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Sincere Apologies for Going Off-LinePosted on 3/5/2010 at 1:59 PM - 0 Comments - Post Comment - LinkIn our last week in Taiwan internet connections were difficult to find and the blog site seemed to be down. Therefore, the blog dried up! We appreciate everyone trying to get on and being frustrated when the connection couldn't be made. We were trying hard to fix the problem but to no avail. So here, in hindsight, is a summary of the final week. We arrived home from East Taiwan on the high speed train, having bonded even further with our hosts and the American GSE team. There are severals 'mouth open, eyes closed' photographs because it had certainly been a big week. Street parades, fire crackers, tours of Buddhist temples, the East Coast beach and street art, the boat ride on the Love River in Kao-Hshiung, the karaoke on the bus, the tour to the village rebuilt by Rotary after a major mudslide wiped out a whole town, bike ride to the Lotus Ponds. We had an excellent time and Vincent, true to form, really looked after us. On arrival back at my host family, Jennifer and Alex, we went for a tour of the market right on their doorstep. This gave me a good orientation, because the following evening after a beautiful home cooked meal, I returned to the market by myself for some individual shopping time. Up until this point I had very little time to purchase any gifts for folk back home due to a very hectic schedule. I appreciated the chance to wander and time passed quickly, with Alex meeting me at the temple beside the market at midnight curfew. The markets were very much in full swing - I don't think Taiwan ever sleeps! By this time our team leader Ian was really starting to struggle with his health and we felt very worried about him. Despite much Chinese medicine and care and concern shown by our hosts and our team, he was not responding to treatment and we were anxious that he find the treatment he needed and if this was not available, cut the trip short and return home. Ian progressed on in a 'never say die' fashion though and although he needed to cut his presence at the district conference he remained optimistic about his improvement. District Conference at the Grand Hotel was simply incredible. We felt as though we were in the opening ceremony of a major world event. Our hosts had reserved us the second row in a room full of Rotarians from the district as well as visitors. There were over a 1000 people in attendance. We caught up with the many youth exchange students including three Aussies, all in good spirits. YE program is a year duration program. Whilst we struggled to keep up with the speeches which were delivered in Chinese, Japanese and English at times, we certainly could participate in some of the singing, the aerobic exercises, the dancing and fun. Our conference booth was great, even if we do say so ourselves and we received very positive feedback. Our hosts had prepared huge posters of us taken from our photos and this added a special touch. We managed to give away our 200 koalas and other merchandise collected from Aussie businesses before the two days were over. The conference dinner saw us belly dancing on stage with the past president females, and I even sang a duet. Index tried to keep us in check, but the party atmosphere was contagious and several Rotarians we had met over the course of the three weeks made sure we were in the thick of it. The conference program was incredible and exhaustive and I'd be surprised if there was any Rotary District in the world which would be able to top it. On the second day we were invited by Lady Catherine (wife of the DG) to participate in the Opera. Craig, Brian, Christie from the New York GSE team and Aaron from our team were made up for an hour and a half before emerging with bright faces and incredible costumes. The opera was loud, with lots of drums and percussion instruments and a mixture of high pitched singing and acrobats. The GSE teams were very popular with many photos taken. Aaron reminded me of David Bowie in his make up. After conference dinner we changed hosts for the fourth and final time. My new hosts Jason and Maye, lived beside Taipei 101 building, the second tallest building in the world. The apartment is spectacular, something you would expect to see in a palace. My room was sensational and we had a maid who did the washing and prepared all meals. I was given a fair bit of freedom in the last week and allowed to roam a little more independently. The last week flew by quickly, due again to Ian's illness and our shared concern for him. Due to his ill health Ian was put up in the Caesar Motel which was very kind of his host family to give him some privacy. We were concerned about him though as he was now by himself. Index, GSE chair, was wonderful and took calls from Ian at any time of the night and day despite his own exhausting schedule. In the meantime the rest of us were at vocational visits, cultural visits and preparing for the