Centered FEB 2022 Vol. 22 | 05 - Community Services Center Taipei
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
A publication of the Community Services Center
on TAIPEI
FEB
Centered
Vol. 22 | 05
2022
CONTENTS February 2022 volume 21 issue 5
CSC CULTURE
From the Editors 5 Far More than the Western New Year 9
February 2022 Activities Highlights 7 Fortune Telling 11
February 2022 Center Gallery 8 Soaking 101: Hot Spring Etiquette 14
Book Club 8 A Curious Chinese Folk Art Encounter With A Tiger 16
CSC Business Classified inside back cover Youth Park: A Hidden Gem of Taipei 17
POETRY
A Villanelle for Today 19
Publisher Community Services Center, Taipei
Editor Suzan Babcock HEALTH
Co-editor Richard Saunders Coexistence of Body Positivity and Weight Loss:
Advertising Manager Naomi Kaly
Magazine Email coteditor@communitycenter.org.tw A Dietitian's Voice in the Conversation 20
Tel 02-2836-8134
02-2835-2530
Fax
COMMUNITY
Homelessness in Taiwan 23
Printed by Farn Mei Printing Co., Ltd. An ‘Act of Love’ from Taipei to Taitung 24
1F, No. 102, Hou Kang Street, Shilin
District, Taipei
Tel: 02-2882-6748 Fax: 02-2882-6749 PHOTOGRAPHY
E-mail: farnmei@gmail.com Sue Babcock 26
Virginia Lee 27
Centered on Taipei is a publication of the Community Services Center,
25, Lane 290, Zhongshan N. Rd., Sec. 6, Tianmu, Taipei, Taiwan
Tel: 02-2836-8134
TRAVEL
fax: 02-2835-2530 Go West! Sunny Days Out during Taiwan’s Winter Months 28
e-mail: coteditor@communitycenter.org.tw
Staying On Track: Exploring Taiwan By Train 32
Correspondence may be sent to the editor at coteditor@
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!
Copyright 2022. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not
be reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner.
COT is printed on FSC certified 100% post-consumer recycled fiber. The
paper is certified in accordance with the rules of the Forest Stewardship
Council which promotes environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and
economically viable management of the world's forests. https://ic.fsc.org/
www.communitycenter.org.tw FEBRUARY 2022 3
TIGER TOTS PRESCHOOL
A LOVING PLACE FOR LEARNING
PRE-K AND KINDERGARTEN (LOCATED INSIDE TAS)
TIGGER'S (PRE-2S), 2S AND 3S PLAYGROUPS (TIAN YU CAMPUS)
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
4 FEBRUARY 2022 www.communitycenter.org.tw
COVER PHOTO:
by Virginia Lee
FROM Please send email submissions, comments, and feedback to
coteditor@communitycenter.org.tw.
THE
For more information, please go to EDITORS
our website at
www.communitycenter.org.tw The Year of the Tiger will have begun by the time that you
read our latest issue of Centered on Taipei. For those of us
living overseas, especially at holiday times, our understanding
of our host culture takes on new cultural awareness,
COT Team
meanings and significance.
John Dankowski’s article Far More than the Western
New Year describes many of the local New Year traditions
presenting unique insights. The Year of the Tiger signifies
characteristics of strong character, courage, protection
and the ability to ward off evil, especially for children. In A
Suzan Babcock Richard Saunders Naomi Kaly KC
Editor Co-editor Advertising Manager Graphic Designer
Curious Folk Art Encounter with a Tiger, Pai Su-yu delves into
coteditor@ richard0428@yahoo.com naomi@communitycenter. graphicdesigntaipei. the fascination that grandmothers and mothers across China
communitycenter.org.tw org.tw weebly.com
have long had for tigers and children.
For those willing to brave our recent cold spells of winter
weather, a good soak in a local hot spring may be just
Featured Contributors the thing to help relax, especially since our stress levels
have been elevated due to COVID. Serina Huang’s article
Soaking 101: Hot Spring Etiquette provides useful tips to
make your hot spring experience an enjoyable one. Want
to walk off some of those calories put on during the New
Year? Uwe Madonna Maurer’s article Youth Park: A Hidden
Steven Crook John Dankowski Heather Gatley James Lade Janet Malanga Gem of Taipei explores a quiet Wanhua park near the east
bank of the Tamsui River. Filled with spacious parkland and
playgrounds for children, shaded areas and walkways of
banyan, willow and maple trees and a traditional Chinese
nine-corner bridge over serene flowing water, it offers a
sense of peace to those wishing to enjoy being in nature.
Art, Photography and Writing Contributors Steven Crook’s Staying on Track: Exploring Taiwan by
Sue Babcock James Lade Joseph Reilly Train ignites a sense of adventure. Valuable travel tips are
Steven Crook Virginia Lee Richard Saunders suggested for exploring places near designated railroad
John Dankowski Sherry Li Catherine Shiao stations, many of which have their own unique histories. If
Heather Gatley Janet Malanga Grace Ting
Julie Hu Uwe Madonna Maurer Lucy Torres time is not a factor, this is novel way to explore Taiwan.
Serina Huang Pai Su-yu Claire Tyrrell Our Center is open. Come join us for our February 10th
Coffee Morning from 10:30 to 12 noon. This month’s topic
“Introduction to Taiwan Legal Aid Foundation” with Attorney
Pick COT up at:
Uptown: Fan-Chun Chu promises a full-house, so come early to get a
Community Services Center, No. 25, Lane 290, Sec. 6, good seat, along with a cup of steaming coffee or tea.
Zhongshan North Rd. With continued good wishes to each of you for a healthy
Sprout – No. 33, Sec. 7, Zhongshan North Rd.
George Pai’s Beauty – No. 14, Tienmu East Rd.
and happy New Year of the Tiger.
