Dear all, Thank you.

Dear all,

Just to say it was an honour to meet you all and I hope we all keep in touch. My email in that book is wrong; my correct email is timlai@gmail.com

All the best,

Tim

Today we visited Tainan. Early in the morning we set out in our teams to go on a sort of scavenger hunt for knowledge. After a lottery like drawing session our groups were assigned on a mission to visit four distinct and different stores or temples. The first stop we made was at a street side tea house. The tea was a dark and slightly bitter tea that was used to heal the body. I enjoyed the texture of the tea and the refreshing cool drink was very welcome in the hot street, but the bitter taste left quite a dry aftertaste. Later on the bus we expereinced this bitter tea without any sugar added. It was extremely dry. I could feel the burning and rapid healing coat the inside of my mouth and toung before stubbornly rolling down my throat.

We also visited a da-a- noodle house. The ancient recipe from 1895 was perfected through the generations as the restaurant prospered. The taste of such a reliable recipe represented the sustainability of the noodle culture that all the generations of da a noodle chefs practiced.

From the various stops at these streetside vendors I realized how unique Tainan food was. I also found a better understanding for the importance of culture and the maintainance of such a culture through generations.

wsuupppp???!!

An outward looking Taiwan. This was the message that hit home most for me from the four different speakers we listened to today. From the perspectives of tourism, culture, foreign affairs and the president of Taiwan himself, there seemed to be a common message: the bright future of Taiwan depends on positive contacts and friendships in the face of the official view of most international communities which do not recognise Taiwan as a state. Therefore the very trip which i am partaking in at the moment is important in develolping a bidirectional relationship with Taiwan and its people so that we can all become more 'internationalized'.

Another message which struck me was the prioritisation of the citizens of Taiwan. Although some advocate a more aggressive approach in drawing out the difference between Mainland China and Taiwan, the interests of the people are being put first in the current political climate. This means that Taiwan can still have a presence on the world stage even though it may not be in the exact way everyone wants. For instance, forgoing the name of Taiwan is considered worthwhile, otherwise Taiwan would not have a place in the international community at all.

My two cents on the two messages which I took away from today's forums.

Ingo Wey, 30th July 2009

To Prof. Lee

Dear Prof Lee.

You mentioned that we are nothing to you but later mentioned you have a son. Whilst we have no obvious link apart from being human males (which in other species of animals would create a big fight until one of us dies), please remember this:

"To the world you are one person. To one person you are the world"

Thank you.

Tim Lai

On behalf of OCAC 2009.

驚醒◎越南 李偉賢

驚醒

越南　李偉賢

　　2009年7月29日下午一點半，一位可憐的老人家被驚醒後（很可能正在酣睡中），匆匆忙忙被抬到了講壇上，對著在座的許多位海內外“傑出＂青年，說：“我不知道今天的主題是要講些什麼，不如你們先提出一些問題吧。＂
　　這位被驚醒的老人家叫李家同。
　　“如果你們都沒問題的話，那我就走啦。＂台下一陣笑聲，李教授真會搞活氣氛。
來自美國橙縣的陳華賓先發難：“現在我們還是青年，在未來的二、三十年裏，我們應該做些什麼？＂
“好好地活下去，能夠活下去已經很不錯啦。這個事情太遙遠了。我在美國很多朋友的兒子，他們現在都找不到工作，對未來很沒保障。對於未來，我們每個人都不能掌握得到，也主宰不了什麼。＂李教授毫不思索地回答。
　　“那我們總需有個人生的夢想吧？＂
　　“我從來沒有人生夢想，但我今天還是很成功！＂李教授打斷了另一位發問者的話。
　　接下來，各位與會者紛紛圍繞著這個議題一直討論下去，但李教授的觀點仍是認為，人生無需有什麼夢想，做學生的，好好讀書就行，還反問了一句：難道你要做總統？一個國家，就這麼一個總統而已呀！
　　今天要討論的主題是：台灣青年的挑戰與機會。於是，我試圖把主題拉回來，向李教授發問：“今次的台灣文化研習營是一個很不錯的活動，讓海外的華人青年能進一步深入認識台灣，與台灣青年增進了解，但我認為，如果台灣青年在當下的國際環境中要走出去拓展更大的空間，是不可能繞開與大陸青年的交流（我還沒說完，李教授己在神秘地笑著），在我看來，兩岸青年目前是非常欠缺互相了解和交流的，在二、三十年後，1980年代後出生的兩岸青年都會走上領導層，因此今天的交流會顯得特別重要（再笑）那您認為兩岸能否在這方面展開某些工作？＂
　　“其實，兩岸的許多大學已有這方面的交流，每年都有很多互派學生。我認同你提出要加深兩岸青年交流和互相了解的看法。＂
　　來自夏威夷的路鎰提及了在美國教育裏，他們從小就被灌輸這個世界上是沒有做不成的事！只要肯奮鬥和努力，就可以將夢想實現，跟著，幾位同學又再次將話題拉回“夢想＂中，李教授這回沒有很正面的回答所有問題，其間還不時說到“你們想當領導者？想都別想！＂（又是很深沉的笑）。有位台灣同學論及台灣與歐美國家的教育方面作了個比較，大約說了十分鐘的時間，另一位女同學又再提到：在台灣，許多人都在做夢，但會付諸行動的很少。李教授說：“不只在台灣，全世界許多人都正在做夢。＂然後，李教授說不知道這位同學的提問的重點是說什麼。
　　在很多同學發問還沒說完的時候，李教授不時地展現出一種詭異的笑，有時還在搖頭，不知道在回答那個問題時，說了一句：“台灣的文化不重要。＂
台下所有人都頓時瞠目。
　　但許多更驚人語錄還在後頭。
　　“你們說的美國夢是指自己的美國夢還是美國人的美國夢？你又怎麼知道他們的美國夢是什麼？＂“僑委會搞這樣的活動不見得有什麼偉大的。＂“今天這個什麼海外（吱吱唔唔了一兩秒鐘）傑出什麼青年論壇，你們別太抬高自己了吧？＂又是一種神秘的笑。
　　李教授一直在看著掛在墻上的鐘。我真的很幸運，最後的一個提問又讓我搶到了：“一個人的定位很重要，所以他必須要知道自己的位置在那裡，才能很清楚的知道自己，將目前的台灣青年放眼世界，您認為台灣青年的位置在那裡？第二個問題是，我們在坐的各位外內外青年您從我們身上看到希望嗎？＂“我不知道你說的定位、位置是指什麼？問題沒有重點。如果將台灣青年的定位定得太高，他們會驕傲怎麼辦？如果定得太低他們又會不開心。美國這麼多青年，怎麼給他們定位？你知道大陸有多少個青年嗎？又怎麼定位？你第二個問題是指你嗎？＂
　　“不，是我們在坐的所有青年。＂
　　“沒希望。我不認為有什麼希望。＂這回是台下一陣笑聲，而不再是瞠目。同樣，這個回答也正在我的意料中，如果李教授反倒說“看到希望＂或“有一點點希望＂，那我們今天一個小時的落差對話就太不好玩了。
　　“沒有問題了吧。那今天的論壇就到這裏結束。＂說完，笑笑就走了，但仍是一片掌聲中徐徐步下講台。這時，台下已像個議場說個不停，大部份女同學都顯得義憤填膺，反而是各位男同學都笑得比李教授還開朗，“這個教授很有趣耶。＂“蠻酷的呀。＂同學們問到我，我在六十分鐘魂遊記中驚醒過來。無所謂啦，老人家的想法和年輕人不一樣很正常，反正我們都年輕，有的是青春。
怕什麼。

──2009年7月29日寫於台北

平平嚨係20幾歲, 那ㄟ差這麼多

經過了一個禮拜每天晚上不眠不休的”開會”後, 我終於掛了, 早上起來, 嚴重睡眠不足, 眼睛噴著火, 所以一整天的行程我都是昏昏沉沉的走完的, 以下的blog如有顛三倒四之處, 敬請見諒.