farewell dinner. We were very relieved when Ian finally decided it was time to head home early and although the decision was hampered by the availability of flights, Ian returned home a little earlier and was admitted into hospital straight away. As the schedule progressed, we visited Wang Tea Garden and learnt about organic tea growing. We also visited a Buddhist temple which was so high up it felt like the top of the world. The mist around us as we descended in the bus was eerie and the air was damp. We presented at our last Rotary Club, minus Ian, and were relieved that this commitment was now complete. We were becoming increasingly worried about the farewell dinner as we knew how difficult it would be to say goodbye to our Rotary team of supporters Index, Vincent, Stanley, Hank, Ben, Air Con and our friend Max, as well as the New York Team, and our host families in attendance. I sat with a GSE team leader who had escorted a team to the UK and she said she had cried at the final dinner. I also spent the night in tears and it was an emotional evening for all. We were presented with a beautiful scroll with our Chinese name and a seal. This was a touching gift which we had not expected. This was the last time we would see the American team and this was very difficult after the strong bonds we had formed over the past four weeks. Thanks heavens for Facebook. Overall in Taiwan, I had an excellent time and I am just so grateful to Rotary and my collleague Rachel who encouraged me to apply. This was for me a life changing experience - at forty I was required to finally grow up and face the world outside of my own familiar town and without a friend for a crutch. I am proud of how I managed the many challenges associated with visiting a predominantly English as second language country. We take a lot for granted including how easy it is to communicate with others. To stay with host families was indeed one of the greatest gifts ever - to learn about Taiwan and to able to enquire honestly about why and how things work as they do provided a wonderful insight into Taiwan. I am touched and humbled by the kindness of people in Taiwan - I was literally treated like a princess and I have to say, it felt pretty good! Rotarians in Taiwan are generous, kind, astute people who really made a huge effort to make our stay a very memorable one. Now that I have returned, I have to say that many people back home want to know about the strange foods, the hygiene, the toilets etc. and in telling these stories I worry that I am not doing Taiwan justice. Yes, these elements make for interesting talk and yes, Taiwan has some major difference to Australia. Better or worse though is not for me to judge. What I see in Taiwan is a country keen for recognition, but willing to earn it the hard way. I see a country whose people are tolerant and kind and a society where educators are respected and admired. I see a people who are hard working and committed and who have a rich culture influenced by the many who have shown an interest in Isla Formosa over the years. I see a society who is committed to the rules set up - on the MRT nobody eats or drinks or chews gum, becuase that is the rule. How often have we sat on a train in Australia and been concerned about graffiti or rubbish? Here's some other basic 'ah ha' reflections from me: -the MRT transport system is well organised, clean and efficient. I loved it! I wish we had a better transport network in Australia. -The squat toilets whilst sometimes an inconvenienc could be managed once you knew the tricks of the trade (thanks Ed for inducting us all!) Just don't flush the toilet paper and alway have tissues on you. -In Taiwan, savory is sweet (red bean desserrt) and sweet is savory (heavily sugared breads). Try everything and reserve judgement. Cuisine is a big part of the experience in other countries. I tried sushimi and love it (never was I game in Australia) and sure I had some other things that I wouldn't say I loved but I tried them because my hosts liked and recommended them. -Tea is huge in Taiwan. I am a sugar and milk person normally - not anymore. I brought a tea set home with me so look out family and friends! -Stay away from the tap water - even the locals filter and boil it. -Chopsticks: immerse yourself in their use because you will never starve in Taiwan, even if your chopstick proficiency is not great. I think now I am an 8 out of 10. -The currency is easy to master once you get over the fact that a bottle of water costs $18. -Expect noise and embrace it. It is never ending but that's what happens when people live in crowded conditions. Australia 2 people per sq km, Taiwan 635 per sq km. -The road rules - what road rules? Yet I didn't ever witness any road rage like we see. Perhaps that's why one of the most used phrases in Taiwan is "don't worry about it". -Be happy and approach the locals and talk to them. Most are extremely friendly and keen to help. Thank you Taiwan. You certainly touched my heart and I will definitely be back.