Downtown:
Ooh Cha Cha – 207, Sec.2, Nanchang Rd. Sue and Richard
Accountant Monica Cheng
COMMUNITY SERVICES CENTER Programs Manager Rosemary Susa
Director of Development and
Events Helen Peterson
The Community Services Center (CSC) is a non-profit foundation. CSC provides Coffee Mornings Coordinators Leslie McFarlane, Meredith Lee
outreach and early intervention through counseling, cross-cultural education and Programs/Office Support Lucy Torres, Bunny Pacheco
life skills programs to meet the needs of the international community in Taipei. Communications Pia Munk-Janson
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
Mandarin Chinese Teacher Gloria Gwo
about our programs. You can also email us at csc@communitycenter.org.tw. Systems Manager Samson Debele
Counseling Interns Ximena Lopez
Director Adam McMillan Volunteers Miyuki Boice, John Imbrogulio, Meredith Lee, Leslie
McFarlane, John McQuade
Office Manager Grace Ting
Benefactors Bai Win Antiques
Counselors I-wen Chan, Katherine Chang, Hui-shiang Chao, European Chamber of Commerce
Anne Cheng, Jung Chin, Chiao-Feng Chung, Cerita Hsu, Grand Hyatt Taipei
Lily Lin, Miranda Lin, Emilie Ma, Kuang-Shan Wan
Premier Sponsors Concordia Consulting
Consultants Anne Cheng, Tom Cole, Wendy Evans, Mary Lagerstrom, ICRT
Michael Mullahy, Sofia Vintimila San Fu Global
Counseling Admin. Joanne Chua
www.communitycenter.org.tw FEBRUARY 2022 5
FUNDRAISER
FRIENDS OF THE CENTER
Come join us for a fun filled evening of free-flow wine,
finger food and raffles with amazing prizes. (Non-alcohol beverages will be served.)
Friday February 18 at Le Sommelier* 6 PM – 10 PM
Price: $2000/person
Buy your tickets at:
*Le Sommelier Wine Expert
No. 3-72, Tianmu W Rd. Shilin District
The Community Services Center
No. 25, Lane 290, Sec. 6, Zhongshan N Rd. Shilin District
Scan here for more information
Thank
you FUNDRAISING DONORS!
The Community Services Center would like to thank the following individuals
and companies for their generous donations to the Center’s fundraising drive.
Anonymous Dan Hudkins Joy Manglasson
Anonymous Nicole Hudson Leslie McFarlane
Anonymous Becky Klar Adam McMillan
Anonymous Jim Klar David Sachse and the Sachse Family
Faye Angevine Terry Lagerquist San Fu Global Ltd.
Bai Win Collection Antique & Art Ruu-Tian Lawrence Hellen Soderberg
Diane Baker Estate Lily's Collections - Lee-Lee Heng Julian Thornbury
Nancy Chen Meiya Lin Fred Voigtmann
We would also like to thank the companies that kindly donated prizes for the Center’s fundraising
raffle at the American Club Craft Fair.
American Club Taipei - Peter Wood and Daphne Lin Island Britt: Healing Arts - Britt Christianson
Cynsprints - Cynthia Fernandes Gully @jaime.endlessthread
Design Stories/Mai Me and My Big Move - Marloes Huijsmans
Gioia ‘Raaka Selections’ by Roma
Heather Lowder Sergio Valente Inc.
CSC
IT’S TIME TO GET ACTIVE!
SHAKE OFF THE WINTER BLUES WITH THE CENTER!
FEELING UNFIT?
WANT TO GET MOVING?
COME ON ONE OF
START ONE OF OUR FUN OUR HIKES:
EXERCISE CLASSES:
ZUMBA GOLD SUNDAY DAY TO NIGHT HIKE
Gentle exercise with a fun, FROM FUYANG ECO PARK
Latin music vibe TO XIANGSHAN
JOINT MOBILITY GOUYINQIN OLD TRAIL
A way to loosen your joints
and improve flexibility SILVER STREAM CAVE
CHAKRA YOGA
Online classes
Morning and evening
SEEKING A FUN DAY OUT? LOOKING TO LEARN A NEW SKILL?
JOIN ONE OF OUR TOURS: START ONE OF OUR CLASSES:
SATURDAY DATONG AND ENGLISH CONVERSATION
ZHONGSHAN WALKING TOUR A fun way to improve your
English speaking skills
GUIDED TOUR OF
NATIONAL PALACE MUSEUM Cooking classes:
Indian cooking
SHRIMP FISHING AND LUNCH French cuisine
SATURDAY YEHLIU GEO PARK AND Bread making
JUMING MUSEUM Snacks from Tainan
Register online at www.communitycenter.org.tw,
call 02 2836 8134 or email ce@communitycenter.org.tw
www.communitycenter.org.tw FEBRUARY 2022 7
CSC
Gallery @CENTER
A percentage of all proceeds from 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.
FEBRUARY 2022
EXHIBITION OF MR. KAO'S SKETCHES HEATHER'S THOUGHTFUL KNOTS
Heather at Thoughtful Knots is a self-taught crochet enthusiast. She loves
to design and create interesting things, from earrings to beach bags,
as well as hats and scarves. She has recently fallen in love with making
smaller origami items, like: snowmen, baby chickens, and Easter bunnies.
Her true passion is to make custom items for people: sweaters, mermaid
blankets, and even dog stockings complete with the dog's name. If you
TAIWAN-THEMED TEA TOWELS, MUGS are looking for an original, one-of-a-kind, made with love crocheted item,
reach out to her.
ELIZABETH LAM’S SEA GLASS ART & JEWELRY
“Let our vision and imagination become
infinity,” is a key concept behind Elizabeth
L a m’s u n i q u e a r t i s t i c a p p ro a c h a n d
response to Taiwan’s current environmental
situation. On the outer island of Lanyu,
where trash is washed onto the shore,
abandoned glass shines under the burning
sun, waiting to be transformed. Continually
inspired by the ocean and mountains.
Elizabeth saw an opportunity to change
these broken pieces of glass into something
beautiful. The moment she reached down
into the water and picked up a piece of
glass was when Sea Glass Art & Jewelry was
born.
MORNING BOOK CLUB
YEAR OF THE TIGER LUCKY CHARMS BY Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and
KARA WALL Mourning on the American Right
by Arlie Russell Hochschild
When Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential
election, a bewildered nation turned to
Strangers in Their Own Land to understand what
Trump voters were thinking when they cast
their ballots. Arlie Hochschild, one of the most
influential sociologists of her generation, had spent the preceding five
years immersed in the community around Lake Charles, Louisiana, a
Tea Party stronghold. As Jedediah Purdy put it in the New Republic,
“Hochschild is fascinated by how people make sense of their lives…”.
For more information, contact Julie Hu at: mcelroy22000@yahoo.com
8 FEBRUARY 2022 www.communitycenter.org.tw
CULTURE
Far More than the
Western New Year
TEXT: JOHN DANKOWSKI IMAGES: WEB
T
he most important holiday the more-lucky in love you will be. If
in the Chinese world is the the kumquat tree is heavy with round,
Lunar New Year. It is far more golden fruit, then surely much money
significant than the Western will come your way in the New Year.
