centered on taipei october 2013

A p u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e C o m m u n i t y S e r v i c e s C e n t e r

October 2013, Volume 14, Issue 2

Making SenSe of PainRed RooM Radio ReduxStage tiMe and JuiceStiR fRy 100SuRfing and SuPeRStition in taiwanSt. Lucy’S BazaaRentRePReneuRiaL tRaiLing SPouSeS

CenteredOctober 2013, Volume 14, Issue 2

on TAIPEI

Making SenMaking SenSSe of Paine of Pain

Cover StoryLin an tai

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3www.communitycenter.org.tw OCTOBER 2013

5 LETTER fROm ThE EdiTOR6 RiChaRd RECOmmEnds naTiOnaL

7 EvEnTs aBOuT TOwn EvEnTs aT ThE CEnTER8 CEnTER GaLLERy ThE CEnTER’s favORiTE finds9 Off ThE BEaTEn TRaCk The Garden of Generalissimos

10 OuTLOOk Making Sense of Pain

12 EnviROnmEnT Eight Tips to Reduce Your Ecological Footprint

14 aRTs Red Room Radio Redux

16 famiLy Stage Time and Juice

17 dininG Stir Fry 100

18 BakE iT yOuRsELf Icing Types Unravelled: Part 3

20 PhOTOGRaPhy The Exposure Triangle

21 COffEE CORnER Maru Café

22 sPORTs Surfing and Superstition in Taiwan

23 ChaRiTy Orphanage Club

24 COmmuniTy St. Lucy’s Bazaar

26 COvER sTORy Lin An Tai Historical House & Museum

28 PEOPLE Entrepreneurs at Heart

29 COuRsEs aT ThE CEnTER30 PROfiLE Intimate Chinese

31 TCm CORnER Strengthening the Immune System COmmuniTy TAS

32 GEnERaTiOn y Body Image

33 ChinEsE kiTChEn Grouper, Cod, and Hairtail

34 CsC BusinEss CLassifiEd

CO

NT

EN

TS

October 2013 volume 14 issue 2

COvER imaGE: Lin An Tai Historical House by Darren Bentley

Centered on Taipei is a publication of the Community Services Center, 25, Lane 290, ZhongShan N. Rd., Sec. 6, Tianmu, Taipei, Taiwan Tel: 02-2836-8134fax: 02-2835-2530e-mail: [email protected]

Correspondence may be sent to the editor at [email protected]. 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 2013. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not be reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner.

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THEATER AND COnCERT haLL: OCTOBER 2013

4 OCTOBER 2013 www.communitycenter.org.tw

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expat perspective


COmmuniTy SERviCES CEnTER

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The Community Services Center (CSC) is a non-profit foundation. CSC provides outreach and early intervention through counseling, cross-cultural education and life skills programs to meet the needs of the international community in Taipei. 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 about our programs. you can also email us at [email protected].

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Writing and Photography Contributors

Community ServicesCenter Editorial Panel

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Community Services Center, TaipeiKari SchiroRichard SaundersKara [email protected]

Darren BentleyKatrina BrownMarina BuranaCheryl CheeIvy ChenSarah Chen LinAly CooperTrista di GenovaRafaela Eusebio VenturaCraig FergusonShana GarciaKatharine GillRuth GiordanoAnjoli Guha

Siew Kang, Fred Voigtmann

Farn Mei Printing Co., Ltd.1F, No. 102, Hou Kang Street, Shilin District, TaipeiTel: 02-2882-6748 Fax: 02-2882-6749E-mail: [email protected]

Serina HuangAlex LeeLinus MagnussonJohn McQuadeBunny PachecoShaun RamsdenRichard SaundersBethany ShiehRosemary SusaMaria TanGrace TingDiana van DoorenElizabeth WeinsteinMark Yang

October is upon us. The summer travel season is a faint memory, for many the chaos of moving has thankfully subsided, and even the typhoons have, for the most part, gone into

hibernation for the year. You’ve settled (back) into the rhythm of Taipei life. Now what? With a special nod to the newcomers among us, this issue is devoted to exploring the breadth of sights, activities, and experiences Taipei has to offer. This is just a small sampling, but hopefully you find something that intrigues you!

For the theatrically inclined, Marina Burana brings us a wonderful profile of Red Room Radio Redux, an inventive theater group that performs radio dramas. For the younger entertainers, take a peek at Katrina Brown’s article to learn more about Stage Time and Juice, a bi-monthly event encouraging creativity in the next generation.

Looking to get outdoors? Linus Magnusson examines Taiwan’s surf culture. Rumor has it that the waves are bodacious, but beware of the ghosts....

In Taipei you hardly need to seek out interesting sights, but if you’re in the mood for a sightseeing adventure, we are highlighting two places worth a trip. The Garden of Generalissimos is so unique that I’ll leave it to Richard Saunders, in his Off the Beaten Track column, to explain. In a beautiful photo essay, Darren Bentley introduces us to the second sight, Lin An Tai, one of the oldest residences still in existence in Taipei.

This issue would be woefully incomplete without mention of Taipei’s vibrant and ubiquitous food scene. This month we’re focusing on just one aspect of Taiwan’s restaurant culture: Stir Fry 100. If you’re looking for a very Taiwanese dining experience, look no further than Serina Huang’s article on the subject.

Perhaps you’re itching to busy idle hands? Turn to Elizabeth Weinstein’s piece about the St. Lucy’s Bazaar, a completely volunteer-run annual fundraising event. Or read Maria Tan’s profile of three people who used their trailing spouse status as an opportunity to start their own businesses.

And, of course, if you are a writer or photographer, look no further than this magazine! We depend on our incredible team of volunteer contributors to fill the pages of this magazine with fabulous contentevery month. If you would like to contribute, please email me at [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you!

Richard SaundersCo-editor

Kari SchiroEditor

Kara WallAdvertising Manager

LETTER FRoM THE EDIToR

Please send email submissions, comments, and feedback to [email protected].

Centered on Taipei is printed on 50% post consumer waste content stock. We have also replaced the glossy laminated cover with a softer aqueous based resin coating which makes it easier to recycle. By committing to post consumer paper stock we support the market for recycled fibers and reduce environmental impact.Recycling paper uses 60% less energy than manufacturing paper from virgin fiber. "Every ton of recycled paper saves enough electricity to power a 3 bedroom house for an entire year." (http://www.greenseal.org/index.cfm)

CORRECTIONThe profile of Michael Hurst that

appeared in our September issue ("Michael Hur s t : Uncover ing A Darker Period In Taiwan's Past") did not picture Mr. Hurst, as it should have. Thank you to the Taiwan POW Camps Memorial Society for providing this photograph of Mr. Hurst at the Taiwan POW Memorial Wall.

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TICKETING OFFICES: • NTCH: (02) 3393 9888 • ERA: (02) 2709 3788

For full details, please log on to the Culture Express website at http://express.culture.gov.tw or take a copy of the monthly program from CKS Cultural Center, available from MRT stations, bookshops and ticketing offices.

oCTobER 2013 www.communitycenter.org.tw6

W ith repertoire ranging from the Middle Ages to the (very) contemporary, and featuring performers from far-f lung England and Australia, it couldn’t possibly be a more varied

month, with some truly fascinating programming to look forward to.

Immediately catching my eye is the “epic modern dance theater” project (airing October 4th – 6th in the National Theater) by the local Neo-Classic Dance Company, accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra. In a slightly eccentric piece of programming, Stravinsky’s violent depiction of human sacrifice in pagan Russia, The Rite of Spring, is coupled with the luminous music of La Transfiguration de Notre Seigneur Jésus-Christ by the fervently Catholic composer Olivier Messiaen to accompany a dance piece depicting mortals that “pray in front of the god hoping for the salvation and start an everlasting conversation between god and human.” In any event, apart from what looks set to be an interesting dance performance, this will be a rare chance to hear not one but two twentieth century classics, with another, earlier Messiaen work, Les Offrandes Oubliees, thrown in for good measure.

On October 12th the NSO (which is very busy this month) bravely tackles contemporary music at its most forbidding in the five orchestral Notations by Boulez and, in a somewhat more audience-friendly program on the 26th, plays music by composers from Northern Europe, including two great crowd pleasers by Grieg — the Piano Concerto and the first Peer Gynt Suite. The remainder of the program is infinitely less well known but guaranteed to prove a very pleasant surprise for listeners new to these pieces. The Aladdin Suite by Denmark’s national composer Nielsen is a virtuoso work of orchestral color and atmosphere that should be far better known, while Frates (‘brothers’) by Estonian Arvo Part is a mesmerizing meditation, sombre but serene and utterly beautiful. The original Frates (which came out in 1977) was so well received that Part made various arrangements (at least 12!) of it for various chamber and orchestral forces. Frates has a profoundly mystical air, which makes it immediately accessible and strangely compelling; in fact Part’s later music is one of the very best and easiest places to start a journey through contemporary classical music. Avoid, however, the very different (and far more difficult) earlier works like the first two symphonies, unless you have very adventurous tastes!

While on the subject of accessible modern music, look no further than the Taipei Symphony Orchestra’s October 13th concert, when they’ll be playing the exuberant Bacchus and Ariadne ballet (although sadly only the second half) by Albert Roussel. Why Roussel isn’t a household name like fellow Frenchmen Debussy and Ravel is a mystery, but the magnificent second suite (actually the whole second act) from Bacchus and Ariadne has long been a favorite orchestral virtuoso showpiece. Rounding out this French concert is Lalo’s wonderful Symphonie Espagnole (actually a violin concerto), Faure’s far-famed Pavane and another instantly recognizable classic, the Hungarian March from Berlioz’s Romeo and Juliet.

National Theater and Concert HalloCTobER 2013

NATIONAL THEATER

The Rite of Spring and Salvation of ChristStravinsky and Messiaen provide the music for a modern dance performanceoctober 4–6 RR

Jan Lauwers and Needcompany: Isabella’s RoomAcclaimed theater from Belgiumoctober 11–13

La Belle et la BêteAstonishing multimedia piece from Canadaoctober 18–19 RR

Ballet Nacionale de Espana: Grito & Suite SevillaFlamenco and traditional Spanish danceoctober 25–27

NATIONAL CONCERT HALL

Sydney Chamber ChoirA rare chance to hear Medieval and Renaissance choral music by Hildegard von Bingham, Tallis, etc.october 3 RR

Lilya Zilberstein Piano RecitalWorks by Rachmaninov and Schubertoctober 4

BBC Symphony and Sir Andrew DavisThe great British orchestra play Elgar, Britten and … Wagner!october 11 RR

A Kaleidoscopic Journey Orchestral works by Boulez, Shostakovich and Schumannoctober 12 RR

Welcoming the Wine GodWorks by Roussel, Lalo, Berlioz and Faureoctober 13 RR

Itzhak Perlman Violin Recital The legendary Israeli-American violinist plays Beethoven, Grieg and Tartinioctober 16

Mendelssohn: Elias The great oratorio, perhaps better known as Elijahoctober 19 and 20

Vienna Boys’ Choiroctober 21 and 28

Konstantin Scherbakov 2013 Piano Recital The Russian pianist plays Beethovenoctober 22

Paul Lewis 2013 Piano RecitalWorks by Bach/Busoni, Mussorgsky, Liszt and Beethovenoctober 23

Tales of the NorthOrchestral works by Arvo Part, Grieg and Nielsen october 26

Taipei Chamber Singers – VoidMultimedia work with music by contemporary composers from the USA, Taiwan and Englandoctober 31

ZHONGSHAN HALL

La Clemenza di TitoMozart’s opera in 2 actsoctober 19 and 20

RichardRecommends

RR: Richard Recommends

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RichaRd SaundeRS


csc news

THE CENTER’S 2013 CHARITY AUCTION DINNERFriday, October 4th6:30 pmThe RegentP l e a s e j o i n u s fo r T h e C e n t e r’s 2013 “Diamonds and Denim” Charity Auction Dinner — a 5-star event where you’re encouraged to dress up your favorite dressed-down look!

BOOK CLUBSThis month The Center’s book clubs will be reading Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand, the remarkable true story of Lieutenant Louis Zamperini and his fight to survive after his plane crashes into the

Pacific Ocean.The morning book club will meet Tuesday, October 15, 11 am onwards. For more information, email [email protected].

The evening book club will meet on Thursday, October 24, 7 pm onwards. For more information, email [email protected].

SPECIAL TOPIC COFFEE MORNINGViews from a (former) Gatekeeper: What do Colleges Seek?Thursday, October 1710:30 am – 12:00 pmJoin us for an informative talk about navigating the process of selective college admissions.