一早第一站, 來到了新竹劉興欽漫畫館, 館內到處掛滿了各式漫畫, 不過什麼大嬸婆的漫畫真的不是我這年代的, 不要再誣賴我了!! 館內解說員說劉興欽不但是個漫畫家, 還是個發明家, 許多我們日常生活中用到的小東西都是他發明的, 例如摺疊傘套, 旋轉水龍頭開關等等, 真是不務正業, I mean, 真是利害. 在漫畫館的另一項活動就是親手做客家擂茶跟麻糬, 這兩項客家料理, 都是需要強大的手勁, 還好我們這組有強壯如牛的Ray, 我們就看他拿著木槌用力的搗著木盆裡的材料, 做出來的麻糬又Q又粘, 非常好吃, 而在Even的宣傳下, 每個人都跑來我們這桌說要試吃, 最後別組的麻糬都剩在那, 我們的則被掃的精光.

中午在附近的內灣戲院吃完客家菜後, 就前往台灣科技的命脈工業技術研究院. 工研院的研究內容橫跨多個領域, 包括電腦軟體, 硬體, 醫事技術, 材料工程, 化學工程, 環境能源等等. 許多還沒有量產的發明prototype讓我們看的驚呼連連, 這充分展現了台灣人的創意, 台灣政府應該致力於推動產業高科技化, 否則只會慢慢的被大陸低廉的人力而取代. 一個小插曲, 工研院的導覽員, 是我Berkeley的學妹, 雖然沒有見過, 不過都是Berkeley台灣同學會的一員, 也算有點關係吧.

下一站是體驗台灣高鐵, 這是我第二次搭高鐵, 所以沒有什麼驚喜, 加上我一上車就開始昏睡, 所以請查閱其他組員的blog post.

經過了永無止境的高鐵以及捷運後, 我們到了士林夜市. 士林夜市是台北最大的夜市之一, 雖然我們是禮拜二去, 卻還是people mountain people sea. 跟著三位輔導員吃完晚餐後, 我們一群可憐的小孩就被明示暗示的趕走了. 我們在人群中背著一天家當擠來擠去, 我只買了一件襯衫就筋疲力盡結束了這累弊的一天, 真是人老了阿……

Cont...Lessons from Professor Lee

In addition, I think most of us were shocked about Mr.Lee's complete lack of respect for everyone who were present in the room, as well as his taking pleasure in taunting students from overseas and from Taiwan with mockery and cynicism.

Based on what I have heard, he had been a prolific writer of books that have touched many Taiwanese people. As a result, I too, wonder what traumatic experience or emotional breakdown he has suffered that have changed a man who is supposedly well-respected by the Taiwanese people to someone who blatantly showed no appropriate human emotions and interactions, considerations for others, as well as the basic mannerism of a human being. I suppose if he was hard-working as he had repeatedly emphasized on, he would have realized that appropriate communication, mannerism, respect for others, and self-respect are essential to doing a good job in his occupation.

I feel that I have learned a lot today, that "doing is more important than saying ( or writing books)" based on the mysterious case of Professor Lee, which may never be resolved.

The Taste of Taiwan?

This cultural tour that I'm on has a theme - "the Taste of Taiwan". It is perhaps better for me to replace the word 'Taste' with 'Flavour' as this encapsulates many more senses and emotions of the human mind.

Flavour as a taste:

The Taiwanese take great pride in their food. It seems there is a culture of "small eats" or "shiao tze" similar to the tapas style of Spain. On every street you walk down you will see a plethora of eateries - whether they be food stalls or restaurants. You can often find expensive high-class restaurants sandwiched between cheap street vendors selling products at 1/100th of the price but just as tasty.

What stuns me is the creativity in cooking of Taiwan. In the rural communities I believe this is not down to artistic license, but through necessity. These are areas where money is no object and boredom through repetition of meals is ekingly conquered. Whilst this theory does not hold true in the financial districts of the bigger cities today, my (unproven) gut-feeling is that this creativity is passed down to the current generation from their ancestors.

Flavour as a smell:

In the centre of the cities, the smell is absolutely horrible. As with any other major city in the world, all that enters your nostrils is the smog and pollution from the hundreds of motor vehicles that pass you every minute. Further, if strong-smelling cooking ingredients aren't to your taste, you could find your clothes and yourself smelling like your lunch.

But once in a while you walk by a temple in the most unexpected areas of the city. An area of calm and where the smoke from the incense sticks gently aromatise the air. In these pockets of peace you can perhaps hear yourself think and find your introspective self. You might even ponder things which you never though you would.

Flavour as a sight:

There is a stark contrast between cities and countryside. Taiwan is only 80km at its widest, and through the centre there is an enormous mountain range with a highest peak of 3,952m (the highest in North-east Asia). These steep-sided mountains add to the excitement and variety of an under-rated country whose gems remain unvisited by popular tourist culture.

Flavour as a culture:

As I wander through the streets I notice a lack of heavy franchising except for only a handful of names (mainly 7-eleven). Most of the shops to be seen are family-owned and so there is a greater sense of community even from a business angle.

Family life is very regimented in Taiwan (as too with the rest of Asia). There is an automatic respect for the elders and they are always right. No quarreling, no this, no that.

Education here is so under-valued amongst peers. Nearly everyone in their late 20s or 30s in Taiwan has a degree of some description which all but decimates its worth. It's simply not enough to have a bachelors degree here, and even jobs such as hotel management see people come out with masters qualifications.

Schoolkids have the most gruelling time here and it's no wonder that some completely slack off when they head abroad to other countries. From the age of 12, not only do they have to start school at 7.30am and end at 5pm, they also head to night classes from 7pm until 9pm for 6 days a week. This weekly cycle takes a recess for a few weeks during the summer, but then it starts all over again.

So what is the flavour of Taiwan? Well, quite interesting if you ask me....and quite different from home (UK) too.

Lessons from Professor Lee

Professor Lee, a renowned, no-nonsense Presidential Consultant in Taiwan, disarmingly reminded us that we’re incapable of effecting meaningful change in the world today. It felt like something of a slap in the face then a kiss of death (then another slap in the face – he said it multiple times) to most of us bright-eyed (U.S.) Americans. At face value was a senile geriatric whose younger dreams were quickly overpowered by some unforeseen obstruction, something like the sudden loss of an immediate family member or an undeserved company release. I could see the elicited shock and subsequent disbelief from many of my peers. Digging deeper, though, is the same wisdom that I’ve experienced from my closest mentors, including my own mother. It’s the classic terrestrial battle between man and nature: can he master his destiny, or will a tree hit him into the ground first? Mr. Lee, of course, believes the latter. It’s not that foolish hope inevitably results in failure, but that it takes a village to raze a forest. Certainly, the Margaret Meads of the world will contest that protests begin with one, and revolutions begin with only a few more. I don’t think anyone can deny, though, that regardless of the idolatry that follows singular, albeit exceptional, examples (Martin Luther King, Jr., Mother Teresa, etc.), it takes an army to spread – and sustain – adoration.

