Within the last week of the trip we had an exhibition to show the experiences we have had while in Taiwan. 

Mine focused on Leisure in Taipei.

A picture of the whole group, our GVSU professor and affiliate professors from NTNU!



Here is my reflective piece about the experience:

I can’t exactly pinpoint the moment I fell in love with Taiwan.  Perhaps it was the first morning I woke up in Taipei, when we still lived on the tenth floor.  The cloudless sky revealed a cityscape, with a perfect backdrop of mountains.  Or maybe it was the Shida night market, the smell of food that was still foreign to me, the crowds of people calmly meandering through neon-lit streets.  Often I think it could have been the culture class at the National Palace Museum.  Submerged in antiquity, fierce bronzes and calligraphy so perfect, it showed human dexterity at it’s finest.  Then again it could have been at Longshan Temple, engulfed in incense, where city grit and religious conviction collide. It is all of this and none of it that made me fall in love. The reason why 我愛臺灣 is best explained through it’s cultural and religious ideals. 

What struck me as invaluably unique about the Daoist and Buddhist temples is the lack of distinction between them.  In America we associate houses of worship only with their religious sect.  This is a Protestant church, that one is Roman Catholic, a few miles away is a synagogue only for Orthodox Jews.  In Taiwan there are simply temples that are “mainly Daoist” or “in the Confucian school of thought.”  Daoism and Buddhism even go so far as to share deities, ever-important ones such as Avalokiteshrava, or Guan Yin, the goddess of Mercy.   All the religions emphasize similar themes: ancestor worship, harmony with nature, spirits and deities.  Many Taiwanese do not distinguish themselves as being one of the three, but more religiously pluralistic.

An aspect that I find to be imperative is the innate sense of community and emphasis on family.  These are exhibited in things so simple just as riding the MRT.  If anyone sees an older person, a person in need, or a parent with children they willingly give up their seat.  Their politeness runs so deep that the individual who needs the seat will at first reject their offer, prompting the other’s insistence.  The concept of ancestor worship further strengthens the familial connection.  During the new year they burn paper money to symbolically insure their comfort in the heavens.  Young people exhibit no qualms in holding their parents or grandparent’s hand when window shopping down the street. 

While I have been here I have found a part of humanity that is missing, or disguised in American society.  I appreciate individualism and the right to practice separate religions, we are taught to value this since childhood.  Yet, at the end of the day I find the fuss about religion and the competitiveness of individuals to be tedious.  There is an interconnection between people, their communities, families and beliefs, that is what has truly shifted my perspective.  Before I could never fathom that in Taiwan, I feel at home.  

Quiet Places in a Bustling City...

Whilst my love affair with the city of Taipei is as steady as ever, there are select moments when the hustle and bustle of the city gets to me.  In those moments, perhaps on a rainy day, or a cool night I take a step back from the crowded streets to go to quieter places.

There is a magic few hours every day that have been dubbed "Afternoon Tea Time."  As the title describes from about 2pm to 5pm is my favorite 休息 (rest) wherein I can grab a bite to eat (usually cake) and a tea or coffee and enjoy a slow few hours people watching or studying.  Generally, tea and coffee shops offer a deal for a few U.S. dollars to get a drink and dessert.

In the nighttime, if the nightmarket scene is unappealing I take the MRT (subway) one stop over to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall.  A megalith of a building, C.K.S. has a perfect serenity and view at night.  Solo, or with good friends you can climb the three flights of massive marble stairs to sit and gaze upon the city.  Beers recommended.

Food I have made in Taiwan

Taiwan is an excellent destination for foodies.  Often dubbed a "fruit-lover's paradise" there is a wide variety of fruits, treats and traditional meals to experience.  I have been lucky enough to get to make three traditional Taiwanese foods.

The first is Pineapple cakes in Chinese: 鳳梨酥.  We were invited to a local bakery, called Kuo Yuan Ye that has been around since 1867, to make these delicious snacks.  Kuo Yuan Ye is famous for it's pastries and is generally the "go to" gift at traditional Chinese weddings in Taipei.

Here is the pineapple filling... SO GOOD

Da molds.

Da DOUGH

Here is a picture of Heather, I and Brenda making these delicious cakes.  

Here is the final product!! They were extremely good!  We got a box of 9, and I am sad to say they were gone in a week!

