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Centered on TAIPEI
Vol. 21 | 09
JUN/JUL
2021
A publication of the Community Services Center
June 21 cover.indd 1 2021/5/28 9:34 PM
June 21 cover.indd 2 2021/5/28 9:34 PM
CONTENTS Summer 2021 volume 21 issue 9
CSC COMMUNITY
From the Editor 5 Thoughts from Overseas 7
June/July 2021 Center Gallery 6 “Tiktok Doctor” - Austin Chiang Takes
CSC Business Classified inside back cover on Global Health (Misinformation) Crisis 8
Resilient TAS: Runners Host Impromptu Marathon Event 12
The Taipei International Women’s Club (TIWC) 14
CULTURE
A Tale of Two Residences 16
Braiding – a Cultural Experience in Taiwan 20
Publisher Community Services Center, Taipei A Chinese Fable – The Carp that Leapt Over
Editor Suzan Babcock
Co-editor Richard Saunders
the Dragon Gate 22
Advertising Manager Naomi Kaly
Magazine Email coteditor@communitycenter.org.tw DESIGN
Tel 02-2836-8134
Fax 02-2835-2530 Digging Deep into Taiwanese Culture 23
HEALTH
Printed by Farn Mei Printing Co., Ltd. Gained Weight While You’re in Taiwan? 27
1F, No. 102, Hou Kang Street, Shilin
District, Taipei
Tel: 02-2882-6748 Fax: 02-2882-6749
CREATIVE WRITING
E-mail: farnmei@gmail.com Those Who Inspire 30
Centered on Taipei is a publication of the Community Services Center, ART
25, Lane 290, Zhongshan N. Rd., Sec. 6, Tianmu, Taipei, Taiwan Lo Ch’ing 31
Tel: 02-2836-8134
fax: 02-2835-2530
e-mail: coteditor@communitycenter.org.tw OUTLOOK
Correspondence may be sent to the editor at coteditor@ Looking Back on an Anxious Year (part one) 32
communitycenter.org.tw. Freelance writers, photographers and
illustrators are welcome to contact the editor to discuss editorial and
graphic assignments. Your talent will find a home with us! PHOTOGRAPHY
Magdalen de Rozari 34
Copyright 2021. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not
be reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner. Virginia Lee 35
COT is printed on FSC certified 100% post-consumer recycled fiber. The
paper is certified in accordance with the rules of the Forest Stewardship
TRAVEL
Council which promotes environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and East Coast National Scenic Area: Taitung County 36
economically viable management of the world's forests. https://ic.fsc.org/
www.communitycenter.org.tw SUMMER 2021 3
June 2021_p3-end.indd 3 2021/5/29 10:11 PM
ai16190589199_COT_5.pdf 1 4/22/2021 10:35:21 AM
TIGER TOTS PRESCHOOL
A LOVING PLACE FOR LEARNING
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
PRE-K AND KINDERGARTEN (LOCATED INSIDE TAS)
TIGGER'S (PRE-2S), 2S AND 3S PLAYGROUPS (TIAN YU CAMPUS)
GRADE 1 & 2 : AFTERNOON STEAM PROGRAMS (STARTING AUG. 2021)
North American Curriculum Engaging Outdoor Playgrounds
Qualified Instructors Fun and Educational Daily Activities
Low Student/Teacher Ratios Fun After School Enrichment Classes
Gymnastics, Kidzsports, and Mandarin Playgroups
Music Classes
We’d love to introduce you to our diverse and incredibly special community of learners!
Please call to arrange a visitation.
TYPA MAIN OFFICE: (02)2873-1815 www.typa.org.tw
TAIPEI WHERE WISDOM,
FAITH AND SERVICE
ADVENTIST UNITE IN
EDUCATION
AMERICAN
SCHOOL Find out more about our
excellence in education at
www.taas-taiwan.com
4 SUMMER 2021 www.communitycenter.org.tw
June 2021_p3-end.indd 4 2021/5/29 10:11 PM
COVER IMAGE:
by Virginia Lee FROM Please send email submissions, comments, and feedback to
coteditor@communitycenter.org.tw.
For more information, please go to our THE
EDITOR
website at
www.communitycenter.org.tw
Since our May, 2021 issue of Centered on Taipei a lot has happened
here in the capital city and throughout Taiwan. COVID’s unexpected
COT Team rampage has created disruptive personal and societal ripple effects
leading to our current national Level 3 Alert until June 14th.
Michael Mullahy’s article “Looking Back on an Anxious Year” (part
one) addresses the global pandemic disruptions and what they have
to tell us about ourselves, our anxieties and our lives in a modern
world. Kenneth Dickson bravely tackles the topic of weight in his
Suzan Babcock Richard Saunders Naomi Kaly KC
timely article, “Gained Weight While You’re in Taiwan?”. He provides
Editor Co-editor Advertising Manager Graphic Designer useful and empowering strategies for making good choices that help
coteditor@ richard0428@yahoo.com naomi@communitycenter. graphicdesigntaipei. those embarking on a weight-loss program. St. John Dunn’s “A Tale of
communitycenter.org.tw org.tw weebly.com
Two Residences”, is our Centered on Taipei 21st Anniversary choice
about Liang Shih-Chiu, celebrated educator, translator, writer, literary
Featured Contributors
theorist and lexicographer. Join St. John as he reveals the charm and
achievements of this colorful father, husband, professor and writer.
“Volunteers – Our Community Treasures, The Taipei International
Women’s Club (TIWC)” is the second in a Centered on Taipei series
about volunteers who serve our communities here in Taiwan. Our
first article, the Salt Collectiv, was featured in the May 2021 issue.
Daniel Kenneth Zee N. Dlamini St. John Dunn
Cunningham Dickson Heather Gatley’s “Those Who Inspire” is a warm and endearing
recollection of a memorable fourth grade teacher, Mr. L. Cosnette
whose kindness and creativity has remained everpresent throughout
her lifetime.
The Photo Gallery features local residents who enjoy taking photos
and have learned the art of capturing the essence of their subjects,
whatever they may be.
Heather Lana Lee Virginia Lee Michael Mullahy
Gatley Our double summer issue’s cover photo was taken by Virginia Lee,
a long-time friend of Centered on Taipei and whose photography
Writing, Photography and Art Contributors of Taiwan’s environment has earned her significant recognition
and an international following. Magdalen de Rozari, is a first-time
Sue Babcock Heather Gatley Howard Schroeder contributor from Taichung who loves exploring Taiwan’s countryside
Austin Chiang Julie Hsieh Rosemary Susa
Lo Ch’ing Lindsey Kundel Pai Su-yu from different perspectives. We look forward to seeing more of their
Daniel Cunningham Lana Lee TAS photography submissions in upcoming issues.