Moreover, Mr. Lee emphasized that short-term planning and diligence should replace futile advanced-planning. Again, much disgust ensued. After all, we’re Generation Me: we are driven by meaning and perceive that we are entitled to only the world’s best resources to get us there. Anything that steers us off the highway or obstructs our view even a few feet is rejected and terminated immediately. The message here was very clear: life throws us curveballs that we can only finesse by recognition and compromise. And that – in the juncture that separates comfort and change – is where the diligence must be invoked.

To close his remarks, Professor Lee assured us that we mean absolutely nothing to him, that our existence persists only because oxygen-breathing creatures may not have the most difficult time inhabiting in an oxygen-filled planet with plentiful water (for now, for some) and food (again, for now and for some). I’m still picking at his meaning, but based on the positive reactions from others in my group and other allusions made during his lecture, I’m inferring that he sees other things – such as alleviating poverty – as more pressing. I have to agree.

In short, I liked the guy a lot. A whole lot. The breath of fresh air may have hardened a few lungs, but all in all, I appreciated the change (and later, others might appreciate their metamorphoses).

傳說中的許芳宜

自從前幾天林大哥"逼迫"我要在許芳宜的座談會上發問三個問題,我一直在瘋狂的緊張著.但還好.... I servive ...... !!!!
他的第一 句話就已經讓我很親近.....因為他一坐下就說他不是個學者,他希望以聊天的方式跟我們溝通....這真的讓我覺得非常的親近.....
這座談會其實很可惜的我覺得有點短,因為可能是我跟他的職業一樣所以我對他其實是又好奇又期待還帶一點居心不良...的批判!想知道他到底要分享什麼....因為我常常覺得舞蹈是很難用言語來解讀的.我想居多的藝術家都很愛批判或評論,對很多人來說大家會覺得藝術家很高傲,眼界很狹窄....但另一方面來說,我喜歡這樣的我們,因為我們思考批判,所以我們會越明白自己想要堅持的藝術,如果自己不堅持不固執自己相信的東西,就無法站在台上把自己要呈現的東西表演給觀眾看!

今天,我只問了一個問題,時間不多所以我就選了一個我最想知道的問題.這幾年來因為表演的累積,所以一次比一次的對台上的自己誠實及坦承,因為這樣,我越來越怕上舞台!對演出是又愛又恨....愛在每一次自己把自己完全表現,但也對要上台之前的恐懼越來越恨...芳宜說一定要相信自己, 上台之後在台上會發生的事,我們永遠無法預測...只能相信!...

可以聽到一個成功的專業舞者他對舞蹈的感情,我很感動.因為我明白他....的心情!我從兩歲就跳舞,所以從我有印象開始,我固定兩天就要去跳舞...所以我一直覺得我是為了舞蹈而生存,我沒有過過沒有跳舞的日子,就算這幾天我都沒有跳舞,我還是以一個舞者的角色在過日子,不是我控制自己一直以一個舞者的態度生存,只是我無法把舞蹈跟我自己分開!

我一直覺得我很幸運,因為知道我在過怎樣的日子,我為了什麼而生存,我甘心為了舞蹈每天身體酸痛,為了舞蹈不做很多其他特別的玩樂,不穿高跟鞋......因為 I born to dance .......................

The Pacific Ocean

I always associate the Pacific Ocean with the west coast of the United States and the Atlantic Ocean with the east coast. All the maps that we see are centered around the Atlantic Ocean so that your eye is automatically drawn to North America and Europe, while Asia is far off to the right and the Pacific Ocean is cut in half. Last year though, while visiting my friend in China, I saw for the first time a map that was centered around the Pacific Ocean.

Though I had never thought about it before, it made perfect sense. Of course you would want to adjust your perspective according to where you live. As we travel around Taiwan, I have found myself adjusting my perspectives as well, no longer observing things with an American eye, but rather experiencing life as a Taiwanese person. I have been reminded that we are so much more similar than we are different.