New Year, which is also celebrated
in Taiwan now. Since Chinese New THE KITCHEN GOD
Year is based on the lunar calendar, it Many superstitions are related to
comes about a month later than the the celebration of the Chinese New
Western New Year: in 2022, it falls on Year. No sweeping must be done, for
February 1st. fear that the family’s good fortune will
T h e C h i n e s e N e w Ye a r s e a s o n be swept out the door with the trash.
traditionally lasts about a month, One should be especially careful not to
though for practical purposes the period break any dishes, for such an accident
now has been reduced to a week or is believed to portend dissension in
less. There are some parallels with the the family throughout the coming year.
Western New Year: houses are cleaned Conservative families, especially in the
thoroughly, for instance and families get countryside, send their Kitchen God off
together for the festivities. But mostly, to make his annual report in heaven on
the holiday is uniquely Oriental. All New Year’s Eve. This most personal of
debts must be paid so that the New Year deities is worshipped in the form of a At New Year’s, most Chinese families
can be started with a fresh beginning. paper portrait of the god pasted on the paste auspicious red signs on the doors
Feasts are enjoyed with family and kitchen wall. There, he keeps an eye on of their homes – red being a happy
friends, and dragon and lion dances his human family throughout the year and auspicious color, and much in
parade their way through the streets. and at New Year’s makes the journey evidence during this season. The New
Everywhere there are ear-splitting back to paradise to report all pertinent Year inscriptions are usually good luck
sounds of continuous firecracker happenings to his superiors. The trip phrases or words related to Spring –
explosions. Children receive gifts is initiated by his being taken off the a symbol of new growth, new hope,
of little red envelopes with money wall and burned – but not before the new beginnings – since in China, the
inside. The flower markets overflow family smears some sweet paste and New Year also marks the beginning of
with branches of peach blossoms and wine over his mouth so that he will spring. A favorite phrases is “may the
kumquat trees. The belief is that the be inclined to make a favorable report five blessings approach the door” (wu
more blossoms on the peach limbs, about them. fu lin men). On New Year’s Day people
CHINESE ZODIAC
www.communitycenter.org.tw FEBRUARY 2022 9
CULTURE
dress in their finest clothing to go visit often they are given to children by the
relatives and friends, in Chinese called elders in the family and depending on
bai nian, wishing everyone they meet a various family circumstances, some
happy New Year. Most shops are closed young people take in an enviable
on this day; some stay closed for three amount of cash!
days, some up to a week and then If you visit a Chinese family at
open their doors to the New Year with, the New Year season, bring some
inevitably, the explosion of long strings red envelopes (with money) for the
of firecrackers. children. A taboo, though, is to give four
bills, as that is an unlucky number to
ANIMAL YEARS the Chinese. There are considerations
As Westerners have a zodiac system, about how much to give, but as a
so too, do the Chinese. But while the foreign guest, the thought is more
Western zodiac is based on monthly important; NT$100 would be received
cycles, the Chinese cycles are annual happily, even if it is only one bill,
RED ENVELOPES
and they are in a series of twelve, each despite one custom that says it should
In many Western countries, people
represented by an animal. There are be an even number of bills.
give gifts at special occasions. In
many stories of how this got started,
Taiwan and China, the more common
the most common being that there
present is a red envelope with money John Dankowski is a
was a race among animals to go to pay
in it. The red envelope is a hong bao 50-year resident of Taiwan.
respects to Buddha on his birthday.
and don’t worry, they will be for sale His career at the Taipei
The ox was in the lead, but the mouse
in abundance everywhere before A m e r i c a n S c h o o l ( TA S )
jumped on his back and got there first. included teaching Asian
Chinese New Year. But, any time of
So, the first animal in the cycle is the Studies and Chinese
the year, stationery stores have them
mouse. It is followed in order by the ox, Mandarin before his retirement and
because they can be used for weddings,
tiger, rabbit (hare), dragon, snake, horse, consulting for a Space Education
birthdays and so on. At New Year’s most
sheep, monkey, chicken, dog and pig. Association in Taipei.
FROM OUR TIGER FAMILY TO YOURS,
y L u n a r
H a p p
w Y e a r
N e
TAIPEI AMERICAN SCHOOL WISHES
YOU AN ABUNDANCE OF LOVE,
PEACE, AND PROSPERITY
IN THE YEAR OF THE TIGER.
10 FEBRUARY 2022 www.communitycenter.org.twCULTURE
FORTUNE
TELLING
TEXT: CLAIRE TYRRELL IMAGES: WEB
Do you know the best days for moving your
bed, or planting crops? How about where in
Taipei to consult fortune telling birds or have
your eight numbers told? Clair Tyrrell has a
few of the answers…
T
he other day …was a good day when we should get married and to For many, the distinctions between
for making fishing nets and a see if we are a good match.” Several fortune telling and religion are blurred,
bad day for being greedy. other people explained to me that as many fortune tellers are situated
And as I wandered down some Taiwanese visit fortune tellers next door to temples, such as Taipei
the street contemplating this lunar for perhaps the same reason that Minquan East Road’s Xing Tian Temple.
prophecy, ashes of burnt paper money people see psychiatrists or counselors
drifted across my path. In a city moving in the west. ASKING THE GODS
forward at a rapid rate you don’t have I started my exploration of Taiwan’s
to go far to see that many traditions WHAT IS FORTUNE TELLING? fortune telling practices in Taipei’s
are still not only deeply rooted, but The notion of fortune telling in fa mous L ongsha n Templ e, where
commonly observed as well. Taiwan is far from clear-cut. China people can always be found seeking
It’s been suggested that the fortune has a culture of divination dating a little guidance, often with the aid
telling industry in Taiwan is worth five back thousands of years with the I of two kidney-shaped stones and the
billion New Taiwan Dollars…so I started Ching or “Book of Changes” (which wooden sticks known as qian. On my
to ask Taiwanese friends if they had calculates the movement of yin and visit, an old woman at the temple
ever been to a fortune teller. “I don’t yang to produce a guide to life), helped me to get my first fortune told,
believe in it,” one friend said, “But I had and it’s still common to encounter Taiwan-style: “You must ask the gods
a friend who went to a fortune teller fortune tellers on the streets of Taipei your question,” she said, so I stood
to have her name analyzed and he analyzing names, reading facial and there asking what I should focus on in
told her to change it and now she is a bodily blemishes, using birds, grains the next few years.
completely different person.” of rice, palm or face reading and even Question silently asked, the old
And another…”I don’t believe in it at practicing techniques resembling woman made me take one of the qian
all, but we will consult one to find out aspects of Western astrology. from a wooden cylinder filled with
www.communitycenter.org.tw FEBRUARY 2022 11CULTURE
chopsticks-like lengths of wood, and
then take the “poem” corresponding
to the number printed on the stick
I’d selected. Finally, I gave the piece
of paper to the man in the booth to
interpret it for me.
