her work to relocate to Taiwan you about her bad experience, right? You’ll never know so that she and their son could be Why waste your time? until you try. Go close to Bob. But now she wonders if online and enroll she’s made the right choice. She feels in a class. bothered by how few things she can do. Bah! Don’t listen to her! It’s Whereas she used to have a day filled a waste of time! Just stay at with meetings, work, and lunches with home and read books and friends and colleagues, now she feels wait for your husband and like an island. The only thing she can do son. After all, you moved is the housework and errands, chatting here to be with them, right? with her neighbors while trying to get around using body language.
People often feel stuck because they can only see one way of doing what they want to do — and they don't like that option. But possibilities can get you unstuck. If you can create possibilities, you have more than one option. And with more than one option, you have a choice. This is YOUR life. Ask yourself: “What do I want? And what will I do about it?” Do the stuff that matters!
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Sept_p3-end.indd 16 2013/8/28 4:16:43 PM Be accountable. Apologize and say it’s your first time in Taiwan and you didn’t SCENARIO 3 know the rules. Ask where you can pay WHAT? No GUM? Are they Bob and Jane’s son Andrew is enjoying his the fine. kidding? It’s not your fault time in Taiwan. All his friends back home are Taiwan doesn’t understand green with envy because Andrew is “cool.” “cool” kids! He’s learning a “cool” language at a “cool” Don’t blame the officer. school in a country where “cool” Jeremy Lin Just pay the fine and was born. How cool is that? He’s chewing gum don’t do it again. FINE? Why should you and walking into an MRT station when a police pay that fine? It’s not fine officer appears and tells him that he can’t chew at all! Call your mother. or eat anything once he crosses the yellow line Tell your mother the at the MRT entrance. He’s asked to pay a fine of officer is harassing you. NT$3,000! Not so cool!
In situations like this when we blame someone or something else, we are actually giving away our power and putting ourselves in the position of being a victim. We have no choice but to accept it. If, however, we decide that this situation is something that we created, then we are back Remember it’s always about how we in control. We can make choices that will change or at least modify the look at things that matters. If you see a situation. So STOP playing the blame game! What are some things for half-filled glass, do you see it half empty which you blame other people or circumstances? What would it look like or half full? if you were to choose responsibility over blame?
If you’d like to experience one- on-one coaching to ensure your Maria Tan has been living in Anja Serfontein is a certified personal transformation, join our Taiwan for eight years. She Expatriate & Executive monthly Coaching for the Curious teaches English to kids and Coach. She's determined events. On 24th September, our adults alike, consults on some to help individuals and sessions will focus on health and projects, and writes freelance. organizations live a life full well being. For more info, contact You can reach her at maria. of purpose and happiness. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
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Sept_p3-end.indd 17 2013/8/28 4:17:02 PM photography Depth of Field Depth of field can best be described as the area of adequate sharpness that extends through the image on either side of the center of focus. It’s a function of aperture, focal length, and focus point — a large aperture (e.g. f1.4) produces a shallow depth of field, while stopping down to a smaller aperture (e.g. f16) will give you a large depth of field. Additionally, the longer the focal length, the narrower the depth of field; the closer the focus point is to the camera, the shorter the depth of field will be.
Text & Image: Craig Ferguson
Setting The Depth of Field the conditions at hand, and the scene or In the past, almost all lenses had a subject before you. depth of field scale on them; however, If you’re photographing a landscape that’s not always the case today, so the vista, you may find you want a large best method for determining depth of foreground-to-background sharpness. In field is with the depth of field preview this case, stopping down to f16, f22, etc. button located on most cameras next to and placing your focus point one-third the lens. (Note: Some compact camera of the way into the scene will render the and entry-level DSLR bodies don’t have maximum sharpness. this option.) When you look through the If you’re shooting an outdoor portrait viewfinder, it shows you the scene at the and want your subject’s eyes in focus but lens’s widest aperture (regardless of what everything else out of focus, a shallow f-stop you’ve selected). Pressing the depth depth of field such as f2.8 may be required. of field preview button stops the lens If you're just out and about walking down so that you can see what’s in focus around the streets, the classic street and what’s not. The viewfinder will more photographer's mantra is often referred than likely go dim as the lens closes down to as “f8 and be there,” meaning that an and less light enters. aperture of f8 will be plenty for a busy city street. Choosing The Right Depth Of Lastly, it’s important to remember Field that objects in the foreground often look Just like any other setting, the correct distracting if they are not sharp, so keep depth of field is determined by a this in mind when making your creative combination of your photographic vision, decisions.
Craig is a professional photographer and has worked with the likes of Lonely Planet, Monocle, Asia Business Traveller, Asian Geographic and many more. In addition, he also teaches regular photography workshops and individual classes in and around Taipei. Visit his website at www.craigfergusonimages.com.
Thank you to our 2013 Charity Auction donors
Arlo Chou's Photo Studio The Howard Plaza Hotel Taipei Q Britannia Asian Tigers Mobility - Taiwan Hyatt Regency Tokyo Regent Taipei Australian Office ICRT Robert Bosch Taiwan Co. Ltd. Bai Win Antiques Katya Ilieva-Stone Royal Choice Bayer Taiwan Co., Ltd. Su-Pin Li Richard Saunders British Trade and Cultural Office Liaison Office of the Republic of South Africa Shangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza Hotel Tainan Canmeng AVEDA in Taiwan Space Concepts Ltd. Carrefour Amy C. Liu The Spice Shop Indian Cuisine Dianne Cornell L'Oreal Taiwan Ltd. Swire Coca-Cola Beverages Ltd., Corning Display Technologies Taiwan Co., Ltd. Lutetia Coffee Shop Taiwan Branch Edx Education Melchers Trading GmbH, Taiwan Branch Taipei City Government Fares Academy for Fighting Arts Ministry of Foreign Affairs (R.O.C.) Tsar & Tsai Law Firm Ginjer cakes 'n more New Zealand Commerce and Industry Office Willie's Deli Grand Hyatt Seoul Office of the President, Republic of China Wonderland Nursery Goods Co., Ltd. Grand Hyatt Taipei Palais de Chine A. Ping Wu Hawley & Hazel Chemical (Taiwan) Co., Ltd. Pernod Ricard Zulu Nyala Game Lodge Heineken Persimmon Lane
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Sept_p3-end.indd 18 2013/8/27 10:07:25 AM health
The Facts about Probiotics Text: Michelle Cheung Chi-Kwun, State Registered Probiotics, the ‘good’ bacteria found in certain foods Dietitian of Health Professions Council (UK) such as yogurt and kimchi, are widely considered highly beneficial to the health, although many of their health-giving properties have yet to be clinically proven, as Michelle Cheung Chi-Kwun explains.
robiotics are good microorganisms, such as bacteria In clinical settings, dietitians sometimes prescribe products or yeast, with potential health benefits. They help with probiotics to patients with diarrhea. Such intervention to keep the colon healthy by balancing good and bad should be used with caution and with careful consideration bacteria. There is a rapidly expanding interest in of certain factors such as the medical history of the patient Pprobiotics within the scientific community, in the food industry, and the patient’s tolerance for probiotics. Thus, if you are and among consumers. As a dietitian and a mom to two, I am considering a probiotic dietary supplement, consult a doctor in the habit of checking food labels when grocery shopping. and dietitian for advice. Strolling around the supermarket, you may be surprised by the number of food products fortified with probiotics available.