The next food we made is traditional Hakka Tea.  The Hakka are a select ethnic group whose name literally means "Guest People" which is indicative of their past, migrating around China.  The population of Hakka in Taiwan is quite large making them a significant amount of the population.  Apart from the language difference (they speak Hakka Chinese)  they have a unique style of cuisine that is very popular.  Hakka tea is a culmination of a few ingredients.  Unlike tea as we know it today (dried tea leaves, then steeped in hot water)  Hakka tea is more in likeness of porridge or breakfast cereal.  It combines oolong tea leaves, puffed rice, peanuts and sesame seeds that are all ground and then hot water is added to it. 

Here are some of the ingredient used for Hakka tea.  Along side with a porridge and peanut covered mochi.  

The most arduous process is the grinding of the tea leaves, which takes about 10 minutes with a mortar and pestle.    Then the nuts and seeds are added, which are to be ground until the natural oils surface.  Last, is the puffed rice.

Here is the final product!!! Delicious!






One of the other things we have made is puffed rice squares.  These are what we can only dub as "Chinese rice crispy treats"  They are delicious and involve puffed rice (which makes a gunshot noise when puffed), a mixture of maltose syrup and pressure with a rolling pin.  

Hey there puffed rice goddess. 

Mixin' in the maltose.

Add pressure and you have delicious (and low-calorie, I am told) rice treats!

Are you hungry yet?

Sea of clouds and the beauty of mountainous Taiwan

Recently, my classmates and I were taken on a fantastic five-day trip to the south of Taiwan.  One of the most memorable days we got the opportunity to travel up in the mountains of Chiayi County.  

After an hour and a half of winding roads by bus, we found ourselves looking at the gorgeous Jade Mountain (玉山) Range.  

The air was thinner, wispy and we found ourselves amongst the clouds.  

In wintertime, this area is referred to as a "sea of clouds."

Chiayi County is also home to many aboriginal peoples of Taiwan.  They are considered to be "highland aboriginals" and due to the difficulty of the terrain they were left alone by foreigners until the Japanese occupation in the 19th century.  Modern-day aboriginals have maintained their rich culture and are multi-lingual in Chinese, Hakka, and Formosan languages.

The Japanese were attracted to Chiayi County-especially Alishan （阿里山）Mountain due to its natural resources such as camphor trees and timber.  We visited Alishan National Scenic Area which had a plethora of sacred trees, mountain lakes and waterfalls.

The largest tree still left after the Japanese cut down many for timber.  This is regarded by Formosan aborigines as sacred.  

An aboriginal myth states that these two lakes were used by a pair of sisters to commit suicide.  After falling in love with the same man these aboriginal sisters decided to kill themselves instead of deny one another his love.   Romance.  Tragedy.  Shakespeare, where you at?

Sister #1

Sister #2

Shortly after exploring the beautiful sights at Alishan, we travelled half-way down the mountain to have evening tea at an Oolong plantation.  Besides the delicious tea and snacks (yes, I bought some) the seemingly endless rows of tea were oh-so aesthetically pleasing.  

Finally here is a picture of me and some of my gals from Grand Valley... we are so happy to be here!!  (Thanks Mom and Dad)

Taipei 101

A few weeks ago my classmates （同學）and I went to Taipei 101.  Taipei 101 is iconic for the Taiwanese.  It is the central hub of the financial and commercial district, is LEED platinum certified and is one of the tallest buildings in the world.  "101" exemplifies the ingenuity, prestige and futurism of Taipei.

The interior of Taipei 101 is home to a large shopping mall, multiple eateries and corporate offices.  It has 101 floors above ground (hence the name) and five below.  The facade blends Asian tradition with functionality.  The double-paned blue and green glass is UV protected, blocking external heat by 50%.  The pinnacle of 101 shows different colors of light at nighttime, according to the day of the week.  The  colors are meant to symbolize the seven colors of the light spectrum.  This represents a rainbow, that is seen in Chinese culture as a bridge connecting the earth to the heavens and all peoples together.

 Here is the facade of Taipei 101.  Big building, eh?



 According to our guided tour the most notable parts of the building are not its aesthetic design but the internal building structure.  It is supposedly typhoon and earthquake proof, featuring hundreds of piles that extend into bedrock within the earth's crust.  It also contains the largest steel mass damper in the world; spanning five floors, from the 87th floor to the 92nd, respectively.

massive!  pretty!  functional! 

Architectural prowess, genius engineering and size aside, to me, the most notable part about Taipei 101 is the amazing view of Taipei city.  We were lucky enough to go to the outdoor viewing area while the weather was gorgeous!

A view of the city.

My friend Megan and I posing in the outdoor viewing area.  

Gorgeous Taipei, on a sunny day, from the (2nd) tallest building in the world.

The hilariousity of Engrish...

