December 2019 - March 2020
1. "Taitung Coffee News"
My parents live in Port Angeles, Washington State, U.S.A. I spent most of last summer in Port Angeles, and while I was there I took a copy of Coffee News from a little cafe near my parents' house.
For those not familiar with Coffee News, it's a free newspaper available inside many restaurants in the U.S. Coffee News is printed on a sheet of A3 paper, with advertisements for local businesses running down both sides of the page. Down the center of Coffee News, between the two columns of advertisements, are "articles" on various topics.
I brought my copy of Coffee News back to Taitung with me, and I was rereading it last night. As I reread it I got to wondering what the Taitung version of Coffee News might look like, and whether there might be a market for such a thing. I know of similar periodicals placed in temples here, but nothing you'd find in local restaurants.
What follows is a summary of the contents of Coffee News, followed by my thoughts on how this content might relate to people, places and things where I live.
"Reserve Your Own Ad Space Now! - Northwoods Firearms - We Purchase Firearms! - One Gun or Entire Collections - Call today for an appointment - We Buy Houses! - And we LOVE to reward your referrals! - Northwest Drain - Septic & Drain Services - Recreational + Medicinal Cannabis - Verified Pesticide Free - High Quality Growers - Tinctures, Capsules, Bud, Concentrates, Vape Cartridges, Delta 8, Topicals - "Find Your Lifestyle at Origins" - Anytime Fitness - Get to a Healthier Place - K2 Stepmills, Elliptical Trainers, Recumbent Bikes, Upright Bikes, C2 Rowing Machines, Treadmills, Circuit Machines, Free Weights, Tanning Beds, Training, Classes, Supplements & More! - Village Concepts: Park View Villas - Voted "Best Assisted Living" 11 Years in a Row - RJ Services - Specializing in all types of excavations includes Sucker Truck, Site Development All Types of Septic Systems - Big or Small - Firehouse Grill - Burgers & Fries - Take Out - Fresh hand pressed patties - We Use 1/3 Pound Custom Patties - Fresh NOT Frozen Beef - Hand Pressed Daily"
Thoughts: Guns. I sure can't buy any guns in Taiwan. In America, however, it'd be no problem. Or maybe it would be a problem. At any rate, I'll leave that discussion for another day.
Not much call for septic and drain services where I live. Are septic tanks used in Taiwan? I kind of doubt it. Most structures here don't even have basements.
Recreational and medicinal cannabis! Now there's something you don't see in Taiwan. Or maybe you do, but again, I'll leave that discussion for another day. Buying and selling weed can get you into a lot of trouble, and if you ask me it's not worth the risk.
I have no idea what most of the equipment in that gym does. I prefer to exercise outside, and thankfully the place where I live allows me to do that. Taitung is much better than Port Angeles when it comes to running and bicycling.
The "Assisted Living" place is, as all Americans would know, an old folk's home. A lot of people from the Puget Sound region retire to Port Angeles and other towns on the Olympic Peninsula, and there are many "senior living" developments there. Sometimes, walking around parts of Port Angeles, you wonder what happened to people under 60. The average age is much lower here.
I never did go to Firehouse Grill when I was there. Let's just say that people in that area put A LOT of thought into their hamburgers. In Taitung the items most thought about are probably beef noodles and dumplings. Maybe also fried chicken.
"Bug heist: Thieves sometimes choose strange things to steal. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (U.S.), it was bugs, and quite a few of them! At the Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion, the loot was more than 80 species of bugs, which included about 7,000 individual critters. It represented over 80% of the museum's collection. The heist netted everything from rare mantises and millipedes, to snakes and frogs. Police investigated and found a few of the insects, but said the bugs are easy to sell and the enthusiast market is strong. The stolen creatures were valued at over $40,000 (USD).
"Dark tattoos: People who want a tattoo with many colors shouldn't go to Body Luxe, a tattoo shop in Annecy, France. Owner Eliot Kohek specializes in using only black and grey ink. His tattoos look three-dimensional and are very realistic. They often feature faces of gothic-looking beings, with maybe a skull or two tucked into a corner. Kohek is not trained as an artist and developed is considerable skill on his own. The extremely realistic images feature objects and people who look ready to step right out of the tattoo, as if they are actually there.
"No to marriage: A young woman from Hong Kong thought she was learning how to be a wedding planner and that portraying a bride in a mock wedding was just part of the training. She found out too late that she'd been tricked, and was actually legally married. The woman took a wedding planning course in Hong Kong, after which she was required to go to Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China, for the mock wedding. This was a scam that enabled Chinese residents to apply for residency in Hong Kong, based on having a spouse in the region. Not surprisingly, the woman applied for a divorce.
"A sacred place: Its common name is Ayers Rock, after Sir Henry Ayers, but its sacred name is the Aboriginal word Uluru. The giant, rest-red rock rises from the plains in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, in almost the geographic center of Australia. It isn't the world's largest chunk of rock, but it towers over the flat landscape. It is 348 meters (1,141 feet) high, 3.6 kilometers (2.2 miles) long, and 1.9 km (1.2 mi.) wide. Uluru is naturally gray, but the iron content of the rock is "rusting" at the surface, resulting in the distinctive red iron oxide coating that creates beautiful images at sunrise and sunset."
Thoughts: I can just imagine some older Port Angeles resident reading this part and going: "Hm. Well I'll be!" Are there really people in the world who haven't heard of Ayers Rock? Maybe.
More relevant to Taiwan is probably the "No to marriage" anecdote. I doubt any Taiwanese woman could be tricked in this fashion - not unless she was really dumb - but marriage is a way for Mainlanders to live and work in Taiwan. Taiwanese men working as "agents" for local KTVs will sometimes marry women from China and later divorce them, all for the sake of a resident visa that allows the women to work as hostesses here. I'm not sure how widespread this practice is, and immigration laws may have since been amended, but it's been known to happen.
"'Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.'
"Friday Jun 7th First Friday Art Walk Downtown Sequim 5-8 pm
"VETERANS WEDNESDAY BREAKFAST Every Wednesday. VETERANS please join us every Wednesday at 9:00 AM for no host breakfast. Good Food and Conversation. Guests always welcome. Free! Stymies and Cedars Dungeness Golf Course.
"Port Angeles Farmers Market Front & Lincoln Sts. Saturdays, 10am-2pm.
"Sequim Farmers Market Every Saturday May-Oct 9am-3pm Sequim Civics Center Plaza. FREE!
"Peninsula Music "May/June Guitar Sale: 15% off Guitar Accessories and Select Used Guitars, starting at $149.99. Also: Guitar Lessons only $100 per month! Mention this event when visiting, good through June 30th.
"Tai Chi Class Every Saturday morning, 10:00am Tai Chi class for health & wellness focusing on Balance, Relaxation, and Stress Reduction. Free. Donations appreciated."
Thoughts: I never ate at Sergio's while I was in Port Angeles. We ate at another Mexican restaurant, which Yelp said was the best in town. It wasn't very good. I always miss good Mexican food when I'm in Taiwan, and the bad Mexican food I ate in Port Angeles only made me miss it more. Come to think of it, pretty much all of the "ethnic" foods in Port Angeles were bad. Chinese, Mexican, "Asian," Italian, Vietnamese - all bad. They do burgers, pizza and fish and chips well, but that's about it.
Like a lot of smaller towns, Port Angeles is big on veterans. There's a 9/11 memorial park near the hospital, with parts of the World Trade Center incorporated into a sculpture there. They're the opposite of Seattle that way: patriotic and pro-Trump on average, with the retirees from the Puget Sound usually leaning the other direction. I've got to say, I had a hard time taking some of the left-leaning residents there seriously, mostly because they themselves weren't facing the consequences of the social justice agenda they were trying to push on locals.
I walked through the Port Angeles Farmers Market a couple times. There wasn't much to it.
Where I live, I think most people would agree that the Chinese food is best. There are a couple good Vietnamese restaurants and a couple good steakhouses. The American restaurants here are only good by Taiwanese standards. I think it's safe to say that in the States they'd be out of business quickly. I like them, but then again I've been lurking around here for two decades.
Taiwan also has its share of veterans, but they're on average much, much older than veterans in the States. The veterans in question would have served in the Chinese Civil War, which resulted in KMT (Chinese Nationalist) forces leaving the Mainland and resettling in Taiwan. Modern Taiwan's relationship with this part of its history is, to put it mildly, complicated.
"Find 'Little Bill' [a small coin] in one of the ads!
Log onto: OlympicCoffeeNews.com
Click on 'CONTEST'"
Thoughts: This kind of contest is fun, but ridiculously easy for anyone not suffering from dementia. I did something like this in this blog long ago, the award being 100 NT.
"1. American singer Aretha Franklin was born in Memphis, Tenn., or Detroit, Mich.?
2. Stratus, Cumulus, and Cirrus are types of what?
3. In terms of weight, what is the world's lightest timber?
4. The five Olympic rings represent what?
5. Which U.S. General was known as "Stormin' Norman?"?"
Thoughts: I didn't know the answers to #1 and #3.
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Thoughts: Plenty of real estate changing hands where I live, too. The cost of a house in Taitung is about double what it was when I first moved here. Am I sorry I didn't buy a house in 2006? Not really. If I'd bought a house back then it would have been the wrong house. And who would have wanted the pressure of paying off that house, when I wasn't really sure I liked it here yet?
There's a truck that sometimes cruises through our neighborhood, and one of the services they provide (for a modest fee) is window repair and washing. I have yet to take them up on the offer.
The way the law works in Taiwan is very different from how it works in the States - not always in a bad way. The legal system is more opaque, and outcomes are more based on relationships than on an established set of rules. "Face" and family often come before the strictest interpretation of the law. As far as worker's compensation goes, in many cases acquiring such compensation might have as much to do with "shaming" the company involved as resorting to legal process.
Olympic Game Farm might be closed now. The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) was after them for supposed violations last summer, and this Northwest-centric wildlife park may be history. That place was especially pointless given the fact that you could drive up into Olympic National Park and see many of the same animals.
There are no wildlife parks in my neck of the jungle. There's an aquarium up the coast in Cheng Gong, some livestock in Chulu Ranch and Yuan Sen Botanical Gardens, but that's about it. Taiwan doesn't have many big mammals, and while I find snakes interesting most people dislike them intensely. There are a couple Formosan black bears in the Kaohsiung Zoo, but the Kaohsiung Zoo is a sad place full of sad animals.
I haven't gotten any tattoos in a long time, but that's definitely a thing both here and in Port Angeles.
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Thoughts: A lot of people in the States use cannabis to deal with back pain. Does it work? Sure it does, but you often become reliant on it to manage the pain. A chiropractor might be a good second option. I've never been to a chiropractor, so I don't know.
Pets and animals. Taiwanese attitudes toward animals vary from the couple in Taipei City who use their dog as a surrogate child, to the farmer in Yunlin who would view the same dog as little more than a security device. Animals can be companions, but they can also be food and/or agricultural implements. If you ask me, I think some Americans veer to far in the other direction, viewing animals as more "innocent" or more deserving of protection than other human beings. Some people there give up on human relationships entirely, and instead pursue relationships with their pets.
I would have loved to attend that "supernatural lecture and demonstration," but I saw the advertisement too late. I love stuff like that, especially when it's nonsense. Of course there's stuff like that in Taiwan too, and sometimes it can be equally great.
"ARIES (March 21 - April 20): This might be a time when you really don't want others to tell you what to think or do. If you present your own ideas with grace, they may find them very useful, too. Lucky Numbers: 6, 7, 12, 24, 32, 47.
"TAURUS (April 21 - May 21): This can be an inspiring time, one in which imagination may be important. You might be in the mood for diversion. Just be sure it doesn't cost you too much energy. Lucky Numbers: 7, 18, 27, 28, 37, 38.
"GEMINI (May 22 - June 21): Even if the world seems to be a complex and demanding place with little logic, you may be able to stir your deepest waters to find inspiration and passion within yourself. Lucky Numbers: 1, 6, 12, 21, 36, 42.
"CANCER (June 22 - July 22): This may be a good time to expand your physical routine or widen your range of activities. Your positive enthusiasm can become contagious, so keep up the great effort! Lucky Numbers: 1, 8, 13, 24, 26, 44.
"LEO (July 23 - Aug. 23): You may tend to put your feelings on hold while you attend to practical demands. Taking care of new, immediate responsibilities might require your attention. Lucky Numbers: 13, 14, 23, 24, 33, 34.
"VIRGO (Aug. 24 - Sept. 23): Your spirit may want to soar, so sitting still and dealing with details might not be easy. You may feel good without knowing why, so try to show your good judgement. Lucky Numbers: 9, 18, 27, 32, 33, 39.
"LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23): You may feel that others are demanding more from you than is reasonable. Try to keep your cool and not overreact to what you might see as strong criticism. Lucky Numbers: 7, 11, 12, 18, 23, 41.
"SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22): You may take things seriously and might not be easily convinced by others. On the other hand, you could be able to persuade people to change some of their ideas. Lucky Numbers: 3, 4, 21, 36, 43, 48.
"SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21): You might want to be with people now. You may experience strong and enthusiastic feelings. If you have more energy than usual, that might bring up feelings from your heart. Lucky Numbers: 3, 7, 9, 13, 14, 18.
"CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20): Sympathetic contacts might be established easily now. You may experience feelings of well-being and emotional harmony, both in yourself and with those close to you. Lucky Numbers: 2, 13, 24, 25, 27, 28.
"AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19): Many small details may need your attention. You might need to take your time to breathe deeply and slow your pace. Communications could be very important right now. Lucky Numbers: 23, 25, 28, 33, 35, 38.
"PISCES (Feb. 20 - March 20): Try to keep your energy on an even keel because you may find yourself flying from one thing to another. You might need space to decompress and do things your own way. Lucky Numbers: 2, 4, 13, 38, 42, 46.
"Lucky numbers this week: This week's odds favor Taurus winners with the luckiest number being 7."
Thoughts: For the record I'm a Capricorn. Also for the record, that horoscope couldn't have been further from what actually happened to me during that time.
It's funny how people read things like horoscopes and then proceed to read them into any and all subsequent events. Humans are just built that way I suppose - we're always seeking out patterns.
In Taiwan the horoscopes offered would relate to the Chinese Zodiac, which works very differently. There'd be lucky numbers as well. This section has a counterpart in the free circulars placed in Taiwanese temples, and many people here take those circulars just as seriously. And do Taiwanese people believe in Western horoscopes? Yes, many do, but this would be a step removed from traditional thinking.
"Dine and dash: Nobody likes visits from wasps and hornets during an outdoor meal. However, these insects are not all bad. Both wasps and hornets often eat other insects that may damage crops and plants.
"Tasty apples: When it comes to apples, most people are familiar with such varieties as McIntosh and Granny Smith. But there are many more, including the sweet, sharp Cox's Orange Pippin and Wolf River. The latter is usually used in cooking.
"Quiet place: If you need a bit of quiet time, outer space is a good place to go. It is completely silent there because sound has no way to travel.
"Song wailers: Bob Marley, the famous reggae musician, was born in 1945 in Nine Miles, St. Ann, Jamaica. He formed his band, originally called The Wailing Wailers, in 1962 with Peter "Tosh" McIntosh and Neville "Bunny Wailer" Livingston. Marley died in 1981.
"Big wingspan: Butterflies come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. However, the species with the largest wingspan is the Queen Alexandra's birdwing of Papua New Guinea. The wingspan of females can measure up to 28 cm (11 in.) wide."
Thoughts: Apples from Washington State can be purchased all over Taiwan. I see boxes bearing the "Washington" label even in the little vegetable market near my house. Most apples here are imported. They do grow some apples way up in the mountains, but pears are far more popular.
What do you mean, Coffee News? No sound in space? What, are you implying that most Hollywood movies get it WRONG? What good is a space battle without the sound of explosions?
I like Bob Marley, but my ears have a hard time registering his music. Same problem with Led Zeppelin. Their songs come on, and five to ten minutes later I have no idea what I just heard.
"It's getting to the point that you need more brains to figure out the income tax forms that to make the income.
"Client: 'Can I ask you two questions?'
"Lawyer: 'What's the other one?'
"A robber walks into a bank and says, 'Give me all your money!' The manager says, 'Take the books, too. I'm $10,000 short.'
"My doctor told me to take a hot bath before I retire. But that's ridiculous. It will be years before I retire.
"Some people stay longer when they're leaving than others do when they're staying."
Thoughts: HA HA HA HA. It's funny, right? Why aren't you laughing? People in more rural parts definitely have their own sense of humor...
"RAIN SHADOW INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE - A Whole Body Approach to Women's Healthcare - Board Certified in Gynecology and Integrative Medicine - Comprehensive women's healthcare, integrating the best of conventional medicine and evidence-based alternative therapies to help your body find balance - Accepting new patients - The Two of Us - First Street Barber & Styling - Haircuts: $17 - Kids 12 & Under: $15 - Seniors (60+): $15 - Vets: $13 - (add $3 for Shampoo) - Across from the Lincoln Theater - Peninsula Heat - 12 YEAR Warranty - "We Set the Peninsula Standard for Quality Work and Customer Satisfaction" - Fujitsu ELITE Contractor - Exclusive Fujitsu Elite Dealer for Clallam and Jefferson Counties - Now Open! - PEDEGO ELECTRIC BIKES SEQUIM Washington - Volunteers Matter - Make your voice count for an abused and neglected child that cannot speak for themselves - CASA Court Appointed Special Advocates FOR CHILDREN - There are nearly 200 children in foster care in Clallam County. Without a volunteer their voices cannot be heard. CASA is assigned to speak for their best interest. Be that voice, become a CASA volunteer now - Enroll in ongoing training by calling Clallam County Juvenile and Family Services - ANIME KAT - Your store for: Anime, Manga, Card Games, Board Games, Miniature Games, Video Games & More - Randy's AUTO SALES & MOTORSPORTS - No Credit Check - This Space Available! (...but not for long!)"
Thoughts: I'm not sure what "integrative medicine" is. Maybe just a combination of Eastern and Western approaches? In Taiwan it's fairly obvious which doctors are "Western" and which are "Eastern." I'm not a huge proponent of Chinese medicine, but it does work sometimes. In Taiwan both approaches are covered by insurance, and it's nice to visit a doctor without having to worry about ridiculous fees.
The CASA add represents the other side of Port Angeles. Meth/opiods and other forms of substance abuse are big problems there, which in turn affect many families. The suicide rate in Port Angeles is higher than average, perhaps in part due to the dark and gloomy winter months. If I was a teenager there I'd probably be dying to move away.
In Taiwan ketamine is more popular, and most young people go the betel nut/alcohol route when they want to be "adult." Ketamine seems to be less addictive, but in drug-phobic Taiwan it's hard to get accurate information on that substance. If never tried K or meth, so I don't know for sure.
Anime Kat. I went there a couple times. It was weird to see all that anime and manga in English.
2. Retrospective 懷舊的 5: Foreigners I Know (Besides Me) 我認識的外國人
I usually HATE talking about politics. I feel like when it comes to politics most people have made up their minds already, and political discussions consist converting the other side to their point of view. I also think there's been enough propagandizing over the coming election, and adding my own propaganda to the mix isn't going to help anyone.
I. There are three pairs of people running for the office of President and Vice President of Taiwan. They are:
1. 宋楚瑜 James Soong and 余湘 Sandra Yu, running for the 親民黨 People First Party. At the time of writing James Soong is almost 79 years old. Sandra Yu, his running mate, grew up in Taitung.
2. 韓國瑜 Han Kuo-yu and 張善政 Chang San-cheng, running for the 中國國民黨 Kuomintag, KMT or Chinese Nationalist Party. Han Kuo-yu is currently serving as the Mayor of Kaohsiung City, though I believe he's on personal leave.
3. 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen and 賴清德 Lai Ching-de, running for the 民主進步黨 Democratic Progressive Party or DPP. Tsai Ing-wen is currently serving as the President of Taiwan, and hopes to be reelected.
The reverse side of this sheet lists where you can vote on Election Day, January 11. There are 236 locations in Taitung County where those registered can vote. In Taitung City alone there are 91 locations, one of which is the public school where I work.
II. 立法委員 Legislators are also up for election/reelection. These legislators will be representing Taitung's interests in the central government. They are:
1. 張志明 Jang Jr-ming, running for the KMT.
2. 陳允萍Chen Yun-ping, running for the 台灣民眾黨 Taiwan People's Party.
3. 張坤和 Jang Kun-he, running unaffiliated.
4. 劉櫂豪 Liou Jhao-hao, running for the DPP.
III. Aside from the above four candidates, there are also 10 candidates for the office of 平地 "Flatland" 原住民立法委員 Aboriginal Legislator, and 11 candidates for the office of 山地 "Mountain" 原住民立法委員 Aboriginal Legislator. 5 of them are running for the KMT, 2 are running for the DPP, and the other 14 are either running for other parties or are unaffiliated.*
IV. Lastly, there are those running as 不分區及僑居國外國民立法委員 "Floating" Legislators. These "Floating" Legislators are running dependent upon their party's overall percentage of votes. In other words, if the DPP fields 20 candidates and wins 50% of the vote, 10 of their "Floating" Legislators will be elected. These candidates aren't representing regional interests as much as their party's agenda. The parties and numbers of candidates are:
1. 合一行動聯盟 United Action Alliance, 8 candidates.
2. 中華統一促進黨 Chinese Unification Promotion Party, 7 candidates.
3. 親民黨 People First Party, 22 candidates.
4. 安定力量 Stabilizing Force Party, 10 candidates.
5. 台灣基進 Taiwan Statebuilding Party, 5 candidates.
6. 時代力量 New Power Party, 11 candidates.
7. 新黨 New Party, 10 candidates.
8. 喜樂島聯盟 Formosa Alliance, 6 candidates.
9. 中國國民黨 Kuomintang, KMT or Chinese Nationalist Party, 31 candidates.
10. 一邊一國行動黨 Taiwan Action Party Alliance, 5 candidates.
11. 勞動黨 Labor Party, 2 candidates.
12. 綠黨 Green Party, 6 candidates.
13. 宗教聯盟 Interfaith Union, 8 candidates.
14. 民主進步黨 Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), 33 candidates.
15. 台灣民眾黨 Taiwan People's Party, 28 candidates.
16. 台灣維新 Taiwan Renewal Party, 6 candidates.
17. 台澎黨 Sovereign State for Formosa & Pescadores Party, 4 candidates.
18. 國會政黨聯盟 Congress Party Alliance, 6 candidates.
19. 台灣團結聯盟 Taiwan Solidarity Union, 7 candidates.**
5. Around Dulan 在都蘭附近
I. The Election is Over.
1. That's one less thing to worry about, right? Right?
A. Tsai Ing-wen 蔡英文 remains President of Taiwan.
(1). Haters gonna hate. Oh well, the world keeps turning...
B. The DPP won a lot of legislative seats too. KMT supporters are very sad.
(1). I can continue to go up the coast without encountering busloads of Mainland tourists. Sounds like a win to me.
When did SARS happen? 2003? 2004? Seems like it was 2004, but I'm not sure.
Whenever SARS happened, back then I was living in Seattle with my wife and older daughter. I was in graduate school, and my wife was working in a hotel. It was a pleasant enough two years.
One morning back then we drove to the Great Wall Mall. It was one of those things we did when we missed Chinese food or Chinese people. The Great Wall Mall is, as you might have already guessed, an Asian-themed shopping mall south of Seattle. It isn't big compared to the nearby Southcenter Mall, but it contains a large Asian supermarket and several restaurants.
Our trip to the Great Wall Mall happened in the middle of the SARS epidemic. SARS was all over the news, and a lot of people in that part of the country were trying to avoid Asian people because of it. They wouldn't have put it in such terms of course, but that's exactly what they were doing. It didn't matter what part of of Asia the Asian people were from; it didn't matter how long they'd been in the States. SARS was on everyone's mind, and as a result Asian businesses in the States suffered.
This became evident as we walked into the Great Wall Mall that day. The place was practically deserted. Nearby Southcenter was teeming with shoppers, but the Great Wall Mall, normally just as busy, was almost empty. Oh well, we thought, let's buy our groceries and go home.
Fast forward 16 years or so to 2020, and now everyone's talking about the coronavirus (covid-19). It's literally impossible to avoid discussions and news items on this topic, and these discussions and news items range from the wildest sort of conjecture to more fact-based approaches that are easily ignored. For example, I sat through a three hour meeting yesterday, and you can bet that what we talked about - to the exclusion of almost everything else - was the coronavirus. Hand washing, face masks, the taking of temperatures - it was all discussed (and discussed again) to the point of exhaustion.
When I first heard about the coronavirus we were up in Nantou 南投, just starting our winter vacation. We were ten minutes down the road from Ching Jing Farm 清境農場, and even there you could feel the unease. "What is it?" "How do you catch it?" "What should we do?" Way, WAY up in the mountains, and even people there were worried. Not everyone of course, but some.
After spending a few days in Nantou we went to my mother-in-law's house in Kaohsiung 高雄 for the Chinese New Year holiday. In case you don't have Chinese relatives or in-laws, Chinese New Year usually involves spending a lot of time indoors with extended family members. Needless to say, the TV news was on in my mother-in-law's apartment almost 24/7, and the barrage of coronavirus-related stories was unrelenting. People weren't quite in a panic yet, but you could feel it waiting in the wings.
Once Chinese New Year ended we drove back to Taitung 台東. No panic here yet. No hysteria. But I did go back to Kaohsiung a second time with my older daughter, and that was super weird. Everyone on the MRT was wearing face masks. Restaurants were empty. The FE 21, normally one of the busiest places in Kaohsiung, was like a ghost town. You could tell that the coronavirus was on everyone's mind.
Two weeks later, and my school has cancelled a lot of the group activities scheduled for this semester. Some of the English teachers, perhaps out of a certain self-interest, are also calling for the cancellation of the County English competition. Taiwan is requiring a 14-day quarantine for travelers arriving from South Korea. The Philippines attempted - and then lifted - a similar quarantine on travelers from Taiwan. It's all very confusing, and very worrying to most people.