Magdalen de Rozari Virginia Lee TAS Alumni office The Center continues to honor and observe the government’s
Kenneth Dickson Michael Mullahy Grace Ting COVID health and safety regulations. Community safety is our
Zee N. Dlamini Joseph Reilly TIWC
concern. Classes and activities have either been cancelled or
St. John Dunn Richard Saunders
rescheduled, with some on-line options. Please check our social
media and websites for updates. If you would like to reach out to our
Pick COT up at: Counseling team, please call the office during office hours, 9 am to 5
Uptown:
Community Services Center, No. 25, Lane 290, Sec. 6, pm at: (02) 2-836-8134, or email: csc@communitycenter.org.tw The
Zhongshan North Rd. after-hours Counselor Crisis Line is open from 5 pm to 9 am at 0932-
Sprout – No. 33, Sec. 7, Zhongshan North Rd. 594-578. Stay safe and connected. We care.
George Pai’s Beauty – No. 14, Tienmu East Rd.
Downtown:
Ooh Cha Cha – 207, Sec.2, Nanchang Rd.
Sue
Accountant Monica Cheng
COMMUNITY SERVICES CENTER Programs Manager Rosemary Susa
Events Coordinator Joy Meglasson
Coffee Mornings Coordinator Leslie McFarlane
The Community Services Center (CSC) is a non-profit foundation. CSC provides Communications Pia Munk-Janson
outreach and early intervention through counseling, cross-cultural education and Mandarin Chinese Teacher Gloria Gwo
life skills programs to meet the needs of the international community in Taipei. Systems Manager Samson Debele
CSC offers the opportunity to learn, volunteer, teach and meet others. Check out
our website www.communitycenter.org.tw and drop by The Center to chat with us
Counseling Interns Ximena Lopez
about our programs. You can also email us at csc@communitycenter.org.tw.
Director Adam McMillan Volunteers Miyuki Boice, Gwen Harris, John Imbrogulio,
Leslie McFarlane, John McQuade, Bunny Pecheco,
Office Manager Grace Ting Lucy Torres
Counselors I-wen Chan, Katherine Chang, Hui-shiang Chao, Benefactors Bai Win Antiques
Anne Cheng, Jung Chin, Chiao-Feng Chung, Cerita Hsu, European Chamber of Commerce
Lily Lin, Miranda Lin, Emilie Ma, Kuang-Shan Wan Grand Hyatt Taipei
Consultants Anne Cheng, Tom Cole, Wendy Evans, Michael Mullahy, Premier Sponsors Concordia Consulting
Mary Lagerstrom, Sofia Vintimila ICRT
San Fu Global
Counseling Admin. Joanne Chua
www.communitycenter.org.tw SUMMER 2021 5
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Gallery
CSC
A percentage of all proceeds of items sold at the Gallery will go to the Center. Please
remember that by displaying your items or shopping at the Gallery, you will be helping the
Center to continue to provide valuable services to the international community.
@CENTER
JUNE
DIGITAL ARTWORKS BY FUMI FURUTA
Fumi Furuta’s collections are rooted in inspirations from her personal experiences, embodying everything from the
extraordinary moments that shaped her life’s trajectory to the beautifully ordinary experiences of her everyday life. Furuta’s
Taiwan collection, particularly the Tianmu pieces, pay tribute to the vibrant, quirky and welcoming community that she loved
while living here for four years. The Center seems the perfect home for this collection.
JUNE & JULY
TWO BOOKS BY LOCAL AUTHORS WILL BE TAIWAN FOUNDATION FOR THE BLIND
AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT THE CENTER
Taiwanese Feet: My walk
a r o u n d Ta i w a n b y J o h n
Groot
This is a book recording John
Groot's account of an epic walk
around the entire 1,200-mile
coastline of Taiwan. A special
edition of five-hundred superior-
quality books with color plates,
signed and personally dedicated T h e C e nte r G a l l e r y w i l l
by the author, will be available s el l h an d-mad e s o a ps
only in Taiwan at the same price as the regular paperback and dried fruits made by
edition. All details can be found at https://www. students from the sheltered
facebook.com/Taiwanese.Feet/ or send an inquiry to workshops set up by the
taiwanese.feet@gmail.com Taiwan Foundation for the
Blind. These workshops
Me and My Big Move by and factories help train
Marloes Huijsmans and the visually impaired and
Lonneke van den Elshout people with other physical
A fun workbook to empower and mental disabilities to
kids for their Big Move: before, improve their working and social interactive skills, so they can
during, and long after settling in! broaden their job opportunities and be more independent.
JULY
WALL ARTWORKS BY VANDANA MENGANE
6 SUMMER 2021 www.communitycenter.org.tw
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COMMUNITY
Thoughts from Overseas – RICHARD SAUNDERS
S
ixteen months into the Covid day in lockdown, and drew open the suburbs. The pollution created by the
pandemic, looking back over curtains. Less than ten meters away, thousands of vehicles that ply the
these strange times, one tiny but looking straight back at me across town’s streets every day cleared, and
quite magical experience from early the building site outside my window for much of that six weeks last year
spring last year remains lodged in my was a pair of wild deer. They were as the sky over the town looked almost
memory. It was a damp, chilly morning surprised to see me as I was to see unnaturally blue.
in mid-April. England was in the middle them, and froze, transfixed, staring back For us, Covid is a plague; a terrifying
of its first lockdown, very few people at me. I glanced left across the muddy menace that must be stamped out, a
were able to work, and almost everyone puddles, only to see I was also being catastrophe that must never be allowed
had already been cooped up at home watched by a big fat tomcat, sitting to happen again, and, of course, from
for several weeks, with nothing to do calmly and unflinchingly on the edge our point of view it is. But it’s also a rare
but watch telly, keep up-to-date with of the unfinished pavement, gazing opportunity to put life in perspective,
the latest info on this mysterious, scary directly at me. and to appreciate the fact that we are,
and little-understood menace that was This surreal tableau lasted only after all, still healthy and alive. It’s also
spreading across Great Britain, and a co u p l e o f m o m e nt s b efo re t h e worth bearing in mind that (as nasty as
admire the stunning spell of beautiful deer recovered from their shock and it is) Covid is certainly not the zombie
weather we’d been experiencing for hurried away, while the cat, losing apocalypse. Among the many global
weeks. Roads throughout the nation interest, slinked off, but for me it was disasters we’re facing these days (from
were eerily deserted, and there wasn’t something of an epiphany. Even during forest fires and droughts to typhoons
an airplane or chem trail to be seen in a global pandemic, life continues. For and hurricanes of record-breaking
the cloudless blue sky. The weather in six weeks last spring, while the human ferocity), it’s also one of the few that
Swindon, Wiltshire that spring was truly residents of Swindon were hiding from has had next to no negative effects
exceptional, and it was torture for me her wrath indoors, Mother Nature on the natural world, and that’s yet
not being able to get out into it and go started reclaiming the town. Animals another thing to celebrate.
hiking. t h at wo u l d n o r m a l l y st i c k to t h e Looking forward to getting back to
That cold, misty morning I got out of woods and hills miles away from my Taiwan summer 2022, when this is all
bed, planning how to pass yet another room started venturing into Swindon’s but a memory!