INCORPORATING PROBIOTICS INTO YOUR DIET Some possible health benefits of probiotics: Michelle Cheung is currently a full-time • Decreases incidence or duration of diarrhea caused by mom to 2 but was previously working antibiotics or infection as a Clinical Dietitian in Hong Kong. • Regulates gut motility (e.g. constipation or irritable bowel syndrome) • Promotes lactose digestion in the intestines • Helps regulate inflammation conditions such as Ulcerative Colitis
Probiotics are being added to a variety of foods including: • Yogurt (preferably labeled with live and active cultures) • Kefir • Cheese • Milk • Raw sauerkraut / Kimchi • Fermented soybean paste You can also find probiotics as nutritional supplements. Probiotics must contain living and active organisms, and must be ingested on a regular basis in order to maintain effective concentrations. Even though probiotics are considered safe and well tolerated in the general population when ingested orally, some people may experience bloating and flatulence.
MORE RESEARCH REQUIRED In terms of recommended dosage, there is insufficient data in humans to recommend a minimum concentration of probiotics for beneficial effects. While some studies offer dosage recommendations, in the end there is no guarantee that the probiotics added to foods will result in health benefits. It is important to note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any health claims for probiotics. Although some probiotic formulations have shown promising results in research studies, strong scientific evidence to support specific uses of probiotics for most conditions is lacking.
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Sept_p3-end.indd 19 2013/8/27 10:07:26 AM around taipei The Art of Zuo Yuezi
A peek inside a luxury baby hotel
Text & Images: Serina Huang, stock photos
For many expectant Taiwanese women, the big decision A luxury stay is not which pram to buy or how to decorate the nursery Sounds almost too good to be true, but this is only part of the luxury experienced by mothers who but which hotel-like postpartum center to check into while stay at the Wenhua-Garden Postpartum Nursing recuperating from the birth. Most Taiwanese women follow Home. The moment I arrived at the center, the lifts the principles of Chinese postpartum confinement — 坐月 opened to reveal an ornate French-style waiting 子, zuo yuezi, which literally means 'sitting in the month' — room, which gave me a taste of the luxury awaiting and as women are becoming more affluent and choosing to within. I took my shoes off, washed my hands have fewer children, they are electing to make the most of with hospital-grade alcohol sanitizer, and entered through secure sliding doors. After checking-in, one their month-long zuo yuezi experience. Which explains the of the attendants gave me a tour of the facilities, popularity of luxury zuo yuezi centers in Taiwan. explaining the state-of-the-art nursery (with nurses tending to the babies around the clock), exercise classroom (complete with full-length mirrors), massage room, and various themed suites, including s a mother of two boys, I never get a secure VIP wing. enough sleep, but those first few weeks, I like it here already. My difficult choice now was when baby has absolutely no sense which room to choose — the Tiffany suite (with a of day or night, sheer fatigue is most Tiffany crystal chandelier purchased in New York) or Apronounced. Nothing can prepare you, even if you the Bottega Veneta room? I fell for the understated, have been through it before. earthy elegance of the BV room, although I also Now imagine, instead of doing multiple loads loved the light ambience of the former. I changed of washing, relaxing in a queen-size bed with crisp into my comfortable and forgiving breastfeeding- linen sheets and fluffy coverlet. Visualize yourself friendly pink pajamas worn by all inmates (sorry — snuggling in bed with baby or, if you prefer, sleeping guests), poured myself a cup of Chinese herbal tea, in, knowing that a trained nurse is keeping watch flicked through the cable channels on the television, over your angel (and if you are at all worried about and then inspected my room. your cherub, you can flick on the television to see It was equipped with free Wi-Fi, LCD television webcam footage beamed live from the nursery!) If with cable, a microwave, one large fridge, your bub is not so angelic, you can ring for specialist and a hairdryer. And of course all the towels, assistance or get the nurse to take baby away for toothbrushes, and so forth that you would expect in burping. No need to cook as you are provided with a five-star hotel. But there were a few unexpected room service with special foods designed for new extras, like comfortable breastfeeding cushions, a mothers. And there is room for your husband to baby bottle sterilizer, and a special breast massager stay with you — and someone to watch baby if you to help lactating mothers. Baby rockers can also be sneak out for a romantic dinner together. provided on request.
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Sept_p3-end.indd 20 2013/8/28 4:18:38 PM FIVE-STAR BED AND BOARD The doorbell chimed: it was time for dinner. Many traditional zuo yuezi meals are heavy: think stewed pork READY TO EXPERIENCE A LUXURY ZUO YUEZI trotters with peanuts and hearty chicken soup. But not CENTER FOR YOURSELF? here. My first dish was a generous serving of scallops Here are some popular options: poached with Chinese wolfberries served on a bed of shredded mountain yam. Then I migrated to a bowl of soft, Wenhua-Garden Postpartum Nursing Home homemade Cantonese-style prawn balls that were just like www.wenhua-garden.com a dim sum dish, only healthier. This was accompanied by a warming pork and dried longan soup, a side of nutritious Yono Maternal Centre broccoli with goji berries, and a bowl of wholegrain rice. I www.yono.com.tw could get used to being served meals like this. Time for bed. But first I indulged in a hot shower in the We GoGo Postpartum Care Center sparkling new bathroom. I was surprised to see bathing www.we-gogo.com.tw facilities in the center, as traditionally Chinese women are advised not to bathe (or wash their hair) during the first Lizz Postpartum Nursing Center month. But staff assured me that the rooms are equipped www.lizz.com.tw with climate control systems to prevent guests from catching a chill after bathing. And if they are worried about washing Eonway Health Maintenance Center their hair, they can make an appointment with a hairdresser www.eonway.com.tw at the onsite beauty parlor. One last indulgence: trialing the electronic foot massager WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ZUO YUEZI? in my room. This was so comfortable, like reflexology but Serina Huang has written extensively on the topic of without the pain, with a relaxing rhythmic pressure. So zuo yuezi. relaxing that I could imagine sitting in one of these and allowing my feet to be pampered while cradling a sleeping Visit www.taiwanxifu.com to learn more about this newborn baby. Another baby? Crazy thought. postpartum Chinese tradition. The next morning I woke feeling fresh and relaxed. And I even managed a sleep-in of sorts. After eating breakfast and packing, I relaxed for a while in the main sitting room, an area for women to meet with their guests, or to sit with their babies while chatting with other mothers. It was opulent in the extreme, decked out with original artworks, chandeliers, purple velvet sofas, and a grand piano. But what I liked best was the wide open windows that allowed in the morning sunlight. I felt at home sitting there and almost wished I could be at leisure to soak up the sun while reading a lifestyle magazine or two.