And what about the Great Wall Mall? Does it stand as empty now as it did in 2004? Are people in Seattle avoiding Asians, having associated them with the dread coronavirus? I'm sure that some of them are, and it's definitely not right, but I can't judge them too harshly for it. It wouldn't be any different if some Taiwanese guy's wife announced - in the middle of a local market - that she was from Wuhan 武漢. Can you imagine the tension that would create? Can you imagine how much personal space she'd be given?
Hopefully the hysteria will abate soon. Perhaps a vaccine will appear. Perhaps one already has. I'm not sure about the vaccine because I'm avoiding the news right now. I've already had weeks of hearing about the coronavirus, and I need a break.
We always need to ask ourselves if we're taking proper precautions or if we're panicking. Often it's hard to tell. No one wants to catch a potentially fatal virus, but then again how many people die in traffic accidents each day? How many people die from other causes? In terms of ways you could die, the coronavirus is (at least at the time of writing) pretty low on the list, and even if it was more of a threat none of us are going to live forever. We try to be safe, but the world is full of dangers.
And while we're exploring this topic, how's your face mask supply? Do you have enough? Are you avoiding public places? Are you washing your hands? Have you been to any shopping malls recently? Have you been staying indoors more?
9. Retrospective 懷舊的 6:March 三月 2010年
For those not familiar with Coffee News, it's a free newspaper available inside many restaurants in the U.S. Coffee News is printed on a sheet of A3 paper, with advertisements for local businesses running down both sides of the page. Down the center of Coffee News, between the two columns of advertisements, are "articles" on various topics.
I brought my copy of Coffee News back to Taitung with me, and I was rereading it last night. As I reread it I got to wondering what the Taitung version of Coffee News might look like, and whether there might be a market for such a thing. I know of similar periodicals placed in temples here, but nothing you'd find in local restaurants.
What follows is a summary of the contents of Coffee News, followed by my thoughts on how this content might relate to people, places and things where I live.
I. Advertisements: Column One
"Reserve Your Own Ad Space Now! - Northwoods Firearms - We Purchase Firearms! - One Gun or Entire Collections - Call today for an appointment - We Buy Houses! - And we LOVE to reward your referrals! - Northwest Drain - Septic & Drain Services - Recreational + Medicinal Cannabis - Verified Pesticide Free - High Quality Growers - Tinctures, Capsules, Bud, Concentrates, Vape Cartridges, Delta 8, Topicals - "Find Your Lifestyle at Origins" - Anytime Fitness - Get to a Healthier Place - K2 Stepmills, Elliptical Trainers, Recumbent Bikes, Upright Bikes, C2 Rowing Machines, Treadmills, Circuit Machines, Free Weights, Tanning Beds, Training, Classes, Supplements & More! - Village Concepts: Park View Villas - Voted "Best Assisted Living" 11 Years in a Row - RJ Services - Specializing in all types of excavations includes Sucker Truck, Site Development All Types of Septic Systems - Big or Small - Firehouse Grill - Burgers & Fries - Take Out - Fresh hand pressed patties - We Use 1/3 Pound Custom Patties - Fresh NOT Frozen Beef - Hand Pressed Daily"
Not much call for septic and drain services where I live. Are septic tanks used in Taiwan? I kind of doubt it. Most structures here don't even have basements.
Recreational and medicinal cannabis! Now there's something you don't see in Taiwan. Or maybe you do, but again, I'll leave that discussion for another day. Buying and selling weed can get you into a lot of trouble, and if you ask me it's not worth the risk.
I have no idea what most of the equipment in that gym does. I prefer to exercise outside, and thankfully the place where I live allows me to do that. Taitung is much better than Port Angeles when it comes to running and bicycling.
The "Assisted Living" place is, as all Americans would know, an old folk's home. A lot of people from the Puget Sound region retire to Port Angeles and other towns on the Olympic Peninsula, and there are many "senior living" developments there. Sometimes, walking around parts of Port Angeles, you wonder what happened to people under 60. The average age is much lower here.
I never did go to Firehouse Grill when I was there. Let's just say that people in that area put A LOT of thought into their hamburgers. In Taitung the items most thought about are probably beef noodles and dumplings. Maybe also fried chicken.
II. Everybody's Talking!
"Bug heist: Thieves sometimes choose strange things to steal. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (U.S.), it was bugs, and quite a few of them! At the Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion, the loot was more than 80 species of bugs, which included about 7,000 individual critters. It represented over 80% of the museum's collection. The heist netted everything from rare mantises and millipedes, to snakes and frogs. Police investigated and found a few of the insects, but said the bugs are easy to sell and the enthusiast market is strong. The stolen creatures were valued at over $40,000 (USD).
"Dark tattoos: People who want a tattoo with many colors shouldn't go to Body Luxe, a tattoo shop in Annecy, France. Owner Eliot Kohek specializes in using only black and grey ink. His tattoos look three-dimensional and are very realistic. They often feature faces of gothic-looking beings, with maybe a skull or two tucked into a corner. Kohek is not trained as an artist and developed is considerable skill on his own. The extremely realistic images feature objects and people who look ready to step right out of the tattoo, as if they are actually there.
"No to marriage: A young woman from Hong Kong thought she was learning how to be a wedding planner and that portraying a bride in a mock wedding was just part of the training. She found out too late that she'd been tricked, and was actually legally married. The woman took a wedding planning course in Hong Kong, after which she was required to go to Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China, for the mock wedding. This was a scam that enabled Chinese residents to apply for residency in Hong Kong, based on having a spouse in the region. Not surprisingly, the woman applied for a divorce.
"A sacred place: Its common name is Ayers Rock, after Sir Henry Ayers, but its sacred name is the Aboriginal word Uluru. The giant, rest-red rock rises from the plains in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, in almost the geographic center of Australia. It isn't the world's largest chunk of rock, but it towers over the flat landscape. It is 348 meters (1,141 feet) high, 3.6 kilometers (2.2 miles) long, and 1.9 km (1.2 mi.) wide. Uluru is naturally gray, but the iron content of the rock is "rusting" at the surface, resulting in the distinctive red iron oxide coating that creates beautiful images at sunrise and sunset."
More relevant to Taiwan is probably the "No to marriage" anecdote. I doubt any Taiwanese woman could be tricked in this fashion - not unless she was really dumb - but marriage is a way for Mainlanders to live and work in Taiwan. Taiwanese men working as "agents" for local KTVs will sometimes marry women from China and later divorce them, all for the sake of a resident visa that allows the women to work as hostesses here. I'm not sure how widespread this practice is, and immigration laws may have since been amended, but it's been known to happen.
III.Quotable Quotes
"'Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.'
--Jim Rohn
"'The engineering is secondary to the vision.'--Cynthia Ozick"
Thoughts: Thanks for the deep thoughts Jim and Cynthia, whoever you may be.IV. What's Happening
"LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! www.facebook.com/OlympicPenninsulaCoffeeNews
"PLACE FREE NOTICES HERE FOR NON-PROFITS AND LOCAL EVENTS!! www.OlympicCoffeeNews.com Click What's Happening, Allow 3-4 Weeks lead time
"Congratulations to XXXXXXX XXXXX of Port Angeles, this May's Find Little Bill $50.00 Contest Winner. Valerie Found Little Bill in the ad for Olympic Laundry Cleaners and She read Coffee News at Sergio's Mexican Restaurant in Port Angeles.
"Friday Jun 7th First Friday Art Walk Downtown Sequim 5-8 pm
"VETERANS WEDNESDAY BREAKFAST Every Wednesday. VETERANS please join us every Wednesday at 9:00 AM for no host breakfast. Good Food and Conversation. Guests always welcome. Free! Stymies and Cedars Dungeness Golf Course.
"Port Angeles Farmers Market Front & Lincoln Sts. Saturdays, 10am-2pm.
"Sequim Farmers Market Every Saturday May-Oct 9am-3pm Sequim Civics Center Plaza. FREE!
"Peninsula Music "May/June Guitar Sale: 15% off Guitar Accessories and Select Used Guitars, starting at $149.99. Also: Guitar Lessons only $100 per month! Mention this event when visiting, good through June 30th.
"Tai Chi Class Every Saturday morning, 10:00am Tai Chi class for health & wellness focusing on Balance, Relaxation, and Stress Reduction. Free. Donations appreciated."
Like a lot of smaller towns, Port Angeles is big on veterans. There's a 9/11 memorial park near the hospital, with parts of the World Trade Center incorporated into a sculpture there. They're the opposite of Seattle that way: patriotic and pro-Trump on average, with the retirees from the Puget Sound usually leaning the other direction. I've got to say, I had a hard time taking some of the left-leaning residents there seriously, mostly because they themselves weren't facing the consequences of the social justice agenda they were trying to push on locals.
I walked through the Port Angeles Farmers Market a couple times. There wasn't much to it.
Where I live, I think most people would agree that the Chinese food is best. There are a couple good Vietnamese restaurants and a couple good steakhouses. The American restaurants here are only good by Taiwanese standards. I think it's safe to say that in the States they'd be out of business quickly. I like them, but then again I've been lurking around here for two decades.
Taiwan also has its share of veterans, but they're on average much, much older than veterans in the States. The veterans in question would have served in the Chinese Civil War, which resulted in KMT (Chinese Nationalist) forces leaving the Mainland and resettling in Taiwan. Modern Taiwan's relationship with this part of its history is, to put it mildly, complicated.
V. Chance to Win $50!
"Find 'Little Bill' [a small coin] in one of the ads!
Log onto: OlympicCoffeeNews.com
Click on 'CONTEST'"
VI. Trivia
"1. American singer Aretha Franklin was born in Memphis, Tenn., or Detroit, Mich.?
2. Stratus, Cumulus, and Cirrus are types of what?
3. In terms of weight, what is the world's lightest timber?
4. The five Olympic rings represent what?
5. Which U.S. General was known as "Stormin' Norman?"?"
VII. Advertisements: Column Two
"Brokers Group - Real Estate Professionals - In the heart of downtown Sequim! - In the Clear Window Washing - A difference you can clearly see - Residential "Commercial" Hard Water Stains - Gutter Cleaning - Moss Removal - Pressure Washing - Just Fix It - Fine Jewelry Sales and Repair - Best Estate Jewelry on the Peninsula - Buying and Selling Gold Silver Fine Estate Items. - L&I Help - 25+ YEARS HELPING INJURED WORKERS - Workers Compensation - Personal Injury - "STRAIGHT ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS" - No out of pocket fees - Sequim's Home Town Building Supply Company - THOMAS building center - SOUND SYSTEM RENTALS - For Your Special Event - Starting at $50.00 per day - STRAIT MUSIC - OLYMPIC GAME FARM - Gift Shop & Snack Bar - R.V. & Pet Friendly - Open Daily @9 - Home of the Waving Bears - Port Angeles Tattoo & Piercing"
There's a truck that sometimes cruises through our neighborhood, and one of the services they provide (for a modest fee) is window repair and washing. I have yet to take them up on the offer.
The way the law works in Taiwan is very different from how it works in the States - not always in a bad way. The legal system is more opaque, and outcomes are more based on relationships than on an established set of rules. "Face" and family often come before the strictest interpretation of the law. As far as worker's compensation goes, in many cases acquiring such compensation might have as much to do with "shaming" the company involved as resorting to legal process.
Olympic Game Farm might be closed now. The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) was after them for supposed violations last summer, and this Northwest-centric wildlife park may be history. That place was especially pointless given the fact that you could drive up into Olympic National Park and see many of the same animals.
There are no wildlife parks in my neck of the jungle. There's an aquarium up the coast in Cheng Gong, some livestock in Chulu Ranch and Yuan Sen Botanical Gardens, but that's about it. Taiwan doesn't have many big mammals, and while I find snakes interesting most people dislike them intensely. There are a couple Formosan black bears in the Kaohsiung Zoo, but the Kaohsiung Zoo is a sad place full of sad animals.
I haven't gotten any tattoos in a long time, but that's definitely a thing both here and in Port Angeles.
IX. Advertisements: Column Three
"say goodbye to Back & Neck PAIN - CALL TODAY - Mittelstaedt Chiropractic and Massage - OPC SUPPLIES - CUSTODIAL AND PARTY - Locally Owned Since 2012 - Guitars, Drums, Keyboards, Sound Systems, Band and Orchestra Rentals, Music Lessons - HOT ITEMS IN STOCK! - Peninsula Music - EVERY PET'S FIRST EXAM IS FREE! - OLYMPIC VETERINARY CLINIC - We know your pet is an important part of your family, & we can't wait to meet them! - Supernatural Lecture with Demonstration - The next lecture will be on Monday, July 29 at 6:00 PM - Public Welcome - Port Angeles Pet Posse - Call 8am-8pm days/wk - We find missing pets or locate owners of found pets - Use our fully equipped veterinary transport to assist owners to transport their sick or injured pets - We are a non-profit but appreciate your tax deductible donations for our small shelter and pet supply store - FARMERS INSURANCE - Get smart about your coverage! - STEVE'S Westside Muffler and Brake Shop - Mufflers and Pipes - S-S Tips & Welding - Catalytic Converters - Brake Service - Interstate Batteries - Alternators and Starters - M-F: 8-5"
Pets and animals. Taiwanese attitudes toward animals vary from the couple in Taipei City who use their dog as a surrogate child, to the farmer in Yunlin who would view the same dog as little more than a security device. Animals can be companions, but they can also be food and/or agricultural implements. If you ask me, I think some Americans veer to far in the other direction, viewing animals as more "innocent" or more deserving of protection than other human beings. Some people there give up on human relationships entirely, and instead pursue relationships with their pets.