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COMMUNITY
“Tiktok Doctor”
Austin Chiang Takes
on Global Health
(Misinformation) Crisis
TEXT: LANA LEE IMAGES: AUSTIN CHIANG, TAS ALUMNI OFFICE
W
hen the Covid pandemic He is currently an assistant professor of
hit the world and his medicine at Thomas Jefferson University
h o s p i t a l , D r. A u s t i n Hospitals in Philadelphia, where he also
Chiang ('03), “the serves as the chief medical social media
TikTok Doctor,” came to the rescue. He officer, whose role is to lead various
started creating content on social media social media campaigns and policy
to empower patients with accurate designs and to educate other clinicians
medical information about the virus and around the nation.
vaccination. To date, his TikTok page has He has thrown himself into
gained more than 120 million views, social media to help patients better
397.2K followers and 14.2 million likes. understand gastroenterology, an area
Chiang, who apart from specializing of medicine related to the digestive
in gastroenterology and endoscopy, is system. He serves as an officer in
now a leading online influencer, and four different medical associations,
vigorously advocates physicians’ social and as an editor of Gastroenterology
media presence to precisely address & E n d o s c o p y N e w s, t h e l e a d i n g
this issue and educate patients online. gastroenterological newsletter. Chiang is an assistant professor at
Jefferson Health, where he serves as the
Following his social media fame, it Director of the Endoscopic Weight Loss
didn’t take long for prominent national Program and Chief Medical Social Media
Officer for the health system. [Courtesy
channels, such as The New York Times, of Austin Chiang’s Instagram]
CNBC and BBC News to spotlight him.
He is now a seasoned interviewee not
given to rambling or incoherence. He NOVEL APPROACH TO GLOBAL
smiled widely and often throughout our HEALTH
virtual interview, offering glimpses of While our current world is dominated
the hilarious persona he has established by the coronavirus pandemic, health
online. misinformation is an invisible pandemic
t h at h a s d eva state d a l l o f u s fo r
decades. But addressing it is difficult,
and untrained sources preaching
fallacious notions have not helped.
For Chiang, TikTok videos and social
media posts offered a new way to reach
patients.
He has used them as a vessel to
help break down the science into
more digestible pieces, helping the
public navigate both daily and complex
health choices. After hundreds of
posts, his TikTok page now touches on
almost every pertinent fact about the
coronavirus and gastroenterology.
His videos quickly clicked with the
public; the focus of attention on health
professionals during the pandemic
enabled his messages to reverberate
8 SUMMER 2021 www.communitycenter.org.tw
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COMMUNITY
Chiang’s TikTok has more than 120 million views, 397.2K followers and 14.2 million likes
to date. He creates videos on a broad range of topics including health, social issues
and his personal life. [Courtesy of Austin Chiang’s TikTok]
across all social media platforms. “Many solution to the issues in the dynamic
of us felt a responsibility to answer between physicians and patients he
questions and clarify areas of confusion had noticed over the years. “I think
[during this time],” Austin said. we have a responsibility to humanize
The pandemic impacted his own who we are, our profession, because
practice and livelihood immediately, as so many people see us as intimidating,
he had to take pay cuts and rearrange unapproachable or distant,” he said.
his entire schedule to prepare for a “I just want to bridge that disconnect
massive influx of patients. The dramatic t h at d i v i d e s p at i e nt s a n d h e a l t h
change provoked him and other health professionals, because I feel like there’s
personnel to “rethink how to approach a lot of mistrust in our health system.”
public health” and “alerted [them]
all to the vulnerabilities of our health LARGER MOTIVATIONS AND Chiang was nominated as the “TikTok Queer
system.” PURPOSE Advo cate of the Yea r,” which ack nowle dge s
Austin’s decision to establish an those who have “taken LGBTQ visibility to new
S o c i a l m e d i a wa s a l s o A u st i n’s heights on the app.” [Courtesy of Austin Chiang’s
influential online presence dates back Instagram]
to 2013, when he was troubled by
his patients, who were getting wrong t h e u n co nve nt i o n a l p at h h e wa s
i n fo r m a t i o n t h ro u g h t h e m e d i a. envisioning.
Curious to ascertain how reports on But truly believing in the “why,” to
the evening news about new medical share and educate, helped him focus
discoveries were being regulated, he without getting caught up by the red
became a resident member of the ABC tape and all the noise around him. So
News Medical Unit. Through assisting did meeting important mentors along
the newsrooms, he learned how the the way, who inspired audacity and grit
company utilized Twitter to foster within him. He points to his professor at
weekly discussions about various health medical school (who later served as the
topics, and started using the platform deputy secretary of health and human
professionally himself. services for the Bush administration)
During his time as a trainee at as one. “She sat me down and actually
H a r v a r d M e d i c a l S c h o o l, A u s t i n said ‘you’ve got to think bigger, I see
Chiang specializes in per forming endoscopic encountered “a lot of red tape” while you doing something way bigger —
procedures, including the diagnosis and treatment
of various gastrointestinal conditions. [Courtesy of exploring the use of social media in public health-related — not just this
Austin Chiang’s Instagram] his work. He felt obligated to conduct one-on-one patient interaction thing’,”
research in social media to justify Austin recalled as if he still found it hard
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COMMUNITY
to believe.