The City GovernmentThrough November 10th2013 Beef Noodle FestivalVenues: Finals at Taipei Expo Park, see website for preliminary event dates and locationshttp://english.taipei.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=63987327&ctNode=8472&mp=1000021 Yumen Street

Taipei Cultural CenterOctober 19th & 20thTaipei Symphony Orchestra’s Yearly Opera: La Clemenza di TitoVenue: Metropolitan Hallhttp://english.tso.taipei.gov.tw25 Bade Road, Section 3

Taipei American SchoolOctober 30th – November 1st , 7:00 pmNovember 2nd, 2:00 & 7:30 pmThe Laramie ProjectVenue: Black Box Theater 800 Zhongshan North Road, Section 6

Godot Theater CompanyUntil November 27th, daily25th Anniversary Performance: Hitchcock’s The 39 Stepshttp://www.godot.org.tw5F, 102 Guangfu South Road

Taipei Zhongshan HallOctober 30th, 7:30 pmAge of Innocence: Wind Chapter 1Venue: The Zhongzheng Auditorium

http://english.zsh.taipei.gov.tw98 Yenping South Road

Red RoomThird Saturday of each month, 6:30 pm – 10:30 pmStage Time and Winehttp://www.redroom.com.tw2F, 117 Da-An Road

Guling Street Avant-Garde TheatreTuesday Through Sunday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pmExhibition: A Place Where Art, Culture and Creativity IntersectVenue: 1Fh t t p://su p e r s p a c e . m o c .g o v.t w/e n/local_culture_page.asp?rid=2192, Lane 5, Guling Street Riverside Live HouseEvery Thursday through SundayMini Concerts: A Platform for Original, Next-generation MusicCall: (02) 2370-8805 for schedules and ticketshttp://www.riverside.com.tw/177 Xining South Road

National Museum of HistoryUntil November 17thA Memorial Exhibition of Chen Tian-Yang’s Creation of Swords and Knives Gallery: 2F Corridorhttp://www.nmh.gov.tw/en-us/Home.aspx49 Nanhai Road

National Taiwan MuseumUntil November 17thTaiwan Has Mermaids!Gallery: Main Hallht tp://formosa.ntm.gov.tw/web/en/exhibition.aspx2 Xiangyang Road

Taipei Fine Arts MuseumUntil December 29thTime: The Images of Chang Chao-Tang, 1959-2013Galleries: 3A, 3B, 3C

Until January 5thImminent Sounds: Falls and CrossingsGalleries: 1A, 1Bhttp://www.tfam.museum/Index.aspx181 Zhongshan North Road, Section 3

National Palace MuseumOctober 8th through January 7thT h e C o m p l e te Q i a n l o n g: A S p e c i a l Exhibition on the Aesthetic Tastes of the Qing Emperor GaozongGalleries: Exhibit Area 1, 103, 105, 107, 202, 208, 210, 212

October 8th through January 7thThe Ancient Art of Writing: Selections from the History of Chinese Calligraphyhttp://www.npm.gov.tw/en/221 Zhishan Road, Section 2

events about town

events at the center

Just a few of the things that are going on around Taipei this month...

* CompILed by JoHN mCQuade

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T ired of Hola and PINN? Do you want something unique, collectible, or cheap to add to your household? Taipei is the place to be. Yes, Taipei does have unique, collectible, and cheap furniture

finds to meet all your wants, needs, and desires. I know because I have often found myself looking for quality items to fill the empty spaces of my home and have been disappointed by what I have found. That is, until one Sunday when I went online and entered the phrase: “vintage furniture Taipei.” Little did I know that these three words would lead me to a great web resource: www.housewizard.wordpress.com. This site, run by Bin Huang with whom some readers may be familiar from his Ask Bin series, has a wealth of information for those looking for vintage, used, antique, or recycled items. The website provides web links, addresses, product descriptions, and the price ranges of items offered at a variety of places around Taipei.

I wanted to see what was available, so I checked the websites, found the items that interested me, loaded my husband in the car, and went off on an adventure to see just what Taipei’s vintage furniture stores had to offer. I was really surprised by what we found. We went to two different places — mid20th and VG Gallery — specializing in furniture dating from the 1950s to the late 1970s. For the most part, prices were reasonable (although some pieces were very pricey). The furniture has flare, style, and a quality that will make a great addition to any home. So don’t despair: there are great furniture finds in Taipei — you just have to be willing to seek them out.

LiLy chim’S chineSe Knotting

In October, The Center wall features Chinese knotting by Lily Chim. The theme of these beautiful ly framed pieces is: “Ar ise, Sh ine.” Knott ing i s a traditional Chinese folk art with splendid colors and changeable t w i n e d c o m p o s i t i o n s . L i l y accepts custom orders. She also teaches Chinese Knotting at The Center, with a course beginning October 1st.

cheRRy hiLL antiqueSAccent yourself and your home with the jewelry and

decorative pieces presented by Cherry Hill Antiques. The Chinese-style jewelry features knotting combined with old and new jade, cloisonné beads, lapis coral, and other semi-precious stones. The colorful bags, placemats, and coasters are new arrivals, handmade by South China Hill Tribes.

SahaR ShaiKhOn the sideboard display this month is Sahar Shaikh's

exclusive collection of fabulous Indian kurtis, tunics, and jewelry.

A percentage of all proceeds of items sold at the Gallery goes to The Center, so please remember that by displaying and shopping here you are helping us to provide much needed services to the international

community.

The Center'sfavorite


TExT & ImAGES: BuNNy PACHECO

GALLERYOctober 2013

Vintage Furniture

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expat perspective

Richard Saunders is a trained classical musician and writer who has lived in Taipei since 1993. He has written several books (available at The Center and in bookshops around Taipei), including Yangmingshan: the Guide (a complete guide to the National Park on Taipei’s doorstep) and Taipei Escapes I and 2, which together detail sixty day trips and hikes within easy reach of Taipei city. A fourth book, a guide to Taiwan’s offshore islands, is out now.

RICHARD SAUNDERS EXPLORES TAIWAN'S LESS-TRODDEN PATHS

I t’s October, and Taiwan’s National Day has rolled round again, and with it an exhilarating island-wide display of Taiwanese national pride. There’ll be a very welcome day off (or two) for everyone, and of course a

spectacular fireworks display in Taipei, although embattled President Ma, who’s been having an especially hard time of it lately, may well breathe a big sigh of relief when it’s all finally over.

Taiwan’s political situation is hardly a positive selling point for any expat thinking of settling here for a while, but all that fist-fighting and hair-pulling, spiteful bickering and political back-stabbing do at least help to confirm Taiwan’s status as a very happening place!

And there’s certainly never a dull moment at the Garden of Generalissimos, one of Taiwan’s most extraordinary sights, which owes its existence to Taiwan’s chaotic, emotionally-wrought brand of pol it ics. To Chen Shui-bien’s DPP government, which came to power in 2000, the countless statues of Chiang Kai-shek which stood in schools, military barracks, parks, beside roads, and even in scenic areas around the island were an inappropriate reminder of authoritarian rule, and it ordered them to be dismantled. In the end, however, the original plan – to destroy all of the statues – was unsuccessful, and some remain in their original positions, while several hundred others were saved from the scrap heap and eventually found an appropriate new home, in a grassy park just a kilometer from the mausoleum at Cihu in Taoyuan County where Kai-shek’s body still rests in state.

I think it’s safe to say that the Garden of Generalissimos is absolutely unique. Following the network of paths winding through a grassy field on the bank of the little Caoling

Creek, there’s the constant, slightly uncanny feeling of being watched – by several hundred statues and busts of the late CKS, some hatted, some standing, some sitting in state, and others as if out for a stroll, walking stick in hand, but almost all with the same slight smile that oozes benevolent dignity. It’s an absolutely fabulous place for photos and (considering the intense feelings, both for and against Kai-shek, among locals), remarkably well kempt and peaceful.

A short walk further the Caoling Stream flows into the beautiful tree-edged Cihu Lake, home to a small herd of graceful swans. Beside it a road (for pedestrians only) wanders 800 meters through peaceful woodland to the small mausoleum where Chiang Kai-shek lies in state. Unfortunately the pair of soldiers guarding the sarcophagus no longer snap their heels together as you enter, nor are you required to bow in respect. However, there’s still a powerful atmosphere at work here, assuming you avoid the big groups of often noisy Mainland Chinese tourists that flock to the mausoleum. After all, it’s not every day you get to stand a few feet away from one of the great political figures of the twentieth century, and the very one whose impact on this tiny, engrossing island nation was so immeasurably huge.

For information on visiting the Garden of Generalissimos and the Cihu mausoleum, see Taipei Escapes II, pages 57-58. Many other quirky and little-known places in Taiwan are described on Richard’s Blog “Off the Beaten Track” at http://taiwandiscovery.wordpress.com/

The Garden of Generalissimos

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outlook

Making Sense of Pain: The Difference Between Pain and Suffering

The Nature of Pain

How Pain Becomes Suffering

TExT: dR. mARk yANG

Let’s take a deeper look into the nature of pain. In his book Pain, The Gift Nobody Wants, Dr. Paul Brand explores the purpose and value of physical pain. Dr. Brand teaches that the very unpleasantness of pain, the part that we hate, is what makes it so effective in protecting us. The unpleasant quality of pain forces the entire human organism to attend to the problem. Although the body has automatic reflexive movements that form an outer layer of protection and moves us quickly away from the pain, it is the feeling of unpleasantness that compels the entire organism to act. It also sears the experience into the memory and serves to protect us in the future. Thus, Dr. Brand believes that we can even develop gratitude in the face of pain. We may not be grateful for the experience of pain, but we can be grateful for the system of pain perception. Consider the following proverbs:

“That which hurts, also instructs.” – Benjamin Franklin“For we are like olives: only when we are crushed do we yield what is best in us.” – The Talmud

In Freedom and Will, Rollo May explains that we convert pain into suffering in the mind. Similarly, Harold Kushner, in the book When Bad Things Happen to Good People, gives the following example:

Scientists have found ways of measuring the intensity of the pain we feel. They can measure the fact that a migraine headache hurts more than a skinned knee. And they have determined that two of the most painful things human beings can experience are giving birth and passing a kidney stone. From a purely physical point of view, these two events both hurt equally, and hardly anything hurts more. But from a human point of view, the two are different. The pain of passing a kidney stone is simply pointless suffering, the result of a natural malfunction somewhere in our body. But the pain of giving birth is creative pain. It is pain that has meaning, pain that gives life, that leads to something. That is why the person who passes a kidney stone will usually say “I’d give anything not to have to go through that again,” but the woman who has given birth to a child, like the runner or mountain climber who has driven his body to reach a goal, can transcend her pain and contemplate repeating the experience.

Furthermore, Daniel Gottlieb, in his book The Wisdom of Sam, teaches that:There is a big difference between pain and suffering. Pain is pain and doesn’t necessarily need to be fixed. Ninety-nine percent of the time, pain heals on its own; and more often than not, trying to fix pain actually makes it worse. That’s because when we wrap our minds around the pain and try to fix it, all we are really doing is holding on to it. [...] ...the more we talk about it and think about it, the longer the pain stays with us. And that is when pain turns into suffering…. What clients need is trust that they have the resilience, in themselves, to meet the unknown, to experience it, and to survive. [...] Resilience cannot be taught. It is to be nurtured by faith. It’s something that clients already have inside. I don’t know about you, but all the wisdom I’ve acquired has come from adversity, pain, suffering, loss, and some really stupid decisions. All of these things have caused me great suffering. I have learned that every time I suffer, I recover. And over time, that knowledge has turned to faith. Now I have faith that when I face adversity, somehow I’ll be okay. It might not be the outcome I would prefer, but I have faith that I will be okay with what is.

Have you ever thought about the difference between pain and suffering? Often times people will lump both of these terms together; however, they are not the same. But how do you explain the difference? Center Counselor Mark Yang explores this critical difference between pain and suffering.

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11www.communitycenter.org.tw sEPTEmBER 2013

Searching for Meaning in Pain

Dr. Mark Yang is a California licensed clinical psychologist and also an adjunct professor at Saybrook University in the United States. Mark is also the co-founder and director of the Zhi-Mian International

Institute of Existential-Humanistic Psychology (http://zhimianinstitute.com/home), whose mission is to promote Humanistic-Existential Psychology and provide counseling skills training to mental health professionals in Asia. Mark was born in Taiwan and immigrated with his family to the United States when he was nine years old.

Thus, to lessen the suffering of pain, Rollo May teaches that we need to make a crucial distinction between the pain of pain and the pain we create by our thoughts about the pain. Fear, anger, guilt, loneliness, and helplessness are all mental and emotional responses that can intensify pain. So, in developing an approach to deal with pain, we can of course work at the lower levels of pain perception, us ing the too ls o f modern medic ine such as medications and other procedures, but we can also work at the higher levels by modifying our outlook and attitude.