He only had to think momentarily
before saying I should “settle down.”
“But…” I responded several times,
though the shake of his head was firm.
“Of course he would say that,” a friend
consoled me. “It’s the traditional way,
to settle down.” “Besides,” she added,
“it’s a free service so it’s probably not
very accurate.”
seated at a small table in a street near
Banchiao Station, which I would never
have found by myself.
I repeated the question I’d asked
at L o n g s h a n Te m p l e . T h e wo m a n
whispered my name, age, birth date
and time to the birds in a soft voice.
ASKING THE BIRDS The first bird stuck its head through the
From the start it was the fortune door of the small cage and selected a
te l l i n g b i rd s ( n i a o - g u a ) t h at h a d small stick from a tiny pot. It repeated
fascinated me, my search for them this twice.
leading me around Taipei, but to no Each stick has a Chinese character on
avail. it and from analyzing these I was told woman three tiny parchments in the
My obsession, however, had rubbed that I would be able to travel wherever same way. These were illustrated with
off onto another girl who although I wanted, whilst working at the same animals and characters from Chinese
Taiwanese was as intrigued by the idea time. In addition I wouldn’t need to history, which apparently confirmed
as I was. “I’ve found a bird,” she said worry about money! her original response. One showed a
one day, dragging me off to a woman Then the second bird handed the large rat with a huge pumpkin and the
fortune teller sat there beaming as she
told me that I was the rat. My friend
and I looked at each other doubtfully.
ASKING THE BUSINESS MEN
I headed back to Shilin, where I found
no birds but instead a whole “Fortune
Telling Street.” Not quite the mystical
row of darkened rooms I had imagined,
but a business-like strip of smart
professionals sitting behind desks and
computers.
I wa s d i rec te d to a ge nt l em a n ,
the only one offering consultation in
English. He has been fortune telling for
more than twenty years and his services
ranged from removing unlucky moles to
helping a pregnant couple “choose” an
auspicious day for their child’s birth.
Today, I wanted to ask about face
reading. Both our face and hands are
12 FEBRUARY 2022 www.communitycenter.org.twCULTURE
always changing, he told me, so face the latter, when during a Center trip practical solutions.” He continually
reading can only make predictions my confidence was restored slightly. maintained it was more science than
based on your present mien. It ’s Our guide took us to someone she superstition, but added that some of
possible, he told me, to tell about had clearly consulted regularly and the things he would give people may
marriage and money, but it can only the fortune teller began by discussing sound like superstition, but they work,
give outcomes, no indication as to religion. “When the mind is troubled he said, smiling!
the “how’s and when’s.” Would he both religion and fortune telling Although we didn’t have the chance
be able to read my face, I asked, and offer comfort,” he said, “and fortune to have our fortunes read, from my
here he had to admit that he didn’t telling is related to karma so the link is birth year he did conclude I was leaving
know, replying that Western and Asian undeniable.” it a bit late to get married. He asked
faces were very different and since “Everyone wants to be happy and me to try an experiment involving the
not as many Westerners came for both mind and body need to be eastern wall of my room and washing
consultation, he’d had little practice. balanced. Fortune telling, religion, my face in the petals from a bouquet of
I chose the process called “eight qi, correct breathing, crystals and red and white flowers. In three months
numbers” (ba zi lun ming), one of the astrology all work together to achieve I would have the man of my dreams,
most popular, which uses the subject’s this. If someone needs water you give he claimed.
time and date of birth. After pondering them water; rice is no good. So if a Science? Superstition? What harm
the figures for a while, he reported mind is troubled, this is the role of the could it do? “Just be careful,” a friend
that I would have to make a decision fortune teller.” had told me weeks before and several
whether I wanted to continue moving And the different forms of fortune times I had heard the saying “ming yue
around or whether I wanted to find telling? “Ba zi, face and palm reading suan yue duan”; literally “the more you
someone and get married. are all methods available to establish calculate life, the shorter it becomes.”
So what about work? the imbalance or problem and gain One friend’s mother is so convinced
I would always find work, he said, someone’s trust.” of its truth she has refused to tell her
money wouldn’t be a problem and I “They offer the same kind of role as a daughter the hour of her birth, just so
would always have men to look after counselor,” he said, “but they are more. that she isn’t tempted!
me. They don’t just offer talk, but can offer
OK. Putting men aside for a minute,
where would be a good place for me to
live and work?
I could easily settle down in Taiwan
he told me, or I could settle wherever I
found a suitable man.
Fine, but really, forgetting men for
a moment, what would the next few
years hold for me?
If I haven’t met a man in Taiwan in the
next five years, I should move on. Oh,
and the next year will be a bad year.
I was not quite getting the reading I
had hoped for so my questions began
to switch to fortune telling in general.
Although I felt I already knew the
answer, I asked “What do women ask
about?”
“Boyfriends, husbands and whether
they are cheating” came the immediate
reply.
“And men?”
“Jobs and money.”
So, now I had spent X amount of NT
dollars, could I finally believe what I had
been told? Maybe not. Several friends
told me that they would only go to a
reliable fortune teller that a friend had
recommended.
SCIENCE OR SUPERSTITION?
So, are they counselors or agony
aunts? My opinion was veering towards
www.communitycenter.org.tw FEBRUARY 2022 13CULTURE
Soaking 101:
Hot Spring Etiquette
TEXT & IMAGES: SERINA HUANG
Q:
I am keen to try bathing in Taiwan's
hot springs, but I’m a bit scared. Do
I need to go naked, as at hot springs
in Japan? And are there any rules I
should follow?
– Margaret
A:
Taiwan is rich in This type of hot spring is the most children). Many hot spring hotels
thermal activity, common in Taiwan and incorporates will allow you to rent out one of their
and one of a combination of indoor and outdoor rooms for just a few hours to take a
the positive areas. In the larger resorts, there are soak, while some hotels even have
by-products of often a variety of different pools, of special private rooms for this purpose.
this is its many wonderful hot springs, varying temperatures, and even saunas The tubs in these rooms are like a
known in Mandarin as wēnquán (溫泉). and steam rooms. Some resorts may private bathtub, so you fill up when
Hot spring bathing became popular also have pools of fish that nibble at you arrive and pull the plug out when
during Taiwan's Japanese colonial your feet! Most resorts have various you are done. Often the hotel will have
period, and in recent years there has massaging water jets (great for sore packages that include afternoon tea
been an upsurge in hot spring tourism shoulders) and pools with health- or lunch. They often discreetly (or not
here. promoting fragrances. Patrons wear so discreetly) knock on the door when
bathing suits, and most resorts will your time is nearly up.