Serina stayed at Wenhua-Garden Postpartum Nursing Home at their invitation in order to experience how a confinement center operates. Farnmei
Taiwanxifu (Taiwan daughter-in-law) is the pen name of Australian food, travel, culture and zuo yuezi writer Serina Huang, who blogs at http://taiwanxifu.com.
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Sept_p3-end.indd 21 2013/8/27 10:07:30 AM antiques Faye Angevine and the Art of Antiquing
Text: Kari Schiro & Kirstine Krabsen Images: Courtesy of Bai Win Antiques
Faye Angevine is one of those rare people who wears multiple hats — and wears each of them extraordinarily well. Because she has the beginning, Bai Win has offered a hand in so many different projects, Faye is a fairly well-known an eclectic mix of collectibles, from entity in the community. furniture to paintings to pottery. Today, Bai Win Antiques is actually a combination of old and new. While the emphasis remains on antiques, the hat she is probably least known as the owner of Bai Win showroom also features contemporary known for is actually Antiques. jewelry, scarves, and lanterns as well as her main business — reproductions and reconstructed pieces manufacturing. Her BUDDING LOVE OF ANTIQUES — sold as such — from all around Asia. businessW specializes in manufacturing In 1975, Faye came to Taiwan to study patented products including a variety of law at National Taiwan University. It AN EXPERT EYE DIY tools. Also a little known fact: Faye might be said that Faye’s adventurous Faye is modest about her status as is an inventor herself, holding quite spirit brought her to Taipei — before an antiques expert. “I think that many a number of patents for her DIY tool Taiwan, Faye traveled and hitchhiked experts recognize that the more they designs. around Europe and Africa, at one point know, the less they know,” she says. In some circles, Faye is much more singing traditional Yugoslavian songs “This job is a continuous learning likely to be known for her work with in Dubrovnik bars to earn a little extra process — you have to keep up, and animals. For many years she has money, at another selling leather jacket s that is actually the hardest thing about cha mpioned animal welfare in Taiwan, in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar — but the this business.” promoting adoption and CNR (Capture, antiques, at least in part, kept her here. In the beginning of her career, Neuter, Return) programs. In addition Her interest in antiques began that she spent countless hours studying to running an elite doggy hotel out of very first year she was in Taipei. “I was a antiquities. Faye forged a friendship her home, the proceeds from which poor student and I had saved up some with Peter Malone, the Chinese expert she donates to animal organizations, money and wanted to buy an antique at Sotheby’s in Los Angeles. Together Faye also operates an informal doggy piece. As soon as I had saved up some hospice, adopting handicapped and more, I bought another piece…” Faye elderly — “unadoptable” — dogs to explains. Meanwhile, she discovered give them the best possible final years. rather quickly that law was not her Her current pack numbers 27. future career. “To me the antiques Her kindness isn’t just reserved for business was much more challenging,” the four-legged friends, though. A she says. She began selling antiques out longtime supporter of the Community of her home, but after one customer Services Center and other community demanded to buy pieces from Faye’s organizations, Faye’s generous nature business partner’s personal collection, is no secret. As one friend notes, “She she realized it was time to find a has this magical energy about her that dedicated retail space. draws people towards her and brings out the best in them.” BAI WIN Yes, the woman wears many hats The Bai Win Antiques showroom — mentor, animal advocate, inventor opened in 1977, making it one of the — but to many Faye is most famously oldest antique stores in Taipei. From
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Sept_p3-end.indd 22 2013/8/27 10:07:32 AM they would walk the halls of the belonged to a high official’s family and National Palace Museum and, Faye each of the sons was given one.’ It’s explains, Peter would point out which probably a reproduction!” Similarly, if pieces were actually fakes, presumably you find a piece with CD-sized drawers, on display in order to protect the it is a reproduction, according to Faye. originals. “I don’t care what the dealer tells you, Years of experience have also honed the Chinese did not have CD-sized Faye’s expert eye. She admits that she drawers!” was not always as adept at determining an item’s authenticity as she is today; Faye’s number one piece of advice ANTIQUES VS. REPRODUCTIONS to this day Faye keeps, as a lesson to for novice buyers? Find a dealer you VS. RECONSTRUCTIONS herself, a fake that she bought at a very trust. Then choose an area of interest Faye is quick to point out, however, high price early in her career. — Ming-era ceramics, for instance — that reproductions are not always bad. and study up, talk ing to experts about In the world of antiques they have BUYING ANTIQUES specific pieces. gotten a bad name because of dealers Buying antiques is a tricky business, Faye also advises buyers to be wary who try to pass them off as something made infinitely more challenging of dealers who claim to give exceptional they are not, but reproductions can by dealers who try to pass off discounts on genuine antiques. If a be beautiful in their own right. In reproductions as genuine antiques. piece is authentic, she explains, a fact, Faye explains, the Chinese were Manufacturers are getting ever more dealer cannot afford to give a 40% creative, going so far as to make new discount. Faye does not mince words ceramics from mixtures of old clays on this subject: “If you’re going just to or burying furniture pieces to make get a good deal, you’re going to buy a them appear older than they are. reproduction.” While there are scientific methods to Faye describes a number of other test the authenticity of some antiques reproduction red flags. For instance, — for instance, thermoluminescence buyers should be skeptical if a dating can be used to determine showroom features multiples of a the age of some materials such as particular piece. She says, “When ceramics and bronze — for many you go into a showroom and see pieces, one must rely on an expert eye four (identical) pieces… I don’t care and common sense. whether the dealer tells you: ‘This