East Taiwan - An Extension to Ed's PostPosted on 16/4/2010 at 1:51 AM - 2 Comments - Post Comment - LinkFrom the moment we boarded our train early Monday morning we knew we were in for a special time and a rare treat. East Taiwan is considered to be the most picturesque part of Taiwan. We headed for Taroko Gorge, an ancient hunting trail, carved from a marble canyon. The roads were narrow and windy in places but the views and atmosphere were very special. Taroko is a national park. The danger of falling rocks is real and we needed to wear helmets to walk the tourist track. The river below was a beautiful blue-green shade. PP Doc bought us each a piece of weaving done by the indigenous inhabitants of this area, the Atayal people. At night we stayed in a luxurious resort, Zao Feng Range, complete with its own zoo. The rooms were massive and the bed was huge. We enjoyed yet another fine banquet with delicacies including a broth which contained deer horn complete with velvet still intact, and fresh shrimp, drunken in alcohol before being cooked alive in front of us. The grounds of the resort were huge and we used golf buggies to get around the park. We enjoyed a bathe in the hot springs during the evening. We were also fortunate to pay a visit to the Tzu-Chi Buddhist Hospital. This special site has a museum dedicated to the Buddhist teachings of a monk, who encouraged others to raise funds to assist the poor. Tzu-Chi Foundation is a famous world wide aid organization. The Foundation was founded in Taiwan in 1966 and has now spread to all corners of the world. The following morning we moved on to an Aboriginal working village resort into simpler accommodation. The following morning we were treated to a special dancing and singing show put on for us by tribal members. We experienced too earth quakes while in the village but nothing that we could feel. During our East Taiwan trip we also visited a special Rotary project, the building of new housing for families who lost their dwellings in the typhoon mudslide. A whole village disappeared under a torrent of mud, and we could see the evidence of this extreme destruction in the silt, logs and stone left behind. Rotary housing is really making a difference to the people recovering from this terrible natural disaster. We stayed in luxurious accommodation at our final destination in Kaoshiung. We also biked around the Lotus Pond in Zuoying District and had a boat ride on the river at night. This was a wonderful trip and one we all enjoyed immensely – almost like a little mini holiday. Our hosts PP Vincent, PP Hank, Max and PP Doc looked after us all very well and we had a fabulous time on the bullet train, Taiwan’s high speed rail, as well as our karaoke bus. Team Leader Ian belted out some great classics. We learnt a Taiwan drinking song and sang it at the Rotary meeting we visited during the trip. A special time for the Aussie and the USA team as we start to face the reality that home time is quickly approaching. Ed in the parade On the bike tour in Kaohsiung Aaron on the driftwood ball at the beach Leisa Eastern Taiwan - a short photo tourPosted on 16/4/2010 at 12:23 AM - 0 Comments - Post Comment - LinkAs most of you know we have been in Eastern Taiwan for four days and three nights. What an amazing experience. I will try to sum up our trip accurately, in pictures and hope the others will pitch in. I have not kept comprehensive notes and at this late hour, most of the names and chronology of events seem to elude me. I have however, taken a great number of photographs which may give you a glimpse of our hectic travels in the past four days. Our journey started at the Train Station where amongst the chaos, confusion and burgeoning crowds we were somehow able to find each other at 7:00am. The following are photos of our trip... Enjoy! ED
Taroko National Park
Taroko Gorge
Compulsory helmets....
One the beach in Taitung
Lotus Pond
Suspension Bridge in Taitong National Park
New Host FamiliesPosted on 12/4/2010 at 12:02 AM - 2 Comments - Post Comment - LinkWe have just changed to our third host family and I am now staying with Alex and Jennifer, a young couple. Alex is the Rotarian. Today, after I had my final meal with Edelweiss's family, Alex and Jennifer collected me and took me the mountains which had a hot spring but also a wonderful garden full of lilies. They were just stunning. We had coffee gazing at the steam from the geo thermal and looking out over the lily fields. I am sure we are going to have fun together. Their apartment is beside another night market so that will also be great. We leave for our much anticipated East Taiwan trip tomorrow so I am unsure about whether we will be able to update the blog until Thursday. Will depend if internet access is available. Bye from Leisa.
With my second host Edelweiss - Banks of Dunshai River
My apartment at Edelweiss - they build grand apartment units here The beautiful lilies - thousands adorned the countryside.  My new host Alex - he looks like he will be fun!
