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A publication of the Community Services Center Centered on TAIPEI Vol. 19|05 2019 FEB 2019/1/27 下午10:20 Feb 19 cover.indd 2 2019/1/27 下午10:20 CONTENTS February 2019 volume 19 issue 5
CSC COMMUNITY From the Editors 5 TAS - Practicing what they preach 8 Center Gallery 6 Tamsui – A Town for Photographers, Travelers and Activity Highlights 7 Hopeless Romantics 11 Book Clubs: February 15 A Cross-cultural Taste of India 14 CSC Business Classified 26 Taipei: A City Begging to be Discovered 16
CULTURE Celebrating the Lucky Chinese New Year of Publisher Community Services Center, Taipei the Brown Earth Pig 18 Editor Suzan Babcock How a Little Chinese Can Go a Long Way 19 Co-editor Richard Saunders Advertising Manager Naomi Kaly Magazine Email [email protected] Tel 02-2836-8134 OUTLOOK Fax 02-2835-2530 What if People Are Talking About You Behind Your Back? 20 Community Services Living Abroad With Children 22 Center Editorial Panel Siew Kang, Fred Voigtmann The Sofa Is Our Home 23
Printed by Farn Mei Printing Co., Ltd. 1F, No. 102, Hou Kang Street, Shilin District, Taipei TRAVEL Tel: 02-2882-6748 Fax: 02-2882-6749 E-mail: [email protected] Exploring Shifen and Pingxi…without the sky lanterns 25
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 ART & POETRY fax: 02-2835-2530 Inherited Dreams 15 e-mail: [email protected] Artwork by Wilder Love Fox 27 Correspondence may be sent to the editor at coteditor@ Satoru Kondo – Life in Colour 28 communitycenter.org.tw. Freelance writers, photographers and So inside back cover illustrators are welcome to contact the editor to discuss editorial and graphic assignments. Your talent will find a home with us!
Copyright 2018. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not be reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner.
COT is printed on FSC certified 100% post-consumer recycled fiber. The paper is certified in accordance with the rules of the Forest Stewardship Council which promotes environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world's forests. https://ic.fsc.org/
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Feb 2019_p3-end.indd 3 2019/1/29 上午10:27 TIGER TOTS PRESCHOOL A LOVING PLACE FOR LEARNING
Crown’s service offerings include: Everyone needs • International & Domestic Shipments • Transit Protection to know why... • Pet & Car Transfers • Immigration & Legalization We’ll help your whole family • Home Search • School Search prepare for the big adventure. • Settling-in Services
PRE-K AND KINDERGARTEN (LOCATED INSIDE TAS) Tel: +886 2 2719 2618 [email protected] TIGGER'S(PRE-2S), 2S AND 3S PLAYGROUPS (TIAN YU CAMPUS) North American Curriculum Gardening Qualified Instructors Fun and Educational Daily Activities Low Student/Teacher Ratios Field Trips Gymnastics and Music Class Fun After School Enrichment Classes Go knowing Engaging Outdoor Playgrounds Mandarin Playgroups www.crownrelo.com/taiwan
We’d love to introduce you to our diverse and incredibly special community of learners! Please call to arrange a visitation. CR ad Euroview AprMay.indd 1 22/3/2016 3:40:25 PM
TYPA MAIN OFFICE: (02)2873-1815 www.typa.org.tw
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Feb 2019_p3-end.indd 4 2019/1/27 下午10:14 COVER IMAGE: Lanterns in Fuyou Temple FROM Please send email submissions, comments, and feedback to [email protected]. by Kenneth Dickson THE For more information, please go to our website at EDITORS www.communitycenter.org.tw
COT TEAM There is something special about the beginning of a New Year, which resonates with many people, especially in Taipei. The Lunar New Year is a time when families and friends traditionally get together to celebrate. This
Suzan Babcock Richard Saunders Naomi Kaly KC year is the Year of the Brown Earth Pig, and according to Editor Co-editor Advertising Manager Graphic Designer local fortune tellers it will be a year of minute, but steady, coteditor@ [email protected] naomi@communitycenter. graphicdesigntaipei. communitycenter.org.tw org.tw weebly.com economic gain for all animal signs of the Chinese Zodiac. Here at the Center, the month of February is going to Feature Writers be an active one. In Taiwan, drinking tea is a social and cultural activity, which can be traced back to ancient China. On February 12th, a special morning tour has been scheduled for a visit to a local tea shop to learn the proper way to select tea, how to brew, serve and drink it. This unique tour will be led by Tea Master Yasuko Hondo, and Kenneth Dickson Christina Grunwald Manoj Kumar Judy Tsuei Panigrahi is an opportunity not to be missed. Our February issue has many interesting articles on WRITING AND PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS the Taipei art scene from the eyes of two international Sue Babcock Satoru Kondo students, plus public art, Tamsui (a town for Andrew Conley Lindsey Kundel Luca de Cadilhac Manoj Kumar Panigrahi photographers), advice on raising children overseas, and Kenneth Dickson Joseph Reilly Richard Saunders’ tips on how to enjoy Shifen and Pingxi Wilder Love Fox Richard Saunders Christina Grunwald Rosemary Susa without the sky lanterns. Elliott Hodgkin Grace Ting There is always something going on at the Center. So, Travis Humphrey Judy Tsuei please stop by for a cup of coffee, good conversation and a warm welcome. We would like to wish everyone a prosperous and healthy New Year!
Pick COT up at: Uptown: Community Services Center, No. 25, Lane 290, Sec. 6, Zhongshan North Rd. Sprout – No. 33, Sec. 7, Zhongshan North Rd. George Pai’s Beauty – No. 14, Tienmu East Rd. Downtown: Ooh Cha Cha – 207, Sec.2, Nanchang Rd. Sue and Richard
Accountant Monica Cheng COMMUNITY SERVICES CENTER Programs Manager Rosemary Susa Programs Assistant Bunny Pacheco Coffee Mornings Coordinator John Imbrogulio The Community Services Center (CSC) is a non-profit foundation. CSC provides Cross-cultural Trainer outreach and early intervention through counseling, cross-cultural education and Communications Morgan Loosli life skills programs to meet the needs of the international community in Taipei. Events Coordinator Shan Lee CSC offers the opportunity to learn, volunteer, teach and meet others. Check out Gloria Gwo our website www.communitycenter.org.tw and drop by The Center to chat with us Mandarin Chinese Teacher about our programs. You can also email us at [email protected]. Systems Manager Samson Debele
Volunteers Miyuki Boice, Riley Carbonneau, Judith Chou, Director Adam McMillan John Imbrogulio, Leslie McFarlane, John McQuade Sofia Vintimila Office Manager Grace Ting Benefactors Bai Win Antiques Counselors I-wen Chan, Katherine Chang, Hui-shiang Chao, European Chamber of Commerce Jung Chin, Chiao-Feng Chung, Cerita Hsu, Carol Lee, Grand Hyatt Taipei Miranda Lin, Emilie Ma, Kuang-Shan Wan Premier Sponsors Concordia Consulting Consultants Wendy Evans and Michael Mullahy ICRT San Fu Global Counseling Admin. Joanne Chua
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A percentage of all proceeds of items sold at the Gallery will go FEBRUARY 2019 to the Center. Please remember that by displaying your items or shopping at the Gallery, you will be helping the Center to continue GALLERY to provide valuable services to the international community.
AN EXHIBITION OF PAINTINGS BY CHARLES HAINES
The Community Services Center is pleased FEBRUARY EVENTS to have on loan from Bai Win Antiques an PERFORMANCE exhibition of beautiful oil paintings by artist 2/23 Saturday Charles Haines. Formosa Improv Group Performance 7:30 PM-10:00 PM (LS)
SPOKEN WORD ANITA TOWN’S LOVELY SCARF CHERRY HILL ANTIQUES 2/16 Saturday AND ORNAMENT COLLECTION Stage Time & Wine CV : An intimate open mic event 7:00 PM-10:00 PM (LS)
MUSIC 2/15 Sunday An Evening of French Songs : A Tribute to Edith Piaf with Anne Dewees and Albert 7:30 PM-10:00 PM (LS) We are pleased to display a wide range of handmade Chinese 2/22 Friday ethnic-style jewelry, featuring Kind of Red XXIV : An evening of social music intricate knotting combined with 7:30 PM-10:00 PM (LS) new and old jade, cloisonné beads, lapis, coral and other WELLNESS 2/17 Sunday semi-precious stones. Other gifts Anita Town’s Lovely Scarf and Body & Soul : Find your breath, Find your Ornament Collection will be at the on display include Chinese-style voice Center for pre-holiday shopping bags, placemats and coasters, all 4:30 PM-6:00 PM (LS) and gift-giving selections. perfect for gift giving. MULTIMEDIA ELIZABETH LAM'S POSTCARDS COLLECTION 2/10 Sunday Filmmaker Night Raise awareness, while 5:30 PM-9:30 PM (G) helping to save Taiwan's 2/21 Thursday endangered endemic We Are One Taiwan : Discussion w/ Tejun species. Buy one, or a set the Performer of five, of these beautifully 7:30 PM-10:00 PM (LS) illustrated postcards, Programs may be subject to change. hand-drawn by Elizabeth Please check our website or facebook for Lam and printed on updates. redroomtaipei.com recycled cotton paper.