I would have loved to attend that "supernatural lecture and demonstration," but I saw the advertisement too late. I love stuff like that, especially when it's nonsense. Of course there's stuff like that in Taiwan too, and sometimes it can be equally great.
X. Your Weekly Horoscopes
"ARIES (March 21 - April 20): This might be a time when you really don't want others to tell you what to think or do. If you present your own ideas with grace, they may find them very useful, too. Lucky Numbers: 6, 7, 12, 24, 32, 47.
"TAURUS (April 21 - May 21): This can be an inspiring time, one in which imagination may be important. You might be in the mood for diversion. Just be sure it doesn't cost you too much energy. Lucky Numbers: 7, 18, 27, 28, 37, 38.
"GEMINI (May 22 - June 21): Even if the world seems to be a complex and demanding place with little logic, you may be able to stir your deepest waters to find inspiration and passion within yourself. Lucky Numbers: 1, 6, 12, 21, 36, 42.
"CANCER (June 22 - July 22): This may be a good time to expand your physical routine or widen your range of activities. Your positive enthusiasm can become contagious, so keep up the great effort! Lucky Numbers: 1, 8, 13, 24, 26, 44.
"LEO (July 23 - Aug. 23): You may tend to put your feelings on hold while you attend to practical demands. Taking care of new, immediate responsibilities might require your attention. Lucky Numbers: 13, 14, 23, 24, 33, 34.
"VIRGO (Aug. 24 - Sept. 23): Your spirit may want to soar, so sitting still and dealing with details might not be easy. You may feel good without knowing why, so try to show your good judgement. Lucky Numbers: 9, 18, 27, 32, 33, 39.
"LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23): You may feel that others are demanding more from you than is reasonable. Try to keep your cool and not overreact to what you might see as strong criticism. Lucky Numbers: 7, 11, 12, 18, 23, 41.
"SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22): You may take things seriously and might not be easily convinced by others. On the other hand, you could be able to persuade people to change some of their ideas. Lucky Numbers: 3, 4, 21, 36, 43, 48.
"SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21): You might want to be with people now. You may experience strong and enthusiastic feelings. If you have more energy than usual, that might bring up feelings from your heart. Lucky Numbers: 3, 7, 9, 13, 14, 18.
"CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20): Sympathetic contacts might be established easily now. You may experience feelings of well-being and emotional harmony, both in yourself and with those close to you. Lucky Numbers: 2, 13, 24, 25, 27, 28.
"AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19): Many small details may need your attention. You might need to take your time to breathe deeply and slow your pace. Communications could be very important right now. Lucky Numbers: 23, 25, 28, 33, 35, 38.
"PISCES (Feb. 20 - March 20): Try to keep your energy on an even keel because you may find yourself flying from one thing to another. You might need space to decompress and do things your own way. Lucky Numbers: 2, 4, 13, 38, 42, 46.
"Lucky numbers this week: This week's odds favor Taurus winners with the luckiest number being 7."
It's funny how people read things like horoscopes and then proceed to read them into any and all subsequent events. Humans are just built that way I suppose - we're always seeking out patterns.
In Taiwan the horoscopes offered would relate to the Chinese Zodiac, which works very differently. There'd be lucky numbers as well. This section has a counterpart in the free circulars placed in Taiwanese temples, and many people here take those circulars just as seriously. And do Taiwanese people believe in Western horoscopes? Yes, many do, but this would be a step removed from traditional thinking.
XI. Did You Know...
"Dine and dash: Nobody likes visits from wasps and hornets during an outdoor meal. However, these insects are not all bad. Both wasps and hornets often eat other insects that may damage crops and plants.
"Tasty apples: When it comes to apples, most people are familiar with such varieties as McIntosh and Granny Smith. But there are many more, including the sweet, sharp Cox's Orange Pippin and Wolf River. The latter is usually used in cooking.
"Quiet place: If you need a bit of quiet time, outer space is a good place to go. It is completely silent there because sound has no way to travel.
"Song wailers: Bob Marley, the famous reggae musician, was born in 1945 in Nine Miles, St. Ann, Jamaica. He formed his band, originally called The Wailing Wailers, in 1962 with Peter "Tosh" McIntosh and Neville "Bunny Wailer" Livingston. Marley died in 1981.
"Big wingspan: Butterflies come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. However, the species with the largest wingspan is the Queen Alexandra's birdwing of Papua New Guinea. The wingspan of females can measure up to 28 cm (11 in.) wide."
What do you mean, Coffee News? No sound in space? What, are you implying that most Hollywood movies get it WRONG? What good is a space battle without the sound of explosions?
I like Bob Marley, but my ears have a hard time registering his music. Same problem with Led Zeppelin. Their songs come on, and five to ten minutes later I have no idea what I just heard.
XII. On the Lighter Side
"It's getting to the point that you need more brains to figure out the income tax forms that to make the income.
"Client: 'Can I ask you two questions?'
"Lawyer: 'What's the other one?'
"A robber walks into a bank and says, 'Give me all your money!' The manager says, 'Take the books, too. I'm $10,000 short.'
"My doctor told me to take a hot bath before I retire. But that's ridiculous. It will be years before I retire.
"Some people stay longer when they're leaving than others do when they're staying."
XIX. Advertisements: Column Four
"RAIN SHADOW INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE - A Whole Body Approach to Women's Healthcare - Board Certified in Gynecology and Integrative Medicine - Comprehensive women's healthcare, integrating the best of conventional medicine and evidence-based alternative therapies to help your body find balance - Accepting new patients - The Two of Us - First Street Barber & Styling - Haircuts: $17 - Kids 12 & Under: $15 - Seniors (60+): $15 - Vets: $13 - (add $3 for Shampoo) - Across from the Lincoln Theater - Peninsula Heat - 12 YEAR Warranty - "We Set the Peninsula Standard for Quality Work and Customer Satisfaction" - Fujitsu ELITE Contractor - Exclusive Fujitsu Elite Dealer for Clallam and Jefferson Counties - Now Open! - PEDEGO ELECTRIC BIKES SEQUIM Washington - Volunteers Matter - Make your voice count for an abused and neglected child that cannot speak for themselves - CASA Court Appointed Special Advocates FOR CHILDREN - There are nearly 200 children in foster care in Clallam County. Without a volunteer their voices cannot be heard. CASA is assigned to speak for their best interest. Be that voice, become a CASA volunteer now - Enroll in ongoing training by calling Clallam County Juvenile and Family Services - ANIME KAT - Your store for: Anime, Manga, Card Games, Board Games, Miniature Games, Video Games & More - Randy's AUTO SALES & MOTORSPORTS - No Credit Check - This Space Available! (...but not for long!)"
The CASA add represents the other side of Port Angeles. Meth/opiods and other forms of substance abuse are big problems there, which in turn affect many families. The suicide rate in Port Angeles is higher than average, perhaps in part due to the dark and gloomy winter months. If I was a teenager there I'd probably be dying to move away.
In Taiwan ketamine is more popular, and most young people go the betel nut/alcohol route when they want to be "adult." Ketamine seems to be less addictive, but in drug-phobic Taiwan it's hard to get accurate information on that substance. If never tried K or meth, so I don't know for sure.
Anime Kat. I went there a couple times. It was weird to see all that anime and manga in English.
For the "Retrospective" entries I'll be revisiting posts from ten years ago. The post referenced below is from 2010. 在這些 "懷舊的" 文章裡看十年前的文章. 下列的文章是2010年寫的.
The original version of "Foreigners I Know (Besides Me) 我認識的外國人" is to be found in the Blog Archive 3 entry. I've added comments below the italicized text. 原本的 "Foreigners I Know (Besides Me) 我認識的外國人" 在Blog Archive 很久很久以前的文章 3的文章. 我在每一段下面加入新的意見.
"Living in Taiwan, and especially living somewhere like Taitung, I get asked a lot of strange questions by a lot of very curious people. These questions range from things like "Do you eat McDonald's every day?" to "If you live in America, how do you have the time to take the airplane here all the time?" Naturally, it is usually kids asking me these kind of questions, but you'd be surprised what kinds of questions also come out of the mouths of adults.住在臺灣,有時朋友問我很多奇怪的問題,例如:你每天吃麥當勞嗎?你住在美國怎麼有時間常常坐飛機來臺灣?通常這些問題是小朋友問的,但有 時大人們也有這些疑問,這就讓我很訝異了."
I had one of these questions come up just the other day. I was teaching the fifth grade unit on transportation, and one of my students insisted - even after several classmates corrected him - that I took the airplane to school every day. 最近有人問我這些問題. 我在五年級的課堂上介紹交通工具的時候, 又有學生堅持說我每天坐飛機上下班. 就算其他同學跟他說他錯了, 他還是堅持這想法.
"I suppose that one of the questions I am asked most frequently is whether or not I know some other foreigner. I can understand this sort of question coming from someone in Taitung - it's a small place, and the odds are good that just about any foreigner living here has crossed paths with me at some point. Even in places like Taipei, however, someone will say something like, "I just came back from Texas to visit my friend Rick, do you know him?"最常被問的是:你認不認識那個Peter還是John.......我可以了解為什麼他們這麼問,因為在臺東很容易認識或聽過某人,畢竟地方就 這麼大,只是有時在臺北這樣的城市也會發生,例如:我剛剛才從德州拜訪我的朋有Rick回來,你認不認識他?"
Still happens, but less than it used to. These questions always come in Chinese, from lower-achieving students, in the ten minutes before class. The Hess teachers are a big topic of conversation, as are the Joy teachers. I don't get asked about Columbia or Cornell teachers nearly as much. 這種事還是會發生, 只是現在較以前少了. 通常都是學習成就較低的學生利用下課時間以中文問的 . 很多學生喜歡討論何嘉仁跟佳音美語的老師. 而討論哥倫比亞跟康乃爾的老師較少.
"I'm sure part of it is nervousness. There are many people in Taiwan who never really talk to someone from another country, and when they finally get the chance they're at a loss for something more intelligent to say. I imagine that if I lived somewhere like, say, Omak in Eastern Washington, and I met someone from Taiwan for the first time, I'd probably say a few ignorant things myself.我想他們可能太緊張了,很多人都沒有機會跟外國人接觸,等到他們有機會時,真的會不知道說什麼好,也許我如果住在美國很鄉下的地方,第一次 見到臺灣人也會說這樣的話."
I think "forgive and forget" is a good philosophy to pursue in Taiwan. People sometimes make assumptions about local foreigners; people sometimes ask stupid questions. It's not usually their fault, and it's not usually meant as an insult. I'm not often surprised by the ways in which Taiwanese people interact with me now, but when I am my first thought is to not take it personally. Some foreign residents definitely hold a grudge against Taiwan for this reason, and that's never good. 我想在台灣 "諒解"和"不放在心上" 是最好的處世方法. 有的台灣人不了解外國人, 有時候會問奇怪的問題. 這不是他們的錯, 也不算沒禮貌的事情. 我現在習慣跟台灣人相處了, 當我不解他們的行為時, 我不會認為那是在針對我了. 有的外國居民因為這種事會抱怨台灣. 我認為這種想法不對.
"So with this in mind I have to say (politely), that I don't know Rick from Texas. Neither am I acquainted with Lisa from Canada, Bobby from South Africa, nor Rex from England. Even if they live in Taitung. Honestly, I don't really talk to that many other foreigners, and having counted the other foreigners that I know, they would amount to about 10. It's not that I don't want to meet them, it's just that I'm not going out of my way to do so. Between work and family I just don't have that much time to seek out other foreigners, nor do I have an overriding desire to seek them out. 碰到這樣的情形,我還要附帶說明自己也不認識德州的Rick,加拿大的Lisa,南非的Bobby或是英國的Rex,就算他們住臺東,我也不大有可 能認識他們,不是不想,而是除了工作和陪伴家人,我已沒有那麼多時間再去認識其他人了."
I still don't know Rick, Lisa, Bobby or Rex, though I do know way more local foreigners now. Back in 2010 there were far fewer of us around, and of course over ten years I've made a few new friends. Just don't ask me about the weird guy who makes calliopes in Dulan, because a) he probably doesn't exist, and b) I definitely don't know him. 我還不認識Rick, Lisa, Bobby跟Rex, 可是我認識更多在地的外國朋友了. 2010年的台東沒那麼多的外國居民, 這十年內我當然也交到更多的新的外國朋友. 只是不要問我住在都蘭製造calliope的那位外國居民, 因為a)他大概不存在, b)我一定不認識他.