BATHING OPTIONS insist that patrons wear a bathing cap 3. Male and female segregated
Most hot spring resorts and bathing as well. The mood is much less “zen” bathing (大眾池; dazhongchi). This
h o u s e s i n Ta i wa n g e n e ra l l y ta ke than the traditional Japanese bathing type of bathing is more common in
inspiration from the Japanese model, experience. traditional, Japanese-style bathing
but there are some distinct differences. 2. Private room hot springs (湯屋; establishments. Women and men use
There are four main types of hot spring tangwu). This is a popular option for separate bathing areas and generally
bathing: people wanting privacy, and we often bathe nude. It can sometimes be
1. Communal bathing (sometimes find this convenient when bathing as difficult to tell if you are entering into
refe r re d to i n E n g l i s h a s “ S PA” ) . a family (especially with very young a communal or segregated bathing
14 FEBRUARY 2022 www.communitycenter.org.twCULTURE
SUGGESTED HOT SPRING EXPERIENCES
● Forest Baths in the Jiaosi Hot Spring
Park (礁溪溫泉公園): These are
peaceful, Japanese-designed, and
segregated (clothing optional, bathing cap
mandatory) baths run by the Yilan County
Government.
● The Great Roots Forestry Spa Resort
(大板根森林遊樂區): Set up in pristine
rain forest not far from Sanxia, this resort
offers spa, private room, and open-air
bathing options.
● Marshal Zen Gardens in Beitou (小帥禪
園): Here you’ll find interesting history (a
KMT general was kept under house arrest
on the site) and beautiful views from the
private rooms.
● Toong Mao Spa Resort, Guanziling (關子
嶺統茂溫泉會館): In Tainan County, these
springs are famous for their green mud.
experience at first as changing rooms
are always separated by gender. But
usually the changing area is either part
of, or very close to, the pools, so you
can observe what people are wearing
(or not) as you get changed. I have
bathed at these types of places several
times, and it is surprisingly relaxing and
non-voyeuristic.
4. “Dip your toes in” hot springs.
Many tourist centers in hot spring towns SOAKING TIPS a bottle of water in with you, and it’s
have places where visitors can dip their According to onsen and spa expert important not to get dehydrated while
feet in the water. This is a good way Windy Yang (aka The Spa Lady), there is soaking. Finally, avoid drinking alcohol
to get a feeling for hot spring bathing no right or wrong way to enjoy soaking or eating while in the water. It is,
without having to go the full monty, or in hot springs. Do what feels right, however, okay to bring in some simple
get wet all over. Usually these pools are and avoid overheating to the point of snacks to eat if there is a separate
free as well. Immersing your lower legs discomfort — especially if bathing late 'picnic'-style eating area. I’m always
in hot water also has reputed health at night — as overly hot soaks can make ravenous after taking a hot spring soak!
benefits, such as aiding sleep. it difficult to sleep. Similarly, do not
5. Wild (undeveloped) hot springs. plunge from super hot to icy cold water
There are still quite a few open-air, if you have a heart condition.
completely natural hot springs in The most important piece of hot
Taiwan, although most require a guide spring etiquette is to ensure that
or good map to find, and can be a you wash yourself thoroughly before
considerable distance from the nearest getting in. There are generally showers
road. Unless you know you are truly available for bathers to soap themselves
in a private location, it is best to wear down and wash their hair before
bathing gear. entering the pool. It is okay to bring
www.communitycenter.org.tw FEBRUARY 2022 15CULTURE
M
y love of Chinese folk art began many
years ago, during our trip to the old Shang
dynasty capital city of Zhengzhou in Henan
Province. It was the week before the Lunar
New Year and city marketplaces were teeming with
crowds of gigantic proportions.
One thing was clear, as we made our way towards
a nearby traditional market, and that was most of the
people around us were seasoned crowd navigators. They
had specific vendors in mind and they knew how to
methodically make their way through the masses that left
us, the uninitiated, gasping for air.
Exhausted, hungry and desperate to get away from the
crowds, we stumbled into the first available shop that
we could find. It was a small beef noodle shop simple
in décor with only five cross-legged tables and stools.
Each table was adorned with metal chopstick holders,
condiment jars filled with pickled garlic heads, soy sauce,
vinegar and wicked-hot chili pepper sauce.
As we sat hungrily slurping-up freshly handmade
noodles steeped in rich broth, my eyes wandered to one
A Curious
corner of the room. There, carefully placed on a roughly
hewed wooden shelf were three dainty embroidered
pairs of children’s shoes. Upon closer inspection, I
Chinese
saw that each shoe had a tiger image complete with
three-dimensional eyes, noses, mouths and protruding
ears. Curious, I learned that the image of a tiger was
Folk Art
considered a “protection” from evil spirits and that
children wore tiger shoes to protect them. Little did I
know then, but my curiosity about the tiger would further
Encounter
lead to research on Chinese folk art.
Folk art is a simple visual and symbolic understanding
of a local culture. In rural China, these symbols were
With A
derived from legends and moral lessons passed down
through the generations. The tiger is associated with
Yang, a strong energy and protection against evil.
Tiger
For local farmers, life was hard, but there was also an
undercurrent of hope. Folk art often reflects thoughts of
hope and values of what an ideal life could be rather than
dwelling on the negative realities. Therefore, the symbols
of good luck, prosperity, longevity and happiness are
found in simple motifs such as the tiger, which is generally
TEXT: PAI SU-YU associated with the warding away of evil spirits, especially
IMAGES: WEB on children’s clothing. Tiger hats, tiger shoes and a tiger-
shaped doudu (an undergarment covering the chest and
tummy of a child) were popular items, especially for
young boys. Mothers in all parts of China would make
tiger shoes for their children, hoping that they would
grow up to be as strong as a tiger. Rural grandmothers
and mothers would have a cloth tiger ready for when a
baby was born. Two-headed tiger pillows were also made
and placed next to children so that the tiger could watch
out for their safety, as they slept.
Pai Su-yu...is a well-known writer and educator, whose
interest in different cultures lead to some amazing life
adventures.