So what is the difference between pain and suffering? This is the key question of this article, and how each of us answers that question in our own unique way will significantly impact how we experience our pain. Victor Frankl, the pioneer of Logotherapy, wrote in his book man’s Search for meaning, “Suffering ceases to be suffering once we find its meaning.” He also wrote that “He who has a Why can bear with almost any How.” The crux of psychotherapy is to help each client find their own meanings that can transform their suffering pain. This is much more than an intellectual or philosophical exercise. It is an inter- and intra-personal journey at the center of which may be the companionship of a therapeutic guide, whose willingness to accompany their clients through the darkness of pain helps the clients to find their own resilience to live in the face of the unavoidable pain and suffering that is a given of our existence.

To make an appointment with a Center counselor, please call

(02) 2836-8134.

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Eight tips to reduce your ecological footprint in TaipeiTExT & ImAGES: SARAH CHEN LIN

E ve n b efo re we’re b o r n, we’ve a l re a d y contributed to the existing high concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The concentration of these

gases released through human activity in a given time and space is called a “carbon footprint.” We’re more familiar with this term nowadays as it is regularly used in the media, and the carbon footprint icon has even begun to appear on some mainstream products, such as water bottles sold at 7-Eleven and lunchboxes. However, many scientists still view the carbon footprint as an inadequate indicator when considering the whole impact of human activity on the planet. After all, we also use other resources like fresh water and land, for instance.

“Ecological footprint” is a less well-known concept, but it is slowly gaining popularity as a means to measure how much of the Earth’s resources are consumed by human activity. The World Wildlife Fund defines it as:

The concept of the ecological footprint brings into perspective just how multifaceted efforts to minimize human impact must be. To be truly ecological ly f r iendly, we must tack le env i ronmenta l i ssues from all angles, from water conservation to waste management — a daunting task for even the most zealous environmentalists. However, anyone can make a difference if we all start with baby steps. Making a few small changes in your everyday behavior can help reduce your ecological footprint, taking us one step closer to sustainability. Here are eight simple tips:

“…the impact of human activities measured in terms of the area of biologically productive land and water required to produce the goods consumed and to assimilate the wastes generated. More simply, it is the amount of the environment necessary to produce the goods and services necessary to support a particular lifestyle.”

2CATCH COLd WATER WHILE

WAITING FOR HOT WATER IN THE SHOWER.

Depending on the type of boiler you have and how far it is located from the washroom,

the time it takes for hot water to reach the shower will vary. Meanwhile, a bucket can

be kept nearby to collect the cold water, which you can use to flush the toilet,

wash dishes (as long as the bucket is kept clean), or water

plants.

4dON’T SING IN THE SHOWER WHILE LEAvING THE WATER

RuNNING!People shower on average for eight

minutes; however, optimal average shower time, according to experts, should be about four minutes and, as strange as it sounds, singing does unconsciously increase one’s

shower time. By all means sing to your heart’s content — just remember to

turn the water off first!

3COLLECT WATER FROm

dEHumIdIFIERS.Those who’ve lived in Taipei

for a while know that investing in a dehumidifier is a smart choice.

Water collected in this manner can similarly be used to flush the

toilet or water plants.

5TuRN THE FAuCET

HANdLE TO THE COLd WATER SETTING WHEN dONE.

Leaving the handle pointing to the hot water setting leaves the

boiler on, which consumes significant energy over

time.

1SLEEP EARLIER.

Take a tip from Benjamin Franklin, and rise and set with the sun — it’s not only good for your health, but it also reduces energy consumption. Why not wake up

earlier and take advantage of natural light?

environment

Oct_p3-end.indd 12 2013/9/26 12:24:29 PM

expat perspective

6Cook smarter in the

kitChen. There are many ways to reduce the

time we leave the stove on. Take boiling eggs as an example. You only need to let water boil for 5 minutes with eggs in the

pot, turn the heat off, place the lid on, and leave the eggs alone for another

5 minutes. The eggs cook fully and are just as easy to peel.

8Wear light Colors in the

hot Weather. It’s not always just about fashion!

Wearing lighter colors increases your albedo, a fancy word climate change scientists use to refer to an object’s

reflectivity. Lighter colors absorb less heat because they reflect more of

the sun’s rays, so you’ll stay cool and stylish!

7Up-cycle old shirts into grocery bags.YouTube is a good source

for up-cyling tutorials. It took me less than 5 minutes to transform an old tee into a

new shopping bag!

B o r n a n d ra i s e d i n Ve n e z u e la b y Taiwanese parents, Sarah has been exposed to world cultures s ince she was young. She graduated with an Environmental Science degree from Southampton University in the UK, was a former radio host for an environmental program at Radio Taiwan International, and currently works as a project manager in the Civil Engineering Department at National Taiwan University, as T WYCC’s media coordinator, and as a freelance photographer.

Oct_p3-end.indd 13 2013/9/27 12:42:47 PM


arts

TExT: mARINA BuRANA ImAGES: RAFAELA EuSEBIO vENTuRA & REd ROOm RAdIO REdux

“A [...] play ought to be the point of intersection between the visible and invisible worlds, or, in other words, the display, the manifestation of the hidden, latent contents that form the shell around the seeds of drama.” – Arthur Adamov

I n 1938, Orson Welles and his crew masterfully convinced millions of people that they were being attacked by aliens from Mars when they broadcast The

War of the Worlds on the radio. At the time Dorothy Thompson, a columnist for the New york Tribune, wrote: “They have proved that a few effective voices, accompanied by sound effects, can convince masses of people of a totally unreasonable, complete ly fantast i c proposition as to create a nation-wide panic.”

Welles was part of what is known in America as “The Golden Age of Radio,” a period that started in the 1920s when radio broadcast was the primary medium of entertainment in homes. During this time, radio programs often presented different genres and formats (romance, adventure, drama, comedy, musical concerts, etc.), and until television sets came along, radio personalities had millions of listeners under the spell of the spoken word.

mARINA BuRANA ImAGES ImAGES Im : RAFAELA: RAFAELA: R EuSEBIO vENTuRA & REd ROOm RAm RAm R dIO REdux

The Power of the Spoken Word

R4: open youR eaRS!In 2012, a group of people dedicated to the wonders of the spoken

word got together in Taipei city to, as they put it, “re-kindle an appreciation of the great stories and poems of Western literature and find common purpose with the literature of the world.” Red Room Radio Redux (R4), a unique collaboration between members of the foreign and local communities, was born. So far, the ensemble represents a good mix of artists from around the world: Taiwan, New Zealand, Iceland, India, Argentina, Canada, the UK, and the US. As part of the Red Room organization, a non-profit platform that fosters communication between audiences and performers in open mic meetings every month, R4 decided to focus on radio drama to expand and explore the magic of sharing and performing in the listening world.

R4 produces radio shows: both readings of plays that are taped and then broadcast and live radio shows (where readings are performed in front of live audiences). Although relatively new, R4 has already brought a number of fascinating stories to their listeners. For the Taipei Fringe Festival in 2012, they presented a two-part evening. Part 1 consisted of Open your Ears!, an original script written by R4’s writer Ignatz Ratzkywatzky, of Iceland, especially for R4. The piece was designed to explore and introduce the concept of radio drama to the audience, and included a scene from Shakespeare's midsummer Night's dream. The second part featured a reading of macbeth, adapted for radio drama by Mr. Ratzkywatzky. The group’s macbeth performance is now in its post-production phase; having recorded the actors' voices, the director is working with a recording engineer to add evocative sounds and music for radio broadcast.

The group has also performed Treasure Island, an adaptation of the famous novel by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, as well as that very story that once terrified millions of Americans a day before Halloween, The War of the Worlds. Moreover, they stage stylized poetry readings of works by classic poets. Their material comes from the canon of Western literature.

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Marina Burana is an Argentinean writer, writing in Spanish and in English. She has published two books of short stories in Spanish and written two plays in English which have traveled to New York and Alaska. She has also written articles, essays and fiction for magazines in Argentina, Spain, Taiwan, Venezuela, Cuba and Chile. She plays the violin, speaks French, reads Ancient Greek, paints and studies Chinese in Taipei. Her website is www.marina-burana.com.

Born in the Dominican Republic in 1992, Rafaela Eusebio Ventura's interest in the media bloomed when she was just a teenager. T hrough writing, photography, and journalism she discovered her passion for the arts. Today she's focusing on Journalism and Mass Communications with plans to produce movies in the future.

Red Room Radio Redux presents DRACULA

Saturday, October 26th, 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm

Sunday, October 27th, 2:30 pmVenue: Learning Kitchen, 2nd floor, 117,

Da An Road, Section 1, Taipei(台北市大安路一段117號2樓)

Stepping StoneSBeing of an eclectic nature, R4, with the great support of

International Community Radio Taipei (ICRT) FM-100, seeks a diversity of people and talents to genuinely engage with their audience. Once a story is chosen, R4’s writer gets to work creating an adaptation for radio. Before each show, the group puts the word out to see who wants to be part of the theatrical journey: experienced professionals, amateurs, emerging writers — all are welcome. Thus, the theater junkies are summoned and everything gets rolling.

In each table reading, actors are given the opportunity to try out different roles to see which one best suits them. In a relaxed and cheery atmosphere, the script comes to life and, little by little, transforms into an enthralling experience for performers and listeners alike. R4’s live performances feature live Foley artists who reproduce everyday sounds, such as footsteps and peals of thunder, using a variety of props and techniques. Ruth Giordano, the producer and director of R4, says, “We like to call them our noisemakers. Actually, we use three ways of embellishing our storytelling with sound: Foley, some pre-recorded music, and the performers' voices (used in creative ways).” Every step is carefully orchestrated with the help of many people with different skills who get together to create a mesmerizing, spellbinding theatrical experience.

Ruth gioRdano Ruth Giordano has been active in all aspects of theater and

theater production since early childhood, participating in ballet, jazz, tap, and modern dance classes. She directed and wrote for her high school peers, attended intensive theater workshops, had master classes with professional performance artists, did improvisational dance, and explored the world of puppetry. She has worked at every level of theater and in almost every capacity, as an actor, dancer, writer, director, designer and builder, box office manager, and purveyor of premium popcorn. But her current favorite role is sharing a great story with the folks of the community. That’s because, for Ruth, community and communication are at the heart of the theater experience.

While she has worked for professional companies including the

Metropolitan Opera, Williamstown Theater Festival, and a number of Broadway and off-Broadway productions, her most meaningful work has been with educational institutions including the Juilliard School in New York, Columbus College in Georgia, and the Williams College Theater and Buxton School in western Massachusetts. For Ruth, theater is a means to bring people together: “The act of making theater is a collaborative effort requiring tireless teamwork, and the act of experiencing a theatrical production brings the artists (playwrights, actors, musicians, designers) and the audience to demonstrate the power of the spoken word.” Ruth is now thoroughly enjoying sharing her passion for theater with new friends in Taiwan.

What lieS aheadWith no fear of crossing boundaries and a passionate

drive to share stories, Red Room Radio Redux is getting ready to present two gripping stories from the 19th century: an adaptation by Mr. Ratzkywatzky of Bram Stoker's bloodcurdling tale Dracula in October and Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, also adapted by Mr. Ratzkywatzky, which will be broadcast in December. Plans are also in the works to present their adaptation of A Christmas Carol live in time for Christmas.

R4 has proven so far that “the manifestation of the hidden, of the latent contents that form the shell around the seeds of drama” can be revealed with an honest collaboration, with the belief that there are no boundaries to human expression, and with the knowledge that, as Ruth puts it, “language differences do not necessarily pose a barrier to communication.”

Tickets: NT$300, sold at the door or by contacting company members (buy 5, get 1 free)Suitable for ages 12 and upFor more information visit R4 on Facebook at Red Room Radio Redux

Tune in to ICRT FM-100 to hear Red Room Radio Redux’s retelling of MacbethWednesday, October 16th, 9 pm | Saturday, October 19th, 11 am

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16 october 2013 www.communitycenter.org.tw

family

S ummer 2013 will be remembered by many as the beginning of a collaborative venture between the Red Room and Taipei City Playgroup to provide a platform for youth to explore their own creativity and develop

a culture of listening. Created for the kids, Stage Time and Juice is the bi-monthly younger sibling of Red Room’s successful Stage Time and Wine, a monthly open mic event where people are encouraged to share and listen.

The first Stage Time and Juice was held on August 17. The turnout for this inaugural event was inspirational. Skilled adults involved in Stage Time and Wine and the Red Room dedicated their afternoon to welcoming and inspiring our children. Many talented young people got up and shared their love for the arts. The afternoon included singing, storytelling, a percussion performance, stand-up comedy, a dramatic performance, and a puppet show. Participating children ranged in age from 3 to

13. The response to each performance was delightful. Toddlers were in awe of the older children. Older children were very supportive of their peers. Children and adults alike talked about the performances for weeks after the event, and youngsters who previously showed no interest in performing began practicing for the next event.

The next Stage Time and Juice will be held in November. Open to all families in Taiwan, children are invited to our multicultural platform where they can listen to stories, share their talents, and learn from creative-minded people. There will be sign-up sheets at the door for those brave kids who would like to read, share art, play music, or tell a story to their classmates and playmates alike.