Reflections from week 2 from LeisaPosted on 10/4/2010 at 12:24 PM - 0 Comments - Post Comment - LinkToday we have been in Taipei for two weeks. When I stop to reflect now (my first opportunity to do some deeper thinking because Taipei literally never sleeps) it amazes me how quickly you can become used to systems, faces etc. I find myself dozing on the MRT some mornings just like the locals - I never thought I would feel so comfortable on such a busy public transport system but it is just the done thing here, and yes, I am standing up doing it. The manners of the general population in Taiwan are amazing and any older person who enters the MRT must have a seat yielded to them. I have only seen one instance where this did not happen. Well done Taiwan! I can no long judge a person's age here - everybody looks younger than what they are. I have stopped trying because I don't wish to offend anybody by trying to guess their chronological age and coming up short - older and wiser is a good thing to be in Taiwan. I am really starting to enjoy the friendships we have established and look forward to seeing our guides each day and learning more about them. I have a strong belief that once you make a friend in Taipei, he or she is a friend for life. The people here are loyal and supportive, friendly and will go out of their own way to make sure you have your needs met. For example, I wanted a book about Taiwan's history and so at 10.30pm last night we were at Eslite bookstore purchasing from a range that had been put aside for us, following a phone call from my home stay family Edelweiss. The Rotary Clubs are a wonderful example of people coming together purposefully and joyously. We are really enjoying the singing at these events and are starting to have a repertoire of songs to sing, often with live accompaniment. Birthdays and anniversaries are especially celebrated. My favourite vocational visit this week was to Hess International Kindergarten, an English speaking kindegarten for children from 3 and a half years. What a joy. I was greated by flowers and a kangaroo song at the door, then guided by my young tourguides around the centre, before having the opportunity to speak with staff, who provided a beautiful traditional morning tea. Host Jessica was wonderful, as were my Rotary Guides Long and Lydia. The English spoken by the students was incredible and I sat in on several focused lessons, which I really enjoyed. I also visited a secondary school this week, with a butterful museum, with over 3000 specimens, and a primary school with a real tree house. All were great experiences. I visited a cram school provider too, and this game me an insight into the materials provided for students who receive additional supplementary tuition. Presidential Hall was a highlight too, with more opportunities to ask questions about political Taiwan. We have a Charter Dinner tonight and change host families again tomorrow. Bye for now, Leisa
This little boy read confidently to me and I gave him a koala so he felt he was very special!
The tour guides showed me around Hess facilities.
Rotary and Vocation VisitsPosted on 9/4/2010 at 3:26 AM - 1 Comments - Post Comment - LinkHello all! Today was a very busy day indeed with both morning and afternoon vocational vistis and a visit to Taipei's oldest Rotary Club of approximately 60 years the Rotary Club of Taipei. The day started with my vocational visits to the Taipei Water Park and Water Supply Museum. Very infromative with a very interesting Romanesque design built in the early 1900's. The early advancement in basic public infrastructure here is amazing! I also was taken to a slum area that the Chinese had illegally occupied at the height of the immigration boom. The government has now listed the slum as a conservation area after public pressure and is actually doing infrastructure work and building work to improve the safety of many of the o-so fragile and precarious structures.
(at the museum) Lunch was back at the starting point at the Ceasar Park hotel for the Rotary Club of Taipei. It is around 60 years old and is the only english speaking club in district 3480. The club seems to made up mostly of expats from the US or Europe. It was a fun meeting and runs similar to that at home with fines for being late and a lot of singing. We sang "I've been workin' on the railroad." The photo is with CP President Story at the banner exchange.
After lunch the vocational visit continued and I was taken to the Taipei City Urban Development Office for lots of discussions about Taipei's current planning issues and the exchange of ideas. Open space and parkland in Taipei City is virtually non-existent. The last photo shows myself, Rick (Lee Tzung-Chi) and Mei (both urban palnners) discussing a riverside parkland project.
A Few Pictures to Add to our StoryPosted on 8/4/2010 at 9:04 AM - 2 Comments - Post Comment - Link
Oh, the stink of that tofu at the markets. They served it up with pig intestine too. It actually has to be smelt, felt, seen and tasted to be believed. I'm glad we tried it. I don't know if I will try it again. It is legendary in Taiwan, like the Aussie meat pie.
FSS Five Bear on the streets of Taipei above Shillan Markets. It is abuzz with people at night. LCD lights everywhere and traffic we can only imagine, without the road rage.