16 FEBRUARY 2022 www.communitycenter.org.twCULTURE
Youth Park:
A Hidden Gem of Taipei
TEXT: TEXT: UWE MADONNA MAURER
IMAGES: WEB
Y
outh Park is the oldest of the
large Taipei parks. Historically,
this area was used for military
training during the Japanese
occupation era. Later it was turned
into an airport and in 1953 a golf club
was founded here, but the area was
taken over by the government in 1974.
In 1977, Youth Park was opened to
the public. Since that time, the park
has become a hub for the Wanhua
community.
Having been around for over forty
years, the park has developed its own
character. Like a work of tapestry, Youth
Park’s character is woven together
by nature, culture and the people
who visit. A mini-forest outlines and
permeates the park with a landscape
of various trees. The intertwining roots
and hanging vines of the banyan trees
provide a place of shade for those
www.communitycenter.org.tw FEBRUARY 2022 17CULTURE
large open field to throw Frisbees. In
yet another area, ladies wearing purple
shirts, twirl bright pink, red or purple
colored fans. Near this group of fan
dancers is a group of ballroom dancers
and a group of hip-hop dancers. Joggers
can be found most any time of day.
The afternoons and evenings take on
a bit of a different feel. Families can be
found outside playing together. Young
children dig in the sand, play on the
slides or can be found waiting in line for
a swing.
Yo u t h Pa r k h a s o t h e r t y p e s o f
recreation. The first is a swimming pool
looking to picnic or nap. Near the are not able to follow you as you cross located on the southeast side of the
waterway, willow trees give a sense of over the water. Near the pond groups park, which has an outdoor fifty-meter
peace and quiet, perfect for reading a of elderly men can be found playing lap pool, along with a kids’ pool. Right
book. Large evergreen trees and maples Chinese chess. next door to the pool is a golf driving
tower above the ground like giant Youth Park’s character not only range. An outdoor amphitheater lies
statues. These trees are also the home comes from nature and culture, but near the south entrance of the park and
to many of the black squirrels that live also from the people who come to the has a large seating capacity.
in the park. park. In the mornings, the park is alive I f i n d Yo u t h P a r k a p l a c e o f
Chinese culture is woven into the with people exercising. A group of older inspiration. It really is a hidden treasure
backdrop of nature. The small pond ladies dressed in red shirts and white of Taipei. Lying between the Huazhong
located on the eastern side of the park, pants can be found doing aerobics. and Zhongzheng Bridges near the east
boasts a nine-corner bridge. Chinese Under some trees in the grassy area, bank of the Tamsui River bike path,
legend says that ghosts and evil spirits mats are laid out for a yoga class. A it’s a bit difficult to find, but worth the
cannot turn corners; therefore, they group of elderly men gather in the effort to visit.
International Day: Embracing Diversity
Beyond the Classroom
18 FEBRUARY 2022 www.communitycenter.org.twPOETRY
A Villanelle for Today
So much left undone and the house unsold
The bicycle hangs rusting from the beam
Redeem, redeem the time you put on hold
Because you walked away in days of old
The fight or flight of something in a dream
So much left undone and the house unsold
Go back, you’ll only find a breath of mould
Though honeyed are the memories, it seems
Redeem, redeem the time you put on hold
The grasses of midsummer are blown cold
The waters of the bay no longer teem
So much left undone and the house unsold
Heather Gatley is a retired English
You ran your heedless ways, the story’s told literature teacher who likes to write
about her travels. You can read more
The scattered stones of churchyards seem to gleam of her work in the online magazine
Redeem, redeem the time you put on hold Memoirist.org She was born in Cyprus
and has lived in Singapore, Peru, El
Salvador, Switzerland, Germany, Spain,
And since a Chinese box collapsed and closed The Netherlands and Wales, and now
lives in Taiwan. She has four chapbooks
Imagination must provide the theme of poetry available on Amazon.co.uk:
So much left undone and the house unsold I n d i g o S k y ( a b o u t Wa l e s ) ; To m b s
of Gold (England); Last Boat to
Redeem, redeem, the time you put on hold
Brienzersee (Europe) and The Cliffs at
Qingshui (Asia)
H. Gatley
Midsummer 2021
I wish to thank Sue Babcock for giving me what has been in effect a Poet in Residence position at Centered on Taipei magazine for
the last year. It has been a huge privilege and I feel very honoured and thank you if you have read any of my creative work and my
poems. I shall never forget Taipei!
www.communitycenter.org.tw FEBRUARY 2022 19HEALTH
Coexistence Of Body Positivity
and Weight Loss:
A dietitian’s voice in
the conversation
TEXT: JANET MALANGA IMAGES: WEB
I
was inspired to write this article alive, with voices from around the of the adult world population according
by seeing an absence of dietitians’ world making posts on social media. to the World Health Organization
vo i c e s o n t h e s u b j e c t o f b o d y One yearlong study from 2015 to 2016 ( a n d 47.1% i n Ta i wa n , a c co rd i n g
positivity and weight loss. I believe found there were millions of Instagram to the Taiwan’s Health Promotion
the objectives of the movement are posts promoting body positivity using Administration) have BMIs classified
misunderstood and the movement h a s hta g s s u c h a s # b o d y p o s i t i ve , as overweight or above. Harmful acts
needs direction from research on how #effyourbeautystandards and #plussize. involving nasty comments, bullying, and
body weight impacts health. A body- I found two influential body-positive teasing are still common. In a survey
positive person is accepting of and voices in Taiwan, Hsieh and Amy Lin, study conducted in Southern Taiwan,
comfortable with the body they have featured in articles in the Taipei Times almost 98% of the 141 participants
today. Core objectives of the body and the BBC. with BMI classification of 24 kg/m2 and
positivity movement are to nurture According to the Academy of above (23 kg/m2 and above is classified
a culture of acceptance and respect Nutrition and Dietetics, commonly held a s o ve r w e i g h t o n t h e A s i a n B M I
for people of all body types and end (but unfounded) beliefs about people chart) reported at least one incident
body-size discrimination by promoting with higher body weights is that they of disrespect related to their body
the concepts that physical attributes are to blame for their weight status and weight. The participants also reported
should neither define interactions nor that they are lazy, sloppy, and lacking that the comments, “A parent or other
justify mistreatment. Although people in self-discipline. Research has shown relative nagging you to lose weight”
with all body types can benefit from these negative beliefs are the drivers for and “Parents or other relatives telling
being body-positive, the aim of this uncivil, harmful acts committed against you how attractive you would be if you
article is to resolve controversy about people with higher body weights. lost weight,” were the most frequently
whether it is reasonable for people with Despite the high prevalence heard. Sadly, it is not difficult to find
higher body weights to simultaneously of people with BMIs classified as evidence that society rejects people
promote the body positivity movement overweight and above, a culture of with higher body weights.
and seek weight loss. societal rejection for people with higher Acts of societal rejection are not just
The body positivity movement is body weights persists. Fifty-two percent limited to nasty comments, bullying,
and teasing. The media has a long
history of excluding images of people
with higher body weights. While I
found a few examples of people with
diverse body weights on the Taiwan/
Hong Kong website of the Canadian
clothing brand, Lululemon and a
popular Taiwanese comedy series on
Netflix called U Motherbaker (我的婆
婆怎麼那麼可愛), media inclusion of
people with higher body weights is still
scarce in Taiwan.