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Sept_p3-end.indd 23 2013/8/27 10:07:35 AM antiques The Center’s 2013 Charity Auction Dinner
A number of hand-selected Bai Win antiques and fond of copying the styles of earlier dynasties, and an collectibles will be featured at The Center’s Annual artist’s talent was often determined by how well he could Charity Auction Dinner on October 4. Here’s a sneak replicate earlier pieces. Bai Win features quite a number peek at just a few: of reproductions sold as such. Faye says, “I have no problem (with reproductions) as long as you’re paying the price for a reproduction and not paying the price for an antique.” Generally speaking, reproductions are about a third of the price of genuine antiques. Similarly, reconstructed pieces can be stunning. While not technically antiques — in order for a piece to be considered a true antique, no more than 33% of it can be reconstructed — reconstructions are rebuilt from antique pieces, often with updated designs to fit contemporary needs and aesthetics. Undoubtedly, learning to differentiate antiques from reproductions from reconstructions is a challenge, but An extremely rare stacked cabinet and chest set with it may be well worth the investment, both in time and elaborate inlaid carvings on its door and drawer fronts. money; according to Faye, on average genuine antiques Taiwanese-made inlaid carved furniture such as this cabinet appreciate about 10% a year. is highly unusual and valuable. This is a “must” purchase for avid collectors of Taiwanese antiques. Circa: Ching Dynasty, mid to late 1800s
A fine replica of the famous standing Tang horse, measuring 26.5 inches (67 centimeters) in height. This ceramic piece is made of red clay covered in a white slip with traces of red and black paint details on the saddle, harness, trappings, and blanket. Bai Win Antiques No. 2, Lane 405, Zhongshan North Road, Section 6 A well-executed and well- (02) 2874-5525 www.baiwinantiques.com preserved ancestor or memorial painting of an elderly couple seated on elaborately carved chairs Kari Schiro is a native Californian, with rounded backs. The soccer fanatic, writer, editor, and couple’s attire is indicative of novice mom. According to her a 5th ranking civil official of toddler, she excels at Pat-A-Cake the Ching courts. Ancestr al and blowing tummy raspberries. paintings were painted in commemoration of the family’s head patriarch, and were generally only displayed during special occasions. Kirstine Maria Dorph Krabsen is Circa: Tao Guang period of the from Denmark. Before she came Ching Dynasty (1821–1850) to Taipei in August 2012, she lived with her family in Shanghai, China. In Denmark she worked as To purchase your tickets to The Center’s 2013 a journalist, and now takes care of Charity Auction Dinner on October 4 at the Regent 1 1 /2-year-old Sophie. Taipei, stop by The Center, call (02) 2836-8134, or visit www.communitycenter.org.tw.
24 september 2013 www.communitycenter.org.tw
Sept_p3-end.indd 24 2013/8/27 10:07:37 AM tcm corner The Center’s 2013 Charity Auction Dinner
A TCM Approach to Text: Shaun Ramsden Menopause
s is the case with many other medical issues, Shaun Ramsden is a native Australian. He has a Bachelor Traditional Chinese Medicine takes a vastly different of Medicine from the Beijing Chinese Medicine University approach to menopause than Western Medicine. and numerous Diplomas in Remedial Massage Therapies. In Until the early 2000s when studies indicated a addition to running his own Physical Therapy and Massage possibleA link between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) Clinic he enjoys training in different styles of martial arts. and increased health risks, Western Medicine practitioners [email protected] often prescribed HRT to ease menopausal symptoms. Chinese Medicine treatments for menopausal women, on the other hand, have generally focused on herbs that clean toxins from the liver, often with excellent results.
SYMPTOMS What are the symptoms of menopause? They vary from person to person, but the most common symptom is waves of heat or “hot flashes” followed by either irritability, aversion to heat, and/or sweating. Some women will also have insomnia, a feeling of burning on the skin, and/or night sweats.
CAUSES In TCM it is believed that menopausal symptoms are usually caused by an accumulation of toxins in the liver system. Why? The major drop in hormones that occurs around the time of menopause disrupts the internal balance of the body. Because of this imbalance, any toxins in the liver come out at this time. Toxins in the liver can be caused by a variety of factors including excessive levels of stress, a diet that doesn't follow the seasons, living in a polluted environment, sleeping too hot, and anger. It may be difficult to understand how they cause toxins, but emotions are often responsible for damaging an organ's function.
TREATMENT How, then, does one ease or eliminate the symptoms of menopause following a TCM approach? Firstly, try to manage your anger through the practice of meditation and breathing so that daily stress does not affect your internal organs. Learn to inhale and exhale smoothly and deeply with your abdomen, allowing a full contraction and expansion of the diaphragm; this You’ve found a place to live and your kids are in school. type of breathing keeps the liver functioning well. Secondly, What next? Join The Center’s Newcomer Orientation soak dry corn in hot water for 24 hours, then boil it for 10 Workshop for a fast-paced and fun introduction to living minutes, and eat daily; this will clear the toxins from your liver. in Taiwan and what you need to know to help smooth the Additionally, if you are experiencing menopausal symptoms, way as you settle into your new life. Presented by a team of you can also add green beans in with the corn. Consume foods experts, the day is full of helpful hints, stories, and useful in season, eat spicy food in the summer but not in the winter, information. Topics covered will include: practical daily life and eat mussels all year round. Never sleep too hot at night tips, typhoon and disaster awareness, health and medical as the liver will be unable to clean the toxins from your blood. information, the Taiwan legal system, cultural awareness, If, however, you have symptoms of menopause but instead of and how to cope when culture shock (for some, it might be experiencing hot flashes you feel cold, the above advice is not better described as “culture fatigue”) hits. Includes lunch suitable for you. prepared by our own Ivy Chen.