"The world might be growing smaller and smaller all the time, but we are still surrounded by many strangers. I am am glad to meet new friends, but I cannot know everybody!這個世界越來越小,但是我們每天還是會接觸到許多陌生人,我喜歡認識新朋友,只是我認識的人還沒有多到建立起一個龐大的網來含蓋所有 的臺東的外國人."
This is even truer now. There's always a new foreign guy or girl in town, and most of them don't stick around for long. I'm always reminded of this when I visit Dulan. Many new faces, and many people who say they're in it for the long haul. I'm happy to meet them, but I'm not about to get too attached. 還是這樣子. 我每次去都蘭都會看到新的面孔, 新的外國男女在這裡出現. 大部分留在這裡的時間不長. 但也有人說會留在這裡久一點. 我很高興認識他們, 可是大概不會變成好朋友.
Maybe they feel the same way about me? 有可能他們對我的看法也一樣.
3. 鐵道迷的第一本書 A Book for Train Aficionados 4
The original version of "Foreigners I Know (Besides Me) 我認識的外國人" is to be found in the Blog Archive 3 entry. I've added comments below the italicized text. 原本的 "Foreigners I Know (Besides Me) 我認識的外國人" 在Blog Archive 很久很久以前的文章 3的文章. 我在每一段下面加入新的意見.
I had one of these questions come up just the other day. I was teaching the fifth grade unit on transportation, and one of my students insisted - even after several classmates corrected him - that I took the airplane to school every day. 最近有人問我這些問題. 我在五年級的課堂上介紹交通工具的時候, 又有學生堅持說我每天坐飛機上下班. 就算其他同學跟他說他錯了, 他還是堅持這想法.
"I suppose that one of the questions I am asked most frequently is whether or not I know some other foreigner. I can understand this sort of question coming from someone in Taitung - it's a small place, and the odds are good that just about any foreigner living here has crossed paths with me at some point. Even in places like Taipei, however, someone will say something like, "I just came back from Texas to visit my friend Rick, do you know him?"最常被問的是:你認不認識那個Peter還是John.......我可以了解為什麼他們這麼問,因為在臺東很容易認識或聽過某人,畢竟地方就 這麼大,只是有時在臺北這樣的城市也會發生,例如:我剛剛才從德州拜訪我的朋有Rick回來,你認不認識他?"
Still happens, but less than it used to. These questions always come in Chinese, from lower-achieving students, in the ten minutes before class. The Hess teachers are a big topic of conversation, as are the Joy teachers. I don't get asked about Columbia or Cornell teachers nearly as much. 這種事還是會發生, 只是現在較以前少了. 通常都是學習成就較低的學生利用下課時間以中文問的 . 很多學生喜歡討論何嘉仁跟佳音美語的老師. 而討論哥倫比亞跟康乃爾的老師較少.
"I'm sure part of it is nervousness. There are many people in Taiwan who never really talk to someone from another country, and when they finally get the chance they're at a loss for something more intelligent to say. I imagine that if I lived somewhere like, say, Omak in Eastern Washington, and I met someone from Taiwan for the first time, I'd probably say a few ignorant things myself.我想他們可能太緊張了,很多人都沒有機會跟外國人接觸,等到他們有機會時,真的會不知道說什麼好,也許我如果住在美國很鄉下的地方,第一次 見到臺灣人也會說這樣的話."
I think "forgive and forget" is a good philosophy to pursue in Taiwan. People sometimes make assumptions about local foreigners; people sometimes ask stupid questions. It's not usually their fault, and it's not usually meant as an insult. I'm not often surprised by the ways in which Taiwanese people interact with me now, but when I am my first thought is to not take it personally. Some foreign residents definitely hold a grudge against Taiwan for this reason, and that's never good. 我想在台灣 "諒解"和"不放在心上" 是最好的處世方法. 有的台灣人不了解外國人, 有時候會問奇怪的問題. 這不是他們的錯, 也不算沒禮貌的事情. 我現在習慣跟台灣人相處了, 當我不解他們的行為時, 我不會認為那是在針對我了. 有的外國居民因為這種事會抱怨台灣. 我認為這種想法不對.
"So with this in mind I have to say (politely), that I don't know Rick from Texas. Neither am I acquainted with Lisa from Canada, Bobby from South Africa, nor Rex from England. Even if they live in Taitung. Honestly, I don't really talk to that many other foreigners, and having counted the other foreigners that I know, they would amount to about 10. It's not that I don't want to meet them, it's just that I'm not going out of my way to do so. Between work and family I just don't have that much time to seek out other foreigners, nor do I have an overriding desire to seek them out. 碰到這樣的情形,我還要附帶說明自己也不認識德州的Rick,加拿大的Lisa,南非的Bobby或是英國的Rex,就算他們住臺東,我也不大有可 能認識他們,不是不想,而是除了工作和陪伴家人,我已沒有那麼多時間再去認識其他人了."
I still don't know Rick, Lisa, Bobby or Rex, though I do know way more local foreigners now. Back in 2010 there were far fewer of us around, and of course over ten years I've made a few new friends. Just don't ask me about the weird guy who makes calliopes in Dulan, because a) he probably doesn't exist, and b) I definitely don't know him. 我還不認識Rick, Lisa, Bobby跟Rex, 可是我認識更多在地的外國朋友了. 2010年的台東沒那麼多的外國居民, 這十年內我當然也交到更多的新的外國朋友. 只是不要問我住在都蘭製造calliope的那位外國居民, 因為a)他大概不存在, b)我一定不認識他.
"The world might be growing smaller and smaller all the time, but we are still surrounded by many strangers. I am am glad to meet new friends, but I cannot know everybody!這個世界越來越小,但是我們每天還是會接觸到許多陌生人,我喜歡認識新朋友,只是我認識的人還沒有多到建立起一個龐大的網來含蓋所有 的臺東的外國人."
This is even truer now. There's always a new foreign guy or girl in town, and most of them don't stick around for long. I'm always reminded of this when I visit Dulan. Many new faces, and many people who say they're in it for the long haul. I'm happy to meet them, but I'm not about to get too attached. 還是這樣子. 我每次去都蘭都會看到新的面孔, 新的外國男女在這裡出現. 大部分留在這裡的時間不長. 但也有人說會留在這裡久一點. 我很高興認識他們, 可是大概不會變成好朋友.
Maybe they feel the same way about me? 有可能他們對我的看法也一樣.
3. 鐵道迷的第一本書 A Book for Train Aficionados 4
The Chinese text below was taken from "A Book for Train Aficionados" 鐵道迷的一本書, as written by 鄧志忠. The English was written/translated by me. I'm not sure how many entries from this book I'll do, but this will definitely be one of many.
哪裡可以購買鐵道紀念品?
Where Can You Buy Railway Souvenirs?
近年來隨著鐵道旅遊及鐵道研究風氣盛行, 許多與鐵道有關的商品如雨後春筍般湧現, 無論是著名鐵道觀光景點, 車站, 甚至是在列車上, 都能買到屬於台灣鐵道記憶的小商品. 下回的鐵道旅行, 不妨也為自己覓個特別的鐵道伴手禮吧! In recent years, alongside the rise in popularity of both railway tourism and railway scholarship, many railway-related products have appeared. You can buy these products at famous tourist spots along rail lines, at stations, and even aboard trains. [You can buy these products] as a gift for yourself, or to preserve memories of your travels by train.
台鐵夢工廠 TRA (Taiwan Railway Authority) Dream Factory
台鐵旗下的餐旅總所, 早年僅以服務旅客為主; 直至2012年5月25日起, 在台北車站開設 "台鐵夢工廠", 並陸續在高雄, 松山站及羅東站等陸續拓展據點. During its early years the Taiwan Railway Food Services Office was dedicated to providing passenger services. On May 25, 2012 it opened the "TRA Dream Factory" in the Taipei Main Station. [Other Dream Factories] were later opened in Kaohsiung, Song Shan and Luo Dong Stations.
台鐵夢工廠販賣的商品以台鐵自行開發的文創商品為主, 也販售與相關玩具, 書籍與模型, 當然更少不了台鐵餐旅最具人氣的 "台鐵便當"! The TRA Dream Factories primarily sell products created by the TRA itself, and they also sell related toys, books and models. Of course they also sell the TRA lunchboxes so dear to the hearts of passengers!
高鐵紀念商品 HSR (High Speed Rail) Souvenirs
無論是高鐵迴力車, 文具等紀念品, 都能在高鐵各站的7-11商店, 候車室的紀念品自動販賣機, 或向列車服務人員購得; 有意者可於高鐵官網或列車上的免費雜誌中搜尋商品目錄. Whether motorized train toys, stationary or other souvenirs, [these items] can all be purchased at 7-11s inside HSR stations, from the vending machines inside the last car of the train, or from a service worker aboard the train. Those interested can consult the HSR website or the free catalog available aboard the train.
台北捷運商品館 Taipei MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) Shop
販售台北捷運及貓空纜車為主題的文創商品, 紀念票與紀念品, 自2001年開幕以來一直是許多遠道而來旅客必逛之處. Taipei MRT or Maokong Gondola-related goods, souvenir tickets or souvenirs have been popular with all types of tourists since the system began operation in 2001.*
除了位在台北車站M3出口處的店址外, 也於捷運龍山寺站及貓空纜車動物園站開設分店. 無暇親自到店選購商品的買家, 可於台北捷運公司官網線上訂購. Aside from the store located near the M3 exit/entrance in Taipei Main Station, stores have also been opened in the Loong Shan Temple MRT Station and the Taipei Zoo Maokong Gondola Station. Those without time to shop in these stores can visit the Taipei MRT Company's website and make purchases online.
高雄捷運商品館 Kaohsiung MRT Shop
位於O5R10美麗島站及R16左營站的 "高雄捷運商品館", 是高雄捷運公司自營的紀念品專賣店. The Kaohsiung MRT (KMRT) Stores are located near the O5R10 exit/entrance in the Formosa Boulevard Station, and the R16 exit/entrance in the Dzuoying Station. These stores are operated by the Kaohsiung MRT Company for the purpose of selling souvenirs.**
台灣鐵道故事館 Taiwan Railway Story House
屬於民間經營的鐵道紀念品公司, 有約20家分店於車站內或附近經營, 販售鐵道文創商品與融合地方文化特色的懷舊商品, 是國內外鐵道迷必訪的鐵道景點. This is a privately owned railway souvenir company, with about twenty stores operating in or around train stations. [They sell] railway-related products and other items related to local history and culture. [These stores] draw in "railway fans" from all over the world.
4. Next Saturday's Election
1. 宋楚瑜 James Soong and 余湘 Sandra Yu, running for the 親民黨 People First Party. At the time of writing James Soong is almost 79 years old. Sandra Yu, his running mate, grew up in Taitung.
2. 韓國瑜 Han Kuo-yu and 張善政 Chang San-cheng, running for the 中國國民黨 Kuomintag, KMT or Chinese Nationalist Party. Han Kuo-yu is currently serving as the Mayor of Kaohsiung City, though I believe he's on personal leave.
3. 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen and 賴清德 Lai Ching-de, running for the 民主進步黨 Democratic Progressive Party or DPP. Tsai Ing-wen is currently serving as the President of Taiwan, and hopes to be reelected.
The reverse side of this sheet lists where you can vote on Election Day, January 11. There are 236 locations in Taitung County where those registered can vote. In Taitung City alone there are 91 locations, one of which is the public school where I work.
1. 張志明 Jang Jr-ming, running for the KMT.
2. 陳允萍Chen Yun-ping, running for the 台灣民眾黨 Taiwan People's Party.
3. 張坤和 Jang Kun-he, running unaffiliated.
4. 劉櫂豪 Liou Jhao-hao, running for the DPP.
1. 合一行動聯盟 United Action Alliance, 8 candidates.
2. 中華統一促進黨 Chinese Unification Promotion Party, 7 candidates.
3. 親民黨 People First Party, 22 candidates.
4. 安定力量 Stabilizing Force Party, 10 candidates.
5. 台灣基進 Taiwan Statebuilding Party, 5 candidates.
6. 時代力量 New Power Party, 11 candidates.
7. 新黨 New Party, 10 candidates.
8. 喜樂島聯盟 Formosa Alliance, 6 candidates.
9. 中國國民黨 Kuomintang, KMT or Chinese Nationalist Party, 31 candidates.
10. 一邊一國行動黨 Taiwan Action Party Alliance, 5 candidates.
11. 勞動黨 Labor Party, 2 candidates.
12. 綠黨 Green Party, 6 candidates.
13. 宗教聯盟 Interfaith Union, 8 candidates.
14. 民主進步黨 Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), 33 candidates.
15. 台灣民眾黨 Taiwan People's Party, 28 candidates.
16. 台灣維新 Taiwan Renewal Party, 6 candidates.
17. 台澎黨 Sovereign State for Formosa & Pescadores Party, 4 candidates.
18. 國會政黨聯盟 Congress Party Alliance, 6 candidates.