Spearheading the expansion of a
health professionals’ social media
network ultimately led him to establish
the Association for Healthcare Social
Media (AHSM), the first nonprofit
professional society to help health
professionals use social media
effectively and responsibly. He aims to
discover the various grey areas about
social media to improve upon the
social media landscape and prevent
health misinformation. “I would hate
for people to be misled by all the
misinformation on social media,” he
said, regretfully. “And I feel like we
Chiang attended Taipei American School from middle school until graduation after
should be the ones putting out the moving from Irvine, CA, in 1996. [Courtesy of TAS Alumni Office]
health information if we were trained in
those areas.” show has brought Austin close to were so involved and wanted me to
He does not dwell on strictly physical burnout multiple times. “Part of that experience as much as possible and put
health issues. Austin uses his platform is my own doing, because I overextend me in a lot of different classes.”
to speak out about social justice issues myself, and I want to do everything and Austin attended Taipei American
he is passionate about — many of want to say yes to everything,” he said. School until graduation, after moving
which he considers as public health After years of blocking out advice to from Irvine, CA, in 1996.
matters that also pertain to his patients. learn to say “no,” he is finally “starting The intellectual crowd made him
This past year, he primarily supported to get that, just out of necessity. I reckon with his academics in a serious
The Trevor Project, the leading national simply can’t do it all.” manner; he was the quiet “gunner,” he
o rga n i za t i o n fo c u s e d o n s u i c i d e Now managing all the consequences describes. He would be rushing home
prevention efforts among LGBTQ s ay i n g ye s h a s b ro u g ht, A u st i n to finish a project due two months
youths. His relentless advocacy led diagnoses himself with chronic sleep ahead. He believes he transformed
to his nomination as a “TikTok Queer deprivation, with a grain of shame in into a completely different person after
Advocate of the Year” in the GLAAD his laugh, reiterating the cliche that leaving Taiwan, to someone that his
Media Awards this year. “doctors are the worst patients.” classmates never expected him to be.
Though he ultimately did not win the Carving his sleep time appears to be the However, hi s form er classmate
title, a recent Tweet of his exemplifies only way for him to enjoy the personal Evelyn Chen (‘03) recognizes much
his enthusiasm for this pursuit: “AHHH! creative life he craves after hours, as he more resemblance between his high
@itsjojosiwa just said my name! Thank is so occupied with his job. school self and current public persona.
you for all you’ve done Jojo (heart) She remembers him at “the center of
(rainbow). Honored to have even been EARLY YEARS OF AMBITION many social groups,” and on stage,
nominated.” However, this intensity is not new where he was the concertmaster of
Ambitiously hosting his one-man for him. “[In high school] my parents his orchestra through middle and high
school. He was also a strong biology
enthusiast — hence his medical pursuit
after graduation — and he was the only
student to regularly attend his biology
teacher Mr. Olson’s Friday after-school
trips, which most students only went on
once, to fulfill the requirements.
Being an intense, stellar student in a
competitive environment had often left
Austin feeling culturally short-sighted.
“Looking back, I would have traded
some of the culture shock [I received
when I came back for college] for
actually being integrated more into the
Taiwanese community, because I feel
like that’s something that I never truly
Chiang attributes his ability to maneuver through his patients’ cultural differences to his understood because I was so focused
teenage years at Taipei American School. (Chiang, second from right) [Courtesy of TAS on the TAS community.”
Alumni Office]
Again, early figures of valuable
10 SUMMER 2021 www.communitycenter.org.tw
June 2021_p3-end.indd 10 2021/5/29 10:11 PMCOMMUNITY
mentorship helped him “take that g ra d u ate d f ro m D u ke U n i ve rs i t y, niche that you can explore.”
extra step” outside the TAS bubble to then attended Harvard and Columbia “Had I been entirely committed to
understand what is important in the University to earn his M.D. and M.P.H. just one path, especially the standard
world. To this day, he still often thinks Earning not one but three certifications, path that was expected of me, I would
back to the teachers who took time he soon became a prominent not have done half the things I’ve
outside of what’s required of their job gastroenterologist and one of the done,” he said. “So I’m leaving some of
description to give him extra guidance, few triple board-certified advanced [my future] to chance.”
as reference for how he mentors endoscopists in the world. Behind With all the responsibility he takes
hundreds and thousands of health these accolades also lay his genuine upon himself, Austin is tasked with
professionals and patients now. intellectual curiosity, a perpetual desire being more than just a doctor. But
“[The expanded worldview/ to be around inspirational people,and through every move he dances and
perspective I gained back then] now to prove himself over his naysayers. every lyric he sings, he continues to
helps me be a little more empathetic safeguard us from the ubiquitous
about the cultural differences, about ATTITUDE BREEDS SUCCESS health rumors that surround us, and
what drives people to do certain Keeping an open mind and being invite more professionals worldwide
things they do when it comes to their a d a p t a b l e i n a ra p i d l y c h a n g i n g to join his novel way to approach their
health, how to approach patients e nv i ro n m e nt h ave b e e n key to patients.
and be respectful of the cultural Austin’s accomplishments so far;
differences.” He is especially grateful he’s particularly thrived following
now, witnessing the prevalent injustice pursuits that are unconventional Lana Lee is the editor
i n t h e U.S. d r i ve n b y t h e l a c k o f and unfamiliar. After persisting in his in chief of the Taipei
empathy and understanding of different vision despite the ridicule and eyerolls American School
backgrounds. directed at him at the beginning of his student newspaper,
After leaving Taiwan for the United social media journey, he now strongly T he Blue and Gold.
States, Austin maintained the same believes that others’ discouragement She loves making
rigor that figured prominently in his is simply a sign that they are new connections and staying inspired
upbringing, to achieve even more uncomfortable because it has not been through consuming books, podcasts
i m p re s s i ve a c co m p l i s h m e nt s. H e done yet, and that it is oftentimes “a and videos.
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Resilient TAS:
Runners Host Impromptu
Marathon Event
TEXT: LINDSEY KUNDEL, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING, TAS
IMAGES: TAS
E
arlier this spring, after running the race in Sun Moon Lake would be into three segments. The meeting
42 kilometers along the rivers her first marathon, which is a daunting point for the runners would also serve
of northern Taipei, Grade 42-kilometer race that many runners as the start and finish line, to make
5 Taipei American School have on their bucket lists. it easy for others to find them and
teacher Tulsi Griffiths did not receive a “The race got canceled only three participate. From the starting point, the
medal. She was instead greeted by her days before the actual day,” said runners first tackled a loop around the
partner, Luis, her French bulldog, Rocky, Griffiths. “I was not expecting it at all Shuangxi riverside area for a total of six
and a slew of cheering TAS teachers, and was devastated that I had worked kilometers. Next up was an out-and-
with smiles, hugs, and coconut water. so hard and put so much time and back route from the starting point to the
This was Griffiths' first attempt at effort - physical and mental - into Guandu Temple area near Tamsui, which
running a marathon, but it wasn't the preparing for this. I was not ready to at six kilometers each way brought the
finish line she anticipated. just give up or to continue training for a runners’ total mileage up to 18 km.