Taiwan Association for Human RightsPosted on 7/4/2010 at 10:53 PM - 1 Comments - Post Comment - LinkHi all (including Sam's mum, thanks for reading our blog... it is nice to know someone is actually reading about what we are doing). I had a vocational visit today. My vocational guide has been selecting activities that are very well suited to my interests. Today he took me to visit the Taiwan Association for Human Rights (TAHR). TAHR was founded in 1986 and has been raising public awareness of human rights through public forums and advocacy. I had a great discussion with the staff there who openly welcomed me into their modest office and were open and honest about the scope of work they do. They are all clearly very passionate about their work. In June 2009, the Chairperson of the Association (Lin Chia-fan ) was charged with violating the assembly and parade law. Essentially, he and another have been charged for taking a leading role in student demonstrations which challenged the law against public assembly. What makes it interesting is that all these academics have now said that they too want to be indicted for the same crime because they say they have broken the law also. If convicted they can face imprisonment so it is a pretty serious stance to take. All these volunteer lawyers are giving legal advice to those who have come forward saying they want to be indicted so that they too can challenge the law. National Tsinghua University sociology professor Lii Ding-tzann said, "I want to do so because the Assembly and Parade Act is unconstitutional and I want to debate it with a judge and a prosecutor in court”. This case will finally get to Court next week. Unfortunately, I will be in Easten Taiwan, otherwise I was planning to go and watch. (I know, lawyers... we cannot get away from work...) I also learnt alot about the Hsichih Trio. Amnesty International have also monitored this case for some time. ( http://www.amnestyusa.org/document.php?id=ENGASA380012007&lang=e ) I was able to speak with people who had involvement in advicacy around this case. My visit was thooughly informative and has been one of the best planned and most well considered vocational visits I have ever been on. I am very grateful to my host for his consideration of my occupation and interests. Thank you Rotary Club of Taipei ParonponPosted on 7/4/2010 at 9:08 PM - 1 Comments - Post Comment - LinkToday we were hosted by the Paronpon Club and after a lovely lunch, some Rotary songs including one in Taiwanese, and our presentation and banner exchange we were presented with a beautiful Yingee vase each which had our name printed on it. The vase symbolises future good fortune. Thank you so much Paronpon members - your generosity and fellowship was appreciated. We then went to a vocational visit. I visited Dajia Elementary School, accompanied by team leader Ian Houston and Rotary Club of Taipei Twins Jack. This school of 200 students is hemmed in by a huge levee bank on one side, an overhead highway on one side and the airport on a third side. Yet the inspirational teaching team still manages to keep a herb garden with the students, as well as a pet rabbit and some ducks. The school also had a playground which extended to a real tree house - lucky students! The school atmosphere was friendly and I hope that my school will be able to become pen friends with students from Dajia in the future. I'd like to congratulate Kasey today who has overcome some trying circumstances and showed her stoicism and determination. Also our team leader Ian who has been looking after us all very well. It is great to know we have team members we can rely upon. No rain tonight in Taipei. Cheers, Leisa Let's get on with itPosted on 7/4/2010 at 11:46 AM - 0 Comments - Post Comment - LinkPart of the experience of overseas travel is adapting to new experiences and situations. The last few days have been very busy and have seen us manage some unexpected and out of the ordinary situations. Changing host family presented a whole new set of challenges as we had to adapt to a new routine (includig navigating the MRT rail system). Each one of us has had both personal and cultural challenges to overcome. I think that our preparation as a team has really equipped us to be sensitive to each other but has also given us the tools to support each other as well. I am very glad that I am travelling with such supportive (understanding, sympathetic and humorous) people! Enough of the sentimental stuff.... let's get on with it! Leisa, you forgot to mention our 'relaxing' foot massage at the night markets? (read: the most painful foot massage). I soon got over my tickle-ish-ness when the man started pummeling and pounding my poor toes. Feels great today though! Have a good day. ED National Palace Museum and Shillin Night MarketsPosted on 7/4/2010 at 2:07 AM - 0 Comments - Post Comment - LinkToday we met at Dazhi Station on the Brown MRT line. For me this meant three changes on the MRT plus a shuttle bus beforehand. We are all becoming increasingly confident at using this form of transport and whilst we have had the occasional error, it is for the most part becoming increasingly familiar to us. Our host Beatrice took us to the National Palace Museum today and we spent most of the day there, which was great because this is a place that you certainly don't want to rush away