To help create a community atmosphere, participants are encouraged to bring a bottle of juice or other non-alcoholic drink or a child-friendly snack to share. Red Room is also a green environment, so organizers ask that attendees bring or buy reusable mugs. Child-sized bamboo mugs are available at the event for NT$130. Red Room's resident artist Charles Haines is making some unique designs just for the kids, and he will hand-paint mugs upon request for NT$70!

Bring a pillow if you would like to make yourself more comfortable, or just enjoy sitting on the rugs on the floor. We look forward to seeing you there!

TexT: KaTrina Brown images: alex lee

“Through quiet hearts and deep listening, in a room filled with immense positive and creative energy, we discover our similarity. The biases and misunderstanding come

from ignorance and fear. Red Room is a movement, reminding us that the deepest primordial human need is to feel connected and that in our infinite ignorance we are all equal. Since 2009, Red Room has become an important part of our lives and I hope more people will discover Red Room. Leave the virtual world, turn off the phone, listen deeply, appreciate and support each other, and we find ourselves a member of this positive and creative ecosystem, where happiness can be easily attained.”

– Ping Chu, Red Room Co-Founder

Stage Time And Juice At The Red Room

Alex Lee is a former banker who is reinventing h imse l f in the c reat i v e f i e lds . He takes photographs (www.flickr.com/lakycolour), makes custom-built guitar effect pedals (www.facebook.com/3whyfx), and writes music-related reviews (www.gigguide.tw). He is also very involved with the raising of his two children while trying to learn barre chords on the guitar.

In Taiwan since 1995, New Zealander Katrina Brown lives with her Taiwanese husband in the mountains of Jilong. With two elementary school-aged children, Katrina is determined to make Taiwan more accessible for all families. Visit her blog www.kidzone-tw.com for information about family-friendly spaces and events.

Stage Time & JuiceSaturday, November 16th, 2:30 pmAveda’s Learning Kitchen (above the Aveda Salon)2nd Floor, No. 117 Da-An Road, Section 1( 北市大安路一段 117號2樓) Tel: (02) 2771-4195NT$200 (1 parent with accompanying child), NT$50 per additional family member regardless of age

About Taipei City Playgroup:Taipei City Playgroup has been connecting English-speaking families in Taipei since 2002. With no fees, no obligations and no restrictions, this informal, casual playgroup meets on Thursday mornings at various locations around Taipei City, and holds annual Christmas parties, Easter picnics and Halloween Trick-or-Treat parades, as well as publishing The awesome Playgroup news, a child-produced newspaper that encourages English literacy. Members number over 400, and include parents with Taiwanese partners and families from all over the world who may be new to Taiwan or new to parenting. Attending Taipei City Playgroup events is a wonderful way for families to connect and share information about parenting in Taiwan, and for children to find new playmates.

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Where to Find Stir Fry 100

On weekend nights in summer, Stir Fry 100 places do brisk business. Most are located in clusters, with hordes of people waiting relatively patiently outside and cheery diners inside creating a beer garden-like atmosphere. The sound of clinking beer bottles, clattering plates, and raucous laughter (which gets louder as more beer is consumed) makes it feel as if a party is going on — and at many tables that is indeed what is happening.

Chang-an East Road, not far from the Taipei Main Railway Station, is the most well-established Stir Fry 100 area in Taipei, and the carnival vibe on a busy night has a real zing. Most restaurants along this strip will not take bookings on Friday or Saturday nights, so you need to put your name down and wait. You can wait-list at more than one restaurant, and it can be fun to walk along the street to compare the different choices.

dining

Taiwanxifu (Taiwan daughter-in-law) is the pen name of Australian food, travel, culture and zuo yuezi writer Serina Huang, who blogs at http://taiwanxifu.com.

Goose City 鵝肉城77 Liaoning Street, Zhongshan District 台北市中山區遼寧街77號

Seafood Fresh Market 100 中央市場52 Chang-an East Road台北市長安東路一段52號

Lin Yang Gang Fresh Seafood 臨洋港生猛海鮮99 Chang-an East Road台北市中山區長安東路一段99號

● Deep fried oysters (酥炸鮮蚵; sū zhà xiān hé)● Fresh prawns (蝦; xiā)● Sashimi (生魚片; shēng yú piàn)● Dragon balls (龍珠; lóngzhū); made from squid beaks, and much nicer than it sounds● Stir-fried clams (炒蛤ㄚ; chǎo há ya)● Noodles (炒麵); for some reason the egg noodles at Stir Fry 100 places are always good!

Taiwan has a vibrant local pub-style restaurant scene, where the food is just as important — if not more so — than the alcohol. Eating at a "Stir Fry 100" establishment is a unique way to experience non-touristy Taiwanese culture with friends over a beer or two (or three). It’s a lot of fun; the atmosphere is relaxed and happy, the food is fresh and unpretentious, and most restaurants are open until late.

TexT & Images: serIna Huang

Stir Fry

What is Stir Fry 100?

Stir Fry 100 ( 熱炒100, rechao yibai) describes an informal style of dining that has become popular in recent years throughout Taiwan. These places offer stir-fried dishes starting from NT$100 (just over US$3) each. The ‘100’ is a bit of a gimmick as many dishes (especially seafood) are more expensive, but all dishes are usually good value compared with an upscale restaurant.

You can usually recognize a Stir Fry 100 place by the large, neon ‘100’ encased in a circle displayed prominently to attract customers. Other indicators are bright red lanterns, small wooden stools or plastic chairs, a fresh display of seafood near the entrance, plastic buckets on tables for seafood shells, large beer signs, and/or attractive and skimpily-clad ‘beer girls’ who ply nimbly through densely packed tables entreating patrons to drink a particular brand of beer. And patrons generally don't need much entreating.

Ordering

Once you are rewarded with a table, the fun part of ordering begins. Stir Fry 100 restaurants rarely have English menus, but luckily the best dishes are not even on the menu. Go to the display case of fresh seafood laid out on ice or still swimming in tanks, point to what you want, and the restaurant will cook it for you. Staff will recommend specialities, and if budget is no obstacle, you can enjoy delicacies such as giant Pacific oysters, large deep sea fish, lobsters, crabs, sea snails, and even the strange but addictive deep-fried squid beaks.

Stir Fry 100 cuisine is designed with beer drinkers in mind. This is not wholesome food, nor is it subtle, with popular dishes being oily, salty and spicy. Perfect to accompany a cleansing ale — and to keep you ordering more food and more beer. Every time I eat at a Stir Fry 100 place I complain that we have over-ordered, yet somehow the food always disappears and the bottles keep stacking up. The sign of a good night out.

Three Little Pigs 三隻小豬熱炒10022 Songjiang Road台北市信義區松隆路22號1樓

Xian Inn Seafood Stir-Fry 客棧海鮮熱炒2 Minsheng East Road台北市中山區民生東路二段2號

Some favorite Stir Fry 100 places

What to order:

100

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bake it yourself

TExT & ImAGES: CHERyL CHEE

Icing Types Unravelled! (Part 3)In the third and final installment of her three-part series on icings, Cheryl Chee talks about royal icing and marzipan: two great choices for jazzing up a cake!

Royal IcingWHAT IS IT? Royal icing is a very sweet, pure white icing that

dries hard and smooth. HoW IS IT USED? Royal icing can be used to frost cakes and to

add piped details like dots, shells, and swirls. It’s also great for use as an edible “glue” to stick decorations onto cakes and for assembling gingerbread houses.

WHAT CAKE IS IT BEST FoR? Fruit cakes are often iced with royal icing. Usually the cake is first covered with marzipan then iced with royal icing. When using royal icing to frost a cake, glycerin can be added to the icing to prevent it from setting too hard.

HoW IS IT SToRED? Royal icing should alway be stored in an a irt ight, grease-free container at room temperature. If stored correctly, it can last for two weeks. To use, just beat the icing until the consistency is smooth.

IT’S GREAT, ExCEPT… It dries very hard and very quickly, so using it to decorate cakes requires a quick hand and careful storage.

WHY Do WE LoVE IT? It’s great for decorations. It can be used to pipe beautiful flowers, borders, and words or to decorate cookies and gingerbread houses.

Recipe: INGREDIENTS3 tablespoons meringue powder4 cups (about 950 grams) confectioner’s (icing) sugar6 tablespoons warm water

1. Beat the meringue powder and confectioner’s sugar together to mix. 2. Add water gradual ly whi le beating the mixture until peaks form (7–10 minutes at low speed with a heavy-duty mixer, 10–12 minutes at high speed with a hand-held mixer).

Trying to find the right university can seem like setting off on a trip with neither a map nor GPS and only your instincts to assist you. At The Center’s October Special Topic Coffee Morning Sally Champagne, Founder and President of Beacon Star Educational Consulting, will demystify the college admissions process. With over twenty years of admissions experience at Harvard University as a Senior Admissions and Financial Aid Officer on their undergraduate admissions committee, Sally has read and evaluated approximately 30,000 admission applications and read triple the number of essays! She will share her insights concerning the inner workings of selective college admissions as well as what NOT to send an admissions office. We hope to see you there!

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Recipe: INGREDIENTS2 cups granulated sugar1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar4 cups ground almonds or almond meal2 egg whitesConfectioner’s sugar for dusting

1. Sprinkle confectioner’s sugar over a wooden cutting board or large baking sheet. Fill a large bowl with cold water.2. Place the granulated sugar and 2/3 cup water in a large heavy saucepan and heat slowly, stirring until the sugar dissolves.3. Add the cream of tartar and increase the heat. Bring to a boil and cover the boiling mixture for 3 minutes.4. Uncover and boil until the temperature reaches 240 degrees (Fahrenheit) on a candy thermometer.5. Immediately place the bottom of the saucepan in cold water, constantly stirring the sugar mixture until it is thick and creamy.6. Stir in the ground almonds and the egg whites, then place the saucepan back over low heat and stir for another 2 minutes until the mixture is thick.7. Turn the marzipan onto your prepared work surface, moving it around with a metal spatula until it cools down enough to touch.8. Coat your hands with confectioner’s sugar and knead the marzipan until smooth and pliant.9 . T h e m a r z i p a n c a n n o w b e u s e d immediately or stored by wrapping it in plastic wrap and keeping it in an airtight container.

MarzipanHoW DoES IT TASTE? Marzipan, or almond paste, has a distinct nutty

taste. When purchasing it, choose a good-quality marzipan with an almond content of at least 25%.

HoW IS IT USED? Marzipan is usually used as the first layer of icing to cover cakes under fondant or royal icing. It is also commonly hand-molded into small shapes to decorate cakes. Additionally, marzipan can be used as a filling for homemade chocolates.

WHAT CAKE IS IT BEST FoR? Marzipan is most commonly used to cover fruit cakes or other firm-textured cakes.

HoW IS IT SToRED? Marzipan should be stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. If stored well, it can stay fresh for up to six months. Any unused marzipan must be carefully wrapped and stored in an airtight container to prevent it from hardening.

IT’S GREAT, ExCEPT… Not everyone likes the almond taste. It can also be difficult to mold this sometimes sticky paste into precise and smooth shapes.

Cheryl Chee holds several certifications in cake decorating and sugar art, and founded Bake It Yourself in 2003 in Singapore. Bake It Yourself is a cake decorating specialty store, course center, and bakery that makes cake decorating accessible to all keen bakers. She recently opened a branch in Taipei. For more information, visit www.b-i-y.com.tw or call the store at (02) 25811-800. You can also email her directly at [email protected].

There are so many more icings available, but with the six most common and popular icings covered in this series, you’re well on your way to having loads of fun icing and decorating your next baked creation!

Questions about baking and decorating? Send them to [email protected]. If you want to learn how to decorate beautiful cakes and cookies, see available classes on www.B-I-y.com.tw.

Worship Directory anD community Groups

Listings are now available online at http://communitycenter.org.tw/life-in-taiwan/worship-directory and http://communitycenter.org.tw/life-in-taiwan/community-groups.

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photography

TExT & ImAGE: CRAIG FERGuSON

apeRtuReAperture can most simply be defined

as the size of the opening of the lens at the time a photo is taken. The larger the opening, the more light that comes in and vice versa. You may have heard the term “f-stop.” An f-stop is what aperture is measured in. It’s a little counter-intuitive though in that a small f-stop number is actually a large opening, and a large number is a small opening. For example, f2.8 is a large aperture that allows in lots of light, while f22 is a small opening that lets in less light. Apertures run in the following pattern: f2.8, f4, f5.6, f8, f11, f16, f22. As you move from f2.8 up to f22, each change in f-stop halves the amount of light coming into the camera. Moving the other way doubles it. Aperture also controls the depth of field (DOF) in an image, which is essentially the front-to-back sharpness. A large depth of field uses a small aperture (f16, f22) and results in both foreground and background being sharply in focus. Conversely, a large aperture (f2.8) creates a small DOF, meaning that most of the image is blurred, with only a small portion sharply in focus.