Driving along the winding Pacific coastline of Taiwan brought me back to that map where Asia and America were so obviously bound together by the Pacific Ocean, where Asia and America didn't seem so far from each other. The vast expanse of water glistened turquoise, lapping against a shore that quickly gave rise to steep mountains. Listening to the happy music in Cape No.7, I drifted in and out of sleep but was always greeted with an ocean view every time my eyes opened as our bus wound through the mountains, onto our next destination.

~~~~

At the tea factory, I sat behind a row of little kids. The little girl in front of me, around 7 years old, heard me and Ten talking in English, so she asked us where we were from. We told her we were from the United States. Then she asked, "if you're from America, why is your hair the same as mine?" So cute and smart, don't you think?

日月潭

日月潭是一個大家常常聽到的地方，在觀光上也有著長久的歷史，無論是日本人或是現在的大陸觀光團，日月潭都是大家很喜歡的一個地方。
欣賞日月潭能夠有許多種的方式，可以沿著湖畔所設立的走道，以步行的方式；可以搭著遊艇到，吹著微風看著湖面上的風光；還有一種方式，是此次行程中所使用地方式「搭遊覽車」，眺望下方的日月潭的風景。
日月潭的景色十分的有優美，就像是一幅幅美麗的風景照，遠處的山、天空的雲朵以及最重要的日月潭，融合成一幕幕美麗的圖畫。山的顏色有深有淺，甚至有些已經被雲給蓋住了；隨著陽光的照射，湖水也產生許多不一樣的面貌。
搭著遊覽車，一邊欣賞日月潭的風景，一邊搭車道下一個目的地。「玄奘寺」，以祭祀玄奘(唐三藏)為主，外頭擺設著十二生肖的石像以及寫著日月潭三個字的石頭，都是提供旅客休息或是拍照的地方。
拍完了有著日月潭三個字的照片，我們前往第三個地點「慈恩塔」，此座塔主要是先總統蔣公為了紀念母親所設立的塔，此塔也成為了日月潭景觀中的最高點。到達慈恩塔需要經歷一小段的磨練才能夠抵達。當遊覽車停下來時，我們以為慈恩塔就在不遠的前方，但是，事實並不是這樣。遊覽車所能到達的地方是距離慈恩塔約五百七十公尺的位置，一行人開始前進邁向慈恩塔，腳底下的階梯寫著距離慈恩塔五百七十公尺、四百公尺…一百公尺，最後看到了一塊充滿白色石頭的地方，慈恩塔終於到了。不過，故事並沒有結束，慈恩塔的一樓只是個休息站並不是終點站，到了慈恩塔的另一個挑戰，是到慈恩塔的塔頂敲祈福鐘。進到了慈恩塔，開始走著樓梯，一階、兩階、三階…，忘了走多少個階梯，終於看到了大大的鐘，就在在我的眼前，我終於到了慈恩塔的頂端了！除了敲祈福鐘之外，也不要到塔外去欣賞一下風景，從此恩塔看著日月潭，又是一種不同的視覺與心靈的享受與體驗。

什麼才是愛台灣?

經過幾天的旅程，翰海外的僑生也透過不同的對話產生無數的撞擊和衝擊，而且在今天我們去到了南投的日月老茶廠，淡蛋的茶香讓我不禁想到我哥，因為我哥曾經很熱血的從台南衝到南投去買茶，雖然很愚蠢，但對目前的我而言，忍不住莞爾一笑！

　　有人曾經一直告訴我，我是一位台灣人，可是對於我而言我實在很困惑，什麼才是愛台灣的台灣人？是每天在政論節目上耍嘴皮子嗎？還是在選舉場合哭了一把鼻涕一把眼淚？抑或是．．．愛護自己家園的那一群人？

　　淡淡的茶香帶領我們進入歷史的故事潮流之中，透過解說員的講解以及老舊但還是能工作的機器引領我們進入屬於台灣的歷史洪流之中！燠熱天氣讓我們逐漸煩躁，汗滴也不停的落下，可是充滿歷史的茶廠讓我們徜徉許久！

　　其中有個想法是這幾天和朋友常常在討論的，就是對一個地方文化的尊重，因為有時我們到一個陌生的地方，雖然會告訴自己放下屬於自己的有色眼鏡，可是當自己真正到了那一個地方時，才會發現有色眼鏡是那麼沉重，那麼難以擺脫！

　　台灣是個很小的地方，可是孕育出不同的文化和不同的人，說到文化衝擊，其實一個小小的台灣也足以造成我的文化衝擊，台灣很美，卻也讓我們看見不同的東西！在這次的旅程裡我看見了美麗的台灣，卻也讓我開始思考台灣不好的地方，有人曾經告訴我一句話－－眼前所見並非真相，我覺得這一句話說得很有道理，因為我們目前所看見的並不是全部！只是一小部分，但是我們又該如何在一小部分中看見全部呢？我會覺得這是一個不可能的事情！有時候我都覺得我住在台灣，我去過台灣無數的地方，可是我還是不能很有自信的對大家說我很了解台灣，因為每一個地方都傭有屬於他們的文化，喜歡或不喜歡總會回歸同一條路，那就是尊重！

　　台灣旅程尚未結束，我仍享受在這些衝擊之中，剩下的日子哩，我期待！

written by Carol Lin

一絲碧綠

2009年7月23日(三棧溪)

渡過一天在布洛灣的生活，一早出發到三棧溪。

一開始，三棧溪在外觀上，就對都市長大的我對所謂「溪流」的印象，有這些許的不同：一般的溪流，總是含著細砂，或黑或白，或白或小。特別的是由無數石子，所組成的河床。也許正因如此，這些無數，結合成耀眼陽光下的一絲碧綠。

為了「淺嘗」這一絲碧綠，在溪旁搭了為數相當的迷彩帳篷，這些約莫我們三分之一總數的迷彩金字塔，相較起埃及的那端，卻是如此的豐潤輕盈，只要有往前三步的勇氣，就可以推開它，撐起一片天，再度看見可以瞬間乾枯你，直至木乃伊卸下了千年的沉重的布條，透出了一絲不掛的「原始」肌肉。唯一的不同，原始肌肉上覆蓋的，不是纏繞千年的「裹腳布」，而是能保持更多溫暖清醒的防寒衣。於是我們成了活的死者，只是渴求的不是鮮血，而是那綺麗的碧綠。

再次，三棧溪為我們注入了綠色的鮮血。為我們解了身體的渴，太陽的熱，更重要的是都市叢林裡無盡的心靈枯萎。我們穿著棉底的防滑鞋，踏著青苔。青苔是石頭家裡的不速之客，也是鞋子的與我們的大敵，晝夜之中，軀殼、手、腳三英，大戰青苔三百回合。只要是中場休息時間，就是水上漂浮的時候。飄浮重要條件，必是對方不但沒有巨石擺個八卦陣，我們卻能「水淹七軍」。用我們的身體，搭配著各色由泡棉為主體的救身衣，成為一艘艘水上樓船。最壯觀一幕，莫過於這人體樓船，也能使出「連環計」，夥伴們用手勾著另一位的腳，成為堅不可破的金鎖，遠遠看來，就像是一隻多腳的水上蜈蚣。在這過程中，對陸地是或即或離，完全決定於溪的深淺、岸的高低。而這之中最微妙的搭配，莫過於「高岸─深溪」，在這一上午的溯溪路程，同時達成我們這兩個微妙條件的，也僅只一處。那是一道像極鬼哭神號的山壁，有條上斜的羊腸小徑，同時搭配圍溪深岸。這是跳水的絕佳去處，技術高強者，在這八尺山壁，完成1080度旋轉空翻也絕無問題。在這旅程的終點，我們堆積了跳、走、游三種形式，經過八尺山壁，表現成為飛濺的水花。

這是我想的三棧溪味道：隨著終點結束的阿華田，成為人生中回憶的養份。

A Paper Factory

Today, we went to a traditional paper-making factory. When we walked into the place, we were struck by the quaintness of the place; it looked like an out-of-the-way attraction that only locals knew about. I wasn’t paying attention on the bus before we arrived, so I was really confused by all the machinery and presses and everything. It wasn’t until the tour guide arrived that I understood what was going on; she explained all of the steps in the process of making paper from watery pulp. Giant presses squeezed the water out and prepared the paper to dry.

After that, we attempted to make paper art. All we had to do was make handprints in pulp and then decorate it with leftover bits of pulp. I worked with Ten, and I think it turned out pretty well. Unfortunately, I think I might have lost it.

Next, we attempted to make paper fans. We took paper and put powdered ink on them with stencils to make different designs. On a related note, I found out today that I am very, very bad at arts and crafts. I “lost” my fan soon after I made it.