“I was planning on running the Sun new event date.” The last section of the route was
Moon Lake marathon on January 24th, W h e n t h e r a c e w a s c a n c e l e d, the longest and involved another out-
but earlier that week it was postponed Griffiths, Kamibeppu, and Kok and-back, from the starting point to
due to an announcement from the immediately reached out to Amber Rainbow Bridge in Songshan District
Ministry of Health that all large-scale Hardy, the upper school head athletic and back to the starting/finish line for a
events should be canceled,” said trainer, for advice and support. total of 42 km.
Griffiths. “So instead, a few friends Griffiths said that she thought the The surprise hero of the day turned
and I decided to map out our own idea was “crazy,” but the more she out to be the lone middle school
little Taipei marathon for the end of thought about it, the more she realized student, Sawyer S. ('26), the son of a
January.” that she wanted some sort of “closure” current upper school faculty member,
Griffiths had planned to run the Sun to end all of her months of training. “I Darby Sinclair. Sawyer knew Griffiths
Moon Lake marathon with a friend, Joe wanted it to be an event. I wanted it to through the cross-country team, which
Kamibeppu, the fiancé of a TAS upper be exciting.” she coaches.
school college counselor, Shanice Kok. The four planners started an email He had intended to run only the
“I wanted something to look forward and WhatsApp group chain to ask for first six kilometers of the race with his
to this year,” said Griffiths. “I felt like so advice and ideas, and to invite people mom. However, when he made it to the
many things were taken away by Covid to run or bike along the route. Four 18-kilometer mark, he realized that he
and other things going on, so I wanted additional TAS teachers and one middle still felt “pretty good.”
to work towards a goal that I could school student decided to run alongside S a w y e r, a r m e d o n l y w i t h f o u r
actually accomplish, given everything Griffiths and Kamibeppu, while a larger Starburst candies and the support of
going on in the world.” group decided to cheer on the runners, his immediate family and extended TAS
Griffiths trained for four months take YouBikes along the path, and family, decided to keep running and see
prior to the race. Although she had provide water, electrolyte beverages, how far he could go.
previously run several smaller races and bananas to the runners at intervals. His mother said, "It wasn't the Sunday
including 5, 10, and 21-kilometer races, The eventual route was broken up morning we thought we would have,
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but it was incredible to see what he Middle school choral instructor Betty had run the Sun Moon Lake marathon.”
could do when he put his mind to it.” Chang was there at the finish line with Kamibeppu credits Griffiths for
According to Sawyer, this was the her husband and two children. “I love making this ad hoc race into an event
farthest he had ever run. His longest how this event brought our community where TAS community members could
run before this event was only together,” she said. “Our family loved join in the fun as a runner, supporter,
12-kilometers, a mere 29% of the full spending the morning hanging with runner parent, or post-event brunch
marathon that he eventually ran with people and being out in the sun.” attendee. “It ended up feeling like
Griffiths and Kamibeppu. Although it wasn't the race either of an opportunity for TAS community
Sawyer was a bit more nonchalant them planned on, both Kamibeppu and members to casually get together on a
about his accomplishment than his Griffiths say they are glad that things Sunday morning,” said Kamibeppu. “I
mother and fellow runners. “I wasn't turned out the way they did. couldn’t believe so many folks would
planning on running a marathon, but O n e o f Ka m i b e p p u’s favo r i te willingly come out on a Sunday morning
I just thought I shouldn't waste this moments came at the end of the race just to support fellow members of their
opportunity. I should just run it all and as he was crossing the finish line, community. If I had any liquid left in my
then I get to tell my friends about it,” held up by a few TAS teachers. “I was body, perhaps I would have shed a tear."
said Sawyer. completely gassed and in pain, and I Griffiths agrees. “I feel so fortunate
Unfortunately for Sawyer, most of wasn’t in a particularly great mood,” to have had the most supportive
his friends had already heard the news said Kamibeppu. “I saw a man holding squad,” she said. “It's a beautiful
when he got to tell them, because his up a sign with my face on it from when testament to our community that so
mother had already posted about it on I was a baby. I recognized my face on many people showed up to support us.”
Facebook and those parents then told the sign, but I didn't recognize the Taipei American School played a role
their children. man at all, and he didn't recognize me in helping all of these runners reach
The TAS community showed up to either because I had sunglasses on their finish line. According to Griffiths,
this last-minute event in force. Griffiths as I ran past him (and I had obviously TAS helped her not only on the day of
said one of her fellow TAS teacher- grown-up). As I went past, I told him, the race, but also more generally. For
runners made her do little speed-ups ‘Hey, that’s my face!’ and he started example, Steve Anderson (upper school
toward the end of the race, which laughing and cheering for me. The fact faculty member and coach) was her
helped her stay motivated. Whenever that a TAS community member I didn't sounding board to bounce ideas off of
s h e n e e d e d s o m e t h i n g, w h e t h e r even know would show up to an event before she started training. She also
hydration, a snack, or a smile, there was on a Sunday morning and cheer on noted that she was able to add strength
always someone along the way, and someone he doesn’t know was very training to her regimen because the
right at the perfect time. touching. That realization gave me an gym was open to faculty members
One TAS teacher, Kiley Little, joined extra push of energy to keep running before school.
in for the first six kilometers of the as I slowly made my way to the finish “I also think the school's wellness
race. “It was a great start to a Sunday line.” initiative during our professional
m o r n i n g,” s h e s a i d. “I t wa s ve r y “I think I can speak for the both development days played a role,” said
inspiring to me to start training for of us when I say Tulsi and I felt very Griffiths. “All of these things together
another race, too.” supported throughout the whole race, made a huge difference.”
The word “inspiring” was echoed and we couldn’t have done it without After the race, the “squad” of more
by another teacher, Sara Oliveira, who our team (at least, I couldn't have),” said than thirty TAS faculty members and
came to support the runners at the Kamibeppu. “This race will end up as a significant others celebrated with a
finish line. more special memory for me than if we buffet brunch at Lutetia Cafe and Bakery.
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Volunteers -
Our Community Treasures
This is the second in a Centered on Taipei series about the
volunteers who serve our communities here in Taiwan. Our first
article, the Salt Collectiv, was featured in the May 2021 issue.
The Taipei International TIWC Social Ser vice Commit tee led by
Women’s Club (TIWC)
Chair Frances Hsieh, along with Board
members visited Garden of Hope, one of
our 2020 Charity Beneficiaries.