ShutteR SpeedShutter speed is basically the time

that the shutter is open. In bright, well-lit conditions, shutter speeds will be short. When it’s dark, shutter speeds will need to be longer to al low enough l ight to reach the sensor. Shutter speed also allows you to freeze motion. A fast shutter speed, say 1/500 second, will allow you to freeze any movement. Slower shutter speeds allow you to depict motion using a variety of techniques.

iSoISO essentially describes the camera’s

sensitivity to light. The lower the ISO, the more light there needs to be in a scene but the higher the resulting image quality. High ISOs are great for low light situations, allowing you to take pictures in near dark conditions, but come at the price of digital noise, which degrades the image quality.

putting them aLL togetheRS o t h e ex p o s u re t r i a n g l e i s t h e

relationship of the three above variables, and it’s what is needed to determine an

accurate exposure. Adjusting just one of the variables will result in changes to the overall exposure. Suppose there is enough light to allow an ISO of 100. If you want to photograph something using a shallow depth of field — say f4 — you may find you need a shutter speed of 1/250 to ensure the exposure is correct. Now, if you decide that you’d rather shoot at f16, which is 4 stops less light (f4 > f5.6 > f8 > f11 > f16), and get a large DOF, to maintain an accurate exposure you’d need to adjust the shutter speed to 1/30 to compensate (1/250 > 1/125 > 1/60 > 1/30).

If you were to change the ISO from 100 to 200, you’d be letting in twice as much light, which means you’d need to adjust the aperture and shutter speed to compensate. If depth of field is important for the photo, you’d leave the aperture alone and only adjust the shutter speed. If you’re after motion effects, then you’d be best to leave the shutter speed alone and compensate by changing the aperture.

T h e b e s t w ay t o l e a r n i s t o d o. Take your camera, set it to “manual,” and exper iment with the d i f ferent combinations of settings. Take note of what works and what doesn’t. It will soon become second nature, and you’ll wonder why it ever seemed to be a mystery.

Craig is a professional photographer and has worked with the likes of Lonely Planet, Monocle, Asia Business Traveller, Asian Geographic and many more. In addition, he also teaches regular photography workshops and individual classes in and around Taipei. Visit his website at www.craigfergusonimages.com.

Basics of Exposure: The Exposure Triangle

One of the most basic steps a beginner photographer needs to take is learning the relationship between the different elements that go into the making of an exposure. This is often known as the “exposure triangle,” and a good grasp of its principles is important for anyone who wishes to go beyond the auto modes. The exposure triangle is made up of three variables — aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. How these combine is what determines the exposure. Let’s look at each in turn.


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21www.communitycenter.org.tw OCTOBER 2013 21www.communitycenter.org.tw OCTOBERwww.communitycenter.org.tw OCTOBERwww.communitycenter.org.tw 2013

I liken the first sip of a latte to that of a first kiss. Within moments you know if you've got a great thing, or if you should move on to the next

café. Since I'm writing about it, clearly greatness had been discovered… but let me tell you how I got there. I was checking Facebook, as I’m sure none of you people with jobs and lives do. Yeah. Right. I’m not going to make excuses for myself… it was late, and I was starting to shamelessly “browse” when a conversation amongst mutual friends about a café caught my eye. After several moments in which I weighed the creepy factor of jumping into a Facebook conversation that was not intended for me, I figured, eh, we're all “friends” right?? A good cup of coffee is worth a little mild embarrassment. As it happened, the café ended up being one that a friend had mentioned to me quite some time ago. Good thing I butt in! Yadda Yadda Yadda... coffee dates were made and one week later I found myself in a café with two lovely ladies meeting over a well discussed cup of joe.

The first thing that came to my mind upon entering the café "area" was: “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Isn’t that what “they” (i.e. your mom) said? Unfortunately, Maru Café was so nondescript that you could actually walk through it and not know it. The café, with its six tables and small bar area, gave the appearance of being an extra large kiosk.

My coffee pick was the coveted item for me: the hot topic of discussion on the social network. The Black Sugar Cappuccino. I know. Read it again because it reads as amazing as it tastes. Hmmm...where to start? First, I have to say it’s a lot of fun drinking coffee with friends who get just as amped as I do looking at foam about to spill over the edges of the rim (but doesn't because it's just that thick!!) or friends

who admire latte art and who aren’t embarrassed at the mmmmmmmm sound that emanates from my mouth almost unknowingly. Yes. I reveled in the fact that these women were just as excited to drink their coffees as I was.

L e t m e w a r n y o u : w i t h t h i s cappucc ino there was no lack of mmmmmm’ing. It’s like a drug, pulling you forth with its little vixen-y sugary caramelized marshmallow-y foam topping. I mean. C’MON! Ridiculous. Any other words to describe it would fall hopelessly short.

T h e c o f fe e a t M a r u s p o ke fo r itself. While the café didn’t have the ambience of the typical shop café, it was ideal for the multi-tasker who wanted to do a bit of grocery shopping and have their kid play while also getting a caffeine buzz. Maru’s coffee menu was impressively extensive and will be sorely missed. They had “Single Originals” from South America, Africa, and Central & South America, to name a few, and latte lovers were in for a treat as well, with some exotic sounding choices like melon, lychee liqueur, banana…*sigh* the list continued on for a deliciously long time. It actually physically pains me that you will not be able to experience this simple pleasure.

I promise, the next latte I have will be for you, Maru Café!

A b i g t h a n k yo u go e s to J e n n i Hoffman Rosen, Shana Garcia, and Janet Pagent for the recommendation and the excellent company. I’m happy to have had the experience, even if it was short-lived.

According to one of my sources, by the time this article comes out, this café will sadly no longer be in existence. We would like to take a brief moment to reflect on and pay homage to Maru and numerous other cafés around Taiwan that have delighted us and caffeinated us…allowing us to make it through the day. RIP.

TexT & IMageS: aly COOper

Maru Café

Aly Cooper is an expat wife of two years who enjoys adventures with her six-year-old son, reading, eating, blogging, having A LOT of coffee with friends, volunteering and spending free weekends exploring what the island has to offer with the family. http://caffeinatedblisstaiwan.blogspot.tw Got a suggestion for our resident caffeine addict? Send them in via [email protected].

Shameless Plug Coffee, Coffee, Buzz, Buzz, Buzz TourTuesday, November 5, 8:30 am – 12 pmThe closing of Maru Café has made me realize that life is TOO short not to drink more coffee from more places! The time is now people — and this applies to you too! What? you don’t know where to start or where you should go? Well then you should really sign up for my coffee tour. We all know that cafés won’t necessarily be around forever. Do you really want to miss out? yeah. I didn’t think so.To register for this tour, stop by The Center, call (02) 2836-8134, or visit www.communitycenter.org.tw.

coffee corner

Oct_p3-end.indd 21 2013/9/27 12:46:08 PM

Searching for Hungry Ghosts: Surfing & Superstition in Taiwan

sports

D own a narrow road, gaps in the bushes lead to a sandbar of b lack sand lapped by rolling waves. Anticipation

was high as a typhoon had formed a few days before in the western Pacific. Countless black-haired boys in shorts were looking out to sea, but there were few who had the guts to ride the massive waves. It was Ghost Month: the gates to Hell were wide open and an army of hungry ghosts had come out to haunt the living. Locals were burning paper money and offering food to appease the spirits and protect themselves. In Taiwan, apparently, ghosts are also believed to inhabit the ocean, six feet beneath the surface, and can only leave their graves if they find a “substitute.”

“Even parents of the new generation of Taiwanese surfers don’t like them going in the ocean,” says Neil Armstrong (aka Moonwalker), a profess ional f re e l a n c e p h o to g ra p h e r a n d t h e consulting editor at Pacific Longboarder, currently living in the south of Taiwan. “I did a presentation at a school about my job as a surfing photojournalist, showed a bunch of photos from all over the world, then asked the kids if they had any questions. Usually, I get questions about big waves and the best surfers,

but this time a young girl, about twelve years old, timidly put up her hand and asked me if I’d ever seen a ghost when I was in the water. That pretty much illustrates [the superstitious nature of] many Taiwanese.”

I asked a local surfer if he’d ever seen a ghost when he was in the water. There was no answer. He vaguely smiled at me. It was a smile that could be interpreted in various ways. “There is one thing I want you to remember. Things are not always as they appear,” he said. This took me off guard. There was something about his way of talking that gave me pause, as i f he was omitting something important.

Taiwan is one of the few islands in the Pacific that does not have a strong connection with the surrounding ocean. The Japanese, Hawaiians, Maoris, and Tahitians all have strong cultural connections with the water. Taiwanese, on the other hand, are traditionally downright scared of the sea.

“It took a long time for any Taiwanese to catc h o nto s u r f i n g,” ex p l a i n s Armstrong.

Until martial law was lifted in 1987, access to all coastline areas, which were strictly supervised, wasn’t officially possible. However, US soldiers stationed on the island rode the north coast

beach of Jinshan in 1965 after asking friends to send surfboards from the States. When they returned home, they could not bring their surfboards with them, so they left them in Taiwan for the local kids. These kids later became the pioneers of the sport on the island.

Azuma Hiroaki, a Japanese surfer, was bobbing and meditative on his board, looking out towards a tilting horizon, waiting for one last set. He surfed surprisingly gracefully on the undulating rhythm of the sunlit ocean, dipping one balancing hand in the water.

Suddenly a policeman started blowing his whistle, waving and cal l ing al l surfers out of the water. With a typhoon approaching, it’s the responsibility of the police to make sure no one goes in the ocean.

Back at Naluwan Surfing Shop, Hiroaki opens the door and three euphoric dogs run out, barking and jumping. At a table covered by various t-shirts and Mexican blankets, we talk about how, as a surfing destination, Taiwan exists in the shadow of Japan and the Philippines, but the quality of waves here has slowly begun to reveal itself to the world. Taiwan has a growing and enthusiastic local surfing community and an increasing number of foreign surfing visitors, but it’s still a hidden jewel for surfers.

TExT: LINuS mAGNuSSON ImAGES: CRAIG FERGuSON

Linus Magnusson is a freelance journalist and photographer currently living in Taipei, Taiwan. Since completing his degree in journalism last year, he has worked with the likes of Outside, Mountain Record, and many more. Visit his website at http://cargocollective.com/afuturefoto.

Craig is a professional photographer and has worked with the likes of Lonely Planet, Monocle, Asia Business Traveller, Asian Geographic and many more. In addition, he also teaches regular photography workshops and individual classes in and around Taipei. Visit his website at www.craigfergusonimages.com.


Oct_p3-end.indd 22 2013/9/26 12:24:45 PM


expat perspective

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12th Annual

St. Lucy'sSt . Lucy

To benefit the St. Lucy's Center Tainan, TaiwanThursday, November 21, 2013, 10 am ~ 2 pm

at the American Club TaipeiNT $700 includes light lunch and shopping

For information contact ACC at 2885-8260 or email organizers at [email protected]

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tOrphanage ClubChung Yi Outing Sunday, October 6

Our 2nd Chung Yi outing of this new academic year is coming up. Though the venue has not yet been determined, you can be sure that it will be great fun. As usual we will meet at TAS at 7:45 am and take a rented bus to the orphanage. We will return to TAS before 5 pm. If you are interested in participating in the outing, please contact us via email as we always appreciate and welcome additional adult chaperones.

Cathwel Outing Saturday, October 19On October 19th we will be holding our 2nd Cathwel outing.

Similar to Chung Yi outings, we will be in charge of three groups of children from the Cathwel orphanage — infants, toddlers, and young adults. Our Cathwel outings start at 7:30 am at TAS and our members return to campus (feeling tired but happy) by 5 pm. With various activities planned for each of the three groups, Cathwel outings are always fantastic. If you would like to help us, we always welcome any adults willing to volunteer as a chaperone.

hallOween Sale October 22 & 23Halloween is at the end of October, and to celebrate the holiday

we will be selling a huge variety of cards and Halloween costumes. We will also be selling Taipei American School sweatshirts and t-shirts designed by past Orphanage Club members. There is a variety of designs and sizes ranging from children’s size 6 through XXL. The sale starts at 7:30 am and ends at 5:30 pm both days.

All questions and comments should be directed to [email protected]. Also try contacting our club sponsors Mr. Arnold at 2873-9900 ext. 239 or [email protected] and Ms. Koh at [email protected].

internatiOnal FOOd Fair Saturday, October 26October 26th is the date of our long awaited International Food

Fair where we will be hosting several booths. We will be selling sweatshirts and t-shirts ranging from NT$400–690 as well as gift items. We will also have our classic and all-time favorite game booths, such as ring toss and bean bag toss. There are prizes for all children who play our games! You are welcome to stop by. All proceeds help orphans and needy children.