體會手印心意、品嚐懷舊風情

為期兩週的環島即將邁入尾聲
今天到了台灣知名的風景區日月潭
相較於各國其他的湖泊的壯闊大氣
日月潭反而有種小巧卻靜謐的美
這裡是孕育邵族的故鄉
是大陸人到台灣指名必遊的景點
青山綠樹映著墨綠湖面
對我來說
當心倦了
當心累了
這兒或許會是一個讓心停留休憩的好地方

隨後我們去做了手印紙
打漿、紙漿濃度、搖晃的紙漿的力度、壓水的力道、烘乾的過程
都是決定每張紙好壞的關鍵
相較於機器紙
手做紙多了那麼一點生命
因為手做
所以每張紙都有所稍微的差異
正因為差異所以特別
每張紙都有著做紙人的心意
因為心意
一張普通的紙成了獨特

最後我們到了台中復古的香蕉新樂園餐廳用餐
在早期台灣復古裝潢的餐廳內
吃著屬於台灣的道地美味
或許這是一頓再平常不過的美食
但卻是專屬於台灣過往記憶的獨特味道
看著小店內賣著孩童時期的糖果玩具
回憶彷彿回到了某個時期
是那樣的單純那樣的開心
復古風為什麼近年來那樣的流行？
是因為人們試圖藉由復古裝置找回遺失在童年的純真歡樂嗎？

遺忘了
記住了
消失了
留下了
生命中來去的記憶
你選擇留下些什麼？

與大自然共存

紙的藝術

紙，讓文字紀錄流傳下來的古老技術
也因為它的發明，讓數以萬計的歷史與知識得以保存…

你們以為我寫錯了嘛？
不！這是我今兒個一早刷牙時想到的引言
結果…上車卻發現最想要參觀的廣興紙寮被取消了
所以還是把它打在這邊，避免浪費XD

接下來的日月老茶廠及桃米社區依舊很吸引我
過去在公視的節目裡看過的一些介紹
將一一呈現在眼前，非常期待

從日月老茶廠開始…

剝削—有機農業是為了結束現代農業與密集剝削土地的戰爭，以期重新建立大自然與人類的和諧關係

這是茶廠牆上的一句話
道盡這六年來的理念與堅持
無論環境教育的成效是否即時顯現
希望可以傳達的不過就是簡單、自然的生活概念

從近年來消失的蜜蜂出發思考
大多數現代人對於環境感知的麻痺
認為大自然物種的消失及一切的改變與自己無關
卻忘忽略蝴蝶效應的力量…
小小的蜜蜂是我們糧食授粉的重要傳遞者
沒有了牠，可能使植物無法繼續生長
甚至影響糧食供應，進一步就影響了人類














★在過往的觀念裡，這片似乎即將凋零的茶樹，實際上蘊藏了許多豐富的生命力

←重複利用舊鐵軌的枕木，充分展現對大自然的友善



















50年的老舊廠房用的是台灣原生檜木，也因為土生土長，相較於進口木更適合這塊土地的氣息→








李宗盛的「希望」裡唱的是對孩子們的期望
期望孩子們完成大人們的夢想
那我們這些青年又能做些什麼呢？！
少用一雙衛生筷、多一點巧思廢物利用
或許都是拯救地球的一份力量

他們說：地球上多一座有機農場，就少一座醫院
我們的生活終究要回歸自然，學會與自然共處
也才能讓人類與地球永續生存

有句話我一直印象深刻—
地球上最後一滴乾淨的水不應該是人類的眼淚

或許，這對我們就是最大的警惕！！

－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－

與日本共有創傷記憶的、令人驚豔的紙教堂

在桃米社區的導覽行程中
不幸遇上傾盆大雨，打壞了一下午遊玩的興致
但在李姐姐一連串熱心又詳細的介紹中
（辛苦她了，下雨還得陪著我們一個一個景點導覽）
的確讓我更親近了桃米社區的生態環境一些

從新故鄉基金會理事長的簡報中
可以深深體會桃米人對於紙教堂的情感
不管是從日本運送過來的主樑或是埔里這塊土地自產的紙製品
都是桃米人共同的驕傲

桃米生態村探險

除了下午一連串的認識桃米之旅外
今晚住的是桃米生態村的民宿
雖然房間的配置並不是旅程中最頂級的
其中的人情味與生態體驗卻是無價
(不過房間裝錯了的鏡面玻璃讓人有些啼笑皆非XD)

不論是茶廠或是桃米社區，都讓我深受感動
在這塊土地上，還有許多默默努力的人
希望為我們的下一代，甚至是更久的以後
留下一些可利用的寶貴的資源
無論有機生活目前是否容易親近
但不可否認的，尊重與愛護自然的態度是我們應該努力的

阿嬤ㄟ灶腳

結束了一天豐富又忙碌的社區參訪以及各種時地的操作(包含石頭魚和草仔粿)，一下子就來到了晚餐的時間。今天的晚餐是由港邊社區的阿嬤們為我們準備的菜餚。一桌子滿滿的菜，有魚、蝦子、花枝、蔬菜、花生以及桔子餅等等。有許多道菜是在台灣的其他地方也容易吃得到的菜餚，其中最令人印象深刻的莫過於宜蘭特有的桔子餅及港邊社區的炒花生。
桔子餅是由宜蘭特產「金桔」以及台灣傳統婚宴所使用的「冬瓜糖」再加上豆皮、番薯等等的材料所製作而成的，吃起來的口感酸酸甜甜的，別有一番滋味。炒花生則是由港邊社區所產的花生(生長在沙地上)，再由港邊社區的灶所炒出來的，相較於一般市售的花生而言，有一種特別的香氣。這裡種菜餚都是由宜蘭或是港邊社區當替所產出，縱使有錢也不一定買得到。
除了這特有的味道，讓人印象更深刻的事當地的社區阿嬤。吃到了當地特有的桔子餅，並定要詢問當地的阿嬤這道菜相關的問題，阿嬤有耐心的告訴我們這道菜應該使用甚麼樣的材料?應該如何製作等等?甚至到最後，阿嬤還貼心的詢問是否要帶一些當地特有的桔子餅回家。也許今天的這些料理並不昂貴，但卻是港邊社區的阿嬤們細心為我們準備的，也因為有她們為我們準備今天的料理，才能讓今天的參訪畫下完美的句點。

Roxy 台南與南投的短歇小記

0725　晴雨

拖著疲憊的身軀　
在八點一刻鐘醒來

這是一個被騙醒的早晨
原來飯店有提供早餐
怎麼大家昨晚都說今天早上要在外面吃啊

早晨的台南　
伴著充滿活力的艷陽
讓人不由得精神也跟著抖擻了起來

紅包裡神奇的小紙片
寫著每一組與台南邂逅的地點
那是少了大人（Elena）
只能盲目亂竄的覓食過程

義豐冬瓜茶
甜而不膩 沁涼地讓人想一口喝盡
一旁的大叔操著一把因長年磨亮拋光 而鋒刃彎曲的刀
俐落地切下一片片的冬瓜片

大叔熱情地告訴大家製作冬瓜茶的過程
和藹可親的模樣令人印象深刻

也許
青綠帶白的冬瓜
之所以能轉為一杯杯大家手上暗紅的茶色
是加了許多台南人最溫暖的人情味
因而變得濃郁深邃

如一旁赤崁樓上那深紅色磚塊
寫下無數的台灣歷史
那是大叔幾代祖先相傳下來
獨一無二的味道
漸漸地 義豐冬瓜茶
也成為無數台南人帶著回憶香甜的味道

祀典武廟
紅臉關公正坐神龕上
俯視著熙來攘往的遊客與善男信女

如果前幾天台灣東部人的心靈依歸是遼闊的太平洋
那麼西部人則是以廟宇祀典來取代
繁縟的祭拜程序與大小禁忌
懷著虔誠的心 闔上雙眼
那是最真實的祈求
那是人類對無形力量的屈服

也許關公看穿了我們來此參訪的目的
也為只剩一個小時就得回去集合的我們感到緊張
關公遲遲不願來個聖筊
求神真的比求人還難吶

望著松村滷味與阿松割包緊閉的鐵捲門
我們只好輕聲地say goodbye
就轉站來到了阿憨鹹粥

虱目魚粥 搭配油條
挑不完的魚刺令人急躁
鮮美的魚肉卻令人滿懷期待
鹹鹹的、美味的 帶著老闆娘美麗笑容的好滋味

離開了台南
轉身投入南投的懷抱
梅子夢工廠 酒香與梅香參雜
逗趣的人像與山豬吸引著大家的眼睛
開始探索這個全新的環境

傳統遇上全新的行銷手法
原住民的文化被商品化、重新包裝
透過海角七號馬拉桑小米酒的竄紅
帶起了南投的商機

梅子夢工廠
築起南投農夫與外界人群接觸的橋樑
梅子、葡萄、小米酒
告別九二一以全新的面貌出發
洗去過去悲涼的形象
再釀醇郁的 南投香

上安社區
以創新的手法將梅子置入料理
利用當地的特色行銷 創造出專屬的菜餚
猶記梅香 猶記南投人的付出

時間不斷地奔流
台南、南投也不停歇地轉型與變遷
但回憶的刻痕一直都在大家的心裡
那是台灣人普同的經驗
也是台灣精神強悍適應力的再現

Antique Assam Tea Farm

In another very hot sunny day here in Taiwan, we went to the Tea Farm in Nantou. After we got out from the bus, we saw the leaves of black and green tea.

The guide explained to us everything about the tea and the farm. After that we entered into the "farm" and another guide was explain everything to us. She was the one who showed the process of the tea. The first machine was a very big one, the tea leaves get dry in this machine. In the same room had some holes on the floor where the leaves go to another machine on the lower floor. We went to see this other machine that change the color of the leaves. And than turns into black tea leaves. After that i dont remember the machine that the guide showed to us.

After seen the machines that make the tea we went to a room that we saw some videos...and these are the videos that i want to talk about.

First thing to know is this farm is an organic farm, they dont use any kind of pesticide and the food is vegetarian.