from having not looked at the many treasures the museum contains from China's forbidden city. Relics and artefacts from the stone age and jade periods, as well as bronze items, pottery and ivory carvings, traditional paintings and rare books are all stored and exhibited in this very popular museum which attracts 5 million people each year. The intricacy of the pieces made by artisans working for the Chinese emperors was amazing. The museum is a 'must see' if you ever visit Taiwan. Unfortunately we were not able to take pictures in the museum. In the evening we went to the famous Shillin Markets with the outgoing Taiwan GSE teams. It was raining unfortunately but that didn't stop us from sampling the local foods including the famous stinky tofu. I can't say I enjoyed the texture, taste or certainly not the smell, but stinky fermented tofu is a well known Taiwan dish which must be sampled at least once. It really did smell bad but many were tasting and eating it so it is quite popular here. It is probably either a love it or hate it type of food. The rain meant out stay at the markets was shorter than we anticipated, also meaning that our NT dollars were not spent as readily. We would dearly love to have the opportunity to go back and see the markets again. Tomorrow we visit our third Rotary Club meeting and have a vocational visit. Cheers, Leisa
Pictures from Beautiful BeitouPosted on 6/4/2010 at 1:59 AM - 1 Comments - Post Comment - Link The Aussie GSE team and our Taiwan photographer Hank on the steps on the winding road to the restaurant in Beitou. By the sulphur pools in Beitou.
Team Dinner in Beitou. Looking fresh after our mineral spa. Cheers, Leisa. It is hard to get a word in on the blog now. I have created a monster blogging team! BeitouPosted on 6/4/2010 at 1:17 AM - 2 Comments - Post Comment - LinkToday we went to Beitou in the northern Taipei District. The name of the town is derived from the Mandarin word for “witch” and refers to the legend that a witch was once invited to live there. We caught the MRT and Aaron munched on the biggest Fuji apple for about an hour...
ED Easter SundayPosted on 5/4/2010 at 1:38 AM - 0 Comments - Post Comment - LinkHello all! This is my first blog so bear with me! The girls are doing a great job and now it's time for one of "The Boys", ie. Ian and I to contribute. Ed seems to have karaoke covered so I think I will start from a nice and relaxed Easter Sunday Morning. I relaxed for a while before I set out for a coffee in the Technology Building Precinct, basically a government building which is the centre of everything in this particular suburb. After a relaxing latte (not metrosexual at all) I chillaxed in a Taipei park while watching some Taiwanese people performing Tai-Chi. I then headed back to my host family who for one night was Moses (Secretary of Rotary Club of Taipei Metro East), Moses' wife Susan and Emily thier daughter (the Ling Family). I presented them with a gift, a bottle of Cab Sav. I received some Oolong Tea in return as a gift. I think its very expensive! Susan cooked me a wonderful traditional Taiwanese lunch. Moses' family is Presbyterian. There is a really unique blend of cultures here! As he lives in Taiwan he still has to work on Good Friday and Easter Monday. There is just no respite here! His family has to go to church so I leave at midday. With 4 hours to spare I then head off to Zhongxiao Fuxing (Jong Show Foo Shing) which has a vibrant young people atmosphere with several department stores and really upmarket places. There are a lot of girls here dressed to the hilt. We're talking gucci, prada, dolce? and all that stuff. I go to visit one particular area but decide there is not much point proceding inside to where a plethora of these type stores are evident (we are talking thousands of AU bucks for handbags here). I rolled the subway back to Taipei Central and go for a walk for another coffee (really critical - I have not smoked since I got here) and instead find myself at an open air free rock gig at the front of the history museum. They are going off! There is a mosh pit! I just sit back and enjoy for about 45 mins. I eventually get my cofee afterwards and then heading through a complete shopping centre under the Main Station see a lot young people lining up to buy some sort of snack. So I line up too! I figure it has to be good. And it is!!!!! Some type of coffee bun baked fresh. I stop to watch some breakdancing (there are groups singing, playing music, dancing, painting everyhere where there is space). These Taiwanese are a very talented bunch. After catching the train back to Sports house I present them with our gift and they are so happy! We then go to a food court and we have traditional Japanese. I have eel and Omelette. At home we chat about tomorrows proceedings where I wil get transferred to my second host family and how to meet at Beitou where tomorrow we will enjoy some hot springs and a zen garden. I am really going to miss my first host family. It is kinda sad when I say goodbye. Life's good isn't it? I have had the pleasure of enjoying the Rotary GSE program biggest traditions twice in one day! Oh well. Easter is over but I'm off to finish the chocolate bunny I brought from Oz. The Chen family From l to r - Sport, Allen, Jasmine and Betsy From l to r - Moses, myself and Susan (Emily was a bit shy).