We are looking for a creative, highly organized person to manage and coordinate our events. You will have full artistic license to put your own personal mark on our auction, spring event, and golf JOB tournament. Events are an important fundraising tool here at the Center and a key part of our everyday operation. Interested applicants please send a cover letter and resume to OPENING!!! Adam McMillan at [email protected]
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Feb 2019_p3-end.indd 6 2019/1/29 上午10:33 COMMUNITY FEBRUARY ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS chicken, prepared with green chilies and fresh coriander, It’s accompanied by muttar pulau (rice cooked with peas, onions, bay leaves, cardamom and cumin); tarka daal (lentils infused with spicy oil); tomato bhujia (tomatoes cooked with chilies, onion seeds and curry leaves); and a cooling kachumer salad. What an amazing selection of flavors The Culture of Tea: How have been here awhile popular Chinese dumpling and seasonings! to Select, Brew, and Drink and are still struggling to (jiǎozi) recipes at the Center. Taiwanese Tea find the right ingredients This semester join her for Create a Beautiful Evening Tuesday, February 12th; for a favorite family meal, this fun, hands-on class Bag Using Chinese Knotting 9:30 am – 12 noon then this informative tour where she will demonstrate Techniques Instructor: Yasuko Hondo is for you. The Center has two different types of Tuesdays, March 5-April 2; NT$800 partnered with Carrefour dumplings. On the menu are 12 noon – 2:00pm In Taiwan, drinking tea goes to offer you a chance to the traditional boiled pork Instructor: Naomi beyond just quenching one's meet with the store’s with cabbage dumplings Watanabe thirst. It is also a social and import team and visit (shuǐjiǎo) and pan-fried $3,200 cultural activity (which can their Tianmu store. Here’s vegetable dumplings This four-session knotting be traced back to ancient what you will learn: which (guōtiē), commonly known class offers you a chance China) and is embedded imported items are available as pot stickers. Both will to create a beautiful, hand- into the culture of the in Taiwan; what local be served with her favorite made evening bag. Over country. For the Taiwanese, items can be substituted dipping sauces and a tasty the course of each class tea culture includes tea for ingredients that are seasonal vegetable. With Naomi will teach you how to production, tea arts and not available; information Ivy as your cooking guide prepare the materials and wares, traditional tea about organic and free- you will be well on your way produce the appropriate ceremonies and the social range products; Taiwan food to making these tasty local knots, which are reminiscent aspects of consuming tea. safety regulations; why the treats for your family at of macramé. Depending For those of us living in availability of some items home. Hăo chī! upon your past experience Taiwan, tea is often chosen can be so unpredictable; and skill, you may need as a great local gift to bring and how you can go about Perfect Pakistani to do some of the work home to family and friends, proposing items that the Friday, February 22nd; 10 at home between classes. but do you know what type store should stock. am – 12 noon It is a challenging class of tea to buy, or how to Instructor: Asma Ahmed but one that you will find prepare it? If not, then join Delectable Dumplings NT$1,200 rewarding when you have Yasuko Hondo, a Taiwan Friday, February 15th; 10am Join Asma Ahmed for a completed your own usable Tea Master, to visit a local – 12 noon delicious Pakistani meal piece of art. Samples of teashop and learn the proper Instructor: Ivy Chen that you will soon be able completed bags will be way to select, brew, serve NT$1,200 to prepare yourself to wow available at the Center. and drink Taiwanese tea. This At least once every year, your family and friends. All materials for the class class ends at the tea shop. Ivy shares some of her very We start with green masala included. Directions back to the MRT will be provided. Do you have a skill or talent that you Shopping in Taipei: would like to share? Or have you found Carrefour Tour some great places around Taipei that you Monday, February 18th; would like to take others to see? Then 9 – 11am why not consider teaching a course or Guide: Karine Lima leading a tour for the Center in Fall 2019? NT$500 If you’re new to Taiwan THE CENTER If you are interested, or would like more and would like some information, please contact Rosemary at information about shopping NEEDS YOU! [email protected]. for groceries, or if you
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Practicing what they preach: A Record Number of Full-time Faculty Pursue Doctoral Degrees
TEXT: LINDSEY KUNDEL, COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER IMAGES: TAS
aipei American School prides itself on hiring a large number Lower School Middle School Upper School Administration of faculty members who have Tara Simeonidis, Lori Richardson Juliana Martinez, Kathryn Limmer, received advanced degrees. USC Rossier Garcia, East University of Bath USC Rossier TIn this current school year (2018- Carolina Leanne Rainbow, Andrew Lowman, 2019) approximately 63% of our faculty University members possess one master's degree, American College Walden University of Education Tim Sheu, and another 5.7% have two or more; Evelyn Chen, Johns Hopkins 8.9% of full-time TAS faculty have [Teacher prefers Vanderbilt University University obtained a doctoral degree, defined not to be named] Kevin Held, by HR as either a PhD, JD, or EdD. This Chris Hoffman, Northeastern number will go up significantly in the Bethel University University next two academic years. A record number of full-time faculty Jill Fagen, Bethel are currently pursuing doctoral degrees University in their spare time. Thirteen faculty members (nearly 5% of our full-time Jeff Neill, faculty) are enrolled in an online Northeastern or part-time doctoral degree. It’s University important to note that this number does not include the six other faculty Sheu, pursuing a doctorate was the next For other faculty members like Lori members who graduated from doctoral logical step in his career. "I'm a lifelong Richardson Garcia and Evelyn Chen, the programs just last school year. learner, and for a number of years I felt motivation to pursue a doctorate was While some of these faculty like I needed to look into a new degree similarly focused on broadening their members have just started their in order to grow professionally," Sheu understanding of how schools function. studies, others have finished or are said. He is currently in his third and final Richardson Garcia said that she was nearly finished with their coursework, year of the program at Johns Hopkins, interested in exploring other areas of and some will be graduating in a few studying how to build teachers' efficacy leadership beyond her work as a middle months, after the grueling process of and expertise in teaching writing across school counselor. "I [wanted] to be able defending a thesis. The thirteen faculty the curriculum. to see what we do for students through members span all three divisions, Andrew Lowman agrees that this multiple lenses," Richardson Garcia including administrators, teachers, and "idealist" sentiment is why he also said, "and working on my doctorate counselors. While their formal titles first applied, but he thinks that there [would give] me exposure to many may vary, they are all teacher-leaders. is a more practical reason as well. "I different aspects of school leadership." This surge in doctoral degrees at would hope that as educators we all see Chen similarly said that she got TAS aligns with recent information ourselves as lifelong learners," Lowman the "itch" to pursue this degree regarding the prevalence of doctoral said. "But the thing is that we also all because she wanted to be involved in degrees in America. According to the have some gaps in our professional "different conversations" around the National Science Foundation, American backgrounds that we should try to school beyond those of her science universities are awarding doctoral address, because we all come into classroom. Her goal was to feel like her degrees at an accelerating pace, up education from different places." For contribution to the school was part nearly 3.5 percent from 2013 and Lowman, this meant that because of a greater picture. She compared it up nearly eight percent from 2011. his master's degree focused more on to the analogy of a frog inside a well However, Taipei American School counseling and positive psychology, he seeing only a small part of the sky. "I teachers have outpaced those statistics, knew that he needed to learn more think that's how I felt because in our since nearly 5% of our faculty are about school leadership in order to classes...because there's just really no currently seeking a professional degree "round out" his experiences before time for you to establish that holistic beyond a Master's. accepting a new administrative role picture of what kids are learning [in For middle school EAL teacher, Tim within the school. different classes]."