The movies that we saw was talking about a lot of things that made me think. The first had such a beautiful music about "hopes" and the photos of some kids made me feel well and at the same time I felt like I'm not a very good human for this world. Because I started to think that I do nothing to change the world that we live. I remember that the videos showed some data about how many people die and who many of them are children, and this information touched my heart and had some photos of people that dont have any food to eat and this photos really broke my heart.

I really wanted to share my opinion of this videos because they were saying about the world and how the human destroyed the environment and that we should start worry and do something about it for the future. I really liked the movies because they picked up the right photos and the right music to demonstrate what they wanted.

Im really sorry that i cant write more than this, but i dont remember everything about the videos, i wanted to but unfortunately i cant. But the most thing that i wanted to share is that the videos really touched my heart and i could see what the people from this tea farm are doing for others and the world. I think this text is a little bit confusing, but i hope that everyone can understand it.

Oh...by the way...the tea from this farm is really good!!

Going大稻埕(July 20)

當我們走入台北舊市街的角落,傳來陣陣的嘻笑聲，這是一個台灣原鄉的青年人與回鄉的青年人寫出故事的開始。漫步在城市街頭,也是熟悉彼此名字讓話夾子打開，大稻埕的文化認識,首先是台灣重要的氣味-茶，遇到了每個人都有某種生活共同元素的產業，大夥將自己放入在這樣的氣味當中走入巷口、走出街道。

接著，一間又一間的中藥店和迪化街燒香味濃厚的城隍爺加持，接起了第一天同一個家鄉的朋友之間的共同感受，一起品嘗著不同的乾貨、中藥，爵著人參、吃著芒果乾與龜苓膏、養生茶，嘴巴可以感受到不只有吃的食物，而是大家對於彼此期待了解的語言，用吃的東西打開嘴巴。

走在台北街上雖然有點熟悉，但卻是一陣外文風吹起，一些熟悉的宗教、產業、被不同國外的聲音包覆住，有種衝突卻又有趣的氣氛，在於不同的語言，卻彼此開始關心同一件，品嘗著藥膳的美好，走入小吃的奧妙，心情也跟著打開了起來，
就這樣，一起走在共同的路口。



by Kiwi 繼維

小吃天堂--台南古城 vs. 梅子故鄉--南投 (July 25)

(補記July 25)

從台東行經南迴公路
從太平洋的風
來到台灣海峽的蔚藍
屏東 高雄

坐在車上 心情卻越來越好 : )
(啊果然是家鄉的偏見啊)


25日一大早以台南小吃展開序幕
說真的還多虧這次大挑戰啊
才終於搞清楚原來店在哪些路上啊...
之前都只記店家相對位置的...

擔仔麵 青草茶 浮水魚羹 冬瓜茶
當然還有這次沒吃到的(但也很棒的)杏仁豆腐
(其實走路經過有看到 但沒時間停下來吃)

我們這組算是吃得非常"周到" XD
幾乎每個人都有吃到每一道小吃和飲品
(我們還多吃咧....
蝦捲魚餅冬瓜茶都不在挑戰項目上 但我們還是默默的吃了XD)
以至於時間根本不夠用....
只有兩小時真的是太趕了一點
畢竟台南是美食王國啊!!!!(握拳)


其實台南是個擁有深厚文化的地方
不管是歷史 飲食 建築 或生活方式
都很有看頭
光是待在台南 其實就有很多能講的了
這次礙於時間沒有辦法好好給台南多一點露面的機會
實在是蠻可惜的...


下午到了南投
(南投景點都是我沒去過的地方為多 哈哈)

梅子夢工廠實在是非常有名
大概在好幾年前
就輾轉透過我姐姐去旅遊的轉介
家中出現了山豬迷路 小米唱歌之類的酒
梅精軟糖和茶梅之類的
921大地震過後 南投這邊產業的市場行銷與再造
梅子夢工廠這裡
算是一個 目前來說 可以拿來討論與借鏡的好案例吧 : )

副廠長說話實在是太幽默
不過很可惜這些笑點好像都只有台灣人才聽得懂
(至少我們這些台灣學生是聽得一直哈哈大笑啦....)
中文能力沒辦法跟上副廠長說話速度和內容的海外學生就辛苦多了!


我個人蠻喜歡梅子跳舞的: )
(聽說柔水也很好喝 但我沒試喝到就是了...)
不過酒精濃度最淡的是小米唱歌
山豬迷路則是梅子威士忌
喜歡喝酒的人應該會蠻驚豔的 : ))


副廠長說
和魏德聖合作
是兩個很窮的單位一起合作的結果
(不過 說真的 若真的都是很有錢的單位 也不見得真能搞出海角七號這種成果吧)
馬拉桑也就這樣成了一種reconstructed culture了
如果對照國外文化研究 討論蘇格蘭裙的文章
實在是有趣的一件事

(副廠長還現場播魏導拍攝的CF~~
有興趣的夥伴 下次去夢工廠說不定有機會能看到喔!: ) )


夢工廠現場還有一隻豬!!(哈哈)
當天牠一直攻擊我們的團員
都攀到身上去了,太驚人了!!
(我想應該是因為穿白褲子的關係??)


梅子夢工廠市場行銷和包裝
傳統文化結合產業再造的一些過程
都是很值得討論與研究的case
對社區營造或產業發展有興趣的人
應該是寶地吧(笑)




**晚上住日月潭
(嘖嘖我還是第一次到日月潭= =)
(白天風景很美喔: )
雖然比起南部的藍天白雲
還是略遜一籌~呵呵)



Betty (Su-Ting)

與青蛙的約會---桃米社區生態體驗

與青蛙的約會---桃米社區生態體驗
作者: 趙偉婷
呱呱呱….在台北很少有機會聽到這麼多的青蛙叫聲，在桃米社區只要在路旁稍微停留一下就會看到這些小小的身影在你身邊跳來跳去，不只是青蛙還有許多蜻蜓、蜥蜴，整個社區就是一個完整的生態圈。許多從國外來的朋友以及我們這些都市長大的學生對於至些生物既興奮但是有點陌生，因此尖叫聲不段。
這些小小的青蛙在這片土地上快樂得生長，很難想像這片土地在921地震時受到嚴重的摧殘。在下午參觀紀念921的紙教堂，這座教堂曾經是日本阪神大地震之後日本民眾的心靈支柱，在921地震後日本人將它運到台灣，現在他成為當地人社區營造以及推廣生態教育的中心象徵。
很有趣的是今天早上在參觀這些景點之前，剛好發生了一次地震，把我從睡夢中搖醒，所以今天回顧921地震的相關紀念更難喚起我當時對於921地震的感受，記得921地震發生的時候我才國中，但是對於地震恐怖的記憶卻一直留著，不過今天看到這些社區人們在災後重建以及社區營造上的努力之後，我更深深的體會到，台灣人堅強的毅力，不管遇到多大的挑戰，一定都會勇敢克服，並且找出自己獨特的道路。

Before Kevin's Pig Episode...

While one of today's highlights would undoubtedly include Kevin being molested by that pig at the Malasun Winery, another part of the day included playing a game in the morning. In this game, each group was randomly given specific landmarks to visit all over Tainan (or rather, at least in my group's case, all within a 10 minute walk from the La Plaza hotel).

Our first task was to find a specific eatery that offered a dish similar to the rice dumplings we wrapped. We ordered a couple of dumplings and I found the one with meat to be quite tasty, especially since I hadn't had any breakfast at the hotel.