Call FOr raFFle PrizeS Furthermore, The Orphanage Club is soliciting items that make

enticing raffle prizes such as airline tickets, jewelry, electronics, hotel stays, and restaurant and department store vouchers. We also appreciate hotels, restaurants, and individuals willing to underwrite the expenses for an orphanage outing, during which we often have to rent buses, pay for amusement park tickets or exhibition admission, and provide lunches, among numerous other expenses.

Flea Market regiStratiOnFinally, registration for our Flea Market on November 16th starts

on October 29th. To register, please stop by the hallway outside the MPR (the old FDR) between 4 pm and 5 pm any Tuesday or Thursday (until all tables have been claimed). Table numbers are sold on a first come, first serve basis, and our tables usually sell out pretty quickly! Tables in the cafeteria cost NT$1,200, while tables in the hallway cost NT$1,500. There will be a mandatory deposit of NT$300 for all tables.

TexT: BeThany Shieh

Oct_p3-end.indd 23 2013/9/27 12:02:08 PM

the first annualTHE AMERICAN CLUB IN CHINA PRESENTS

for luncheon tickets or Bazaar information, please contact the ACC front desk staff at 2885-8260for more information regarding this event please contact Laura Trinnaman at 2873-9800

Proceeds from this year's event will benefit the children of Tainanthrough the Lucy Center Orphanage

This event is sponsored by

The American Club in China

Families for Children

ATMI

G&G DeG&G Deli

Grand Hyatt

Howard Hotels

HSBC

Le Jardin

Life Image

Subway

Win ChanceWin Chance

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 14TH, 200211 AM at the ACC

Holiday Luncheon Holiday Luncheon Benefit & BazaarBenefit & Bazaar

Help bring a brighter future to a child in need.For luncheon tickets or Bazaar information,please contact the ACC front desk staff at 2885-8260.For more information regarding this event,please email us at [email protected]

To benefit the St. Lucy's Center Tainan, Taiwan

Thursday, November 19, 200910 am ~ 2 pmat the American Club in ChinaNT $600 for a light lunch and shopping

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8th annual

St. Lucy'sCharity Bazaar

community

OCTOBER 2013 www.communitycenter.org.tw24

TExT: ELIzABETH WEINSTEIN ImAGES: dIANA vAN dOOREN

We’ve come from near and far,By MRT, and plane, and car,So buy your tickets — no sticky wickets —For the 2013… St. Lucy’s Bazaar!

T he annual St. Lucy’s Bazaar virtually kicks off the holiday season for expats. For those new to our community, it’s an exuberant fundraiser, benefitting St. Lucy Center, at which expat and local artisans sell items they have either

made or brought from their home countries: clothing, jewelry, prints, and cunning little trinkets of all kinds. Everyone dresses as festively as they like; there are dozens of raffle prizes, from the truly worthwhile to those that are simply good fun; and a light buffet luncheon — with sparkling wine — is included in the ticket price ‘to make the season bright.’

The Bazaar, while not sponsored by the American Club, is held there courtesy of Club management and is open to anyone with a ticket. It is always held on the third Thursday of November, which is one week before Thanksgiving. This year St. Lucy’s Bazaar is on Thursday, November 21, from 10 am to 2 pm, and — I cannot stress this enough — it is always a sell-out event when sorely disappointed people are turned away at the door, so buy your tickets now!

and St. Lucy’S iS…?The St. Lucy Center was established in 1982 to help young,

unwed mothers and abused women and children by providing education, job training, counseling, adoption services, and emergency shelter. About 85% of those children put up for adoption are placed with domestic married couples (at least one spouse must be a citizen of Taiwan); the remaining 15% are placed with international couples.

We can’t do it Without you!Charitable causes that are also social occasions abound in any

expat colony; they are a natural product of any community with a large number of stay-at-home spouses running households. Brains and energies are bursting to be put to good use, and helping others while having a good time is the perfect combination. But while there are dozens of worthwhile charitable events in Taipei every year, St. Lucy’s Bazaar is unique: there is no parent organization with a roster of members from which to cull volunteers. Like the St. Lucy Center, the Bazaar committee is a DIY organization where positions are fluid and everyone pitches in wherever help is needed. That said, below is a list of jobs and the personalities best suited to each one, as well as the names of this year’s volunteers. We hope you will recognize your particular talents in at least one of them and be inspired to join us next year to keep this still young but vital tradition going.

the 2013 St. Lucy’S BazaaR committee

Co-Founder (the only one still in Taipei): Siew KangSiew started St. Lucy’s Bazaar 13 years ago and is still its strongest supporter. If you want to volunteer, please contact her. [[email protected]]

Co-Chairs: Vivian Yu and Amy ThorneTwo co-chairs share the load: one, who co-chaired

the previous year, teaches the other how everything works. So if you accept this posit ion you are committing to two years — unless of course your spouse gets transferred.

Helpful Characteristics: diplomacy and the patience of a saint.

Vendor Coordinator: Julia Ruggiere [[email protected]]

Seeks out and vets the thirty vendors needed to fill the California Room at the ACC for the most interesting and/or new items; collects the vendor fee for renting a table.

Helpful Characteristics: discerning (well all right, picky); willing to work with vendors so they can provide those items most in demand.

Tickets: Amy Thorne [[email protected]]Both entrance and raffle tickets are bracketed under

the same umbrella and the bookkeeping can get tricky, but it’s not difficult. The Ticket Chair sets up a network of sellers and arranges for them to be available at local points frequented by expats. Fire regulations limit us to 300 tickets. See sidebar for ticket locations.

Helpful Characteristics: highly organized; knows a lot of people from different groups; has an infectious enthusiasm for St. Lucy’s that directly translates into convincing all those friends to commit to selling and/or buying tickets.

Donations: Vivian YuProbably the most difficult job, the Donations Chair

collects the donations to be used as raffle prizes and obtains the cash donations given directly to the St. Lucy Center.

Helpful Characteristics: utterly fearless in asking strangers for donations; gracious and understanding in success or defeat.

Oct_p3-end.indd 24 2013/9/26 12:24:51 PM


the first annualTHE AMERICAN CLUB IN CHINA PRESENTS

for luncheon tickets or Bazaar information, please contact the ACC front desk staff at 2885-8260for more information regarding this event please contact Laura Trinnaman at 2873-9800

Proceeds from this year's event will benefit the children of Tainanthrough the Lucy Center Orphanage

This event is sponsored by

The American Club in China

Families for Children

ATMI

G&G DeG&G Deli

Grand Hyatt

Howard Hotels

HSBC

Le Jardin

Life Image

Subway

Win ChanceWin Chance

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 14TH, 200211 AM at the ACC

Holiday Luncheon Holiday Luncheon Benefit & BazaarBenefit & Bazaar

Help bring a brighter future to a child in need.For luncheon tickets or Bazaar information,please contact the ACC front desk staff at 2885-8260.For more information regarding this event,please email us at [email protected]

To benefit the St. Lucy's Center Tainan, Taiwan

Thursday, November 19, 200910 am ~ 2 pmat the American Club in ChinaNT $600 for a light lunch and shopping

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8th annual

St. Lucy'sCharity Bazaar

Reception: Beth Verne and Hilary RoyThe Reception Chairs run the tables in the ACC

lobby on the day of the Bazaar, taking tickets and trying to sell as many raffle tickets as they can talk attendees into buying.

Helpful Characteristics: a smile and a welcome for all, with undertones of an infomercial salesman (see Ticket Chair).

Treasurer: Kathy van WilgenburgKeeper of the coins and the computer. Helpful Characteristics: abil ity to balance a

checkbook without crying.

Grounds: Wendy FultonThe Grounds Chair determines placement of the

vendors and ensures that the event runs smoothly. Helpful Characteristics: highly organized, decisive,

ability to retain a Zen-like calm through chaos.

Raffle Prize Baskets: Claudia OstrowskiThis job entails gift wrapping dozens of raffle prizes

while sipping wine and laughing. My favorite.Helpful Characteristics: being ambidextrous.

Design & Artwork: Nancy CheahThe person in this position works with Sir Speedy

to design the poster and chooses the design/color scheme for prize baskets and helps gift wrap them.

Helpful Characteristics: ar tistic, eye on the message.

Photographer: Diana van DoorenThe visual historian who provides proof of how

much fun we’re all having.Helpful Characteristics: ability to make a room full

of middle-aged women look wrinkle free and twenty years younger.

Publicity: Elizabeth WeinsteinThe Publicity Chair writes the article for COT and

talks about the Bazaar incessantly to anyone who will listen.

Helpful Characteristics: a bit boring – wait, that’s me!

Elizabeth lived in Taipei for five years with her husband, four young children, four puppies and an amah. Now she has returned with her husband, two teenagers, two older dogs, and no need for an amah. While she misses the kids and the dogs, she loves that there is a bit more time available in the day. She works out of their apartment in T ianmu as a freelance writer.

We’ve come from near and far,By MRT, and plane, and car,So buy your tickets — no sticky wickets —For the 2013… St. Lucy’s Bazaar!

Event: St. Lucy’s BazaarDate: Thursday, November 21, 2013Time: 10 am until 2 pmPlace: American Club (ACC)47 BeiAn Rd. (北安路47號)

Entrance and Raffle Tickets available at: Taipei American School, Taipei European School (both campuses), The American Club, The Community Services Center, Amy Thorne ([email protected]), or any committee member

St. Lucy’s Bazaar Committee [email protected]

Oct_p3-end.indd 25 2013/9/27 12:02:26 PM


cover story

The Lin An Tai Historical House is one of the oldest homes in Taipei, dating back to the late 1700s and early 1800s. Built in the traditional southern Fujianese style with courtyards and gardens, the compound offers a glimpse into the Taipei of old.

I n 1754 Lin Chin-Ming and his family arrived in Taiwan from Anxi County in China’s Fujian Province. Lin Chin-Ming had six sons, the fourth of whom established the very successful Rong Tai Trading and Shipping Company. From this son’s success, the Lin family

acquired enough wealth to build a large estate. The main building was completed around 1785, while the side buildings were completed around 1823. Amazingly, the house was built from imported stone from Fujian Province. The house was named An Tai in memory of the family’s homeland and commercial success (“An” representing Anxi County and “Tai” representing Rong Tai Company).

The house was originally built in the area where Da An Park is today but when redevelopment of the area began in the 1970s, the house was slated for demolition. After a failed attempt to have Lin An Tai declared a national historical site, a group of concerned citizens launched a successful campaign to move the buildings to a new site. The house was dismantled piece by piece and put into storage. In the mid-1980s, a new site for the house was chosen on Binjiang Street in northern Taipei's Xinsheng Park. In May 2000, the Lin An Tai Historical House and Museum was opened to the public in its new location.

Planners sought to recreate Lin An Tai’s original grounds at its new site, going so far as to build an artificial hill to maintain the auspicious Feng Shui of its earlier landscape. The rocks situated around the front of the house at its new location came from mainland China, and are thought to have been used to stabilize Chinese merchant ships sailing to Taiwan. There is also a large crescent-shaped pond at the front of the house that would have had a variety of uses, including raising fish, putting out fires, and supplying cooking water.

The buildings of Lin An Tai are organized around a central courtyard. Leading off the open courtyard is the main hall, which houses an altar for worshipping the Lin family ancestors. Sitting rooms and bedrooms also surround the courtyard. Delicate carvings, including a carving of six dragons representing the six sons in the family, decorate the house.

Darren Bentley is from England. His main interests are photography and travel, especially around Asia. He hopes to visit more places in Taiwan and Asia in the future and to share his travels with others through his writing and photography.

TexT and Images: darren BenTley

LIN AN TAIThe Lin An Tai Historical House is one of the oldest homes in

Historical House & Museum

Oct_p3-end.indd 26 2013/9/27 12:02:38 PM

expat perspective


Lin An Tai Historical House and Museum5 Binjiang Street, Zhongshan District, Taipei(02) 2599-6026Open every day except Monday, 9 am ‒ 5 pm

Oct_p3-end.indd 27 2013/9/26 12:25:00 PM

people

TExT: mARIA TAN ImAGES: COuRTESy OF SAm HuANG, GABRIELE SEEWALd, & RICHARd QuEvEdO

Being a “trailing spouse” — someone who moves to a new location for their partner’s work — can be a challenge. Often these spouses have no job prospects of their own, and the search for work is further complicated by visa and work permit restrictions. Some, however, have found that their situation affords them a great opportunity to tap into their entrepreneurial spirit. Maria Tan profiles three such entrepreneurs.


Entrepreneurs At Heart

SamSam Huang is not your typical trailing spouse. He was originally born in Taiwan.

He moved to Australia in 1996 and met his wife, Serina (aka Taiwanxifu), at university. Serina went on to work for the government, and Sam had many ventures including working as a croupier, a mortgage broker, and a police officer in Australia. When Serina was assigned to Taiwan, Sam was excited as he would be living once again in his hometown, Taipei. He welcomed the break and decided he could be a stay-at-home dad.