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Kevin Held was motivated to continue Juliana Martinez was also interested sentiment about pursuing a doctoral his graduate work for a slightly different in continuing her studies based on the degree: something's got to give. goal. Instead of working towards a leaders she had learned from in the Chris Hoffman wakes up between career goal, Held has been working to past, including her adviser at St. Paul's 3:30 and 3:45 every morning to read, rectify a lack of research in his particular School, our current Head of School, Dr. write, and study before coming to work. field: technical theater. "I noticed a lack Sharon Hennessy. "She has been in my He does this, he said, so that he can be of any literature about why we do what life for a very long time," said Martinez. fully present both at work and at home we do behind the scenes," Held said. "And she's very impressive. Back when with his family. "Everything focuses on how to use the I met her in high school she already Lori Richardson Garcia often has a latest gadget, but not why it enhances had multiple degrees. Since that time I similar schedule to Hoffman. "At one our art form. I also noticed that the have always wanted to pursue a higher point when I was writing my literature rhetoric about robotics and engineering degree." review, I was going to bed at 7 PM and focused on the team process, iterations, For Leanne Rainbow, the opportunity waking up at 3 AM." She spoke about and returning to the design until you get to also be a role model is on her mind the importance of being strategic something that works." as she finishes her degree. "I think it's with work time but also scheduling in Many of the faculty members a good message for our students to protected time for yourself and your interviewed said that they had been have a female doctor in STEM present loved ones. "We carve out time on thinking of pursuing a doctorate in their life at an early age. It's powerful Mondays because [my husband] is off. for several years before applying or for all of our students to look up to, Monday is our date night [because] the beginning their coursework. One faculty but it's even more powerful for our other nights we’re both working." member, Chris Hoffman, has a different young girls." Within her own family, Several of the other candidates said story. This is his second attempt at she's proud that her daughters see her that they prefer to work mostly on doctoral studies because he was work through the joys and challenges of evenings or weekends. deployed to Afghanistan in the middle study. "It's not always pretty," she said, Jeff Neill said that he often wakes of his first degree. He took a break from "but I like studying alongside my girls up early to work out, but prefers to his studies upon returning to the United and I'm glad that they get to see me save all work for after his children go States and, after moving to and living working hard on something that's really to bed. "Thankfully, my kids go to bed in Taiwan for several years, he finally important to me." early," said Neill. "One of the promises decided to return to his research. Each of these TAS faculty members that I made when I started the doctoral For Hoffman, studying leadership has a different story about why they program was that I wouldn't allow it at the doctoral level has been about are pursuing this degree now, but all to interfere with family." He said the "standing on the shoulders" of those agree on the sacrifices that must be things that he has sacrificed the most leaders who inspired him, leaders made in order to achieve this degree. are sleep and reading for pleasure from the military and from the other All of these doctoral candidates work instead of for classes. schools he has worked in. He decided to full- (or beyond full-) time at TAS. They For Evelyn Chen, she said that the continue his studies because he wanted have families, children, and other thing she has had to sacrifice most is to become what he calls a "public outside responsibilities including taking her social life. "Every weekend I try to intellectual," a person who is consulted care of pets, coaching responsibilities, do one great thing for me. Whether and trusted by others when they face and attempting to live a balanced life. that is yoga or having dinner dates with challenging problems in education. However, they all echoed the same friends, I definitely make sure to do
Leanne Rainbow Andrew Lowman Tim Sheu Kevin Held Lori Richardson Kathryn Limmer Garcia
Jill Fagen Evelyn Chen Juliana Martinez Tara Simeonidis Chris Hoffman Jeff Neill
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something for me," she said. "But the on-campus graduate credit workshops, title that says that I really understand rest of the weekend is for work." partnering with outside online that subject." Juliana Martinez is enrolled in educational groups like COETAIL, State Chris Hoffman and Tim Sheu agree a British program that has a much University of New York at Buffalo, or with Martinez. Both describe being a different schedule than the American The College of New Jersey, or helping doctor as entering into a club of public universities; as such, her work schedule to partially fund some students who intellectualism, where other people is quite unlike that of the other are working on graduate credits that might look to you for ideas and answers candidates. Sher attends classes in relate to the School's Strategic Plan, to difficult problems. This is not a person in the United Kingdom each professional development continues to theoretical claim. As a result of nearly summer and then works independently be both supported and expected. completing his doctoral degree, one during the school year on research All of the faculty members faculty member, Jeff Neill, has already and synthesis papers that reflect her interviewed encouraged other faculty been asked to consult on his area of knowledge of the course content. She members to pursue the more difficult research for a professional journal. said the biggest thing she has had to option, a doctoral degree, over a These thirteen faculty members are sacrifice is vacation time. She and her second master's degree, albeit for a compelling testament to the School's husband have not yet taken a vacation different reasons. continued support and encouragement during the school year since beginning For some, like Juliana Martinez, a of professional development for our her studies. "You definitely need doctoral degree is superior because of faculty. Most of them will not be someone at home who believes in you. what the title symbolizes. "If I'm going receiving a higher salary as a result of My husband has been the one who to do all the work of forty credits and this decision to pursue another degree, has really supported me through this a thesis, I want a title," said Martinez. and yet they have made the difficult process, discussing my ideas and helping "For me, that is something important (and time-consuming) decision to me to organize them," Martinez said. because it is hard work to go through prioritize their own learning, which will TAS actively encourages and supports that level of academic research...if benefit not only the students under faculty members who are pursuing I'm going to research something that their immediate care, but the entire graduate work. Whether it is offering in-depth, I want to be able to have a culture of learning at our school.
T A I P E I A M E R I C A N SCHOOL
INFORMATION SESSIONS Learn about our programs and admissions requirements, and tour our facilities.
Saturday, March 2, 2019 Lower School 9:30-11:00 AM Middle and Upper School 1:00-2:30 PM
Reserve a space by emailing [email protected], calling 2873-9900 ext. 329 or registering online at www.tas.edu.tw/infosessions
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Feb 2019_p3-end.indd 10 2019/1/27 下午10:15 COMMUNITY Tamsui – a Town for Photographers, Travelers and Hopeless Romantics
TEXT & IMAGES: KENNETH DICKSON
f I could name just one place in Taiwan that would absorb a visitor's entire day, that'd be Tamsui in New Taipei City. So let me introduce the Itown to you, experience a taste of its cultural heritage, and find out why it's creating a real buzz for visitors! Arriving in Tamsui, most people head straight for the waterfront on Huanho Street, which runs along the harbor front to the old wharves. On Sundays, holidays and in summer, there will be throngs of people on this street, so walking will be slow. If you prefer a faster pace, take the Old Street then thread the narrow side streets, then come back to the Old Street/harbor TAMSUI TRADES IN GOODS AND mostly between Taiwan and China, front later in the afternoon. You may PEOPLE effectively re-establishing centuries-old even catch some golden hour sunsets From the Qing dynasty period, Tamsui trading patterns. If you stand at the over the water if you do that! was the busiest port in Taiwan, and seafront or harbor, you will see clearly a a major center for trading tea, gold, dozen large cranes hovering over ships. camphor, sugar, wood, and opium. In More large vessels can be glimpsed the late 19th century, the river started offshore waiting to drop off or pick up silting up, eventually restricting large goods. trading ships from going upstream. Since then industry, fishing and tourism WAREHOUSES: PAST AND PRESENT have sustained the town. Several warehouses have been Nowadays, Tamsui Wharf has several restored to tell that story of trading: ferries to Bali on the opposite shore including the British Tea Merchants of the river, to Fisherman’s Wharf, trading houses and the Douglas Lapraik and occasional excursions elsewhere. Warehouse at the harbor. The former The trips to Bali are the most popular, so on busy days there can be a wait. GETTING THERE Elsewhere, you'll see small fishing Go to any MRT station then catch vessels moored, along with the a train to a transfer station for the occasional dragon boat used during Red Line to Tamsui. You won’t have the annual Dragon Boat Races. The old to wait more than six or seven trading harbors further up are worth minutes for your train. From Taipei checking out, including the recently Train Station, the journey is about 40 restored Tamsui Customs Wharf minutes. Arriving at Tamsui, exit the buildings at 259, Zhongzheng Road MRT station, turn left and Old Street (open daily 9:30 am ~ 5 pm, entry is and the waterfront are both 2-3 free). minutes away. Trading still continues since Taipei Port opened across the Tamsui river, and trade has recently grown robustly,
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ROUTE PLANS I suggest the following route: Longshan Temple >>> Qingshui Temple >>> Presbyterian Church >>> Head to the Waterfront >>> Douglas Lapraik Warehouse >>> Old Street pt. 1 >>> Fuyou Temple >>> Old Street pt. 2 >>> Shell Oil Yard >>> MRT. Please treat these as way-points; you'll find lots of other places to explore. It’s not a long walk, but stopping to explore and buying snacks will extend your time quite a lot. I recommend you bring an umbrella and/or hat, sunscreen, decent walking shoes, and lots of fluids, especially water.
British Tea Merchants warehouses warehouses sit the renovated offices of the statue of Mazu with extraordinary were purchased by the Royal Dutch Douglas Lapraik & Co, which operated eyes and ears. Shell Company for oil storage. In 1944, steamship routes around East Asia. Religion was important to the early they were bombed and destroyed. After Taiwan became a Japanese colony arrivals to Taiwan. There are temple Since then, they have been restored as in 1895, Douglas Lapraik & Co withered foundation stories all over the island Tamsui Culture Park, with exhibitions, away, though one of their buildings that trace their roots back to ancient shows, and events. They’re right next to has been restored at 316 Zhongzheng the MRT station on the river front, at 22 Road. Bitou Street, and are open from 9 am ~ 6 pm. Entry is free. TEMPLES AND CHURCHES When you go, remember to take Harbors traditionally are places photos looking out over the river. Don't where products are traded and forget to check out the original railway travelers visit. But ideas, cultures, and tracks nearby, remnants of the sidings religions also traveled through harbors. from the old railway that used to run to So it's not surprising that Tamsui has Taipei. so many religious sites and temples. If you've ever seen the movie The Not far away at 200, Zhongzheng Sand Pebbles with Steve McQueen, Road is Fuyou Temple, which faces you’ll see shots of the original Guanyin Mountain. Fuyou Temple was warehouses, before they burned down. consecrated to the Goddess Mazu in While the original warehouses are the 1720s and rebuilt in 1796. The gone, you can still enjoy the location intricate stone structure and wood and a cup of coffee at Starbucks which carvings were built by the fishermen now occupies the site. Behind the and townspeople of Tamsui. Check out
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As an aside, you can check out his grave in the old Foreigners' Cemetery near the Oxford College, where you can’t fail to notice the large commemorative statue, too. His legacy is quite impressive, especially when you consider that in the first few years the hurling of stones would often greet his arrival in a new place.