19. 台灣團結聯盟 Taiwan Solidarity Union, 7 candidates.**
5. Around Dulan 在都蘭附近
Dulan is about twenty minutes north of Taitung City, in Dong He Township. It's an area popular with backpackers, and I've even heard it referred to as "Taitung's Westerntown" (i.e. "reverse Chinatown"). With such fame comes a variety of opinions. Some people love it, others are on the fence about it, and some people - for whatever reason - despise it. 位於東河鄉的都蘭離台東市二十分鐘. 這個地方很受背包客的歡迎. 我也聽其他人叫都蘭 "台東的西洋城" (相反的中國城). 那麼有名的地方, 當然很多人有不同的看法. 有的人喜愛, 有的人覺得還好, 有的人因為很多不同的原因很討厭都蘭.
If you want my opinion, it's alright. I've had some good nights in Dulan, and I sometimes go there to eat pizza. I don't go up there often, but I do go. 我的看法呢? 我覺得還好. 我曾在都蘭玩得很開心, 有時候也會去那裏吃披薩. 我不常去那裏, 只是偶爾去.
Most people visiting Dulan are obliged to visit the sugar factory. Many local events are held there, there are some businesses to the right and left of the main building, and there's a bar/music venue next to the smokestack. 來玩都蘭的人一定會去參觀糖廠. 當地的活動常在這裡舉辦, 糖廠二邊有些商店, 還有一間酒吧在煙囪旁邊.
Once upon a time you could go into the factory and inspect all the dusty machinery inside. They've since fenced it off. 很久以前人們可以進去糖廠看那些舊機器. 現在那個部分已經被圍起來了.
Highway 11 through Dulan. On weekends you'll see a lot of foreign tourists walking up and down this stretch of road. In the summer you'll also see a lot of sunburns. 經過都蘭的台11線. 周末的時候可以看到很多觀光客在這條路上走來走去. 夏天的時候更可以看到很多曬紅的人.
For me one of the strangest things about Dulan is the lack of variety when it comes to restaurants. You'd think with all the tourist traffic there's be more places to eat there. 我想都蘭最奇怪的部分就是餐廳不多. 觀光客很多, 可是餐廳的選擇很少.
The Dulan river, just north of town. 小鎮北邊的都蘭溪.
From the same spot, in the other direction. There's an Indian curry place on the hill above the bridge. I used to love that restaurant. 在同一個地方往另外一邊看. 山坡上有一家印度咖哩餐廳. 我以前很喜歡在那裏吃飯.
Dulan's most famous souvenir. I've never understood why tourists like these so much. 都蘭最有名的紀念品. 我不了解觀光客怎麼那麼喜歡這種書包.
East of Highway 11 is the beach. It's not an awesome beach - no white sand to be found there - but it's well visited. 台11線東邊的海灘. 這個海灘不是白沙, 也不是令人驚豔的那種, 可是還是很受歡迎.
A lot of people surf - or at least try to surf - on this beach. There are much better beaches in other parts of the county, but this beach is one of the most accessible. 很多人到這個海灘衝浪或試著衝浪. 縣內有比較好的海灘, 只是這裡比較容易到達.
...and of course for every beach in Taiwan there's a sign like this. "The deep water is dangerous, please don't play in the water." To be fair, it can be dangerous, but nature is always dangerous for those who aren't careful around it. 當然, 台灣的每座海灘都有這種牌子. "水深危險請勿戲水." 去海邊戲水有危險沒錯, 可是大自然對任何不注意安全的人來說都很危險.
I never noticed this walkway before. Judging by the plants it doesn't get used much. 我以前沒看過這條步道. 看步道上的雜草就知道沒有很多人使用它.
I took these pictures on New Year's Day. Most of the tourists, exhausted by a night of partying, had already left the area. 這些照片都是元旦的時候拍的. 大部分在前一天晚上喝醉的觀光客都已經離開了.
It's weird how little developed this stretch of coastline is. Maybe that's for the best? 這一段海岸線的發展不多. 也許這樣是最好的吧?
From Highway 11 there's a road leading to the Moonlight Inn, another famous local attraction. Before arriving at the Moonlight Inn you'll find the Dulan Archaeological Site. 從台11線有條路往知名的景點: 月光小棧. 到月光小棧前, 這條路會經過都蘭遺址.
This thing, "the Sarcophagus," is the most interesting part. The rest of it just looks like rocks, all barely distinguishable from other rocks in the area. 岩棺區是最特別的部分. 其他的部分都很像普通的石頭.
The view from the top of the hill. Those buildings to the right, just before the ocean, are downtown Dulan. 山坡上的美景. 右邊, 靠近海的建築物就是都蘭市區.
The Moonlight Inn. It's a good place to have coffee if the sun's out. It also has its share of history, which is explained both inside and outside the building. 月光小棧. 晴天時在這裡喝咖啡不錯. 這個地點也有自己的歷史, 在房子外面和裡面都有解說牌介紹.
6. Saturday, January 11 Election Results
If you want my opinion, it's alright. I've had some good nights in Dulan, and I sometimes go there to eat pizza. I don't go up there often, but I do go. 我的看法呢? 我覺得還好. 我曾在都蘭玩得很開心, 有時候也會去那裏吃披薩. 我不常去那裏, 只是偶爾去.
Most people visiting Dulan are obliged to visit the sugar factory. Many local events are held there, there are some businesses to the right and left of the main building, and there's a bar/music venue next to the smokestack. 來玩都蘭的人一定會去參觀糖廠. 當地的活動常在這裡舉辦, 糖廠二邊有些商店, 還有一間酒吧在煙囪旁邊.
Once upon a time you could go into the factory and inspect all the dusty machinery inside. They've since fenced it off. 很久以前人們可以進去糖廠看那些舊機器. 現在那個部分已經被圍起來了.
Highway 11 through Dulan. On weekends you'll see a lot of foreign tourists walking up and down this stretch of road. In the summer you'll also see a lot of sunburns. 經過都蘭的台11線. 周末的時候可以看到很多觀光客在這條路上走來走去. 夏天的時候更可以看到很多曬紅的人.
For me one of the strangest things about Dulan is the lack of variety when it comes to restaurants. You'd think with all the tourist traffic there's be more places to eat there. 我想都蘭最奇怪的部分就是餐廳不多. 觀光客很多, 可是餐廳的選擇很少.
The Dulan river, just north of town. 小鎮北邊的都蘭溪.
From the same spot, in the other direction. There's an Indian curry place on the hill above the bridge. I used to love that restaurant. 在同一個地方往另外一邊看. 山坡上有一家印度咖哩餐廳. 我以前很喜歡在那裏吃飯.
Dulan's most famous souvenir. I've never understood why tourists like these so much. 都蘭最有名的紀念品. 我不了解觀光客怎麼那麼喜歡這種書包.
East of Highway 11 is the beach. It's not an awesome beach - no white sand to be found there - but it's well visited. 台11線東邊的海灘. 這個海灘不是白沙, 也不是令人驚豔的那種, 可是還是很受歡迎.
A lot of people surf - or at least try to surf - on this beach. There are much better beaches in other parts of the county, but this beach is one of the most accessible. 很多人到這個海灘衝浪或試著衝浪. 縣內有比較好的海灘, 只是這裡比較容易到達.
...and of course for every beach in Taiwan there's a sign like this. "The deep water is dangerous, please don't play in the water." To be fair, it can be dangerous, but nature is always dangerous for those who aren't careful around it. 當然, 台灣的每座海灘都有這種牌子. "水深危險請勿戲水." 去海邊戲水有危險沒錯, 可是大自然對任何不注意安全的人來說都很危險.
I never noticed this walkway before. Judging by the plants it doesn't get used much. 我以前沒看過這條步道. 看步道上的雜草就知道沒有很多人使用它.
I took these pictures on New Year's Day. Most of the tourists, exhausted by a night of partying, had already left the area. 這些照片都是元旦的時候拍的. 大部分在前一天晚上喝醉的觀光客都已經離開了.
It's weird how little developed this stretch of coastline is. Maybe that's for the best? 這一段海岸線的發展不多. 也許這樣是最好的吧?
From Highway 11 there's a road leading to the Moonlight Inn, another famous local attraction. Before arriving at the Moonlight Inn you'll find the Dulan Archaeological Site. 從台11線有條路往知名的景點: 月光小棧. 到月光小棧前, 這條路會經過都蘭遺址.
This thing, "the Sarcophagus," is the most interesting part. The rest of it just looks like rocks, all barely distinguishable from other rocks in the area. 岩棺區是最特別的部分. 其他的部分都很像普通的石頭.
The view from the top of the hill. Those buildings to the right, just before the ocean, are downtown Dulan. 山坡上的美景. 右邊, 靠近海的建築物就是都蘭市區.
The Moonlight Inn. It's a good place to have coffee if the sun's out. It also has its share of history, which is explained both inside and outside the building. 月光小棧. 晴天時在這裡喝咖啡不錯. 這個地點也有自己的歷史, 在房子外面和裡面都有解說牌介紹.
6. Saturday, January 11 Election Results
It was a big deal, it was all over the news, so here are the results of the last election:
I. The Presidential Election
1. 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen retains her seat as President of Taiwan. She received over 8 million votes, or 57.1% of the total. Why did she win? Concerns over Mainland Chinese encroachment on Taiwan's sovereignty, and doubts about Han Kuo-yu's leadership ability were major factors.
2. 韓國瑜 Han Kuo-yu lost the election, but did manage to win several counties. One of these counties was Taitung. He received over 5 million votes, or 38.6% of the total.
3. 宋楚瑜 James Soong was a distant third. He received over 600,000 votes, or 4.3% of the total.
II. Local Legislators (113 seats total)
I should have stated this in the last entry, but there are 113 seats in the Legislative Yuan. Of these 113 seats, 73 are Local Legislators representing their voting districts, 6 are Aboriginal Legislators representing tribal interests, and 34 are "Floating" Legislators representing their respective parties.
IIa. Local Legislators (73 seats total)
1. 劉櫂豪 Liou Jhao-hao (DPP) won his seat back. If you were wondering why it was SO quiet last night it was because the KMT candidates owned most of the fireworks.
IIb. Aboriginal Legislators (6 seats total)
1. I didn't mention these candidates by name in the last entry because there were a lot of them. 鄭天財 Sra Kacaw (KMT), 陳瑩 (DPP) and 廖國棟 Sufin Siluko (KMT) won seats as "Flatland" Aboriginal Legislators, and 伍麗華 Saidhai Tahovecahe (DPP), 孔文吉 Kong Wen Ji (KMT) and 高金素梅 Gao Jin Su Mei (unaffiliated) won seats as a Mountain Aboriginal Legislators.
IIc. "Floating" Legislators (34 seats total)
The DPP and KMT each won 13 seats, the People First Party won 5 seats and The New Power Party won 3 seats.
7. What's Going On On the Beautiful Island
I. The Presidential Election
1. 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen retains her seat as President of Taiwan. She received over 8 million votes, or 57.1% of the total. Why did she win? Concerns over Mainland Chinese encroachment on Taiwan's sovereignty, and doubts about Han Kuo-yu's leadership ability were major factors.
2. 韓國瑜 Han Kuo-yu lost the election, but did manage to win several counties. One of these counties was Taitung. He received over 5 million votes, or 38.6% of the total.
3. 宋楚瑜 James Soong was a distant third. He received over 600,000 votes, or 4.3% of the total.
II. Local Legislators (113 seats total)
I should have stated this in the last entry, but there are 113 seats in the Legislative Yuan. Of these 113 seats, 73 are Local Legislators representing their voting districts, 6 are Aboriginal Legislators representing tribal interests, and 34 are "Floating" Legislators representing their respective parties.
IIa. Local Legislators (73 seats total)
1. 劉櫂豪 Liou Jhao-hao (DPP) won his seat back. If you were wondering why it was SO quiet last night it was because the KMT candidates owned most of the fireworks.
IIb. Aboriginal Legislators (6 seats total)
1. I didn't mention these candidates by name in the last entry because there were a lot of them. 鄭天財 Sra Kacaw (KMT), 陳瑩 (DPP) and 廖國棟 Sufin Siluko (KMT) won seats as "Flatland" Aboriginal Legislators, and 伍麗華 Saidhai Tahovecahe (DPP), 孔文吉 Kong Wen Ji (KMT) and 高金素梅 Gao Jin Su Mei (unaffiliated) won seats as a Mountain Aboriginal Legislators.
IIc. "Floating" Legislators (34 seats total)
The DPP and KMT each won 13 seats, the People First Party won 5 seats and The New Power Party won 3 seats.
7. What's Going On On the Beautiful Island
I. The Election is Over.
1. That's one less thing to worry about, right? Right?
A. Tsai Ing-wen 蔡英文 remains President of Taiwan.
(1). Haters gonna hate. Oh well, the world keeps turning...
B. The DPP won a lot of legislative seats too. KMT supporters are very sad.
(1). I can continue to go up the coast without encountering busloads of Mainland tourists. Sounds like a win to me.
II. Chinese New Year Approaches
1. It'll be the Year of the Rat.
A. Happy Chinese New Year.
(1). I'll be in Kaohsiung 高雄 during the holiday.
a. Kaohsiung isn't that bad.
[1]. Even if it was, I won't be there long.
(2). Before the holiday, we'll be taking a trip to Jia Yi 嘉義and Nantou 南投.
a. I haven't been to Nantou in at least 15 years.
b. That'll be interesting.