TEXT: SUE BABCOCK
IMAGES: JULIE HSIEH, TIWC
T
he concept of “volunteerism”
for the ladies of the Taipei
I nte r n at i o n a l Wo m e n’s
Club (TIWC), a community
service organization, has an interesting
beginning, which dates back to life in
Taiwan during the 1950s.
IN THE BEGINNING
Pa s t P r e s i d e n t o f T I W C (1982-
1983), Livia Yu, explained that in the At our October General Meeting: Celebrating International Day, 9 Ambassadors from (L
to R) Tuvalu, Haiti, St Marshall Islands, St Vincent and Grenadines, Nicaragua, Belize,
1950s Taiwan was in need of medical Palau, Honduras, and St Kitts and Nevis honored us with their attendance. President
and health care, and of financial and Julie Hsieh and 2nd VP Malaena Olaechea from Peru at the right.
military assistance. Dr. Richard Y.H.
Lee and his wife Cynthia Chan Lee, a major countries where Taiwan had Military Auxiliary Aid Group (MAAG)
nurse, started the Aviation Medical diplomatic relationships. It was because started the Taipei Women’s Club, which
Center, which performed many of of her work for Taiwan that she became later became the Taipei International
the country’s medical immigration one of the founding members of TIWC. Women’s Club. Edna and these early
examinations to the U.S. and other Edna Lee and other wives of the TIWC women organized a special
service group, which worked with local
health organizations in the areas of
philanthropy and community volunteer
service. They helped leprosy sufferers,
t u b e rc u l o s i s h o m e s, c l ef t-l i p p e d
children and many others, subsidizing
their work with money from their own
pockets.
W hen T I WC wa s established in
1951, it became an affiliate with the
General Federation of Women’s Clubs
(GFWC), based in Washington, D.C, the
largest international women’s service
organization in the world. Throughout
t h e yea rs, T I WC h a s c reated a
Right to Left: 2nd VP Malena Olaechea, TIWC member Jovhanna Tovar, Anthony Carlisle
from Garden of Hope, Ambassador Dilmei Olkeriil of Embassy of Palau, 1st VP Diane
remarkable and inspiring legacy of
Haylock of Belize, Past President Lansing Chen, President Julie Hsieh, Guest Olivia cross-cultural friendships, common
Chen.
interests in education, public welfare,
civics, the fine arts and philanthropy.
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Left to Right: Jovhanna Tovar from Columbia, 2nd VP Malena Olaechea from Peru,
President Julie Hsieh, Past President Livia Yu, 1st VP Diane Haylock at our October 2020
General Meeting at Sherwood Hotel.
Presentation of Donation Check to Yu-Cheng
financial help, and who sincerely intend Social Welfa re Foundation. Lef t to Right:
L i - C h u a n Wa n g, V i r g i n a Ya n g, Way s a n d
THE TIWC VISION AND THE 21ST to use their training and talents to Means/Gala Chair Jenny Chang, Judy Chen
CENTURY benefit society. The TIWC also supports from Yu- Cheng Welfare Foundation, Past
President Livia Yu
Dr. Julie Hsieh, the current, two- medical research into rare diseases,
term President (2019-2021) of Taipei communities recovering from natural to women of all ages, nationalities
International Women’s Club shared that disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons and cultures to foster sisterhood,
TIWC women are important threads or flooding, and individuals (including understanding and friendship.
within the fabric of Taiwan society. children) challenged by special needs Despite the pandemic difficulties of
They support and bind together the and circumstances, to name a few. the last year, our TIWC family has risen
communities and networks where they Since one of the main goals of to meet these challenges with a strong
are living, volunteering or working. This TIWC is to promote philanthropy and sense of purpose, unity and dedication.
is one important reason why TIWC is public welfare, an Annual Charity This collective effort continues to
celebrating its 70th Anniversary this Dinner Gala is held to raise funds to illustrate TIWC’s Vision for the 21st
year. TIWC women care about people. support different charities, groups and Century.
This TIWC core value is what makes an education scholarships.
important difference to the lives that The Taipei International Women’s
the organization touches. TIWC’s vision Club has General Meetings, Special
is dedicated to the development of Interest Groups and Activities to
social, charitable and cultural activities promote opportunities for members to
through friendship, education and become better acquainted with each
philanthropy. other through education, friendships
and cross-cultural appreciation.
PHILANTHROPY TIWC has grown in membership,
Philanthropic support, Dr. Hsieh diversity and sisterhood since its
co nt i n u e d to ex p l a i n, i n c l u d e s founding in 1951. Its acts of charity are
scholarships to post-secondary students well-known throughout Taiwan and the
i n Ta i wa n w h o h ave o u t sta n d i n g international communities. TIWC as
potential for leadership and a need for an organization offers the opportunity
Pre se nt atio n of D o natio n Che ck to TIWC
Educational Foundation. Left to Right: Anne
Yung, President Julie Hsieh, TIWC EF Chair
Biyu Liu, Ade la ide Mao, A my Lia ng, Pa st
President Lily Lee Wen
Sue Babcock is a
long-time resident of
Taiwan, and T IWC
B o ard of Di rector s,
Executive Secretary.
TIWC Social Service Committee visited Yu Cheng Social Welfare Foundation, one of our
2021 Charity Beneficiaries.
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Centered on Taipei is celebrating its 21st anniversary and is pleased to present this special Anniversary article
A Tale of
Two Residences
TEXT & PHOTOS: ST. JOHN DUNN
A
ll parents look upon their the shoulders of their teachers, while a writer, a literary theorist, and a
infants and wonder what their shoulders prop up new feet as lexicographer (which I learnt this week
they will grow up to be and questions are answered and further is a person who designs and compiles
what they will do with their questions asked. Curiosity and inquiry dictionaries).
lives - it's part of being a parent. When have taken us far from where we I visited Liang Shih-Chiu’s restored
his parents looked upon Liang Shih-Chiu started so many centuries ago. Japanese house on a rainy day on
in 1903, they had no idea that their son the 4th of May. I hadn’t particularly
would leave such a cultural mark upon ENRICHING THE HUMAN planned to visit on this day, but later
China and Taiwan. EXPERIENCE when I was sifting through my notes, I
I respect scholars. They have a Some scholars seek answers and realized that the date was symbolically
good understanding of the value of solutions, while others wish to expand important.