OLD STREET: LITTLE SNACKS AND temples in China. Longshan Temple in SOUVENIRS Fujian Province in China has inspired From the church, you can return to five local Longshan Temples around the the MRT station along the Old Street. island for the worship of Guanyin. Of This is the famous market area for course, Tamsui has a Longshan Temple visitors that starts beside Starbucks which can be found in the old market at Tamsui MRT station. Its official area at 22, Lane 95, Zhongzheng Road. name is Gongming Street, and it runs Not far away is Qingshui Temple, at to Zhongzheng Road, the main road 87, Qingshui Street, dedicated to the through Tamsui town center. There are god Qingshui Sushi. There are plans to actually two parallel roads to explore restore the temple steps, so one day it here: the shore front (Huanho Road) will look even more dramatic. has more restaurants and edibles, while 42 Gongming Street, which has been Tamsui is also an important center the Old Street itself sells tourist knick- making local specialty and wedding for the development of Christianity, knacks, street food, and souvenirs. cakes for over seventy years, plus a medicine & education. On New Year's For those of you eager to try the range of traditional Taiwanese cakes Eve 1871, a missionary from Canada famous local delicacies, iron eggs and special pies. arrived who would have a major (literally translated) are small, edible You will also find vendors selling impact. The Rev. George Leslie Mackay deep-fried shrimp rolls, pepper pork from the Canadian Presbyterian Mission buns, freshly made cakes, and much in Taiwan left an important legacy more, and plenty of drink vendors of churches, hospitals, schools, and with freshly made tea, coffee, and universities for the people of Tamsui. juices along the street. By the time you The Tamsui Presbyterian Church finish snacking, dinner will be an after- (founded by Rev. Mackay) sits on a little thought as you head back to Taipei. alley at 8 Maxie Street, just behind the main thoroughfare through the town. LOOK OUT THE WINDOW Its spire gracefully reaches for the sky, As you leave Tamsui on the MRT, while the red bricks glow in the sun. don't forget to look out of the window It's one of the few places here that has across to Bali and Guanyin Mountain stained glass visible to the street. Built across the river. Perhaps you'll ponder in 1932, this building imposes itself for a few moments how generous the even now on the local surroundings. Goddess of Mercy has been to Tamsui Check the bulletin board for opening and its people. Perhaps one day, she'll hours. even entice you to come back!
nuggets of dark weirdness; try them! Another local delicacy is a-gei, deep- fried tofu stuffed with bean noodles, Kenneth Dickson bought which can be and eaten with a little a camera many years ago spicy relish. Tamsui fish balls are a to take photographs of his popular snack, made from ground fish travels around Taiwan. and garlic, served in a simple stock. Twenty thousand photographs later, he As you walk further up the main finally joined Photowalkers in Taipei, a street, you'll come across a wide group that encourages everyone to get range of tasty things to eat, both out and take photographs wherever they savory and sweet. For instance are. You can visit his other photography there's Shinjiencheng Cake Shop at at http://www.lookthroughthelens.com
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Feb 2019_p3-end.indd 13 2019/1/27 下午10:15 COMMUNITY A Cross-cultural Taste of India
TEXT & IMAGES: MANOJ KUMAR PANIGRAHI
quote from the movie Today’s exams multiple times in my 12th grade, with students a first-hand experience of Special (2011) best expresses it took me over a year-and-a-half more learning about India that didn’t rely on my love of Indian cooking: to enter college. During this time, I had books. My friends have asked me many “Masala is the symphony, oil lost all hope of succeeding and slipped times, “Don’t you feel tired? Why are isA the orchestra. ” This quote came from towards depression and anxiety. But you visiting so many schools to teach the scene where a character described something inside of me kept on trying. those students, and for free? And all his love of Indian food. Eventually, I passed all the exams and this in addition to your own graduate Recently, I was invited to make some requirements and enrolled in college. studies?” easy and simple dishes for students at But this wasn’t the average urban My answer to them was “yes,” it the schools that I am visiting here in college, but instead lay deep inside the takes a significant amount of my time Taiwan. Coming from an international forests of the Eastern Ghats, and the 30 and energy. Sometimes, I do feel relations background, this idea of km ride there took more than ninety frustrated because of the long traveling cooking Indian food for students was minutes. hours, but what keeps me going is my a perfect way to share my culture. I During those times, I had no one to love of speaking to students. It really decided to name it “curry diplomacy.” talk to except my family and very close enthralls me when I am teaching them. Students would not only get to taste friends, but they not only helped me Teaching not only helps relax my Indian food, but they would also see to overcome difficulties, but also to mind and eases stress, but it also first-hand how curry is made, from the have a completely different approach provides me with a platform to speak, beginning until they taste it. They are to education and to the life which was to share and discuss my own culture usually surprised at its taste, and want waiting for me. All these experiences with students who come from different to know why curry is not as spicy as have made me realize the importance backgrounds and ages. I also see this they had previously thought. of having a broader vision for our as a type of training for my future work Since I enrolled in a master’s program education. I promised myself I would do in teaching history or geography at a in New Delhi, a lot of things in my whatever I could to make education for school, or international relations at life have changed. Coming from the similar children better. university level. countryside of India’s Odisha state, I’d When I came to Taiwan, I realized Once a schoolteacher asked me dreamt of studying abroad since I was that there was a way I could present why I make so many visits, especially in primary school. Having failed in the information about India through the since I wasn’t getting paid to do so. school’s mathematics and chemistry schools and colleges. I could share I responded by saying, “It’s very easy to criticize something you don’t fully understand. I found a lot of misinformation about India here in Taiwan and other places in the world. I want to try my best to remove those stereotypes or misinformation about my country, and this is what makes me different from others. The only way to solve an issue is by working on it rather than criticizing it.” One special school visit was to Pingbei Senior High School in Pingtung County. The school is located in a beautiful valley surrounded by nature. Most of the students are aboriginal, and I was able to watch them sing their traditional songs. They also tried to teach me how to count using their
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language, which, unfortunately, I have visits to Taiwan schools is seeing the easy to criticize, but we need to use forgotten. discipline of the country's students. these criticisms in a positive way. My I also visited two schools in Changhua They’re responsible for keeping their experiences in Taiwanese schools have County, where I observed some unique classrooms and corridors clean on a really helped me, and I feel that I am teaching styles. The first was the use of daily basis. Taiwanese students also going to be a better teacher and human social media, Instagram and LINE, which have a mandatory thirty-minute nap being in the future. were used by the teacher and students during lunch hour. This scheduled for fast and effective communication. rest time acts as a power booster for Students were able to ask the teacher students to be more productive. about future activities and the In future, I not only want to be a coordination of events. teacher, but one who puts extra effort Manoj is currently Another teacher used online into understanding students who are a PhD candidate platforms to create interactions not doing well, not necessarily only at International between her students and students in their academic life, but also other Doctoral Program in in other countries. I found this unique activities. Students are valuable assets Asia-Pacific Studies way of teaching very inspiring. It gives for the future. We need to nurture and (IDAS) at National Chengchi University students first-hand experience of teach them carefully so that they will (NCCU). His research includes the interacting and learning cross-culturally not become a problem to society in the foreign policy, foreign aid, security with students from other countries. future. issues and culture of Asia-Pacific A major takeaway for me from As I previously mentioned, it’s countries.
Inherited Dreams
TEXT: ANDREW CONLEY IMAGE: WEB
MORNING BOOK CLUB Now, we walk slowly The President is Missing by James Patterson and Bill Clinton. because while we were walking fast For Morning Book Club meeting we couldn’t recall dates, times & location, contact Julie Hu at: mcelroy22000@ our inherited dreams yahoo.com of silence and harmony With every name, with every face we walked all night alone as we began to focus with the frozen stream, the rising sun illuminated the change of season as we longed to see EVENING BOOK CLUB a truth apart from reason Beartown by Fredrik Backman that makes us all one For Evening Book Club meeting dates, times & location, contact that seems to elude us Lauren at: laurenmccarthy1011@ but that is already known gmail.com Now we slow our pace so we are able to see a thawing stream sunrise in nightfall Andrew Conley is a writer from the United States inspired by as seeds from the past engaged Buddhism. He writes in leap forth suddenly a mirror form with the thesis that eternal knowledge and a way to peace are written as a holy text in nature.