www.communitycenter.org.tw SEPTEMBER 2013 25
Sept_p3-end.indd 25 2013/8/28 4:19:09 PM dining WooGo Smoothies a Passion of Five
Text: Marina Burana Images: Courtesy of WooGo
Five Fruit Style Refreshed and healthy, with a powerful sensation of Two friends (an American-Taiwanese and an Israeli- comfort and a craving for more. That's how WooGo's California born American) were leaving the gym one hot Smoothies leave you feeling, particularly when consumed summer day when they started to crave a smooth in the heat of a Taipei summer. Some say it's magic, others and healthy drink. Of course since both of them grew assert it's culinary luck. Truth be told, it has more to do with brotherhood and hard work. up in California, that could only mean one thing: a When Sagiv and Robbie (the kiwi and the banana) joined smoothie. Believe it or not, that unstoppable craving forces with a cool pineapple (Tim), a bike-obsessed strawberry suddenly turned them into a kiwi and a banana (Adam), and a strong, Sylvester Stalone wannabe apple eager to make those drinks themselves. Yes. You (Jay), they opened a friendly place where the aim is not only to prepare delicious smoothies but also to build trust via read that correctly. A kiwi and a banana, desperate genuine interaction with the local community. “We began to enough to go around the city looking for crazy friends foster this trust by putting together a little sack of fruit and as infatuated with smoothies as themselves. Well, bringing it around to all of our neighbors for a meet and greet, they found three (a Taiwanese and two Taiwanese- just like you’d meet your neighbors when moving into a new neighborhood back home,” says Adam. Canadian brothers), and that's how WooGo Smoothie The key ingredient in their recipe for success seems to be and Juice Bar was born. the strong connection between the five friends, who consider their business to be a platform for interaction and camaraderie. “With our combined love of music, art, having fun, and, of course, delicious and creative smoothies,” says Tim, ''we seemed destined to work together.” “There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate,” Linda Grayson once said. Well, at WooGo they think there's nothing better than a friend, unless it’s a friend who makes great smoothies.
26 september 2013 www.communitycenter.org.tw
Sept_p3-end.indd 26 2013/8/27 10:07:45 AM Getting started When these five enthusiastic friends started searching for WooGo California Smoothies advice before starting their business, many people quickly www.woogojuice.com erased their Disney-like idealism and painted a pretty grim No. 42, Lane 233, Section 1, Dunhua South Road picture. Why do you want to start a company in Asia? Why 台北市大安區敦化南路1段233巷42號 not do something in America? There are so many kinds of Monday – Sunday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm drink shops in Taiwan, why would yours be successful? “We were told to go back home, that it was too easy to fail, and through,” says Robbie. that we weren’t experienced enough to pull it off. This was August 3rd was WooGo's Grand Opening Event, for just fuel to our fire,” says Adam, with a big smile. “We loved which they put together a live art and music street festival Taiwan so much,” he go es on, “that we couldn’t be anywhere with local and foreign artists. “It is our genuine conviction else in the world. Taiwan is a country full of friendly strangers, that businesses, no matter how big or small, should pay who were always willing to go out of their way to help out attention to the issues within their own community, and in any way they could. It has incredible mountains, islands, seek to cooperate and support those organizations and beaches, and cities. If that wasn’t reason enough, several people who are doing the work to address those issues,” says of us wanted to discover the land that our parents had left Adam. That's why, after a guided tour of the Happy Mount behind. We felt that Taiwan was an incredible new adven ture, facilities, an organization that helps people with mental with so much to learn and contribute to.” development disabilities, the five friends decided to sponsor With the intense retail competition in Taiwan, the founders the organization at their event. Twenty-five percent of all the knew their product had to stand out. First, they decided to proceeds from the opening eve nt went to Happy Mount. experiment with many different flavors, conducting extensive product testing to select the most delicious blends. Second, House of Cups they realized it was essential to immerse themselves in the Behind every great man, there's a great woman. Or so they production. Jay comments, “We all learned how to ma ke our say. Behind every great store, there's a great funny story. own sorbets, yogurts, and wacky recipes.” And WooGo is no exception. When choosing cups for the All the fruits and juices that go into the smoothies come drinks, they wanted to make sure they had American-style, from Taiwan, but most of the recipes are their favorites from big, recyclable Styrofoam cups. This fell through though, so back home in the U.S. and Canada. They have a factory-like they resorted to cups that feel like paper, but are thick and setup in their house, where they make big batches of yogurt heat resistant on t he inside. And they are recyclable. They every day by hand, and they have a machine to make fresh designed them and made an order of 60,000 cups. As luck sorbets from traditional Italian recipes. would have it, they all live together in a huge unfurnished The store’s initial launch was not without obstacles. Days house, perfect to store their excessive order. “The delivery before they were supposed to submit the store design to their day came,” Sagiv says. “We ran up and down the stairs — contractor, the store designer disappeared. “We were unable we live on the fourth floor and have no elevator — bringing to reach that person, leaving us in a position where five guys, boxes and boxes of our signature cups up into our home. with different opinions and taste, were tasked with designing Then Jay decided to take one out for a peek. Cream? Nope. a store’s layout and interior decoration on their own, with a Purple? Nope. The cup was light pink and dark pink. And very short timeline,” says Sagiv. In the end, as everything is that’s the story of how we live in a house entirely furnished about friendship, they decided to ask their buddies A-Bao, by cups that, to be frank, we don’t really want.” Apple, and Abi, fresh new interior designers who had just begun their careers, to help them in the middle of what was Both Sides as One certainly a state of much turmoil and desperation. These five friends see themselves as both foreign and local. Thus, WooGo's colors — deep purple and a casual cream Being able to appreciate the beauty of both sides, they hope — were born as was the enigmatic name. WooGo stands to bring the foreign and local together in a refreshing and for 五哥, five brothers who came from a diverse set of natu ral way. Plus, their goal seems to go hand-in-hand with backgrounds. the number five in their name, which, as every Taiwanese knows, is a symbol of harmony and balance. Not Just a Smoothie Store So what does make this place so special? Well, the Marina Burana is an Argentinean writer, writing smoothies are amazing, but the magic doesn't stop in Spanish and in English. She has published there. The idea of these five friends is to bring together two books of short stories in Spanish and written a community of passionately driven and creative people. two plays in English which have traveled to New They want to hold events to get people involved in dynamic York and Alaska. She has also written articles, and true communication while they enjoy themselves essays and fiction for magazines in Argentina, drinking smoothies and making new friends. “With these Spain, Taiwan, Venezuela, Cuba and Chile. She events and our constant support, people will see our plays the violin, speaks French, reads Ancient Greek, paints and genuine love for Taipei and California-style smoothies shine studies Chinese in Taipei. Her website is www.marina-burana.com.
www.communitycenter.org.tw SEPTEMBER 2013 27
Sept_p3-end.indd 27 2013/8/27 10:07:49 AM profile MICHAEL HURST Uncovering A Darker Period In Taiwan’s Past. . .