In his first few months in Taipei, he enjoyed staying at home, but then he started looking for things to do. At first, he thought of working in Taiwan but then he realized there’s a difference in the work culture — he’d become more Aussie than he realized — and he preferred not to do long hours as he wanted to be at home with his son. Instead, after a lot of people asked him about investing in Australian property, he rekindled his love for real estate and got creative, using his circumstances and his knowledge of both Taiwan and Australia to his advantage. He became a buyer’s agent, specializing in helping Taiwanese find property in Australia.

“I want to provide a more personalized service to the possible buyers. I love property, and I’m glad I can use this passion to guide people to make the right choices,” Sam explains. “A lot of Taiwanese want to purchase property in Australia because they want their kids to have a better education, and they might immigrate there in the long term. I help them choose properties that are close to good schools, in a good location, and with potential for capital growth.” Sam also keeps an English blog and a Chinese blog on Australian real estate, so if you’re thinking of investing there, you should definitely visit one of his blogs first! AustEstate http://austestate.wordpress.com/ http://webuyoz4u.wordpress.com/

Overseas trailing spouses who started businesses — here in Taiwan

GabiGabriele Seewald has always had the entrepreneurial spirit.

Coming from a business family, she’s always dreamt of having her own business. She met her husband Leo during one of her business trips to Hong Kong, and he convinced her to move to Hong Kong. Simultaneously, a European artistic jewelry company looking to expand got in touch with her and asked if she wanted to help start their Asia branch. The offer couldn’t have come at a better time. She relocated to Hong Kong, where she opened the Hong Kong branch and got to know Leo better. They were married in Guangzhou in 2005 and had their twins Leo and Phillip in 2007.

The couple decided to relocate to Taipei four years ago for Leo's job. At first, the assignment was for two or three years, and Gabi thought she could use the time to be a full-time mom. However, shortly after their daughter Emilia was born in Taipei in September 2010, Gabi was offered the distributorship in Taiwan of NOESA, a German brand that focuses on cell-care rather

Maria has a background

i n B u s i n e s s a n d

Communications. She teaches

English in Taiwan to both

adults and kids alike. In her

free time, she does freelance

writing, a lot of reading, and

shopping. You can reach her

at [email protected].

Oct_p3-end.indd 28 2013/9/26 12:25:02 PM


RichieRichard Quevedo was born and

raised in Manila. While managing a resort in Boracay, he opened the first Greek restaurant on the island. Being a service-oriented person, he kept looking for ways to heighten the customer experience, which he did by slightly altering the menu to suit the customers’ tastes. He was so successful with his initiatives that even the head chef once commented on a dish: “I made this dish. I created it. But yours tastes better!” It was also in Boracay that Richie first met his future wife Tanya, who was vacationing there.

After their marriage, they decided to settle in Boracay, but when Tanya was offered a teaching position at the Dominican International School in Taipei, she convinced Richie to come to Taiwan and open a restaurant. Richie found a local partner and a great spot near Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall MRT station, and they opened Opa two months later. Now Opa is bustling with crowds of people eager to try his specialties. Richie is an entrepreneur and innovator through and through, constantly developing new menu items to keep the offerings exciting. He says, “I’m planning to continuously add to the menu. I believe in variety. If people get the same thing all the time, it’ll get old and boring. This way, people can look forward to something new each time they visit. I also believe in good service. When people come to Opa, they’ll leave with a smile on their face not only because of the food but also because of the great attitude the staff gives them.”OPA Greek Taverna1st floor, No. 51, Lane 240, Guangfu South Road

Overseas trailing spouses who started businesses — here in Taiwan

than skin-care, and she subsequently established her own company in Taiwan in September 2011. Over the past four years, she and Leo have realized how much they love Taipei and how good the environment is for their children, so they both decided to make Taiwan home for at least the next few years.

When asked what advice she’d give to trailing spouses, Gabi says, “Once you decide to plant yourself in whatever you’re do ing or wherever you are, everything will come your way. When people get uprooted and relocated, the mindset they take with them is important. Instead of associating loneliness with it, think of it as a new chapter where you can sow your seed. Then you’ll find your purpose there.” She continues, “I didn’t plan to open a business here, for I originally thought we’d only stay for a few years. But I came with [a positive] mindset. I wanted to maximize my stay in Taiwan, whether [that meant being] the most attentive mom or the best explorer of the island. Then the offer came and I found my purpose and my passion – to encourage people to rejuvenate from within, be it beauty, health or well-being.”NOESA Showroom89 Song Ren Road, Xinyi District

ged.heen

e

It was alsovacationing there.

Guy Kawasaki, former chief evangelist of Apple, co-founder of Alltop.com, and acclaimed author, was once quoted as saying: “It doesn't matter whether the Dow is 5,000 or 50,000. If you're an entrepreneur, there is no bad time to start a company.” Regardless of the industry, what these people share is passion, and the ability to embrace the urge to share this passion with everyone else.

Arts, Culture And tours in tAiwAnPOW: In the Steps of the Men of KinkasekiWednesday, October 16, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

This tour will take us from Ruifang to Jinguashi via Jiufen along the route taken by the POWs and will include stops at the Gold Mining Museum and

the POW Memorial Park on the site of the camp.

HobbiesDiscovering Yourself Through Paper CuttingThursdays, October 31 & November 7, 9:30 am – 12 pm

Tim Budden is an established British artist living in Taiwan who uses paper cutting as his

m ed i u m. T h i s t wo-session workshop will introduce Tim’s unique style of paper cutting, the influence his own life has on his work, and examples from the world of historical a n d c o n t e m p o ra r y paper cutting. Class

part ic ipants wi l l pract ice paper-cutting techniques to produce a personalized work of art.

wHAt’s Cooking?Sensational SushiFriday, October 18, 10 am – 12 pm

L e a r n h o w t o p r e p a r e Japanese vinegared rice, nori (seaweed), and f i l l ings to create your own sushi rolls (Makizushi), sushi pockets (Inarizushi), and hand rolls (Temaki) in this fun, hands-on class. Wow your family and friends with your new sushi-making skills.

Terrific ThaiFriday, October 25, 10 am – 12 pm

Join this class to learn how

to prepare Thai Red Curry Chicken, Seafood Spaghetti with Spicy Basil, and Fried Fish with Lemongrass Sauce. Topping off th is del ic ious selection will be a Thai-style fruit salad.

To register, stop by The Center, call (02) 2836-8134, or visit www.communitycenter.org.tw.

Here’s a selection of upcoming Center activities. For a full list of tours and courses, visit www.communitycenter.org.tw.

courses at the center

Oct_p3-end.indd 29 2013/9/27 12:02:54 PM

(f“n) chÑng ne? ? ? = ‘Have you eaten too much?’ and are therefore over-energetic? NÞ ch‚ bÜof“n m‡i sh• gÞ ch‚ bÜof“n m‡i sh• gÞ Ðn?

? ? = ‘Haven’t you got anything better to = ‘Haven’t you got anything better to do now do now after eating your fill NÞ shÞ shÞ Ðo sh‡nme? ?lit. ‘Are you running a fever?’ But contextually meaning variously ‘Are you ‘Are you running a fever?’ But contextually meaning variously ‘Are you

crazy?’, ‘Are you kidding?’ Somewhat similarly: crazy?’, ‘Are you kidding?’ Somewhat similarly: N? ? ‘Have you taken the wrong medicine (and have ‘Have you taken the wrong medicine (and have

therefore gone crazy)?’Other ripostes with a certain Chinese flavour are:therefore gone crazy)?’Other ripostes with a certain Chinese flavour are:therefore gone crazy)?’Other ripostes with a certain Chinese flavour are: Wß y–u b‹sh• lb‹sh• lŠngzi ngzi ‘I’m not deaf’, but actually meaning either ‘Don’t raise your voice’ or ‘How dare you talk behind my back do you think I can’t hear?)’, according to context. The alternative would

(f“n) chÑng ne? ?too much?’ and are therefore over-energetic? NÞ ch‚ bÜof“n m‡i sh• gÞ ch‚ bÜof“n m‡i sh• gÞ?

? = ‘Haven’t you got anything better to do now after eating your fill NÞ shÞ shÞ Ðo sh‡nme? lit. ‘Are you running a fever?’ But contextually meaning variously ‘Are you crazy?’, ‘Are you kidding?’ Somewhat similarly: NÞ ch‚ cu– y“o le maÞ ch‚ cu– y“o le maÞ? ? ‘Have you taken the wrong medicine (and have therefore gone crazy)?’Other ripostes with a certain Chinese flavour are:b‹sh• lŠngzi actually meaning either ‘Don’t raise your voice’ or ‘How dare you talk behind my

Profile

TexT: TrisTa di Genova imaGes: CourTesy of miChael hoare

Intimate Chinese:Getting over the 'hump' in Chinese-language learning

A re you having a difficult time learning common, everyday Mandarin? I’ve found that native

Chinese speakers often don't like to teach foreigners 'impolite' words. My Taiwanese friends are also so eager to learn English that they seldom stop and correct or enrich my Chinese. Thus, invariably, most intermediate Chinese learners hit a learning plateau.

Enter Michael Hoare, an English scholar and writer who recently published intimate Chinese, a reference book that makes a point of teaching topics that other textbooks often avoid.

I interviewed Michael Hoare recently about this important new resource for Chinese-language learners.

Trista: Why did you write this book? What were your aims?

Michael Hoare: There were several reasons — the major one was the poor quality of teaching material available when I started learning thirty years or so ago. The standard stuff coming out of Beijing was dreadful from the point of view of both content and presentation, and almost useless for class teaching at the time. I have to say that things have now improved enormously, both in terms of printed material and the Internet. And of course I learnt a lot myself during the writing.

Nevertheless, as I improved in the language I began to realize that the standard teaching primer — Lesson 1, Lesson 2, etc. — is easy for teachers, but gets less useful for students at the more advanced level. As it progressed, I also began to see the need to deal with topics that native teachers may think not quite suitable for foreign learners — the concept of “face” for example and of course sex. I made a point of doing these in plenty of detail.

Tr is ta: Why did you decide on this format?

Michael: ...From the start I wanted

to have descriptions of cultural aspects and grammatical material more or less integrated with the learning text….

The other thing is that I was determined to use both traditional and simplified characters and to use quite “racy” translations, using both British and American forms as necessary. But slang was quite deliberately excluded for reasons I explain in the text.

Trista: How long did it take to write a Chinese textbook-like resource like this?

Michael: Well, it just [grew] over twenty-plus years and many visits to Taipei. But I was quite systematic in keeping and ordering notes. I used a wide range of sources, including fiction and strip-cartoons, and in recent years eavesdropping on people on their mobile phones. But face-to-face interaction was always the most important. And the emphasis was always on “Sayable Chinese” in the sense of Chao Yuen Ren (the Chinese American linguist who is credited with inventing a phonetic system to teach Chinese pronunciation).

Trista: What things helped you most, when learning Chinese?

Michael: Personal relationships with native speakers of both sexes were most important of all. Being married to a prominent Taiwan writer helps. Devoting equal attention to spoken and written language. Not being afraid to be more academic than my teachers, reading up on linguistics and phonology and using the best dictionaries and grammars, not just the learners’ ones. The improvements in Chinese software during the writing were an enormous aid.

october 2013 www.communitycenter.org.tw30

Tired of being left in the dark when it comes to learning Chinese? Trista di Genova talks with Michael Hoare about his new resource for wannabe Mandarin speakers.

Trista di Genova is an Oxford and Berkeley scholar, former writer for The China Post and Taipei T imes, and currently editor-in-chief of the award-winning Wild East magazine (www.thewildeast.net). She can be reached at [email protected]

Intimate Chinese: From Grammar to Fluency: A Companion to Chinese for ntermediate and by Michael Rand HoareTaipei: Lone Wolf Press, 2012 ISBN 978-986-88302-0-2 PRICE : NT$600/US$20 / e-book US$10Available from Amazon and www.lonewolfpress.com

‘Are you running a fever?’ But contextually meaning variously ‘Are you NÞ ch‚ cu– y“o le maÞ ch‚ cu– y“o le maÞ ? ch‚ cu– y“o le ma? ch‚ cu– y“o le ma

‘Have you taken the wrong medicine (and have therefore gone crazy)?’Other ripostes with a certain Chinese flavour are: Wß y–u therefore gone crazy)?’Other ripostes with a certain Chinese flavour are: Wß y–u therefore gone crazy)?’Other ripostes with a certain Chinese flavour are:

lit. ‘I’m not deaf’, but actually meaning either ‘Don’t raise your voice’ or ‘How dare you talk behind my

do you think I can’t hear?)’, according to context. The alternative would

‘Are you running a fever?’ But contextually meaning variously ‘Are you Intimate Chinese: ‘Are you running a fever?’ But contextually meaning variously ‘Are you

Getting over the 'hump' in ‘Have you taken the wrong medicine (and have Getting over the 'hump' in ‘Have you taken the wrong medicine (and have therefore gone crazy)?’Other ripostes with a certain Chinese flavour are:

Getting over the 'hump' in therefore gone crazy)?’Other ripostes with a certain Chinese flavour are:Chinese-language learningtherefore gone crazy)?’Other ripostes with a certain Chinese flavour are:Chinese-language learningtherefore gone crazy)?’Other ripostes with a certain Chinese flavour are:Chinese-language learning

Chinese? Trista di Genova talks with Michael Hoare about

Oct_p3-end.indd 30 2013/9/27 12:47:48 PM

IStudies LearnersAdvanced

? ch‚ bÜof“n m‡i sh• g= ‘Haven’t you got anything better to ‘Are you running a fever?’ But contextually meaning variously ‘Are you ch‚ cu– y“o le ma‘Have you taken the wrong medicine (and have

therefore gone crazy)?’Other ripostes with a certain Chinese flavour are:

Strengthening the Immune System and Cleaning Toxins

tcm corner

A strong immune system is the single most important way of maintaining one’s health. With an effective immune system, toxins will be unable to accumulate in the body. On the other hand, a weak immune

system allows toxins to build up, which can lead to serious illness. To strengthen the immune system we need to focus on two things: balance and savings.