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Feb 2019_p3-end.indd 15 2019/1/27 下午10:15 COMMUNITY Taipei: A City Begging to be Discovered
TEXT & IMAGES: Luca de Cadlihac
grew up in Rome, and I used to pass that caught my attention the most was the Pantheon every day on the way the National Taiwan University of Arts, to school. The frantic buzz of tourists which I came across accidently. After and Romans amongst ancient art is taking an aimless turn near Guandu Isomething I am used to, so when I came MRT station in the north of the city, to Taipei last year, I felt the need to dig and following a twisting road through a little deeper to get something out of thick forest, I arrived at the campus the city, artistically speaking. via the back entrance. The campus Taipei is not a typical Asian capital. commands an expansive view of the The calm you can feel here is very city below, and feels like a breeding different to the craziness and the ground for art students to fully engage crowds of Shanghai, Tokyo, or Seoul, with their craft. There, they treat and when a city is not so ”in your their campus as a gallery; constantly face,” exploration is all the more experimenting with space. rewarding. The islanders here are more At the top of the campus, a huge laidback than their counterparts in bird-like structure fashioned from a China. Even for a European like me, cage looks out over Beitou. Against the rhythm of studying and working the pinkish sunset, it’s a striking sight. here is surprisingly lacking in intensity, But what I found most wonderful compared to what I am used to in were the little, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Europe. You can feel the newness installations. On the way down to the of this city. The continual blocks main campus, a few students were of conveniently tiled buildings are gathered around a tree, taking pictures. interspersed with overgrown temples, A pair of shoes were hanging from and besides the majesty of the Chiang the branches, seemingly forgotten. Kai-shek Memorial, Taiwan’s long, When I started speaking to some of the multicultural history is not generally students they said these little hidden reflected in its architecture, which works are common on the campus. is something that I took for granted in Europe. But lacking in personality Taipei is not. Instead of looking to the past, young street artists are bringing intriguing color into the city, and giving it an increasingly artistic, prosperous future.
A BREEDING GROUND FOR ART STUDENTS I have to admit, growing up in an ancient capital, I can be a bit of a traditionalist. Graffiti artists have left their mark on ruins throughout Rome and I can’t understand why one would put a post-modern sculpture in the foreground of the Colosseum. In Taipei, however, it works. The place
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grandparents play such an elemental role in their grandchildren’s upbringing, aesthetically chaotic spaces like these seek to bridge the generational gap. And with the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Zhongshan metro area is a perfectly curated prelude to one of Taiwan’s finest artistic institutions. Being a Roman and coming from a life surrounded by antiquity, I find Taipei to be a very special city. It often feels like the yin to Rome’s yang. It’s not a place for the absent-minded to look but not really see, and falling into this trap is too easy. The tranquillity, the They appear and disappear from day absence of ostentation, and the gentle to day, triggering intrigue and creating SOMETHING FOR EVERY mix of the modern and the traditional a story in the mind of each person GENERATION make the city a place that begs to who spots them. This kind of modern Back in the city, the district of be discovered, rather than merely art perfectly encapsulates the vibe Zhongshan is full of street art that ”toured.” of the campus. Students are not just breaks up the flow of shoppers and experimenting with their own unique diners darting around the street stalls forms of expression, but trying to and boutiques. It has a sleepless feel inspire their classmates too. Continuing to it, a restlessness that is unique in through the campus, each turn brings Taipei. Coming out of the MRT, the new shapes and colors. It defines long street which leads to the Museum the landscape. There’s even a pair of of Art is full of murals and sculptures. resident buffalo that may or may not Colorful robots for children, edgy Luca de Cadilhac is be some kind of living exhibition. A visit works of graffiti for adolescents, and a student from Italy here brings a perfect escape from urban rural vistas painted onto anonymous whose passions are life, and it’s well worth spending a doors. Putting something for every languages, travel, little time in this birthplace of the next generation in the same space has a photography and generation of creatives. harmonising quality. In a country where international cuisine.
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Feb 2019_p3-end.indd 17 2019/1/27 下午10:15 CULTURE
Celebrating the Lucky Lunar New Year of the Brown Earth Pig
TEXT: SUZAN BABCOCK IMAGE: WEB
aiwan is certainly the place to the five elements, metal, water, wood, a thread-like green moss, Chinese be for celebrating the Lunar fire and earth, along with the twelve cabbage and bamboo fungus. Each (or Chinese) New Year. There is animals (the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, ingredient had a special symbolic something invigorating about dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, meaning and by the time we finished Tbeing here. Perhaps it’s the mounting rooster, dog and pig) that make up the our meal, I felt like I was the luckiest excitement and hopeful expectations Chinese zodiac. It is a complex system. lady in the whole world. which are ever-present, especially in The full title for this year’s zodiac the Chinese market places. animal is the Brown Earth Pig. The THE LANTERN FESTIVAL I happen to love the markets of color brown corresponds with the The Lantern Festival takes place Taipei, especially the more traditional earth element. According to Chinese two weeks after the Lunar New Year ones. For me, they are the heartbeat astrologers, 2019 is supposed to be and marks spring’s arrival. Red paper of the society, a place where everyone an auspicious year for all signs of the lanterns of all sizes are hung in hotel goes to shop, chat with favorite Chinese zodiac, because the pig attracts lobbies, department stores, shopping vendors, pick up choice food items, and success in all aspects of life. malls, post offices, temples and in network. traditional markets. Each year, one week before Lunar LUCKY LUNAR NEW YEAR FOODS There are several legends about New Year eve, I brave the crowds and To make sure that good luck is the origin of the Lantern Festival. One head over to Dihua Street. Some of present at each family’s New Year’s version goes back to the Western Han my friends just shake their heads in Eve dinner table, auspicious dishes are dynasty (206-24 BC), when Emperor disbelief at my annual pilgrimage to this prepared and served. Chicken, fish, Han Wu Di, wanted red lanterns hung historic neighborhood. mustard greens, shredded vegetable and lit throughout his palace in honor For me, being among the throngs dishes (containing ten vegetables like of the god Taiyi. This god was powerful, of people and gingerly navigating my potato noodles, spinach, cilantro, for he controlled disease, drought, way along the crowded sidewalks and celery, Chinese cabbage), etc., are floods, the rain and the wind. During his streets, is a reminder of how tradition traditional favorites. Each dish signifies entire reign, Emperor Han Wu Di made unites people. The streets are brimming a specific symbol of good wishes to sure that during the first month of the with racks of clothing, rows of neatly those that are present. In Taiwanese, lunar New Year, all the red lanterns stacked house slippers, green, red and the pronunciation of “chicken” is similar were lit for the safety and welfare of blue plastic containers filled with shiny to “home and family”. In Mandarin, the the people. kitchen items, huge bins of brightly pronunciation of “fish” and “surplus” wrapped candy, dried spices and herbs, sound the same. Steamed dumplings piles of garlic and ginger, and hanging in the shape of gold ingots are eaten to Suzan Babcock is a long- pressed ducks that look like they have ensure that prosperity will come your time resident of Taiwan. been run over by a steam roller. way from every direction. During her stay here, she Several years ago, at a good friend’s has managed four successful THE CHINESE CALENDAR home, we had a delicious hot pot, careers in education, cross- The Chinese calendar combines the in addition to the regular traditional cultural relations and solar, lunar and the sixty stem-branch dishes. It was filled-to-the brim with counseling, although being a mother counting systems. Also included are tofu, stuffed dumplings, fish balls, has been her favorite.
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How a Little Chinese Can Go a Long Way
TEXT: TRAVIS HUMPHREY IMAGES: WEB, TRAVIS HUMPHREY
he first time I visited China was back in 1998. I was 19, and in my second year of college. I made the trip because of my parents’ jobs after they took on a year assignment that eventually turned into three Tyears. To be honest, at that moment in my life, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I was enjoying life as a college student in the States, and the last thing I wanted to do was go to China. Nonetheless, my parents thought living as expats in China would be an excellent opportunity for our family. You can use the phrase for any of the three daily meals. When we first arrived there, I must say I was quite However, it is usually used around lunchtime. If the answer overwhelmed by the language barrier. There were hardly any to the question is “yes,” then they will probably ask you English-speaking expats living there, and the locals didn’t the same question. After that, you can continue chatting. speak much English. Luckily, my dad hired a Chinese tutor If the answer, however, is “no,” they will likely follow with from a local university. She would come to our hotel and something like, “oh, I’m just so busy!” At that point, you teach us some basic Chinese a couple of times a week. should try to give them some encouragement. You can say One of the first things she taught me how to say was, “Have something like, “Hang in there, it’s almost the weekend!” you eaten yet?” Of course, I found it strange that I could Personally, I like to use this phrase a lot with people I know. barely say hello, but I knew how to ask people if they had I will take notice when someone hasn’t had a chance to eat. eaten. I’m sure it’s hard to imagine me running around China I will ask them the question even though I know the answer. asking people whether they had eaten. In the beginning, it Then I will try to encourage them to get through the rest of was quite difficult to approach random people and ask such a the day. question. However, it became normal quickly. Soon I realized No matter if you try to use this Chinese phrase or practice that this was just another way of saying hello. A conversation other words, the Taiwanese will genuinely appreciate you starter if you will. Now that I have experienced Chinese trying to speak the language. I often say just “hello” in culture for over twenty years, I have mastered the usage of Chinese, and people tell me my Chinese is excellent. I am the phrase! blown away by their complements, and think to myself, Now that you know my story, let’s get started with the "Wow, I only said hi!" Imagine what people would say when Chinese lesson. Thankfully, the Chinese created a way to read you’re fluent. the language using a phonetic system called pinyin. Below If trying out new languages isn't your cup of tea, then is a picture of the phrase “Have you eaten yet?” in Chinese you can start by asking Chinese people about their meals characters and in pinyin. in English. I think you’ll be surprised how quickly people respond to your questioning. Good luck practicing Chinese. I’m available if anyone wants to discuss this topic further.