knowledge. They know the importance and enrich the human experience. Liang The May Fourth Movement, a political
of keeping what was alive. Everything Shih-Chiu was the latter of the two. In and cultural movement that shifted the
we have is built upon the shoulders his time he carried important literary social structure of China in a few ways,
of those before us. There’s a great works across the English-Chinese started in Beijing in 1919. At the time,
succession of students and teachers language divide. He was recognized and written Chinese used an older version
in their various fields - standing on celebrated as an educator, a translator, of the language. It was only written for
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a comparatively small portion of the writing system of Chinese to allow Liang studied literar y criticism
population - the educated portion. access to all. It was also the beginning at Harvard University. He was the
To give you a taste of the situation, of Liang Shih-Chiu’s strong belief professor of English at some of China’s
let’s take a quick look at a few lines of that literature should be available to top universities between 1926 and
the Fourteenth Century poet Chaucer. everyone. 1936. He relocated to Sichuan province
When speaking to my friend I might Liang Shih-Chiu is well known for his during China’s War with Japan (1937-
say, “Once, as old histories tell us, Chinese translation of the complete 1945). In 1949 he and his family left
there was a duke who was called works of Shakespeare and an extensive for Taiwan during the big changes in
Theseus.” But if I could have written bilingual Chinese-English dictionary China’s political landscape, and he
an email to my friend at that time, I that is still used in Taiwanese schools lectured with devotion and passion
would have to write, “Whilom, as olde today. The Shakespeare translation is at Taipei's Shida (National Normal
stories tellen us, Ther was a duc that faithful to the original work. It conveys University) for sixteen years.
highte Theseus.” (My thanks to the both the beauty of the text as well as
Geoffrey Chaucer webpage at Harvard its less subtle innuendo and jibes. Liang IGNITING A PASSION
University.) wrote it in a way that is accessible to all In my studies I have had fortune
The May Fourth Movement was people, and it must have taken many enough to receive education from a few
the starting point for modernizing the thousands of hours to finish. teachers that taught me more
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readers and these days Amazon even
offers an English version of it.
For many of his academic years Liang
Shih-Chiu lived in a residence provided
by Shida. The same residence I was
standing in just a few weeks ago.
A family turns a house into a home
and the stories it leaves behind give
greater significance to the space it
than the groundwork of their BEAUTIFUL STORIES inhabited. I tracked down some of
subject. They ignited a passion; they For most of China’s War with Japan, these stories shared by Liang Shih-
gave vividness and a noted dimension Liang Shih-Chiu lived without his family Chiu’s youngest daughter, who is now in
to what they taught - they turned in Sichuan in a rural area called Beipei. her eighties.
succulent that which was dry. I have During this time, the Harvard-educated She reminds us that her father
no doubt that Liang Shih-Chiu was city boy gained a first hand experience worked every day of his life, except
one of those teachers. Through his of life in the country. He was a father, a when Princess Black (their black cat)
dedication he offered his shoulders to husband and a professor, but perhaps had her kittens under his desk in his
students to stand on and gave countless he was foremost a writer. study. For this, he took two days off.
opportunities to thousands to better During this time away he wrote Thereafter he found another feline
their lives through the English language. a large number of beautiful essays residence for the cat and her offspring.
These are some of Liang Shih-Chiu’s about country life. With his keen eye Liang’s daughter speaks fondly of
achievements, but to get a fuller and love for language, he managed to her father’s love for chess and tells
understanding of his colorful character I make simple daily events magical. He us proudly about how, for most of
dug around for some special snapshots wrote about things such as handshakes, his writing career, her father used
of his life. Two called for my attention: haircuts, exchanges between men traditional Chinese brushes and ink to
his charming account of the time he and women, taking a bath, and even write. He was a true scholar who placed
spent in Sichuan Province, and his toothpicks! Years later a collection of value in the old way of things.
daughter’s memories of the time the these essays was published in Chinese The times her family spent under
family lived in the home I visited on the in a book titled From the Sketchbook of a breadfruit tree are most treasured.
4th of May in Shida neighborhood. a Cottager. This book is loved by many There were no air conditioners at the
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time, so the shade of the tree with the
cool breezes flowing about it provided
a point for the family to relax in each
other’s company. Many good meals
were eaten there. Many jokes shared.
Many good memories made.
Later on the family moved out. Over
time their residence became one of
many that fell into disrepair.
A s a fo re i g n e r I d e l i g h t i n t h e
historical architectural styles of Taiwan.
It often saddens me when I see many of
these structures from different cultures
reduced to husks of their former
selves. Recently the government’s Build
Operate Transfer (B.O.T.) restoration
program has gone a long way to change
this sad state.
BURIED TREASURE
A retired professor and an artist now
rent Liang Shih-Chiu’s rebuilt home. This
source of so much creative writing now
provides a space for cultural events,
including art exhibitions, tea sessions
and poets’ gatherings. It is well worth a
visit. After you have enjoyed the space,
I would suggest a short walk to another
old house that was built in 1931 and has
been the residence of two professors. Professor Liang Shih-Chiu’s residence:
These days it is a restaurant-tea-coffee 11, Yun-he Street (around the corner from the Starbucks on Shida Road)
shop called Qintian 76. They serve Qintian 76: 6, Lane 7, Qintian Street
Japanese set meals and an afternoon
tea. The cake is good, as is the tea. Professor Masashi Adachi was the In the last few months my journey
It’s always ref resh i n g to f i n d a first resident. He left in a hurry for i nto t h e p a st h a s b ro u g ht m e to
restaurant that steps away from the Japan and Professor Ma Ting-Ying took determined doctors, tea merchants,
generic - eating here feels more like up residence in 1945. Some time after fortunetellers and educated professors.
you are eating at an old friend's home. he settled in the house, Professor Ma I may not always understand the
There are several rooms to choose was contacted by the original owner culture on this island that surrounds
from, each with different furniture (Professor Masashi Adachi). The two me, but I truly feel that my respect,
(Western-style chairs and tables or men had never met each other, but comprehension and excitement for it
tatami mats with low tables). The there was a certain kinship between continue to grow.
decorations in each room are all them. They had common friends and I’m not certain of what lies next on
unique. However, the polished wooden both were well-educated men. Masashi this path. However, I’m pretty certain
floors with the traditional wooden told Ma that if he dug in the back part that facts and tales together will meet
trimming on all the walls give a unified of the backyard he would find treasure. me upon the road to offer another
feeling, regardless of the eclectic mix. When Professor Ma investigated, he interesting story. When this happens, I
Qintian 76 has many stories of its dug up a wooden box, and inside there hope you will join me for it.
own and an interesting secret that was were some precious porcelain items
unearthed. and an old Samurai sword!