“So I started writing letters”, he tells me, “in the spring of 1998 — to the British Legion, the American Legion, the Prisoner of War clubs and associations…. The easiest way to describe it is throwing a stone into the middle of the pond and for 17 years the ripples have been coming back to the shore.”
Text: Laura Osborne Images: Rosemary Susa and Taiwan POW Camps Memorial Society
eeting with Michael Hurst is a fascinating and memorial event became a physical memorial dedicated humbling experience. I am not surprised to on November 23rd, 1997 in a ceremony attended by three read that he has been awarded an MBE by the ex-POWs. “And after the dedication was over,” Michael says, Queen, an award, he modestly tells me, that “I said to the rest of the committee: we can’t build a memorial Mhe accepted on behalf of the prisoners of war (POW) held in here without finding all of the prisoners who are still alive and Taiwan between 1942 and 1945. He has unearthed a complex letting them know what has been done in their honor.” and painful piece of world history here on Taiwanese soil and And that is when Michael ‘threw the stone into the pond’ brought it to light, bringing recognition and a voice to a group and started writing letters. And now, “every day, literally,” of people whose story would have otherwise remained untold. says Michael, “I receive an email from somebody somewhere During the Second World War the Japanese interned 4,344 wanting to know about a Dad, a Granddad, an Uncle or a prisoners in Taiwan; the largest groups were British, then cousin. Or I have questions from other researchers wanting to American, Dutch, and Australian. All the high-ranking military know about Taiwan POWs. The story was totally unknown.” officers and governors of the defeated Malaya, Singapore, “I’ve been fortunate to have been in contact with more Dutch East Indies, and Philippines were brought here to than five hundred POWs and their families over the years. Japanese-occupied Taiwan. After years of diligent research, Some have come back here to Taiwan and I have been Michael has put the 14 Japanese Prisoner of War camps in overseas to see others. I have had an incredible opportunity Taiwan on the map. He has provided answers for some 500 that very few people have ever had, to talk to so many ex-POWs that he has been in contact with, and documented ex-POWs about their experiences. Some of them were very their stories and horrors. “It was a little-known story,” Michael cautious at first, but it didn’t take them long to realize my says, “and it is wonderful to be able to help these men.” sincerity and that I just wanted to tell their story because “I just wanted to tell their story because nobody had ever told it before.” It was through this contact with POWs and through nobody had ever told it before.” meticulous research that Michael was able to start mapping It was his advertising company that brought Michael out the 14 camps. And then he, quite literally, set off to find from Canada to Taiwan back in the early 1980s. Taiwan has them. “Right from the start we knew there were other camps now been home for 25 years. In 1996, the Director of the than Kinkaseki,” he explains. After having been told stories Canadian Trade Office gave Michael a book by Jack Edwards, by the POWs and sent documents from the National Archives a British former POW in Taiwan, with the suggestion that in Washington by a fellow researcher, “I pored through these something should be done to tell the story of these men. The and could figure out to a five square mile radius the location book described the terrible conditions in a camp in the village of a camp, so we started to travel around Taiwan looking for of Jinguashi (the camp of Kinkaseki — a copper mine) and them,” Michael explains. So three foreigners and a Taiwanese the heroic work of the Canadian Doctor Wheeler interned in lady (Michael’s wife) started knocking on doors, targeting the camp. Michael leapt at the idea and, as Vice President of older homes where residents may have lived at the time of the Canadian Society, suggested to the Board that a memorial the camps. “And thanks to the help of many Taiwanese local service be held for the doctor and the men who had been people, we got to know the sites of the camps.” held in the Kinkaseki camp. Nearly all were labor camps, and the work was gruelling. As Michael discovered more, and his passion grew, the Kinkaseki was the Japanese Empire’s largest copper mine. At
28 september 2013 www.communitycenter.org.tw Heito, POWs cleared a dry river bed of rocks and stones so that sugar cane could be planted. Malaria and other diseases were rife. In Taichung, they were set to work to create a flood diversion channel in the nearby river bed. The conditions were brutal. “POWs were beaten with mine hammers or bamboo poles. It was the ultimate in brutality.” It is clear how passionate Michael is. “When I was a boy I found out that I had a lot of uncles who fought in WWI and WWII, and I was awed, amazed, and touched by the fact that these uncles whom I knew and loved so well had gone over and fought in the trenches. All my life I had wanted to do something more than just wear a poppy and go to Remembrance Day services. So when I learned about Dr. Wheeler and the camp at Jinguashi, I realized that, finally, this was something I could do to tangibly help the veterans.” Michael is a fount of knowledge gathered from his research but primarily from his conversations and communications with the former POWs. “All the prisoners have told me their stories and some have given me photos and diaries; I have transcripts, originals — they kept diaries in school book scribblers with records of their weight, and details of receiving Red Cross parcels, what was in them and how they shared it… It is so wonderful to have all this stuff and I’m hoping that over the next few years I will be able to open a museum here.” It is clear that Michael has been a tremendous pillar of trust and support for the ex-POWs that he has found, and indeed for their families, as he has set in stone their past to ensure that their bravery is recognized and never forgotten. My meeting with Michael is made even more poignant by the simultaneous front page news of the elections in Japan and the sweeping victory of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who has signalled that he may rescind previous apologies made by Japan for their aggression during WWII — a clear reminder that this piece of history is very much still alive today.
POW: In the Steps of the Men of Kinkaseki Wednesday, October 16, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm NT$1,600; registration required
Join The Center for a tour led by Michael Hurst to the site of the Kinkaseki camp. This tour will begin in Ruifang and continue along the route taken by the POWs to Jinguashi, with stops at the Gold Mining Museum and the POW Memorial Park. To register, call The Center at (02) 2836-8134 or visit www.communitycenter.org.tw.
Laura Osborne is a former corporate lawyer, now a mum – and still wondering which allows her more sleep. Her roots being the English countryside, she has fallen in love with Taiwan's beautiful outdoors.