Travis Humphrey has spent half his life teaching in Chinese speaking countries. Currently, he spends his free time writing about his experience as an expat in Taiwan on LinkedIn https://www. linkedin.com/in/travishumphrey/
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Feb 2019_p3-end.indd 19 2019/1/27 下午10:15 OUTLOOK
What if People Are Talking About You Behind Your Back?
TEXT: JUDY TSUEI IMAGE: WEB
ecently, I received a LINE listened with kindness and generosity, involving details that aren’t confirmed message from a client who and still chose to move forward with our as true – isn’t a hard-line, black-or- said, “Please let me know if working together — though if she had white situation. It’s something we all there’s anything I can do.” I believed the gossip, it could have taken participate in, and usually starts out Rhad no idea what she was referring to an entirely different turn. innocently enough. until the pieces began to fall together Later, a mutual friend who also saw Maybe someone said or did and I came to realize that someone who the Facebook post reached out to something that offended you, and had once been close to me had written me and shared, “I’m a smart enough you’re not okay with it. Maybe your about me on Facebook, which then person to know that there are two sides boss got angry at you, when you felt caused a chain reaction of concern that to every story.” But, not everyone has like it wasn’t deserved. Maybe a friend eventually reached me. that same perspective and some will promised you to show up to a specially- As I became privy to what was immediately believe what’s being said. made plan, but couldn’t make it at the written about me, I had to take a step last minute and you were left feeling back to breathe. My mental health, WHEN IT COMES TO GOSSIP, vulnerable, or hurt. personal character, and role as a parent WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO HANDLE Rather than bravely confronting were being talked about in a very public IT? the person who offended you, it’s space. If I were any outside person who Everything we experience as humans often easier to have a reaction to the read those words, I would also be very is subjective. We each have our own situation, then go around gathering concerned — both for the person being unique lens through which we view evidence that proves your feelings are talked about and for the person writing the world, colored by our previous valid and just. That’s when we start the post. experiences, value systems, and level of reaching out and talking to others. We Thankfully, through honest open-heartedness. want a support group that agrees with conversation with my client, I cleared up Gossip – casual conversion or us, especially with feelings of empathy what could have been disastrous. She talking about other people, typically or compassion, like “Oh, I can’t believe
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he did that to you, too!” or “She said Instead of rallying sympathy on your sharing, and you’re being critical, what?!” side, what if you could simply go to the you’re actually showing me Approaching problems in this way source of the situation and get what what you don’t really like about isn’t helpful, because it’s not seeking you really need — understanding, yourself.” advice to reach a healthy solution. connection, and resolution. a. Happy people praise, while Instead, it’s venting — or gossip. The effects can be immediate people who feel inadequate In order to avoid gossip, you need and life-changing. But, you have to criticize. If you don’t let it in, to go directly to the source. Approach be courageous enough to show up it can’t hurt you, and instead, the person who caused the problem. differently. the other person is left holding Gather the courage and grace to speak Can you do it? their words or feelings. your truth about something that is important to you, as you aim to set HOW TO STOP THE GOSSIP AND WHAT IF YOU’RE AN INNOCENT the story straight and reach a positive SET THE STORIES STRAIGHT BYSTANDER? conclusion. When you’re the person being Every time you listen to gossip about When you go behind someone’s gossiped about, your ego can absolutely someone, you internalize it and keep it back, and convince others to believe in get activated. Maybe you want to fight as a file in your brain. Then, whenever your negative opinion, chances are that back with words of your own. Maybe you see that person afterward, you’ll you’re only telling your version of what you want to set the story straight. remember the gossip — it’ll change happened, which does not leave room Maybe you feel like walking the high how you feel about them, how you for the big picture. It’s exclusive, rather road and won’t avenge where you’ve treat them, and how you interact. Your than inclusive. And, in the end, it does been wounded. In fact, it may be cold relationship becomes more superficial, much more harm than good. comfort to remind you that the gossip and you lose the opportunity to create reveals more about the person saying a deep connection. ARE YOU THE ONE WHO’S the thing than it does about you. At the end of the day, every single GOSSIPING? It requires a very conscious individual one of us simply wants to be accepted Gossip stories can be rooted in a seed to choose to show up in the light, rather as we are. It hurts when we’re not. We of truth, or at least the perspective on than get drawn into the shadows. As want to be connected to other people, truth the person sharing the gossip life coach and speaker Lisa Nichols says, but sometimes, the fear of connection believes, and may range from hearsay “Speak about others in a way that at is so immense that we don’t know how to actual slander. While most people the end of your life, you could be on to handle our disappointments when don’t intentionally want to “trash” a stage sharing your stories, and the we show up vulnerably, and we’re not the person they’re talking about, person who’s hurt you the most could received the ways we want to be. the impact of gossip can be severe, be in the audience, and still be seen The more you talk about things, the especially when you’re doing it in a with dignity and respect.” more momentum it creates. So, if you public platform, which is what social Ultimately, you’re only impacted by can stop talking, stop listening, or stop media has become. what you let in. Marisa Peer, voted the engaging in gossip, the power of it falls If you’re the person starting U.K.’s top therapist, shares four simple away. the gossip, think about this hard responses whenever you’re getting You create your own reality. Create truth: you’re afraid — and you’re unhelpful feedback: one you’d like to be living. manipulating your listeners. 1. “Thank you for sharing that. I And, remember, the more you hold You may be afraid of confrontation. choose not to let it in.” your head up high and keep your heart You may be afraid of the truth. a. Think of your conversation like open to love over fear, the more you You may be afraid of being seen in a a game of tennis, where you can be like the 6’3” pro-volleyball player way other than how you would hope simply put down your racquet and speaker, Gabrielle Reece, who says, others would view you. and walk off the court. “It’s a small thing for a giant.” Ultimately, you’re afraid of dealing 2. “I missed that. Could you repeat with the situation in an adult way. that for me? Slowly?” When you can let go of the fear, a. When you do this, you give the you have an opportunity to be an other person an opportunity to example of living authentically, and realize what they’re doing and showing up as a real leader. Gossip has you’re essentially calling them a toxic effect, because it strips you of out on their behavior. Judy Tsuei is a travel your power to change what you don’t 3. “Oh, are you trying to make me writer, life coach and like, undermines your own heartfelt feel bad about myself? Are you mama who empowers intentions, and damages relationships. trying to hurt my feelings?” women to heal and a. Bullying is defined by a person thrive by helping them TO BE PERFECTLY BLUNT, GROW diminishing you to embellish to rewrite their personal stories into UP AND HAVE A CONVERSATION themselves, and this approach beautiful journeys of heroines. Judy can WITH SOMEONE holds a mirror up to them. be reached at: www.wildheartedwords. Yes, it’s scary, but it’s not impossible. 4. “Since we’re being honest and com
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Feb 2019_p3-end.indd 21 2019/1/27 下午10:15 OUTLOOK Living Abroad With Children – a counselor’s recommendations
TEXT: CHRISTINA GRUNWALD IMAGES: WEB
What would a counselor recommend parents to be aware of when moving abroad with children? Kuang-Shan Wan is a licensed counselor at the Community Services Center, where she has counseled children through play therapy for the past four years. EMPOWER YOUR CHILDREN With her experience of helping Before moving, it‘s important to give your children a concrete and specific sense parents support their children of what their future will look like. coming to Taiwan she gives the Try to show them how it will be different in the new country. following advice. Make them aware that there might be things they will need to change. Especially younger children need to see something visual and specific.
Before moving • Show them a video, a picture or a website of their new environment, school and home • Use Google to show them what the streets look like • Use storytelling, reading a book or performing a puppet play
It is important that children know what they will encounter in the future and that they will be safe. If they get anxious, tell them what you are going to do to protect them in their new environment. Not all parents have the option of choosing where to go, and when. However, during the process of moving to another country, many choices may need to be made. If you can include the children in some of these decisions, it will empower them a lot. Remember, keep big choices and decisions for older children, and small choices and decisions for younger children.