BaLanceWhen the function of an organ is not excessive or deficient,

it is in balance. An imbalance will simply lead to a buildup of toxins, resulting in illness. For example, eating hot foods excessively in the winter creates an environment within your body where bacteria can grow. Conversely, excessive consumption of cold food in the summer will cause your blood vessels and intestines to contract, resulting in abdominal pain. Excessively intense emotions will also disrupt the equilibrium. This balance between hot and cold is cyclic and changing, meaning your diet must follow the seasons.

heat and coLd toxinSThere are two types of toxins. Heat toxins are internally

caused by abrupt emotions such as anger, eating too many hot foods in the wrong season, wearing too much clothing when it is not cold, and over-exercising in the heat of the day. Internally cold toxins are caused by eating too many cold foods in the wrong season and by chronic emotional disturbances, among other things.

Toxins can also come from the outside inwards. Heat toxins that come from external sources are caused by chemicals in

food, air pollution, a hot damp environment, and by eating rancid food. Cold toxins come from catching a cold in winter, drinking iced beverages, sweating in winter, living in a cold damp environment, and excessive use of air-conditioning in summer. Toxins built up from the inside tend to be chronic, while toxins that attack from the outside are usually acute. If your immune system is in balance, an external attack will be much less severe.

Currently Western Medicine does not have this concept of two different types of toxins; instead, all toxins are seen as heat toxins. Both antibiotics and chemotherapy clean this heat; however, if the person has cold toxins and is given such medicine the results can be devastating.

SavingSThe second step to creating an effective immune system is

energy savings. Just as it takes many years to save money, it takes many years to build powerful immunity. Sleeping eight hours a day, eating highly nutritious cooked foods, drinking natural mineral water, and exercising enough to stimulate a healthy level of circulation will allow you to save energy. To cleanse heat and cold toxins from our bodies, we can also eat plain polenta and ginger daily.

Shaun Ramsden is a native Australian. He has a Bachelor of Medicine from the Beijing Chinese Medicine University and numerous Diplomas in Remedial Massage Therapies. In addition to running his own Physical Therapy and Massage Clinic he enjoys training in different styles of martial arts. [email protected]

TExT: SHAuN RAmSdEN

O n September 6, 2013, TAS celebrated the opening of the Liu Lim Arts Center. Music, drama, dance, and art programs now have additional facilities to offer even more options to students. Additionally,

there is a new Black Box Theater furnished with cutting-edge technology, including state-of-the-art equipment, lighting, sound, and projection. And that’s not all! During the summer vacation, nearly ninety spaces were renovated and furnished on

the TAS campus. Another exciting addition to campus is the Tiger Health and Wellness Center, staffed by experienced strength and conditioning coaches and a full-time athletic trainer.

The cafeteria also received a major facelift. Lower and middle school students now have age-appropriate and remodeled cafeteria spaces, and upper school students have the Legacy Commons, a special place with a variety of couches and booths for them to gather to eat, study, and socialize.

TExT & ImAGES: TAS

New and Renovated Facilities at Taipei American School


community

Oct_p3-end.indd 31 2013/9/26 12:25:13 PM


GENERATION Y

T here are many issues that the majority of teenagers experience at one point or another, such as angst, boredom, and laziness. Most are a harmless part of one’s adolescence, but there is one issue that is far

more damaging than the rest: an unhealthy body image. The problem is particularly pronounced in the teenage population because body image is often coupled with the general lack of self-confidence that comes with being a teen. Add to this adolescents’ impressionable nature, and it is understandable that the teenage demographic is more susceptible to the evils of bad body image.

While it is well known that many adolescents suffer from an unhealthy body image, often its causes and solutions are overlooked. The most frequently blamed source of an unhealthy body image is the media: namely, the fashion and film industries. With size 0 women and “washboard ab”-ed men flashing on every billboard and store window, it’s certainly difficult to argue that the media doesn’t have an effect on what we perceive to be an acceptable body shape. It may be true that the media is to blame, and because of this, many assume that the solution must also lie in the media. While this assumption is logical, in many ways it is unrealistic.

Operating under the assumption that a change in the media is the way to address this issue, there are a few problems that immediately arise. One of these problems is the sheer unlikelihood that companies will agree to adopt a change in their look. It’s doubtful that all the big corporations will be willing to replace their current models with more “realistic” looking models, as some put it, in an effort to improve the

general public’s body image, and their reasoning for this is simple: in our society, our minds have evolved to believe that a certain type of appearance is more favorable than another. If the point of advertising is to draw customers, the companies will cater to what people find appealing. So while on the face of it suggestions to change the “model look” seem reasonable, it is really not a feasible solution to the problem. The companies aim to sell their respective products and, towards that goal, they will do whatever they can.

If that’s the case, what does this mean for the body image issue? Well, it means that there is no simple solution. The issue goes beyond taking a few models and replacing them with slightly more rotund people to dissuade teenagers from feeling the need to partake in fad diets and over-exercise. So unless there is some way to change the world’s preconceived idea of beauty, the only way to go about tackling the issue is by taking small steps. Improving your own confidence as well as the people’s around you doesn’t take all that much. Help out in your community, smile more, give compliments. Understand that there is more to a person than their appearance and apply that to yourself. If we are all able to successfully build a confident attitude in ourselves and those around us, the unhealthy body image problem will greatly diminish. Just remember the words of Lucille Ball: “Love yourself first and everything else falls into line.”

TexT: Anjoli GuhA

Body Image: What is the solution?

360analyseAmerican Club in ChinaFaye AngevineArlo Chou's Photo StudioAsian Tigers Mobility - TaiwanAustralian OfficeBai Win AntiquesBake It Yourself Taiwan www.B-I-Y.com.twBakermanBayer Taiwan Co., Ltd.Beitou MuseumThe Brass MonkeyBritish American Tobacco Co.British Trade and Cultural OfficeCamp TaiwanCanadian Trade Office in TaipeiCanmeng AVEDACapital MachineryCarrefourLily ChimChina AirlinesClub MedCollsfitnessDianne CornellCorning Display Technologies Taiwan Co., Ltd.Crown RelocationsEdx EducationElan Collection Co., LtdEngagingMinds Worldwide, Inc.Farés Academy for Fighting ArtsGinjer cakes 'n moreGorgeous Me!Grand Hyatt Seoul

Grand Hyatt TaipeiGranola HouseHarley Davidson TaiwanHawley & Hazel Chemical (Taiwan) Co., LtdHeinekenThe Howard Plaza Hotel TaipeiHualien OutdoorsHyatt Regency TokyoICRTIkea TaiwanKatya Ilieva-StoneInkstoneItalian Coffee CompanyJodie's Kitchen - Cooking Classes & Walking ToursKidchen ClubLe JardinSu-Pin LiLiaison Office of the Republic of South Africa in TaiwanLilly’s CollectionY.S. LinAmy C. LiuL'Oreal Taiwan Ltd.Lutetia Coffee ShopMelchers Trading GmbH, Taiwan BranchMetropolitan Spirits Ltd.Mexican Trade ServicesMiaoli Wind CompanyMinistry of Foreign Affairs (R.O.C.)Nestle Taiwan LtdNew Zealand Commerce and Industry OfficeNoėsa - Luxenosa Taiwan LtdOffice of the President, Republic of China

Palais de ChinePernod RicardPersimmon LanePierre La Maison du VinPretty NailsProcter & GambleQ BritanniaRegent TaipeiRobert Bosch Taiwan Co LtdRoyal ChoiceSanta Fe Relocation ServicesRichard SaundersSerene Millicent PhotographyShangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza Hotel TainanShangri-La’s Rasa Ria ResortSpace Concepts Ltd.The Spice Shop Indian CuisineSuperior Realty Co., Ltd.Swire Coca-Cola Beverages Ltd., Taiwan BranchTaikoo Motorcycle LimitedTaipei City GovernmentMaria TanTim BuddenTsar & Tsai Law FirmTurkish Trade Office in TaipeiRobert WarrenLisa WestWillie's DeliWonderland Nursery Goods Co., Ltd.A. Ping WuYang Tze-YunZulu Nyala Game Lodge

Thank you To our 2013 ChariTy auCTion donors

Anjoli Guha is a sophomore at the Taipei American School where she is actively involved in music, drama, and speech.

Oct_p3-end.indd 32 2013/9/27 12:03:20 PM


puRchaSingChoose fish that have clear, bright, and prominent eyes.

Scales must be intact and gluey to the touch. The gills should be bright red, not grey-brown, in color.

pRepaRationMost fishmongers at traditional markets and supermarkets

will kill, scale, gut, and clean fresh fish, and will fillet it upon request.

cuLinaRy uSeSBlue spotted grouper can be steamed, braised, stewed, or

cooked in soup.

textuRe Blue spotted grouper has a thick, collagen-rich skin that is

soft when it’s hot but hard and chewy when cold.

cuLinaRy uSeSThe best way to cook hairtail is to fry it, although it can

also be grilled, steamed, braised, or cooked in soup.

textuRe Hairtail is a firm but soft white fish, with a briny taste.

FRied haiRtaiL With picKLed muStaRd pLant酸菜燒白帶魚 [suancai shao baidai yu] [Ingredients]2 pieces hairtail4 slices ginger, shredded1/3 Cup shredded pickled mustard plant

[Seasoning]1/2 Tablespoon soy sauce1 teaspoon rice wine1 teaspoon sugar

[Garnish]coriander leaves

[Directions]1. Soak pickled mustard plant in water for 5 minutes to remove

excess salt.2. Heat 2 tablespoons oil, add ginger, and fry over medium heat

until golden.3. Add hairtail, fry until golden brown on both sides.4. Add pickled mustard plant, seasoning, and ⅔ cup water. 5. Bring sauce to a boil, and then simmer for 5 minutes.

Garnish with coriander.

Blue Spotted grouper, Long-Finned Rock cod,

and hairtailTExT & ImAGES: Ivy CHEN

BLue Spotted gRoupeR 紅條 [hongtiao]

Blue spotted grouper is caught in the northeast, south, and Penghu archipelago regions of Taiwan. An average fish is about 500–800 grams in weight. Blue spotted grouper can be purchased throughout the year, although summer and fall are the best seasons for this fish.

Long-Finned RocK cod玳瑁石斑魚 [daimao shiban yu]

Long-finned rock cod belongs to the grouper family, and has netted orange-brown spots all over the body. The texture and flavor are similar to blue spotted grouper, and the cooking method is the same.

haiRtaiL 油帶魚 [youdai yu] oR 白帶魚 [baidai yu]

Of the two types of hairtail, youdai yu is larger, wider, and thicker than baidai yu. The first has a yellow ring around the eyeball, while the latter has a white ring.

Youdai yu is caught in northeast Taiwan, while baidai yu can be found all around the island. Both types of hairtail can be found throughout the year, although they are at their best

in the summer and fall. Hairtail has a silver skin (which is rich in purine) instead of scales, so people suffering from gout should avoid eating this fish.

Oct_p3-end.indd 33 2013/9/26 12:25:16 PM


cSc BuSineSS cLaSSiFied

haiR dReSSeRmoveR

education

RecReation Beauty

#14 Tienmu E. Road | Telephone 2871-1515 | [email protected]

WoRK FoR centeRed on taipei magazine!

Centered on Taipei is seeking a proactive and

enthusiastic individual to fill our Advertising Manager position. The Advertising

Manager’s main responsibilities include: developing a strategic advertising plan for

the magazine, identifying and pursuing new leads, and managing current contracts.

For a full job description, please visit www.communitycenter.org.tw.

To apply, email cover letter and resume to [email protected].

Oct_p3-end.indd 34 2013/9/26 12:25:18 PM

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Centered

Oct_13_Cover.indd 1 2013/9/26 11:16:59 AM

centered on taipei october 2013

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