(3). Before the trip to Jia Yi and Nantou I'll be teaching/attending an English Winter Camp in Chu Lu 初鹿.
a. That won't be very interesting.
b. If I'm lucky it'll go by fast.
1. It'll be the Year of the Rat.
A. Happy Chinese New Year.
(1). I'll be in Kaohsiung 高雄 during the holiday.
a. Kaohsiung isn't that bad.
[1]. Even if it was, I won't be there long.
(2). Before the holiday, we'll be taking a trip to Jia Yi 嘉義and Nantou 南投.
a. I haven't been to Nantou in at least 15 years.
b. That'll be interesting.
(3). Before the trip to Jia Yi and Nantou I'll be teaching/attending an English Winter Camp in Chu Lu 初鹿.
a. That won't be very interesting.
b. If I'm lucky it'll go by fast.
III. The Days are Getting Longer
1. This is good, because lately I end up running after sundown.
A. Running through Shr Chuan 石川 after dark is dangerous.
B. I'm getting tired of the "cold."
(1). "Cold" being a relative term, because in Seattle, where I'm from, "cold" would be considered "warm."
C. Soon we can start complaining about the "heat."
(1) "Heat" being a less relative term. Because Taitung 台東, where I live, is hotter than a lot of places.
(2) However hot it is where you are this summer, it's probably hotter in Dawu 大武.
1. This is good, because lately I end up running after sundown.
A. Running through Shr Chuan 石川 after dark is dangerous.
B. I'm getting tired of the "cold."
(1). "Cold" being a relative term, because in Seattle, where I'm from, "cold" would be considered "warm."
C. Soon we can start complaining about the "heat."
(1) "Heat" being a less relative term. Because Taitung 台東, where I live, is hotter than a lot of places.
(2) However hot it is where you are this summer, it's probably hotter in Dawu 大武.
IV. Stuff That Always Happens is Still Happening
1. People are making "art."
A. Some of the "art" is terrible.
(1). The terrible "art" is receiving universal acclaim.
B. Some of the "art" is good.
(1). The good "art" is being dismissed as "divisive."
2. People are stuck in traffic.
A. Some of them are resigning themselves to this fact.
B. Others are becoming increasingly aggressive, to the point where they're endangering themselves and others.
(1) Most of the aggressive drivers/riders on scooters will come out the worse for wear after their respective traffic accidents.
(2) Many of the aggressive drivers in cars will injure and/or kill pedestrians or people on scooters.
3. Other people are not stuck in traffic.
A. Some of them are thinking sexual thoughts.
B. Some of them are worried about their families, school or work.
C. Still others aren't thinking about anything at all.
V. Cool Stuff is Going Down in Taipei 台北
1. I have no idea what this "cool stuff" is because I'm not there.
A. Those of us in Taitung always have the impression that "cool" stuff is going down in Taipei. We may all be wrong.
(1). Department stores there may be having sales.
(2). A marathon/road run may be taking place this weekend.
(3). Whatever it is, people in Taipei will worry about the weather less, because they have the MRT and lots of stuff underground.
(4). If I was in Taipei I'd probably be walking around the Xinyi Shopping District 信義商圈.
1. People are making "art."
A. Some of the "art" is terrible.
(1). The terrible "art" is receiving universal acclaim.
B. Some of the "art" is good.
(1). The good "art" is being dismissed as "divisive."
2. People are stuck in traffic.
A. Some of them are resigning themselves to this fact.
B. Others are becoming increasingly aggressive, to the point where they're endangering themselves and others.
(1) Most of the aggressive drivers/riders on scooters will come out the worse for wear after their respective traffic accidents.
(2) Many of the aggressive drivers in cars will injure and/or kill pedestrians or people on scooters.
3. Other people are not stuck in traffic.
A. Some of them are thinking sexual thoughts.
B. Some of them are worried about their families, school or work.
C. Still others aren't thinking about anything at all.
1. I have no idea what this "cool stuff" is because I'm not there.
A. Those of us in Taitung always have the impression that "cool" stuff is going down in Taipei. We may all be wrong.
(1). Department stores there may be having sales.
(2). A marathon/road run may be taking place this weekend.
(3). Whatever it is, people in Taipei will worry about the weather less, because they have the MRT and lots of stuff underground.
(4). If I was in Taipei I'd probably be walking around the Xinyi Shopping District 信義商圈.
VI. Stuff That Hasn't Happened Previously is Happening
1. Something of historic import is either being ignored or is being completely misunderstood because of online news cycles.
A. This something has roots in emerging economic, demographic, sociological or geographic factors that aren't easily distilled through social media outlets such as Facebook or Twitter.
(1). Could Google's search engine ever become self-aware? Is it already so? Google, can you "hear" me?
2. Something of little or no historic import is being magnified and/or completely misunderstood because of online news cycles.
A.This something involves wars, sports, soundbites from politicians, sex or celebrities.
(1). Hey, what's Cardi B up to this week?
(2). How can I be more outraged by Trump's latest tweet?
(3). What's Han Kuo-yu 韓國瑜 doing post-election?
VII. People on the East Coast are Developing Stuff
1. Someone is trying to build a hotel.
2. Someone else is trying to open a restaurant.
3. Someone else is in a waiting room, waiting to see the Taitung, Hualien 花蓮 or Yilan 宜蘭 County Magistrate, in the hopes of getting money for some questionable business venture.
4. Various other people, ambivalent and unambitious, are drinking beer in the morning, watching TV, or doing both at the same time.
1. Something of historic import is either being ignored or is being completely misunderstood because of online news cycles.
A. This something has roots in emerging economic, demographic, sociological or geographic factors that aren't easily distilled through social media outlets such as Facebook or Twitter.
(1). Could Google's search engine ever become self-aware? Is it already so? Google, can you "hear" me?
2. Something of little or no historic import is being magnified and/or completely misunderstood because of online news cycles.
A.This something involves wars, sports, soundbites from politicians, sex or celebrities.
(1). Hey, what's Cardi B up to this week?
(2). How can I be more outraged by Trump's latest tweet?
(3). What's Han Kuo-yu 韓國瑜 doing post-election?
1. Someone is trying to build a hotel.
2. Someone else is trying to open a restaurant.
3. Someone else is in a waiting room, waiting to see the Taitung, Hualien 花蓮 or Yilan 宜蘭 County Magistrate, in the hopes of getting money for some questionable business venture.
4. Various other people, ambivalent and unambitious, are drinking beer in the morning, watching TV, or doing both at the same time.
VIII. Some Stuff, Which Has Never Happened, Continues to Not Happen Because It's Impossible
1. The teaching of the English language is not improving in places where "face" is paramount, and where fear of embarrassment/censure prevents real advances in English language teaching from being made.
A. Some kid who can barely read or write in English is getting 100% on an English test.
B. His teacher is congratulating himself/herself over this fact.
C. Another teacher, having administered a test more relevant to a workable understanding of English, is being censured.
D. The system grinds onward.
2. The role of the Taiwanese language in Taiwanese society is not expanding. Other languages continue to encroach upon it, for the simple reason that other languages have more practical value.
A. Although the Taiwanese soap operas seen during Chinese New Year lead you to the opposite conclusion, I'm guessing that many of the actors and actresses in those shows find the dialogue very awkward at times.
(1). Someone is switching the channel to an American blockbuster.
(2). Someone else is switching to a variety show which includes jokes in Taiwanese, but which is mostly conducted in Mandarin.
B. Taiwanese continues to be very useful in central Taiwan, where people really speak (and live) it.
(1). Some drunk guy in a KTV in Yunlin 雲林 is cracking untranslatable jokes and having a great time.
(2). Some lady in Tainan 台南 is using Taiwanese to buy vegetables at a market there.
(3). A Taiwanese teacher in a Taipei 台北 elementary school is struggling to control a largely disinterested student body.
3. The number of English words incorporated into Mandarin and the number of Mandarin words incorporated into English is increasing, because hey, that's demography.
A. 大家keep fighting.
B. 你怎麼那麼high呢?
C. 我今天非常busy.
IX. People in Cities are Envying the Lives of Those in Rural Areas, People in Rural Areas are Envying the Lives of Those in Cities, and People on the Outlying Islands may be Lying Outside.
1. If I lived in downtown Kaohsiung City I'd be thinking about moving to Mei Nong 美濃.
2. If I lived in parts of Miaoli 苗栗I'd want to move to Taipei.
3. If I lived on Penghu 澎湖, Matsu 馬祖, Jinmen 金門, Green Island or Orchid Island I'd probably spend a lot of time on a wicker chair, sunning myself when it wasn't too hot.
(1). Liars, of which every place has not a few, would probably spend their time on outlying islands outside, lying. And by the way, are there "inlying islands?"
a. Yes. The "inlying island" would be Formosa, which means "beautiful island" in Portuguese. There. You. Go.
8. Going Viral
1. The teaching of the English language is not improving in places where "face" is paramount, and where fear of embarrassment/censure prevents real advances in English language teaching from being made.
A. Some kid who can barely read or write in English is getting 100% on an English test.
B. His teacher is congratulating himself/herself over this fact.
C. Another teacher, having administered a test more relevant to a workable understanding of English, is being censured.
D. The system grinds onward.
2. The role of the Taiwanese language in Taiwanese society is not expanding. Other languages continue to encroach upon it, for the simple reason that other languages have more practical value.
A. Although the Taiwanese soap operas seen during Chinese New Year lead you to the opposite conclusion, I'm guessing that many of the actors and actresses in those shows find the dialogue very awkward at times.
(1). Someone is switching the channel to an American blockbuster.
(2). Someone else is switching to a variety show which includes jokes in Taiwanese, but which is mostly conducted in Mandarin.
B. Taiwanese continues to be very useful in central Taiwan, where people really speak (and live) it.
(1). Some drunk guy in a KTV in Yunlin 雲林 is cracking untranslatable jokes and having a great time.
(2). Some lady in Tainan 台南 is using Taiwanese to buy vegetables at a market there.
(3). A Taiwanese teacher in a Taipei 台北 elementary school is struggling to control a largely disinterested student body.
3. The number of English words incorporated into Mandarin and the number of Mandarin words incorporated into English is increasing, because hey, that's demography.
A. 大家keep fighting.
B. 你怎麼那麼high呢?
C. 我今天非常busy.
1. If I lived in downtown Kaohsiung City I'd be thinking about moving to Mei Nong 美濃.
2. If I lived in parts of Miaoli 苗栗I'd want to move to Taipei.
3. If I lived on Penghu 澎湖, Matsu 馬祖, Jinmen 金門, Green Island or Orchid Island I'd probably spend a lot of time on a wicker chair, sunning myself when it wasn't too hot.
(1). Liars, of which every place has not a few, would probably spend their time on outlying islands outside, lying. And by the way, are there "inlying islands?"
a. Yes. The "inlying island" would be Formosa, which means "beautiful island" in Portuguese. There. You. Go.
8. Going Viral
Whenever SARS happened, back then I was living in Seattle with my wife and older daughter. I was in graduate school, and my wife was working in a hotel. It was a pleasant enough two years.
One morning back then we drove to the Great Wall Mall. It was one of those things we did when we missed Chinese food or Chinese people. The Great Wall Mall is, as you might have already guessed, an Asian-themed shopping mall south of Seattle. It isn't big compared to the nearby Southcenter Mall, but it contains a large Asian supermarket and several restaurants.
Our trip to the Great Wall Mall happened in the middle of the SARS epidemic. SARS was all over the news, and a lot of people in that part of the country were trying to avoid Asian people because of it. They wouldn't have put it in such terms of course, but that's exactly what they were doing. It didn't matter what part of of Asia the Asian people were from; it didn't matter how long they'd been in the States. SARS was on everyone's mind, and as a result Asian businesses in the States suffered.
Fast forward 16 years or so to 2020, and now everyone's talking about the coronavirus (covid-19). It's literally impossible to avoid discussions and news items on this topic, and these discussions and news items range from the wildest sort of conjecture to more fact-based approaches that are easily ignored. For example, I sat through a three hour meeting yesterday, and you can bet that what we talked about - to the exclusion of almost everything else - was the coronavirus. Hand washing, face masks, the taking of temperatures - it was all discussed (and discussed again) to the point of exhaustion.
When I first heard about the coronavirus we were up in Nantou 南投, just starting our winter vacation. We were ten minutes down the road from Ching Jing Farm 清境農場, and even there you could feel the unease. "What is it?" "How do you catch it?" "What should we do?" Way, WAY up in the mountains, and even people there were worried. Not everyone of course, but some.
After spending a few days in Nantou we went to my mother-in-law's house in Kaohsiung 高雄 for the Chinese New Year holiday. In case you don't have Chinese relatives or in-laws, Chinese New Year usually involves spending a lot of time indoors with extended family members. Needless to say, the TV news was on in my mother-in-law's apartment almost 24/7, and the barrage of coronavirus-related stories was unrelenting. People weren't quite in a panic yet, but you could feel it waiting in the wings.