Flower MarketPosted on 4/4/2010 at 2:15 PM - 0 Comments - Post Comment - LinkAaron and I were also taken to the flower and jade markets yesterday Our guides are expert at haggling. You can see from the photos that the orchids here are amazing! All of the flowers were so fresh and healthy.
After, we were treated to Oolong tea, made in the traditional way, at Moses' house. Aaron says that he has been spoiled now and cannot drink 'normal' tea again.
More pictures of Karoke!Posted on 4/4/2010 at 2:03 PM - 0 Comments - Post Comment - LinkJust wanted to add a bit more to the Karoke blog...
Bob and Aaron...
Aaron and Leisa....
Aaron and Bob... belting out the tunes....
and Charlie!!! Hope everyone is having a relaxing Easter. Not a chocolate egg in sight here - which is refreshing. Stay tuned to hear about the hot springs tomorrow. ED We Change Host Families TodayPosted on 4/4/2010 at 11:00 AM - 0 Comments - Post Comment - LinkLast night we were treated to karaoke Taipei style. A small room is booked which holds no more than about 10 people. It contains a lounge, karaoke screen and unit, your own toilet and the singers. We sang joyfully to a range of classics plus some Taiwan music. We learnt a great modern Taiwan song with actions which would be perfect to do at the Rotary conference in Mackay to get you all up and dancing. I was serenaded with 'Mona Lisa' by my host Charlie, which was an end to a great day, after we visited beautiful Feicuiwan Beach (Green Bay) and his beach house, and then we had lunch by the bay with pippies, hot prawns and crab from the fresh water tanks. Delicious. Bob, Edwina's host, is also a great singer and we enjoyed dancing to his music. Thank you to Bob for organising our evening for us. We hope to karaoke with the rest of our team Ian and Kasey later in our trip if time permits. I am having Easter brunch today with my current host family and then meeting my new host Edelweiss. I have already spoken with her at the welcome dinner and am looking forward to staying with her and learning more about Taiwan's culture. Happy Easter Sunday back home everybody. I'd like say a huge thank you to our Rotarian host families who have introduced us to Taiwan and welcomed us to their homes this week. Cheers, Leisa
Enjoying fresh seafood on the coast.
A happy local hoping to make a sale at the fish market to us.
Ed belts out a Karaoke number with Aaron.
One Week Gone Already!Posted on 3/4/2010 at 11:39 AM - 0 Comments - Post Comment - LinkThis time last week we were on the way to Taipei with Eva Air. One week on, it is difficult to explain our experiences because they have been so broad and diverse. The GSE experience has been rich and rewarding and I am so glad that I applied. Thanks Rachel for giving me a nudge and asking me to apply. If GSE is about international understanding, goodwill and peace then I believe it will truly achieve its goal with our team. The unique cultural and vocational experiences, the opportunity to visit Rotary clubs in another country to learn about how they engage in fellowship and the chance to stay in the home of a Taiwan person has meant total immersion in this incredible country. Today we again met with the New York Team and had dinner with the outgoing Taiwan team. They are looking forward to their trip and we are looking forward to seeing them in Australia too. We also met the Oklahoma team today who have a week to go before flying home. These unanticipated extra benefits to learn about other delegates visiting Taiwan from other countries and their interpretation of the same experiences has been very interesting. We have squeezed so much into this week and our confidence has developed so much with the language, the transportation system and the currency. Our hosts have made us feel so at ease, and any question has been welcomed and answered. Personal highlights for me include the vocational vist to Fuxing Elementary school where I viewed an English lesson in progress and then spoke to the teacher and principal, and the visit to cultural locations including Yingee Ceremics to learn about the processes associated with the development of fine ceremics, and the National Taiwan Museum visit to learn about the influences on today's Taiwan culture derived from the indigenous people. There are some startling similarities between the New Zealand Maori culture and the Taiwan indigenous people. My favourite meal so far was when we dined with Tuna at the Hakka restaurant because it was quite spicy with lots of chilli. I am trying to develop a taste for shark fin soup but can't master that yet - Aaron on the other hand, has no difficulty downing three bowls now. Last