Our next stop was a temple, which we found with help from a nice old lady on a handicapped motorized vehicle who actually led us there, with our group hurrying behind to keep up. We learned about the history of the temple and the story of the man who cut open his midsection to repent for his sins of killing living things and how his guts spilled out and became a turtle and serpent to represent the evils he commited and how he himself became a god. I thought it was pretty nice of the man to spend so much time teaching us about the temple and even though the temple was over 300 years old, it was still quite beautiful.

I don't remember much about the last two stops we made as we were running out of time and it was already really humid and sticky. We first went to a tofu dessert shop where I found the tofu to be soft and tasty (it was a chocolate-flavoured tofu). The last place was another small eatery place where we ordered a dish where corn chowder was placed in a scooped out piece of thick toast. I didn't try any of that as I was already quite full from the rice dumplings earlier and according to what my groupmates said, I didn't seem to have missed out on much.

All in all, I think we had a fairly eventful morning where we got to experience a variety of Tainan food and met some really nice people who helped us find our landmarks. I wonder if it's because the people of Tainan are especially nice or if we were just lucky enough to have approached nice people. Either way, I think Tainan would be a place I would like to visit again the next time I come back to Taiwan.

Typical Day on the Bus by Ten Loh

Really, what could be more fascinating than a bus ride that literally took the whole day to complete? Perhaps it was the even more strenuous dinner that stretched out unnecessarily over two to three hours. Having said that today was a good day to reflect on the trip so far, and to be quite honest, that was really what it was. Nothing reminds you more about the common human ancestry between nations than the Museum of Natural Prehistory, which, I am no history buff, but really seems very familiar to many other historical museums from around the world. Artifacts may vary slightly, but as the big picture, we really aren’t far away from each other. Lucy, the first humanoid skeleton can literally be found in every single museum one way or another, either replica or not.

Then, there are the islands that are scattered off the coast of Taiwan, but on a very sunny day with clouds looming in the distance, it was quite hard to visualize them. In fact, I believe there was only one successful island that was viewed by the majority of people, though some people claim to have seen a second one. Each one had it’s own specific history and it’s a shame we couldn’t take time off to personally visit each one, but alas, that is the burden of a time constraint.

Once the view of the sea was obscured, we got a little taste of a movie. In fact, it’s a typical Asian drama movie, where I won’t try to force anything and just plain out say that I probably slept through most of it. However, I did see that there was a girl that was heartbroken by a male lead singer of a band, and there was a happy ending. That’s always good right? At least it’s a bit better than your typical Korean drama … girl likes guy, girl gets terminal illness. Really, it’s a bit repetitive.

However, it’s important to realize that the culture of Taiwan really is all around us and even such a lackluster day can give us valuable insight on what Taiwan really is like. Of course, interpretations may be skewed and perhaps even wrong, but ultimately, everyone’s perception on Taiwanese culture is unique. Whether it’d be similar artifacts or annoyances, any experience really is golden and shouldn’t be detracted from its importance in the fact that this is still Taiwan. The real Taiwan. What we have come here to learn, feel, and hopefully embrace.

相約◎越南 李偉賢

相約

越南　李偉賢


　　今天坐在車上一整天都悶悶不樂，真的對下起，人在台灣的我，沒能和大家姐及哥哥去看您。
　　不過我已托大姐姐告訴您，這次出差是參加一個來自世界各地的傑出青年文化研習營，您的孩子與來自英美德法荷蘭紐西蘭等許多發達國家的青年一樣平起平坐，希望您會感到自豪。很久了，才能拿到長假去參加這樣的活動。今天才是第六天行程，但收穫頗豐，吃的看的，無不給我留下了非常深刻的印象。對了，要跟您分享一下，那天第一天到台北，我在龍山寺裏求到支十八號簽“鬼谷子演課＂，是支上上簽。我當時就非常高興，說來也挺靈驗，我自那天後就一路遇貴人，今天在台南，我們是分成四個組各自去尋找這裏的地道小吃，沒有地圖，只能問人，趁這個機會與當地人多交流，台南人都很熱情，問到那一個路人，他們都很仔細地告訴我們路怎麼走，有位在旅遊景點檢門票的亞姨，還用筆紙給我們畫下地圖，這種對外地人的友善、樂意幫忙，在現今的許多大城市、人情味日漸式微的社會下，已不常看到。
　　幾天前打電話回家，爸的病還沒好，不過跟您說，我和哥哥已迫著老爸去看醫生，我們向您保證，不會給老爸老讓病魔折騰。上個月，我開電腦讓老爸和二姐姐視頻通話，您在澳洲的第三個外孫已滿周歲了，他對著視頻笑個不停，還不時用手捉摸縈頻，看來挑皮的個性不會輸給我們小時候的搗蛋，老爸也就只會一直對著他揮手，雖然兩公孫都還沒正式見過面，但只要親情一直存在，我們都會期待相見的一天，而且深信那天不會很遠。