Societal rejection takes many forms
in the areas of employment and health
care. Almost 10% of the 88 women
with a BMI greater than 30 kg /m2
in a survey study in Poland reported
ridicule, teasing, and social isolation
20 FEBRUARY 2022 www.communitycenter.org.twHEALTH
at work. Discrimination in hiring is
also common. A study of 181 potential
employers in Europe and the UK were
found less likely to hire people with
higher body weights. Discrimination
is even found in health care. A review
published in Obesity Reviews found
people with higher body weights
are more likely to receive a lower
quality of care. Providers may spend
less time; in one study primary care
providers were likely to spend 28% less
time with patients with higher body
weights. A health care provider may
overemphasize the role a patient’s
higher body weight contributes to their
symptoms and make mistakes in patient
assessment, thus missing appropriate can lead to increased markers of
testing or treatments. In a virtual physiological stress, such as the stress
simulation with medical students as hormone cortisol, people with higher
the providers, patients with shortness body weights are at increased risk
of breath and higher body weights for cardiovascular and other chronic
were less likely to receive medication d i s e a s e s , p l u s a d d i t i o n a l we i g ht
for their symptoms and more likely gain through bodily stress pathways.
to re c e i ve re co m m e n d at i o n s fo r Patients who feel judged by health care
weight loss compared to patients with providers have been found less likely
normal body weights. Discrimination to adhere to care recommendations
is a form of societal rejection directed and less likely to seek care. Societal
at people with higher body weights in rejection can lead to both psychological
their workplaces and when receiving and physical health problems.
health care. healthy body weight can be settled
Any one of the above-described acts THE SCIENCE OF A HEALTHY BODY by examining the research. Some
of social rejection can cause health WEIGHT in the body positivity movement
problems for people with higher body Having a body weight within community reject the idea that
weights. According to the Academy of the normal classification of BMI is weight loss is a health improvement.
Nutrition and Dietetics, psychological appropriate for most people, but However, evidence contradicts this
effects of societal rejection can include not all. BMI can overestimate or p o s i t i o n . Acco rd i n g to a n a rt i cl e
depression, anxiety, reduced motivation underestimate the proportion of body in the American Heart Association
fo r p hysica l act i vi ty, b o d y i m a ge fat for some people because BMI is a journal, Circulation, weight loss of
dissatisfaction, disordered eating, and simple calculated measurement using just three to five percent can improve
binge eating. The media tendency body weight and height that does not blood glucose, blood pressure, and
to exclude people with higher body include other, sometimes relevant blood fats, such as triglycerides. A
weights and almost exclusively use variables. For instance, BMI may not be 2020 healthcare provider guideline
images of people with so-called ideal a good indicator for of the proportion published in the Canadian Medical
body sizes was found to be the top of body fat for very muscular people Association Journal explains that having
contributor to body dissatisfaction in with low body fat, older people with a higher body weight has been found
several studies. Seventy-five percent muscle loss, tall people, and people to increase risk for cardiovascular
of the participants in a study with who are shorter in stature. In addition, d i s e a s e , t y p e 2 d i a b ete s , 20% o f
over four thousand women 25 to 45 when we lose weight, we should a l l ca n c e rs , ga l l b l a d d e r d i s e a s e ,
years of age reported body shape and only make lasting changes, because nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and
weight concerns interfere with quality repeatedly losing and regaining weight gout. A study published in the Journal
of life. In Taiwan, societal pressure is may increase blood pressure and of the American Medical Association
overwhelming enough to cause body symptoms of depression. Before we in 2016 of 97,362 people followed
distortion, with nearly 33% of the 2,199 try to lose weight, we should see a for ten years found that the BMI
Taiwanese adult participants within physician. If the physician determines associated with the lowest risk of death
the normal BMI classification reporting weight loss would be a health from any cause is 27 kg/m2. Another
they were overweight in a 2018 study improvement, only then should we study published in The Lancet in 2018
published in BMC Public Health. Social make lifestyle changes that we intend followed the health of more than 3.5
rejection can lead to physical health to keep as new healthy habits. million people aged 16 and over for
problems too. Because social rejection Controversy about what defines a over eighteen years or until death,
www.communitycenter.org.tw FEBRUARY 2022 21HEALTH
and found the lowest risk of death
from cancer, cardiovascular diseases,
respiratory, blood/endocrine, liver
cirrhosis, digestive, musculoskeletal,
and urogenital diseases was within the
BMI range 21–25 kg/m2. The Lancet
study also found the lowest risk for
death from mental, behavioral, and
neurological diseases was within the
BMI range 24–27 kg/m2. This same
study also found that the lowest risk of
death was at BMI 23 kg/m2 for people
under 70 years of age and 25 kg/m2
for people over 70 years, meaning that and sports and leisure facilities on health-promoting behaviors is
weighing a little more as we age may 5. Less access to health education positively perceived by people with
be protective. We must also keep in m e s s a ge s , l i m i te d f i n a n c i a l higher body weights, we should focus
mind that the two above studies were capacity, and easy access to low on the latter. If we want to support
done in the US and the UK, respectively, nutrition, high calorie foods good health for ourselves and others,
where for most of the population BMI among vulnerable groups we must take positive steps that
classification for being overweight 6. Unhealthy food advertising gifts respect the right of every one of us to
begins at BMI 25 kg/m2. In Taiwan, the with a lot of calories, fat and choose our own path. We can act in
BMI classification for overweight begins sugar. ways that make it easier to start new
at BMI 24 kg/m2, because the risk for Blaming people for disease is also healthy behaviors and turn these into
chronic disease begins at lower BMIs not socially acceptable. We must note habits. We can make it easier for us
for people in Taiwan. Clearly, achieving that just like cardiovascular disease or and others to eat more vegetables
and maintaining a healthy body weight type 2 diabetes, obesity is recognized by making vegetables more readily
is one factor in the makeup of a healthy as a chronic disease in healthcare. available at home, school, and the
person. Society must recognize that there workplace. We can show that we value,
We must, however, stop blaming are many factors that contribute to and foster enthusiasm for, increased
ourselves and other people for their gaining body weight and must follow exercise by building regular family,
body weight status, which is one of the healthcare providers in recognizing that school, and workplace exercise time
core principles of the body positivity people with higher body weights have a into our schedules.