When translating from one language to another there are always fallacies.  With Chinese this is especially exasperated due to the non-phonetic nature.  One of my favorite activities whilst in Taiwan has been finding what we have lovingly dubbed "Engrish" signs and mistranslations.  Here are a few for you fine people...

Shirt I found at the Shida Night Market, "A Prerequisite Love: A NECESSARY AND SUFFICIENT CONDMON"

Condom?  Condition?  Who knows...

 "True Love Photo Wedding"

"SECRET SUPER SUTAR PARTY GIRL"

Secret super star party girl.

A fateful misspelling "while gripping both belt and rape"

I Swear Cafe:  A place to yell obscenities?

3 Funny statements in a row at Pickles an "American" restaurant
1.  We use Latest charcoal ovens made in U.S.
2.  Grilled flavor Suck that aftertaste
3.  American-style meal Make you happy

Misspelling: "surfcvnbace"  German for "surface"?

This is a children's toy fashioned after McDonald's.  "They are satisfy the demads of you and lets you fell interesting."


Have fun with these, will post soon!! <3<3<3

Last day of the New Year...

The last day of the Chinese New Year was, in one word: magical.

We travelled up into the mountains, wrote our wishes on paper lanterns, listened to the mayor of Taipei City and the newly re-elected President of Taiwan, and watched our wishes float into the sky...

Mountains surrounding Pingxi

 Stage where the festival took place

Balloon containing wishes for Taipei city and Taiwan

 Up...

Up....

And away!!!

新年快樂！Xin nian kuai le! Happy New Year!

To us Americans New Year's Eve can mean a multitude of things: food, champagne, parties, watching the Times Square "ball drop," counting down from ten to one and maybe even a kiss (wanted or unwanted) at midnight.

For the Chinese/Taiwanese, the Lunar New Year is quite different.  It is the most important of the Chinese holidays and is often referred to as the "春節" "chun jie" or Spring Festival.  My classmates and I were lucky enough to arrive in Taipei right in time to partake in the festivities.  Since we have been here a slew of red banners, orange trees and lanterns have adorned the city.  The significance of these things are to insure good luck and fortune for the coming year.  The first day of the new year is the 正月 "zheng yue" or the beginning of the lunar calendar.  The night before is referred to as 除夕"chu xi" or in English the eve of the passing year.  This night is a special time for families in which they reunite, dine (A LOT), celebrate and perform "rituals."

Myself, accompanied by four of my classmates, were honored to join in on a family dinner.   Our professor's dear friend who lives right outside of Taipei city graciously let us into her home and for one night we were a part of their family.

The first thing that struck me was the amazing view from their apartment.  In the distance you can see a Daoist temple that is a central part of their community.

They prepared traditional Taiwanese cuisine which was FRICKEN AMAZING and abundant.  One thing that struck my fancy was that the Chinese do not condone drinking alone.  Therefore, any time someone took a sip of wine, whiskey, or beer they cheers with at least another individual and say 乾杯 “gan bei" literally "dry cup" or simply 新年快樂！


Besides food and drink, we played games and did puzzles.  Us Michiganders attempted to teach the hostess how to play Euchre, but this proved very difficult with the language barrier.

Heather, Randy and Kyle doing puzzles!

In addition to fun, there were a few ceremonial things we had the chance to partake in.  On New Year's Eve, the Chinese burn fake money.  This is symbolic of insuring their ancestors good fortune in the afterlife.  

The night ended with the younger children and teens performing their respective talents for their family members.  Afterwards they were given red envelopes with money in them!  The family was so lovely, we even got a few envelopes too!

Here is one of the sons performing a traditional Chinese style of dance, the red mat he is holding is very heavy!  It takes a lot of skill and practice to master it.  

Another celebratory event is gambling.  The adults play Mahjong, and bet money on it.  The younger crowd plays a sort of dice game that after watching for a good hour or so, I still could not describe the rules.  

Gambling is generally frowned upon in Taiwanese culture, but is allowed during New Year's Eve for good fun.  

Overall, participating in the New Year was an amazing experience.  I was so overwhelmed with the kindness the family showed us.  They took 5 strangers, from a different culture, who barely speak their language, into their home for the most important holiday of the year.  It made me miss my family and friends terribly, but was heart-warming to feel welcome in a foreign place.  There was a collective calmness throughout the night, everyone was unswervingly happy and gracious.  All I could feel was love.  I am continually learning the human connection is something that can be achieved without words.

Getting back to the NTNU dorms, we met up with our other classmates.  In lieu of the New Year two of the girls, Brenda and Linda, surprised us with a cake.  I realized then that while in Taipei, this is my family and we all can feel at home with each other.