night we enjoyed Peking Duck which I had never tried before. We also had a pearl tea yesterday and it was every bit as good as people had led me to believe. I am looking forward to visiting the beach today with my host family Charlie and Jenny. They have been exceptionally kind and generous to me, and have given me a broad range of experiences and some excellent dining opportunities. I am hesitant to leave them tomorrow as I have enjoyed their company immensely. Jenny's friends even insisted I dance with them at 'Brown Sugar' jazz on Thursday night. Thanks Girls! it was good exercise to try to wear off the many big meals I have consumed. The visits to the Rotary Clubs have also been interesting. A highlight yesterday was the beautiful singing of 'Happy Birthday' to club members at the Taipel North Gate Club. They had some beautiful tenor voices in their choir and a live pianist accompaniment. Tomorrow we change host families and whilst I am sad to be leaving Charlie and Jenny, I have met PP Edelweiss and look forward to her company and learning new things about Taiwan from another perspective. Finally, I'd like to say that I am really enjoying the Aussie team comradarie and friendship. We are having a great time together and have had some deep and rich conversations about our learning so far. It is a real treat to have the time to reflect and discuss another culture in such detail. Thanks Team. I'm not sure if everybody knows back home that I have a Frenchville Bear with me, dressed in blue and white uniform, who is accompanying me on my travels and who has his own blog to be read by Frenchville students back home. Some of the pics below include 'FSS Five' as he is affectionately known. FSS Five at the 'Make your own Ceramics' experience. He did a better job with his pot than most of us who had difficulty getting the wheel speed just right.
Aaron on the steps of the National Theatre Concert Hall. Here is a link t the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall if you'd like to learn about one of the places we visited today: http://www.cksmh.gov.tw/eng/index.php Cheers, Leisa Chiang Kai-shek memorialPosted on 3/4/2010 at 2:19 AM - 1 Comments - Post Comment - LinkI am so happy to see that someone is reading our blog! Thanks Samantha....! Hope you are enjoying Easter! Today we visited the Chiang Kai-shek memorial in Taipei. Essentially the buildings were built to commerate Chian Kai-shek. Opinion here is clearly divided about the man and the political role that he played. Regardless, it is clearly evident that his time as president (from 1950 until his death in 1975) had a huge influence on modern Taiwan. You can see from the photos that the Chinese architecture is amazing. We also saw the changing of the guard, which was performed to precision.
On a personal note, my hosts took me to the markets thismorning. It was a fascinating experience! Nothing is wasted, every part of every plant, vegetable and animal is used. Most of the seafood is still alive.
Time for some sleep! Karoke tomorrow!!! ED Yingge CeramicsPosted on 2/4/2010 at 1:07 AM - 1 Comments - Post Comment - LinkToday we visited Yingge (pronounced Inga) ceramics. Yingge means 'Parrot" in Taiwanese. The town of Yingge is the hub of Taiwan's ceramic manufacturing. We visited Edward at the Excellence Collection, a gallery and shop owned by a Rotarian. Sadly, most of the items were well out of our price range!
After that we were treated to an excellent tour of the Yingge Ceramics museum which told us everything we ever wanted to know about ceramics and included an informative projection of the future prospects and use of ceramics in advanced technology.
PP Vincent kindly organised the whole day for us including a 'do it yourself' session where attempted to make our own ceramics on a wheel. Whilst it looks easy we found the practice to be alot more difficult. Luckily (with some help) we all produced a pot which will be glazed and fired and we can take home with us.
At home, I was treated to a tofu dessert of tofu topped with almond milk, delicious! I am curently sitting on my bed, late at night, listening to firecrackers going off at the local temple. Until tomorrow. Hope everyone at home is enjoying their Easter break. ED |
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Bye for now - hoped to add more pics but the connection is too slow tonight.
Taiwanese massage should be a new Aussie sports event. Aaron was challenged by the pain. I lined up again with my host family for another go at a very flash massage parlour last night. Feet and body - ooh, they know the sore bits. Who knew thumping could have some medicinal purposes!