movement. Despite evidence showing chronic disease. Reducing the focus on body
complex factors contribute to gaining Finally, being body-positive is key weight in healthcare is also a more
and maintaining excess body weight, to successful weight loss. The authors compassionate approach. Body weight
it is common to think that consistently of the behavior change theory called measurement should be viewed
eating more calories than we expend the Theory of Self-Determination as just one of the various relevant
over time is the only factor. Genetics, explain that people who freely choose measurements taken by health care
bodily adaptions to excess body fat, to do something for their own self- providers, who must use BMI together
environmental exposure, cultural interest (like wanting to feel better) with other measurements like blood
traditions, and economic status are typically show more enthusiasm and pressure and clinical judgement to
all research-supported factors that confidence, which leads to better assess disease risk, diagnose health
contribute to gaining excess body problem-solving, performance, and problems, and recommend treatment.
weight. According to the latest report persistence compared to people who One of the body positivity
from the Taiwan government, the 2021 are motivated by outside controls (like movement ’s core objectives is to
Annual Report of the Health Promotion social pressures) to look better. We prevent focusing on physical attributes
Administration, the main reasons for need self-serving motivators because (like body weight) as we interact
higher body weights are these are the motivators that are strong with others, so that we treat all in an
1. Westernized diet habits, food enough to keep us going. With respect accepting and respectful manner.
refining, and the intake of too to weight loss, the Theory of Self-
many calories Determination ties it all together — it is
2. Watching TV, surfing the Internet, necessary to be body-positive, and care
other static sedentary lifestyles, about the body one has today in order
and insufficient amount of to make any lasting, health-improving
physical activity changes.
Janet Malanga is
3. S u ga r y d r i n k s , h i g h c a l o r i e a US-credentialed
unhealthy foods, and many other ADJUST FOCUS FOR A BETTER WAY registered dietitian
foods without calorie nutrition FORWARD. living in Taipei.
labeling and identification Knowing a focus on weight loss is References for the
4. Insufficient mass transit system negatively perceived, while a focus above article are available upon request.
22 FEBRUARY 2022 www.communitycenter.org.twCOMMUNITY
Homelessness in
Taiwan
TEXT: JAMES LADE IMAGES: JAMES LADE, WEB
T
he homeless situation in
Taiwan is not as bad as in
many places. There aren’t
any large homeless camps,
or unsightly tent cities. However,
any homelessness is undesirable for soup kitchen they assist in. SALT can be
m a ny re a s o n s . M o st i m p o r ta nt l y found on Facebook, and their website is
nobody should have to sleep rough saltcollectiv.co
on sidewalks, or anywhere outdoors. Another group helping the
Taiwan doesn’t have harsh winters, disadvantaged people on the street is
but it still gets chilly. Fortunately, there Do you a Flavor.
are many people here who are doing The best description of them is on
good things for those living in poverty their website: “Life Baiwei [a translation homeless in shelters and with good
and homelessness to make their lives a of their Mandarin name, 人生百味] organizations in Canada. I met many
little better. is a small team with members from wonderful people there and learned
Homeless Taiwan (homelesstaiwan. design, business management, network more about the challenges. I believe
org) does wonderful things for people engineering, psychology, sociology, t h a t i f m o r e p e o p l e u n d e rs t a n d
in need. Created in 2011, they operate Chinese and other fields [so they are the issues, we can bring an end to
shelters and provide counseling and very good at fighting, and supporting homelessness. We can provide housing
other services. One innovative project each other. for everyone. I created a comic strip
is a tour of the area around Taipei “Beginning in in 2014, we continued and book titled Homeless Harry to
Station, where many homeless people to l au n ch vari ous ma ss projects, bring more attention to this. I hope that
live. The tours are open to everyone starting from the streets, using various by being entertaining and humorous
and are conducted by guides who creative actions to focus on urban readers will contemplate the reality
were themselves previously homeless. poverty, the homeless, street sellers and the possibilities. The book is now
More information can be found at and recycling issues, and strive to available in a new edition published
HiddenTaipei.org become a “guide” between people and here with all the comic strips in English
This is a great way to see the reality issues. and Chinese. It’s available on Amazon.
fo r yo u rs e l f a n d u n d e rsta n d t h e “We do not. change people but Together we can bring about changes
problem better. Their website has change the scenery of the streets to and make lives better. Bit by bit we
stories told by some of the people living make the streets a bright and friendly can reach the tipping point to create
on the streets. p l a c e . Pe o p l e a re w i l l i n g t o p ay housing for everyone. And once again
Another organization doing good attention to and care about the people Taiwan is a leader in the progress and
things for the homeless and others in and things around them, forming a advancement in our world.
need is SALT Collectiv. Their mission close social protection network.”
statement describes their aims: “SALT Yo u c a n d i s c o v e r m o r e a t
Collectiv is a diverse community of doyouaflavor.tw Jim first came to Taipei
volunteers uniting for the purpose In recent years more attention 17 years ago and loved
of making a lasting imprint for the has been brought to the homeless it. In the ensuing years
marginalized. Just as salt is used to add population. Young people are active he’s visited often and
and want to make a difference. I believe sometimes lived here
flavor and preserve, our actions can
there’s a shift in thinking and the between traveling
be the seasoning and support for the
in Asia and time spent in his native
forgotten. It all starts with a small step attitude now is that this is something
country, Canada. Working with the
to make a difference and be the salt of we can’t ignore and tolerate.
homeless he was inspired to write the
the earth.” Nobody should be sleeping outdoors
comic strip Homeless Harry. Hopefully
S A LT h e l p s t h e h o m e l e s s a n d and on the sidewalk. Together we can the comic strip and book will bring
other people in need. They welcome all make a difference. more attention and awareness to the
volunteers to pitch in and see what It’s been my pleasure to become issue of homelessness. Together we can
they do. For example, you can familiar with these marvelous people eradicate poverty and make life better
volunteer to help them serve at the here in Taipei. I worked with the for everyone and for our world.
www.communitycenter.org.tw FEBRUARY 2022 23You can also read