Sept_p3-end.indd 29 2013/8/28 4:19:52 PM generation y Giving Back The Importance of Volunteer Work
Text: Reese McMillan
olunteer work. We all know lives and are all proficient in English. community. Anyone, anywhere can help what it is. Our schools are The experience not only taught these others. An act as simple as picking up constantly pushing us to students important leadership and that stray bit of trash on the street or volunteer. Our parents try organizational skills but also exposed buying a meal for a homeless person Vto get us involved with non-profit them to different viewpoints and life are all small acts of kindness that are, in organizations. They tell us volunteering situations. actuality, bigger than most realize. will enhance our college applications and, at the same time, we can gain “One must realize that you don’t need any special experience. Throughout middle and high school, students generally are qualifications to help your community. Anyone, required to perform a certain number anywhere can help others.” of hours of volunteer work per year. Unfortunately, many students forget Volunteer experiences such as this Make no mistake, volunteering is a or simply fail to complete these hours. one are time-consuming but, in the commitment; it may mean that you As we go through our lives, we will end, worth it. The volunteers spent have to give up going to the movies have many chances to volunteer, days preparing the curriculum for the or hanging out with your friends for a and we shouldn’t throw away these children. They received training to night, but in the long run, giving back opportunities. develop communication skills, and to the community and gaining personal I think that the reason some blow learned how to maintain boundaries experience and knowledge is much off volunteer work is because they and enforce rules. Additionally, they more important. So please, when given don’t understand how important it practiced strategies for teaching the chance to help out, go for it; don’t is. Volunteering is an opportunity to English. The experience gave them drag your feet and throw away the learn and a chance to give back to the personal knowledge, as well as social opportunity to give back. You’ll not community. For the past four summers, skills, and a chance to help others and only be hurting the community but I have worked as a teacher’s assistant give back to the community. you’ll also be missing out on a great for a non-profit organization called One must realize that you don’t need opportunity for personal growth. Heart 2 Heart in association with the any special qualifications to help your Alliance foundation. The organization brings underprivileged aboriginal children from Taiwan to a Taitung Reese is a freshman at Taipei American School. He is English summer camp, where they passionate about drums and drama, and has spent the last are taught by high school and college few summers volunteering with Heart 2 Heart. volunteers. These students use art, music, science, dance, and games to teach English. The volunteers at the camp have all led relatively privileged
30 september 2013 www.communitycenter.org.tw
Sept_p3-end.indd 30 2013/8/28 4:20:14 PM Bottle gourd 瓠瓜 [hugua] or 葫蘆 [hulu] text & Images: Ivy Chen
Bottle gourds vary in size and color, and can be light green or green with white patterning. They’re in season in Taiwan from May to October.
The texture of bottle gourd is similar to zucchini but firmer, and they taste sweet and juicy after cooking.
PURCHASING Choose gourds with fine white fur on the skin; this indicates freshness. Bottle gourds can be stored for several days, either at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
PREPARATION Peel the skin and chop or grate as desired. Seeds are edible if the gourd is not too old or tough. BOTTLE GOURD OMELET USES 瓠瓜煎蛋 [hugua jiandan] or Bottle gourd can be cooked in stir-fries, used in 水瓜烙 [shuigua lao] dumpling fillings (e.g. 瓠瓜水餃/, hugua shuijiao, bottle gourd and pork dumpling), pancakes, omelets (e.g. [Ingredients] 瓠瓜煎蛋/, hugua jiandan, bottle gourd omelet), or 1 Cup peeled & shredded bottle gourd soup (with meat and/or noodles). It can be deep-fried, 1 Tablespoon dried shrimp, soaked in water to soften steamed, or roasted. The pulp between the skin and 2 Tablespoons chopped spring onion seeds of a very ripe fruit can be peeled into strips and 4 eggs, beaten dried. Dried bottle gourd strips can be used to tie up pork, mushrooms, and preserved mustard, which can [Seasoning] then be cooked in soup. A dried gourd can be used as a ¼ teaspoon salt bottle, a food container, or even a water bailer. ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
NUTRITION [Directions] Bottle gourds are 95% water, with vitamins A, B, and C, 1. Heat 1 Tablespoon oil; sauté dried shrimp and spring onion. Add plus calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium. bottle gourd. Stir-fry over medium heat until soft. 2. Mix all ingredients with egg and season thoroughly. STORAGE 3. Heat 3 Tablespoons oil in a skillet, pour in the egg mixture, and Wrap the bottle gourd with paper and place it in a cook over medium heat until the bottom of the omelet is set. Flip plastic bag. Prepared in this way, a bottle gourd can last over and cook the other side until set and golden brown. up to 4–5 days in the refrigerator.
Worship Directory and Community Groups
Listings are now available online at http://communitycenter. org.tw/life-in-taiwan/worship-directory and http:// communitycenter.org.tw/life-in-taiwan/community-groups.
www.communitycenter.org.tw SEPTEMBER 2013 31
Sept_p3-end.indd 31 2013/8/28 4:21:01 PM community
The New events about town Information Commons at Taipei American School
Text & Images: TAS
ast spring, the upper school library at Taipei laptops. This provides a space where students can work American School underwent a transformation collaboratively, integrating different media, with a venue for that reflects the school’s commitment to ensuring group projects and presentations. student access to cutting-edge information resources Technology provides further engaging information gateways Lin a physical environment conducive to effective learning, with large interactive displays. Upon entering the Information collaboration, and exploration. The result is the new Joanna Commons, students find a large four-screen digital wall of Nichols Information Commons. Features include interactive interactive world news, consisting of a digital world atlas digital displays, individual study areas and group work underlying pop-up news headlines that can be opened stations wired for full digital access, digital devices available and expanded. Nearby, they can use another interactive for accessing periodicals, and book shelving shifted to the display that encourages discovery of new authors and titles, perimeter of the larger main room to allow for a more open, highlighted through an interactive touchscreen that displays yet quiet, main study area. book covers in a cascading Tetris-like fashion. Striking TAS strives to build on the foundation of our wonderful digital event calendar screens are also installed to increase Joanna Nichols Memorial Libraries, updating a legacy of student awareness of TAS announcements, news, schedules, enabling learning and providing rich resources for our and events. Students can also engage with Text-to-Screen students with the most current, meaningful, and forward- Trivia involving academics, current events, campus history, looking methods. Mr. Kenny Cheng, who made the Joanna and aspects of school life, which encourages community Nichols Memorial Library