Two weeks later, and my school has cancelled a lot of the group activities scheduled for this semester. Some of the English teachers, perhaps out of a certain self-interest, are also calling for the cancellation of the County English competition. Taiwan is requiring a 14-day quarantine for travelers arriving from South Korea. The Philippines attempted - and then lifted - a similar quarantine on travelers from Taiwan. It's all very confusing, and very worrying to most people.
And what about the Great Wall Mall? Does it stand as empty now as it did in 2004? Are people in Seattle avoiding Asians, having associated them with the dread coronavirus? I'm sure that some of them are, and it's definitely not right, but I can't judge them too harshly for it. It wouldn't be any different if some Taiwanese guy's wife announced - in the middle of a local market - that she was from Wuhan 武漢. Can you imagine the tension that would create? Can you imagine how much personal space she'd be given?
Hopefully the hysteria will abate soon. Perhaps a vaccine will appear. Perhaps one already has. I'm not sure about the vaccine because I'm avoiding the news right now. I've already had weeks of hearing about the coronavirus, and I need a break.
We always need to ask ourselves if we're taking proper precautions or if we're panicking. Often it's hard to tell. No one wants to catch a potentially fatal virus, but then again how many people die in traffic accidents each day? How many people die from other causes? In terms of ways you could die, the coronavirus is (at least at the time of writing) pretty low on the list, and even if it was more of a threat none of us are going to live forever. We try to be safe, but the world is full of dangers.
And while we're exploring this topic, how's your face mask supply? Do you have enough? Are you avoiding public places? Are you washing your hands? Have you been to any shopping malls recently? Have you been staying indoors more?
The March 2010 entries are to be found in the Blog Archive 4 entry. There are only three of them. Apparently I had a LONG winter vacation that year. 2010年三月的文章都藏在Blog Achive很久很久以前的文章4裡面. 那一年的寒假很"長".
1. English Literature 英文文學
In that entry I discussed English fiction, English-language books that might help people understand Western culture, and authors I liked at the time. 我在那篇文章裡討論了我當時喜歡的作者, 也討論了英文小說和可能幫助其他人認識西方文化的英語書籍.
Back then I was working at Taitung University's Language Center, and students would occasionally ask me about what books I liked, what English-language books were more interesting, or what books could help them learn English. 那時候我也在台東大學的語言中心上班, 有時候學生會問我喜歡什麼書, 哪些英文書比較有趣或是在學習上比較有效.
I still agree with everything written in that entry, though if I was writing about this topic today I'd probably leave James Ellroy off the list. He wrote some great books, but his recent stuff isn't very good. 我還是同意那時候的看法, 但是我現在會把James Ellroy刪除. 雖然他寫了一些好書, 可是我覺得他最近寫的小說沒有那麼好看了.
2. Buying Land in Taitung 台東置產
Back when I wrote that we were thinking about buying land. We later decided to buy an apartment in the city instead. We do still talk about buying a house, but if we did it would definitely be outside the city. 當時寫那篇文章時我們在考慮買土地. 後來決定在市區買公寓. 我們有時候還是會討論買房子, 只是我們就不會考慮買市內的.
But where, exactly? Back in March 2010 I mentioned Li Ji and Tai Ma Li, but knowing what I now know about Li Ji I probably wouldn't buy land there. Erosion is too much of a issue in that area. Parts of Tai Ma Li are alright, but Tai Ma Li is far from the city and exposure to pesticides can be a problem. The school where I work is in Taitung City, and my wife's school is in Hai Duan, so somewhere in the East Rift Valley would probably be best. 問題是在哪裡? 2010年三月我想到的是利吉或太麻里, 可是現在覺得利吉的土石流應該是個大問題. 所以不會在那附近買房子. 太麻里有的地方不錯, 可是離市區比較遠和農藥使用的影響. 我的學校在台東市區, 我太太的學校在海端, 所以在花東縱谷大概是最好的選擇.
The issue of buying a house is compounded by the fact that I might (I say might) be changing schools next year. If I leave my present school I'll probably have to leave the county, which for me means either south Pingtung or south Hualien. IF we moved that far away we'd be renting a house near my new school for a while, and possibly buying a house a year or so later. 讓買房子這件事更複雜的是我下學年可能換學校. 如果下學年我換學校, 我大概會到屏東縣或是花蓮縣的南部. 如果搬到那麼遠的地方的話, 第一年一定會在那裏租房子, 之後再考慮.
3. Wildlife in Taitung 台東野生動物
I was really into local wildlife at the time. Part of the reason for this was a book I bought on this topic. I'm always happy to see local animals when I ride my bike, and in certain parts of Taitung they're not that hard to see. Birds and snakes? No problem. A Formosan black bear? Uh... good luck with that. 我當時對當地野生動物很有興趣. 部分的原因是我那時候買的一本書. 我很喜歡騎單車的時候看到當地的動物, 台東有的地方很容易看到. 鳥類跟蛇類? 沒有問題. 台灣黑熊呢? 不可能吧!
I don't want to preach too much, but I wish there was more effort put towards conservation in this area. Local elected officials are, for the most part, put into office by either farmers or those engaged in selling things to tourists, and whatever these officials do in the local government tends to focus more on agriculture/land reclamation and tourism/development. This is to be expected in any rural area, but development can do more harm than good if left unchecked. 我不想講得太嚴肅, 可是我希望當地人更重視環保. 這裡的政府官員都是靠農夫, 商人投他們的票, 所以比較重視農業, 政府土地利用, 觀光業跟地方發展的部分. 所有的鄉下地方當然這樣, 可是只重視發展而沒想到未來的環保問題是很危險的事.
I do worry about the environment here, primarily because there are wider environmental issues in Taitung that more people should know about. I'm not just talking about building hotels too close to local beaches, nuclear waste or garbage incinerators. I'm talking about potentially bigger problems like chemical fertilizers entering the water supply, traffic and land put to improper uses. 我真的擔心台東的環境問題. 主要原因是應該有更多的人來關心更廣泛的環境議題. 不只是在海邊蓋大飯店, 核廢料或是焚化爐, 我講的是更大的問題. 例如化學肥料滲透到飲用水裡, 塞車和土地的不當使用.
In that entry I discussed English fiction, English-language books that might help people understand Western culture, and authors I liked at the time. 我在那篇文章裡討論了我當時喜歡的作者, 也討論了英文小說和可能幫助其他人認識西方文化的英語書籍.
Back then I was working at Taitung University's Language Center, and students would occasionally ask me about what books I liked, what English-language books were more interesting, or what books could help them learn English. 那時候我也在台東大學的語言中心上班, 有時候學生會問我喜歡什麼書, 哪些英文書比較有趣或是在學習上比較有效.
I still agree with everything written in that entry, though if I was writing about this topic today I'd probably leave James Ellroy off the list. He wrote some great books, but his recent stuff isn't very good. 我還是同意那時候的看法, 但是我現在會把James Ellroy刪除. 雖然他寫了一些好書, 可是我覺得他最近寫的小說沒有那麼好看了.
Back when I wrote that we were thinking about buying land. We later decided to buy an apartment in the city instead. We do still talk about buying a house, but if we did it would definitely be outside the city. 當時寫那篇文章時我們在考慮買土地. 後來決定在市區買公寓. 我們有時候還是會討論買房子, 只是我們就不會考慮買市內的.
But where, exactly? Back in March 2010 I mentioned Li Ji and Tai Ma Li, but knowing what I now know about Li Ji I probably wouldn't buy land there. Erosion is too much of a issue in that area. Parts of Tai Ma Li are alright, but Tai Ma Li is far from the city and exposure to pesticides can be a problem. The school where I work is in Taitung City, and my wife's school is in Hai Duan, so somewhere in the East Rift Valley would probably be best. 問題是在哪裡? 2010年三月我想到的是利吉或太麻里, 可是現在覺得利吉的土石流應該是個大問題. 所以不會在那附近買房子. 太麻里有的地方不錯, 可是離市區比較遠和農藥使用的影響. 我的學校在台東市區, 我太太的學校在海端, 所以在花東縱谷大概是最好的選擇.
The issue of buying a house is compounded by the fact that I might (I say might) be changing schools next year. If I leave my present school I'll probably have to leave the county, which for me means either south Pingtung or south Hualien. IF we moved that far away we'd be renting a house near my new school for a while, and possibly buying a house a year or so later. 讓買房子這件事更複雜的是我下學年可能換學校. 如果下學年我換學校, 我大概會到屏東縣或是花蓮縣的南部. 如果搬到那麼遠的地方的話, 第一年一定會在那裏租房子, 之後再考慮.
I was really into local wildlife at the time. Part of the reason for this was a book I bought on this topic. I'm always happy to see local animals when I ride my bike, and in certain parts of Taitung they're not that hard to see. Birds and snakes? No problem. A Formosan black bear? Uh... good luck with that. 我當時對當地野生動物很有興趣. 部分的原因是我那時候買的一本書. 我很喜歡騎單車的時候看到當地的動物, 台東有的地方很容易看到. 鳥類跟蛇類? 沒有問題. 台灣黑熊呢? 不可能吧!
I don't want to preach too much, but I wish there was more effort put towards conservation in this area. Local elected officials are, for the most part, put into office by either farmers or those engaged in selling things to tourists, and whatever these officials do in the local government tends to focus more on agriculture/land reclamation and tourism/development. This is to be expected in any rural area, but development can do more harm than good if left unchecked. 我不想講得太嚴肅, 可是我希望當地人更重視環保. 這裡的政府官員都是靠農夫, 商人投他們的票, 所以比較重視農業, 政府土地利用, 觀光業跟地方發展的部分. 所有的鄉下地方當然這樣, 可是只重視發展而沒想到未來的環保問題是很危險的事.
I do worry about the environment here, primarily because there are wider environmental issues in Taitung that more people should know about. I'm not just talking about building hotels too close to local beaches, nuclear waste or garbage incinerators. I'm talking about potentially bigger problems like chemical fertilizers entering the water supply, traffic and land put to improper uses. 我真的擔心台東的環境問題. 主要原因是應該有更多的人來關心更廣泛的環境議題. 不只是在海邊蓋大飯店, 核廢料或是焚化爐, 我講的是更大的問題. 例如化學肥料滲透到飲用水裡, 塞車和土地的不當使用.
10. 鐵道迷的第一本書 A Book for Train Aficionados 5
The Chinese text below was taken from "A Book for Train Aficionados" 鐵道迷的一本書, as written by 鄧志忠. The English was written/translated by me. I'm not sure how many entries from this book I'll do, but this will definitely be one of many.
透過歷史資料的陳展, 模型與珍貴的列車的動, 靜態保存, 鐵路博物館兼具了展示, 教育, 蒐藏與娛樂休閒功能. Railroad museums have many functions, including providing exhibits on railroad history, using models to show how trains operated and the preservation of historic trains. [They also serve] educational and recreational purposes.
台灣已有一些鐵道展示場 (館), 但為了更有系統的建立利鐵道文化館藏事業, 未來規劃於原來的台北機場建立國家級的鐵道博物館, 保存珍貴的台灣鐵道文化資產, 將有利喚醒大眾對鐵道文化的重視. Taiwan already has a few railway exhibition sites (museums), but as a means of establishing a proper system of curating railway culture an international-level railway museum will be constructed near the Taipei Airport. [This railway museum] will preserve Taiwan's precious railway heritage and cultural resources, and will redirect the public's attention toward railway culture.
台灣有哪些鐵道博物館或文化園區?
What Railway Museums and Culture Parks are Found in Taiwan?
What Railway Museums and Culture Parks are Found in Taiwan?
透過歷史資料的陳展, 模型與珍貴的列車的動, 靜態保存, 鐵路博物館兼具了展示, 教育, 蒐藏與娛樂休閒功能. Railroad museums have many functions, including providing exhibits on railroad history, using models to show how trains operated and the preservation of historic trains. [They also serve] educational and recreational purposes.
台灣已有一些鐵道展示場 (館), 但為了更有系統的建立利鐵道文化館藏事業, 未來規劃於原來的台北機場建立國家級的鐵道博物館, 保存珍貴的台灣鐵道文化資產, 將有利喚醒大眾對鐵道文化的重視. Taiwan already has a few railway exhibition sites (museums), but as a means of establishing a proper system of curating railway culture an international-level railway museum will be constructed near the Taipei Airport. [This railway museum] will preserve Taiwan's precious railway heritage and cultural resources, and will redirect the public's attention toward railway culture.
台鐵
TRA (Taiwan Railways Administration)
TRA (Taiwan Railways Administration)
5. 高雄鐵道工程局*
Kaohsiung Railway Construction Bureau
Kaohsiung Railway Construction Bureau
捷運
MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)
MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)
鹽業鐵路
Salt Industry Railroad
Salt Industry Railroad
台車
Wulai Handcar Museum (Forestry Life House)
Whushulin "Five Parts" Train Culture Park
3. 旗山車站糖鐵故事館
Cishan Station Sugar Train Story House
Shin Ping River Mining History Park
2. 猴硐坑文化休閒園區
Houtong Mine Recreational Culture Park
Jiayi Alishan Forest Railroad Beimen Garage Park
2. 宜蘭羅東林業文化園區
Yilan Luodong Forestry Culture Park
High Speed Rail Discovery Museum
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