A PROPER GOODBYE It’s important to help your children say goodbye. Show them that they deserve a proper farewell. Arrange a farewell party, let them draw a picture or give cards to their friends in order to express their love and appreciation. Leaving is a grieving process. You have to leave your school, your friends and the place you love. So when parents see their children sad, they may say: “You know what? We can always come back on vacation and visit your friends.” However, if you are not able to keep your promise it could ruin your children’s trust in you. So, if you say something, you must do your best to keep that promise.
PAY ATTENTION TO CHILDREN’S EMOTIONS Some have a strong ability for adjustment and will fit into their new environment quickly, while others may find it more difficult. They may feel resentment or lack of control over their lives. In order to give your children a sense of control, try to find activities that they enjoyed before, so they gain the sense that even though their whole world has changed, they still have something that they can control. Where they have some
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power, they still can make some choices.” as you can. If you notice changes in their behavior or emotions, convey Parents too often try to convince their child to see the your understanding and acceptance. Try not to rush them to positive side. However, trying to convince a child while change how they feel. Instead, accept their feelings as much they are still feeling sad and angry, there’s the risk of the child sinking even deeper into sadness. If their behavior or Once abroad emotions deteriorate, Kuang-Shan recommends that they see Maintain your daily rituals and daily schedule as much as a counselor, either at the Community Services Center, or at possible their school. • Continue activities that the children used to feel competent in doing. Christina Grunwald lives with her family • Pay close attention to changes in the children’s behavior in Taipei. She is an Anthropologist, or emotions. Organizational Development Consultant and avid Iyengar Yoga Practitioner.
The Sofa Is Our Home
TEXT: CHRISTINA GRUNWALD IMAGES: WEB
ikke sits in a grey sofa in the middle of her living room. She moved from Denmark to Taiwan just four months ago, Rtogether with her husband and their three kids, aged 6, 10 and 13 years old. At the time of our interview, Rikke still has the perspective of a new-comer to Taiwan, and her considerations about moving abroad are fresh in her mind. Here in this sofa is where I feel most at home. All five of us can fit in. It Rikke and her husband had always means something that we are sitting in talked about how they wanted to live LIVING ABROAD WITH KIDS the same sofa as we did back home in abroad. Both of them love to travel, and Denmark. see themselves as adventurous people. As expats we bring our kids to Taiwan Shipping all of their furniture and So when the opportunity of moving to from all over the world. We live here belongings to Taiwan was a conscious Taipei came up, they grabbed it. Once for a shorter or a longer time. Then we decision. the decision was made, they told the move back home, or we move on to Two years is a long time without your children. All three were very positive another country. belongings. Especially for the kids. about the move. The day our things arrived, I came This article is part of a series where back home to discover our eldest had PREPARING FOR A NEW LIFE parents share their experiences of already begun unpacking. He’d hooked A couple of months before moving, moving with kids to Taipei from abroad. up the computer and started playing the family went on a scouting trip to Which advantages and challenges do video games. After a couple of days visit Taipei, see the children’s school, they see? he asked when we were planning on and to find a place to live. hanging up our pictures. I don’t know if The weather was great and our And how do they support their kids it made him happier, but I could sense children met some other Danish kids before, during and after living abroad? that it made him more at ease when at the school playground. After that they finally went up. Out here it was the kids felt much more confident participated in packing some of their more difficult for him to get started at about moving out here. If you have the things together. The two eldest held the new school than for our younger opportunity, I would really recommend goodbye parties for their friends. ones. He missed his old class. So I think a scouting trip. For my kids it meant a Now if they miss their friends and it was important for him to be able to lot to know exactly where they would be family they each have a scrap box with look at the pictures and remember how living and what the school looked like. pictures, drawings and memorabilia life was before. Preparing for the move, the kids all from their childhood.
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THE YOUNGER THE KIDS ARE, THE AN INTERNATIONAL CHILD here in Taiwan we feel this is our home, EASIER IT IS HERSELF but we do say “back home,” meaning Contemplating what she has learned Rikke is not new to living abroad. Denmark. over the past four months, Rikke states: She lived in Singapore for three years The younger your kids are, the easier from the age of eight. She hopes STAYING ROOTED – KEEPING THE moving abroad is. A teenager may find to give her children the same good LINK it hard. experiences that she remembers from Staying in contact with relatives and Back in Denmark teenagers would her childhood. friends back in Denmark is important hang out outside in the evenings, and My personality was influenced in to Rikke, as they plan to return to the they can ride their bikes around pretty a positive way by living in Singapore. same house and school in two years’ much anywhere. They can’t do that Being open to other cultures, I believe, time. A family blog, Snapchat and here. We live on the mountain, so we comes from my childhood. Arriving in Instagram are some of the tools that drive the kids around all the time,” she a country and being the foreigner. Not make it easier to keep the link alive says, laughing. “That is a big difference. being amongst your own kind. That from afar. The school is also very different. They worked really well in Singapore. It’s I want the kids to feel that they have much more homework here. In very multicultural. People come from belong somewhere. I hope they will Denmark they hardly had any. They all over the world and that was not a not feel rootless. Therefore this will have not gotten used to that yet. It will problem. You were accepted as you are. be our experience abroad. We are not take more time. In Denmark there is much political planning on moving abroad again after On the plus side, we are more debate about ghettos and immigrants Taiwan. together as a family. The kids see their moving together in the same Rikke explains what she means by not father less during the week, because neighborhoods. Some politicians being rootless: he works longer hours, but when the want newcomers to integrate. But I It is important to have a place where weekend comes around we are more understand that when you come from you feel you belong, and where you can together as a family than we were a different country you want to be identify with the people who live there. back home. Back home the kids would close to people from you home country Where you feel at home physically and always have a play date, or we would – it feels safe and recognizable. So socially. have family gatherings to go to. Here in that sense I have gained a better For me being at home means being if we don’t have plans, we go to the understanding of what it means to be a close to our extended family. But beach together. In that sense, we have foreigner. also having our own country. I don’t more family time being abroad. I hope my kids will expand their really know why. It does not have to horizon from this experience in the be like that. Maybe it is because I like sense that they are able to see the Denmark, and want my children to like larger picture and have a multicultural it too. THIRD CULTURE KIDS view. In some ways I see they are At this moment – four months into already getting that. Our eldest came their stay abroad – Rikke is confident In the 1950s US Anthropologists and home from school saying: “Mum, you that they will return to Denmark, but Sociologists Ruth and John Useem know what? The kids from India eat she does not rule out that this might studied American children living in with their hands at lunch.” He just change: India. They coined the term “Third stated it, but didn’t judge it. If it is up to me and my husband we Culture Kids” (TCK) to describe children will only stay two years. However, if the who for a significant part of their early HOME HAS DIFFERENT MEANINGS whole family really want to stay longer, development years (0-18 years old) are Living in different countries may or move on to another country, then raised in a different society than the one affect a child’s identity in different I can’t rule out the possibility that we their parents grew up in. ways. Although Rikke spent some of her won’t move back home. But it would foundational years in Singapore, she have to come from the children – all of TCK’s integrate aspects from their birth clearly identifies as Danish. them. The first move out here was our culture (the first culture) and the new Danish. That’s what I feel I am. We decision as parents. The next would culture (second culture), creating a were out so few years as a child and need to be the children’s. unique third culture. I grew up in Denmark. Maybe I could be called a “Third Culture Kid – Light TCK are often multilingual, good at Version” because I gained some of the adapting to new environments and positive aspects of living abroad. But are accepting of other cultures. On the my home is Denmark.” down side they may deal with grief However, home is an ambivalent and loss as they say goodbye to family word and feeling that can change Christina Grunwald lives and friends regularly. Some TCKs find depending on the situation: with her family in Taipei. it difficult creating lasting bonds and When we lived in Singapore “home” She is an Anthropologist, settling down in one place. meant Singapore. So I guess “home” Organizational Development Consultant was where my parents where. And now and avid Iyengar Yoga Practitioner.