project possible and generously involvement and spirit. funded the current transformation, came together with The opportunities for cutting-edge learning and Upper School Principal Dr. Richard Hartzell, Information experiences at TAS have boomed in recent years, through Technology Director David Sinclair, and Upper School Librarian continual efforts to maintain relevancy in our curriculum, Dr. Candace Aiani to develop the vision for the In formation initiatives, activities, and through the vision and generosity Commons. After a long process of considering student needs from donors to the Friends of TAS. The transformat ion of the and investigating model institutions, the team developed upper school library is one more advance that provides our a plan that focused on three primary student benefits: students with the best, most state-of-the-art, educational expanded space for quiet study, opportunity for learning opportunities in order to prepare them for the challenges and in an increasingly electronic-based research environment, opportunities that await them. and, most importantly, extensive access to consolidated and integrated information resources. On average, more than 1,200 students a day pass through the Information Commons. The new configuration of shelving and seating creates more floor space and allows students to spread out. In addition to the benefits of the beautiful physical space, Mr. Sinclair’s IT department oversaw the installation of major features and hardware updates that allow for extensive multimedia exploration. Beyond the expansion of digital access through the addition of new databases, the Information Commons houses engaging interactive technology and cutting-edge practical utilities, such as wireless iPad charging. Four columns within the central space are “cloaked” with display and work stations connected to iPads or Apple TVs, with the ability to connect
32 september 2013 www.communitycenter.org.tw
Sept_p3-end.indd 32 2013/8/27 10:07:56 AM events aboutJust a few of the things thattown are going on around Taipei this month... Taipei Huashan 1914 Creative Park http://www.mwr.org.tw/content_en/ Taipei Fine Arts Museum Until September 8th introduction/origin-concept.aspx Until September 29th Star Trek: The Exhibition 236 Zhongshan Road, Section 1, Yonghe, Walking in Place: Liu Han-Chih Solo http://www.startrektheexhibition.com/ New Taipei City Exhibition locations/taiwan/# Gallery: F 1 Bade Road, Section 1 Guling Street Avant-Garde Theatre Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 10 pm Until September 29th Taipei Cultural Center Exhibition: A Place Where Art, Culture and Wo m en Adventurers: Five Eras of September 27 – October 26 (2:30 & 7:30 Creativity Intersect Taiwanese Art, 1930-1983 pm; see website for details) Venue: 1F Galleries: 2A & 2B Greenray Theatre Company World Theatre: http://superspace.moc.gov.tw/en/ http://www.tfam.museum/Index.aspx Closer, a play written by Tony-nominated local_culture_page.asp?rid=219 181 Zhongshan North Road, Section 3 Patrick Marber 2, Lane 5, Guling Street http://www.greenray.org.tw/main/index. National Palace Museum php Riverside Live House Until January 16th 25 Bade Road, Section 3 Every Thursday – Sunday Painting Animation: “Spring Morning in the Mini Concerts: A Platform for Original, Han Palace” Red Room Next-generation Music Gallery: Exhibit Area 2 Every third Saturday of the month, 6:30 – Call: (02) 2370-8805 for schedules and http://www.npm.gov.tw/en/ 10:30 pm tickets 221 Zhishan Road, Section 2 Stage Time and Wine: Join the Culture of http://www.riverside.com.tw/ Listening… Celebrate the Spoken Word 177 Xining South Road Until September 22nd http://www.redroom.com.tw Rebuilding the Tongan Ships 2F, 117 Daan Road National Museum of History Venue: Huashan 1914 Creative Park Boiler Until September 29th Room Taipei Fringe Festival 2013 Sun To-Ze Centennial Memorial Exhibition http://theme.npm.edu.tw/exh102/ Until September 15th Galleries: 2F, Rooms 101, 102, 103 tongan_ships/default.aspx Venue: Various locations http://www.nmh.gov.tw/en-us/Home.aspx 1 Bade Road, Section 1 eng.taipeifringe.org 49 Nanhai Road
Museum of World Religions National Taiwan Museum Until November 2014 Until November 10th The Religion of Zarathushtra: The First Qipao: Memory, Modernity and Fashion Recorded Monotheistic Religion in the Galleries: G101 & G102 World http://www.ntm.gov.tw Venue: 7F 2 Xiangyang Road * Compiled by John McQuade events at the center THE CENTER’S 2013 CHARITY AUCTION The morning book club will meet Tuesday, September DINNER 17, 10:30 am onwards. For more information, email Friday, October 4th [email protected]. 6:30 pm The Regent The evening book club will meet on Thursday, Please join us for The Center’s 2013 September 26, 7 pm onwards. For more information, “Diamonds and Denim” Charity Auction Dinner email [email protected]. – a 5-star event where you’re encouraged to dress up your favorite dressed-down look! WELCOME COFFEE AND OPEN HOUSE Thursday, September 12 BOOK CLUBS 10:30 am – 12:30 pm This month The Center’s book clubs will be reading Glass Geishas Meet The Center’s staff and instructors, learn about what The by Susanna Quinn, a novel about one woman’s odyssey to Center has to offer, enjoy some delicious treats, and more at this track down a lost friend in Tokyo amidst the glamour and grit of fun event! modern-day geisha culture.
www.communitycenter.org.tw SEPTEMBER 2013 33
Sept_p3-end.indd 33 2013/8/28 4:21:20 PM courses at the center The Center has a wide array of activities and tours to keep you occupied this fall. Starting in September you can choose to learn Chinese, get fit, learn a new skill or tour some very interesting places. Our very popular Kindermusik classes begin in September, but fill quickly, so register early!
We have increased the place to start. For those who choice of fitness classes — has already taken our Survival in addition to Gentle Yoga Chinese classes, we offer a (which is filling up fast), we new Chinese Conversation have Pilates, a Fitness Boot class, which is a great way to Camp, and even an exercise practice speaking skills and class for moms-to-be. All are build upon what you have led by great, well-qualified already learned. In addition, instructors, and all are we are also running English September 17th: join Ivy Chen September has us making conducted in English. and Spanish Conversation to learn all about shopping Cake Pops. For anyone who If you are new to Taiwan classes to help learners brush and cooking local produce has ever wondered what else or have been here awhile but up their language skills. and fish. On September 24th, to serve for dessert or how to haven't had the chance to Our tours are starting don't miss the chance to tour make something festive for a learn Chinese, our Survival up as well. Our Shi Dong the Confucius Temple and Bao birthday party, this is the class Chinese classes are a great Market Tour is scheduled for An Gong, a great way to be for you! introduced to Chinese religion And this is just September! and culture. Thinking ahead to Please look at our catalog October, Richard Saunders will for an entire season of great be leading a tour to visit hot things to learn and do. springs and waterfalls in Yilan To see a full listing of Center County. activities, visit: Our first cooking class in www.communitycenter.org.tw CSC business classified
RECREATION BEAUTY
mover hair dresser
#14 Tienmu E. Road | Telephone 2871-1515 | [email protected]
34 september 2013 www.communitycenter.org.tw
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Centered
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