St. John has liv ed in
Taiwan for more than ten
years and calls the island
home. T he unexp ected
cultural adventure around
the corner, an interesting
tale told by a stranger and
the hidden places in the
mountains are just three things he loves
about this corner of Asia.
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Braiding –
on a suitable day and time for the both
of us: Saturday, 9am.
T h e d a y b e fo r e, I w a s h e d a n d
conditioned my hair, air-dried it and
A Cultural Experience greased my scalp with a hair food
grease I had bought through one of
in Taiwan
the hair product suppliers in Taiwan.
That same night, I got my “hair bag”
ready, a regular brown paper bag that
serves the purpose of carrying my hair
needs for braiding appointments. In it
I put my packs of hair extensions, hair
TEXT & IMAGES: ZEE N. DLAMINI
food grease, edge wax gel, hair bands
and a braid spray. It is not my first time
visiting Asma for a hair appointment,
and I’m aware of all the tools that she
provides.
My hair braider, like many on the
island, is not a trained hair braider
or stylist, but learnt her art through
practice and traditions passed down
from sisters, mothers or friends. Some
start practicing braiding their own hair
while they are still young, then start
braiding a friend’s hair or practicing
on a head doll to perfect their styles.
In time, they perfect their grip or grab
routine (planting) with flair and speed.
- ten packs of synthetic hair extensions There are numerous ways of braiding
- to arrive. Thankfully, there are a few hair: box braids, micro braids, cornrows,
black-hair product supply vendors now Havana (Marley) twists, Senegalese
operating online in Taiwan, but it is still twists, faux locs, crochet braids, yarn
a little tricky finding the right type of braids, tree braids, feed-in braids, plain
extensions, especially if the color is not back braids and braided buns among
black, maroon or a popular ombre mix. others, and this being Taiwan, hair
I waited for my extensions order to braiders come from various parts of
be delivered, and only after it arrived the world, and occasionally a favorite
M
could I text my hair braider of choice braid style will be called by a different
y journey begins on the to arrange for an appointment. After name, but sending an Instagram image
n u m b e r 260 b u s f ro m much texting back and forth, we agreed of the style wanted works well.
Yangmingshan to Jiantan
MRT station early one
Saturday, on a sunny but chilly morning.
Once I arrive, I will alight and catch
another bus ferrying me to Miramar,
where I will get on the MRT Brown line
to take me to Taipei Zoo station.
From Taipei Zoo, I then ride another
b u s t h at b r i n g s m e c l o s e r to my
final destination, albeit I still have to
walk for a few minutes to reach my
journey’s end.
I have done this route for nearly all
the seven years I’ve been in Taiwan.
Preparing for this journey has taken
me several days. Beforehand, I visited
a local Taiwanese hair salon in Tianmu
to get a hot oil hair treatment whilst I
waited on a purchase of the material
that I will use for a long day of braiding
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June 2021_p3-end.indd 20 2021/5/29 10:12 PMCULTURE
When choosing a hair braider for any comb and a hair dryer. On another chair a variety of subjects, including the
style, I normally ask friends within our I notice that she has placed towels. I cultures of West and East Africa, the
community about recommendations quickly sit down in front of another development of ECOWAS, her research
before making an appointment: asking table on which are books and a laptop topic, the influences of West African
questions such as who is good at on which I can watch the news or music in Southern African music, and
braiding certain styles, how far away browse Netflix. This is where I will be life in Taipei.
they live, how much they charge and sitting for the next six to eight hours. At 7:30pm, my new braids are done,
how much time do they generally take She offers me a cup of coffee and asks steamed with hot water from a small
to complete the task. if I would like breakfast. I decline both pot boiled on a cooker. She dries the
However, I tend to opt for Asma, offers, but thank her. braids off, and applies edge wax on the
even though there are several others My hair braider, from Burkina Faso, is hair line and baby hair. This style should
that are closer. She has been braiding a PhD candidate student and a research last me from two weeks to a month
my hair, on-and-off, for six years, she assistant at her university here in Taipei. (although some people leave it in for
understands my hair type and texture, Her native language is French, but her longer).
and knows that haircare prior to English is good. After I’ve paid her and gathered
braiding is important to me. As she begins to touch my hair, I my remaining hair extensions, Asma
Before I get my braids, I make sure fiddle with my hair bag and bring out its snaps a few pictures for her Instagram
that my hair is in the best condition, if contents for her to see. account, and I begin my journey back
it needs to be lengthened or smoothed “You want to do box braids today,” home to Yangmingshan.
out, and apply a little hair food grease if she asks me.
necessary. Since my natural hair is coily “That’s what I had in mind, medium
and kinky, I prefer it to be straightened size ones. I hope the hair I brought will
out a little so that the ends don’t stick be enough and my hair is long enough
out after braiding. for you to catch onto the braid,” I
It’s 9am when I buzz her apartment respond.
door. It’s a bit chilly outside so I’m “It looks like it will be enough, I need
eager to get indoors and get started. to lengthen your hair first. I will try my
When the door opens, I walk up six best not to catch the hair and braid Zee Dlamini is a digital
flights of stairs until I reach her studio too tight on you. I know your scalp is PR strategist turned
apartment, on the roof of the building. sensitive.” fashion stylist/fashion
It’s a cozy place and she has already Following hair care, around 10am, blogger, in addition
set up the braiding station: a little table Asma starts braiding my hair using the to b eing a full-time
with all her hair care products, combs synthetic hair extensions I brought mommy with a zest for life and a lover of
in different shapes and sizes, a hot with me. As time passes, we talk about all things good.
Taiwan 101: Essential Sights,
Hikes and Experiences on Ilha Formosa
by Richard Saunders
Taiwan is a perfect illustration of the saying that good things come in
small packages. In comparison with more popular tourist destinations in
the Far East, Taiwan is very modest in size, but despite its diminutive scale,
the island has an astonishing amount to offer the curious explorer.
The two volumes that make up Taiwan 101 are the perfect guide for
exploring the very best of Taiwan: not only the island’s finest hikes, but
also its best historic towns and cities, brightest traditional festivals, unique
Chinese and aboriginal cultural riches, and its little-known natural wonders
such as eternal flames, mud volcanoes and badlands.
Together, Taiwan 101 Volumes 1 and 2 present Taiwan’s finest attractions
to anyone who wishes to get to know this island of kaleidoscopic charms,
and comes with detailed information on getting around by public transport,
and accurate GPS coordinates of nearly 800 fascinating places.
www.communitycenter.org.tw SUMMER 2021 21
June 2021_p3-end.indd 21 2021/5/29 10:12 PMYou can also read