24 FEBRUARY 2019 www.communitycenter.org.tw
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RICHARD SAUNDERS EXPLORES TAIWAN'S LESS-TRODDEN PATHS
Enjoying Shifen and Pingxi ... without the sky lanterns TEXT & IMAGES: RICHARD SAUNDERS
unar New Year is upon us densely wooded and inaccessible from rock faces. They'll take decades to once again, and with it one of nature of the hills surrounding the decompose, and only a tiny number will Taiwan's most magical annual villages makes it impossible to collect be gathered and disposed of. events: the Lantern Festival. more than a tiny percentage of the If you MUST release a sky lantern, ForL many this will mean a trip to the lanterns that are released and later fall consider doing it only at this time of beautiful upper Keelung River valley to the ground. year, during the Lantern Festival itself. and the old mining villages of Shifen Walk or drive along the valley's If possible though, please consider just and Pingxi, famed for one of Taiwan's roads and through its lovely villages being a spectator and watching others "big four" Lantern Festival celebrations: any time of the year, and the forests release their lanterns, satisfied in the sky lanterns. covering the steep ridges on either knowledge that you're not contributing I don't wish to be a party pooper, but side will be conspicuously dotted to the ever-increasing mass of trash (despite what local villagers continue to with bright red, pink, yellow and blue that's left to rot in the surrounding say), the area's phenomenally popular splotches. Yet these plainly visible forests and mountainsides. sky lanterns (which in recent years abandoned lanterns are just the tip of Even better, arrive early in the day are being released in large numbers the iceberg. Countless other structures and explore a few of the many beautiful almost every day of the year) are of oiled paper, bamboo and wire, sights around the villages. having a catastrophic effect on the local forgotten, unreachable and invisible Mentioning even the majority of environment. Despite the best efforts to human eyes, lie on the forest floor, worthwhile things to see and do around of local villagers, the extremely rugged, are draped over branches and dangle Pingxi and Shifen would take far more
Richard Saunders is a trained classical musician and writer who has lived in Taipei since 1993. He has written several books (available at the Center and in bookshops around Taipei), including Yangmingshan: the Guide (a complete guide to the National Park on Taipei’s doorstep), Taipei Escapes I and 2, which together detail sixty day trips and hikes within easy reach of Taipei city, and The Islands of Taiwan, a guide to Taiwan’s offshore islands. His latest book, Taiwan 101: Essential Hikes, Sights and Experiences around Ilha Formosa, is out now.
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space than I have, so if you really want to explore the area, take along a copy of either Taipei Escapes book one or Taiwan 101 volume one, both of which have detailed information on the sights of the valley. As a small taster of what you can enjoy though, how about these: • Seven spectacular waterfalls (including the widest in Taiwan); • Some of the finest short hikes in northern Taiwan, including a series of rocky pinnacles, climbed by thrilling (but safe!) rock-cut steps; • A pair of huge but little-known, bat-infested caves hidden in the jungle; • Three of the best preserved old villages in northern Taiwan; • and fascinating remnants dating back a century, when the area was Taiwan's most important coal mining region.
For more details, see http:// www.taiwanoffthebeatentrack. com/2017/04/19/taiwans-wild-hot- springs-vii-hayouxi-hot-springs/
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26 FEBRUARY 2019 www.communitycenter.org.tw
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Artwork by Wilder L F
Wilder Love Fox is an adventurous four year old who's traveled around the world ever since she was born on the magical isle of Kauai in Hawaii.
BAI WIN COLLECTION wishes you a Happy andand Prosperous year of the Pig!Pig!
一 同 歡 樂 慶 元 宵
During Chinese New Year, February 2-10, by appointment only, please call Faye at 0910301341 新年期間2/2-10僅採預約參觀，我們竭誠歡迎您 的到來，預約請致電0910301341 (安飛菲) across from the ShiDong Elementary School, (pencil)
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Feb 2019_p3-end.indd 27 2019/1/27 下午10:15 ART SATORU KONDO Life in Color
TEXT: ELLIOTT HODGKIN IMAGES: SATORU KONDO
The photographer's latest exhibtion ‘Nobody’ in the open air Ordinary people make the world” too commercial, so he turned to the says Satoru Kondo, a Taipei- London College of Communication, and based photographer from Japan, finally broke free from the monotony of in explanation of his latest his own culture. London was messy and exhibition,“ Nobody. Up to the age of multicultural. A place where following thirty-four, Satoru was one of those instinct, rather than tradition, was a ordinary people. A salesman in Tokyo, craft worth honing. conforming to expectations and striving Since moving to Taiwan with his wife for stability, until he called everything in 2008, his work has delved deeper into into question and (in a flash) traded the spirit of the country, and in 2013 in normality to study photography. he gained international acclaim after Japanese schools were impressive but the Sony World Photography Awards too technical and rooted in tradition. dubbed him the Nature & Wildlife He knew he could not thrive in those Photographer of the Year for Moment. conditions. It was time to abandon the But it is his love for the everyman, and limits of familiarity. New York was far the purity that he has found in the Taiwanese, that has led to the latest instalment in a vastly diverse body of work. The different, the same and the strange are all represented in a way that is anything but “ordinary.” Born from his love of street photography and displayed in a dilapidated building just steps from his studio in Banqiao’s Art Zone, Nobody puts its subjects firmly back where they belong. Against a grubby wall, he has pasted a six-foot photograph of the illustriously painted face of a ba jia jiang (a folkloric guardian of the underworld). Around the corner, a clown looks down at the bare concrete floor, and a pile of bricks
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has been transformed into an old man, sticking out his tongue and pulling on his cheeks. Color and humour breathe life back into the stark grey environment, one which Satoru says can be seen throughout the city. Its revitalizing effect could almost be considered a public service and, he says, is a response to bleak memories of the walls of people queuing for the metro in Tokyo, all in an unintentional uniform of black. “I think the way the photo is shown is as important as the photo itself,” he says as he walks around the compound. Indeed, art hung on the all-too-familiar white walls of a gallery can sometimes sterilize its bond with reality. By collaborating with familiar but status. With plans to create Nobody altogether unexceptional environments, for the streets of Tainan and (rather Keep an eye out for his wonder for the ordinary is deeply theatrically) exhibit Waves (2012) in a exposed and his work gets to exist warehouse on diaphanous, industrial- Satoru Kondo. Nobody in the real world, subjected to the sized curtains with water covering the can be seen at Banqiao elements. He remarks how pleased floor, his audience will undoubtedly 435 Art Zone until he is that the edges of the photos grow and keeping turning the page for are peeling and fraying, and in places the next chapter of the story. He hopes February 20th, and a full the ink has begun to run and blur. He that children, too, will be enraptured by catalogue of his work admits that he is still looking for a these immersive new worlds and take can be viewed on his better material. However, finding that an active interest in art. perfect type of paper is still far from a Realising such a hope will hardly website: http://www. finishing touch as he keeps many of his prove a challenge. As Saturo breaks satorukondo.com exhibitions under a “work-in-progress” down a number of his projects, his
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(left) the vast image of the Ba Jia Jiang, a guardian of the underworld, is the exhibtion’s showstopper
notably picked up on the playfulness it can bring to daily life. It’s a clear draw for children, but by emphasizing childhood in Tokyo has evidently always familiar features of Taiwanese life, been something of an inspirational he brings out that same uninhibited springboard, despite Taiwan having joy in adults too. It may seem lost, been the focus of his work for the past but Satoru’s uncomplicated focus decade. His award-winning Moment on emotional memory is a welcome [Matataki] is an ode to his mother’s reminder that it never truly goes away. love of flowers. Waves, on the other Although his life in Japan echoes hand, came from a strikingly eerie throughout his work in Taiwan over the memory of his father taking him to look past decade, his homeland has little to at the sea in the dead of night. do with his identity now, personal and “I don’t know why he did that,” artistic. Or so he thought. he says with curious amusement, “it “Day to day, I don’t feel Japanese. was terrifying, but I was transfixed.” But when I went to London to accept Another of his most recent projects, the award for Moment, everyone was Taiwan Character, might have never saying how “zen” my photos were. So, I come about had he not become guess it comes through.” It would seem a father. Seeing bright colors and that this subconscious ability to capture cartoonish toys through the eyes of calm and clarity is what has garnered his young son triggered memories of the interest in his work across Europe (above) Satoru Kondo smiles from his studio in the Banqiao 435 Art District the cartoon mascots he himself used and Asia. Before Taiwan, his work was to see in shops as a child. The Japan- predominantly in black and white. The born kawaii movement of aesthetic first pictures he took upon moving to “cuteness” has exploded across Asia London exemplified his loneliness and since the 1970s, and Taiwan has most alienation (as in I live here). It was then that he realised the emotive power that he could express through photography. When asked what kind of photographs he might take if his focus would ever return to Japan, he replies: “I really think I would go back to black and white, again.” His life in Taiwan has been defined by marriage and the birth of his son, and his reason for shifting from monochrome to color is as distinct and concise as his photographs: “because Taiwan is the color.”
Elliott Hodgkin is a student at the University of Leeds and has a case of wanderlust that he just can’t shake.
30 FEBRUARY 2019 www.communitycenter.org.tw
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TEXT: ANDREW CONLEY IMAGE: WEB
So, it is the dreamer's deed to scatter every perfect seed into any field in need before winter's repose because the dreamer knows when springtime grows from the holy earth in sudden and complete rebirth the new life's worth. Each sacred stem quiet and asleep reminds us quietly where we are healed if we see them where cuts so deep of the innate sanctity begin to disappear of the dreamer's task on the turning of the year He sleeps below the mind when each fallen tear pausing now to ask turns silently to ice of what questions he will find as we wait for the spring when he wanders there when the field is paradise soft steps, silent feet when what was silent begins to sing silent and unbroken stare when seeds leap to the sun sowing near complete as the cycles never cease For as mortals we are hexed many as one to, in the moment, wait for the next paintings of a perfect peace such an unquiet spell cast where the shadows fell on February's field
Andrew Conley is a writer from the United States inspired by engaged Buddhism. He writes in a mirror form with the thesis that eternal knowledge and a way to peace are written as a holy text in nature.
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