　　不知道今天為什麼特別想家，想您。記掛著老爸不知道有沒有忘記吃藥，不知道哥有沒有定時給爸滴眼藥水。小時候是您們給我們蓋被，那天睡到半夜起來，看到父親在用風筒吹身子，我問他干什麼了？他說，突然覺得好冷，蓋了被子也沒效果，所以起來吹風洞取暖，那一刻，我不知道自己能做些什麼。媽，您可以告訴我煮些什麼給老爸補身嗎？有空就搖個電話給我，在夢裏也不要緊。
　　那天在候機室，看了篇文章，內容是說：現在這個社會，許多兄弟姐妹們，結婚生孩子後，各自成家造成的結果，就是每逢節子相聚，回來探望兩老，其實只是為了兩老開心，因為兩老還在，所以兄弟姐妹之間才有機會久久見一下面，互道近況。但當兩老都不在的時候，這些所謂兄弟姐妹，還會在過年過節的時候團聚嗎？看到這裏心坎就十分抑壓，眼淚幾乎想掉下來。許多現代人，真的已走到了這個地步而不自知。如果除了過年過節，我們會不會在一個不需任何理由的場合下，就像去串好朋友的家門一樣的去看我們同吃一鍋飯長大的兄弟姐妹們？現在兩個姐姐都有家庭了，二姐姐還嫁到南半球去，我和哥哥總是交叉著出差，留老爸一個人在家，就連一家人想坐下來吃頓飯，也要約好幾次。我們的時間究竟都花在那裡去了？朋友來一通電話發個短信，“喝咖啡去？＂　　“OK，馬上到！＂和家人吃頓飯，有那麼難嗎？
這幾天在台灣嚐到許多好吃的東西，但越好吃就越想念您的捻手好菜。這個世界上，有一心種心情叫牽掛，有一種回憶叫留戀，牽掛加留戀，有點痛，媽，你聽到孩子說的話嗎？
　　今天台南的天氣特別悶熱，心情想好也想不起來。打開窗簾，遙望，天空掛著素月，一抹淡星，走出陽台，滿腔離愁空對月，這個“離＂，跟了我四年。但這四年，我們兄弟姐妹之間常常相聚，您可以放心，儘管我們都過著披星戴月的日子，相約，是我們每一個都可以做到的，而且不需要任何理由。
　　我發誓。

照片說明：風的心事有樹知道，我的心事誰知道？

──己丑年六月初四日亡母忌日四年祭寫於台南

How I Got Molested By a Pig

I am about to tell you about a horrifying experience that no man, woman, or child should ever have to go through. Tonight, I will try to gather enough courage to share my pain with you, the reader. I am very sorry.

We were walking outside the Mei (Plum) Winery museum (maybe someone else will write about the rest of the tour) when we happened upon a pig that was wandering around. This was pretty unexpected, so we didn't mind it inspecting us with its snout. Yes, it was a very G-rated scene, but all that was about to change.

Suddenly, the pig became very interested in my crotch. At first, I figured that it was just acting like a dog and inspecting me, so I posed for some photos that I now realize are too horrifying to unleash on the world. After about a minute, it became VERY interested in me, and it tried to climb up on me. Again, I posed for more terrible, terrible photos. Then, in the corner of my eye, I saw the pig starting to move its hips.

I don't think I can go on.

This post was by Kevin Chaung

落腳點◎越南 李偉賢

落腳點

越南　李偉賢

　　上次來台沒有去過位於宜蘭的國立傳統藝術中心，這一趟，正好償了夙願。
　　檢票的時候，我發覺門檻建築並沒有我想像中的氣勢磅礡，偌大的一個傳統藝術中心，還冠以“國立＂的名義，簡單是美的概念，用在這裏，是否有點過於謙虛了？走進裏面後，心裏才開始踏實起來，藝術中心嘛，總該有什麼擺出來讓我們看個夠吧。
　　沒錯，裏面的東西足夠讓你逛幾天。我不知道是誰這樣獨具匠心，也有這個能力，居然可以把全台灣的傳統藝術，包括行業、手藝、民間藝術、傳說等所有你在生活上所能見到的零零碎碎的傳統藝術全部包裝在一起，呈現在你的面前，像雞尾酒一樣送到你的嘴邊。問題是，我們可以在一個上午之間像消化雞尾酒一樣的消化掉這幾條街的東西嗎？
　　走了幾條街，真的非常累！我算過，如果每個舖位你用五分鐘的時間去逛，不算是走馬看花了吧，但也得花上一天的時間，我還沒算你要看布袋戲等其他現場節目的表演。一位導遊亞姨跟我們說，全台灣最值得看、也一定要看的傳統藝術都在這裏了，我聽後莞爾一笑。坐在榻榻米上吃擔仔麵時，我就對輔導員珮暄說，今天逛藝術中心，除了我以前曾接觸過的布袋戲外，有兩樣東西是我印象最深刻的，第一是捏面人，其次是茶摳肥皂，我說這兩樣東西是我在住的國家裏，自童年以後就一直沒見過的！我對著那一個個捏做精巧的面人，痴痴地發呆了好一陣子，童年的光景剎那間在我眼前掠過，還有那幾塊淡淡黃黃的肥皂，讓我回想起母親跟我們洗澡時挑皮撥水的情景。然後，我接著跟珮暄說，對於藝術中心的精心打造，我的觀後感是說不上討厭，但絕對稱不上喜歡。同時，我得先向妳打個招呼，對於台灣的這次行程，我是寫出我的真實想法，有好的，會讚，遇到還不夠好的，我會提出建議，但不是批評。
　　在我看來，民俗、傳統藝術，尤其是越草根的民間藝術，就越講求“原生＂性，即像在原始森林裏的某些動值物，我們可以盡最大的努力去保存，但絕不能整個移植，因為它們一旦離開了原來的泥土，根，就無法延伸，種，就無法繁殖。所以為什麼我們總是要將捕捉到的野生動物，將其回歸自然。世界上有好多東西，是可以被集中，但不可以被複製，因為我們可以複製肉體，但複製不了靈魂──比如傳統藝術，以及地方民俗。說句老實話，在藝術中心走了幾條街，我想起了以前曾去過的江蘇周莊，所謂小橋流水人家，空有面孔而沒有笑容。我不是一個要將傳統與現代文明相對立的人，無論是商業文化化，還是文化商業化，都沒有所謂好或不好，問題是那個度有沒有過了頭，敢問一句，文化如果脫離了商業，它還能否存在，也是一個問題。在這裏，我要強調的重點是，尋找古老文明，是要你一步一腳印地去體會，否則，那不是瞻仰而是褻瀆。文明的力量，無需賣弄乖巧，也不舒展張狂。
　　國立傳統藝術中心，去是要去的，至於以怎麼樣的心態去，你自己決定，反正我相信，傳統藝術的落腳點，不會在宜蘭止步。

照片說明：“久違了＂的童年。

──2009年7月21日晚寫於宜蘭

Taroko National Park

Yesterday we went on a trek to the Taroko National Park on the eastern side of Taiwan. It was quite a journey; it took four hours of thin, winding roads and near-death experiences to get to our destination. However, the wait was totally worth it. Breathtaking views and the overall atmosphere made it an incredible place to just relax and take in the surroundings. I really can’t describe it to you in words, and even these pictures are a really crappy way to convey how beautiful the place is. In fact, get off your computer and go to this place NOW.

Our tour guide was an awesome guy named Roy who always seemed to be bursting with pertinent information about what we were seeing around us while we rode in the bus. He knew how many species of birds that can be found in Taiwan, the significance of the recent rains and earthquakes, and how to tell male and female plants apart. He was also armed with jokes, which were too terrible for me to repeat here.

At this amazing park is a small place called the Bulowan resort. In the Taiwanese Aboriginal language, “bulowan” means “echo” (an appropriate name because of the huge cliff faces that easily reflect sounds). As you can guess, it is run by people of Aboriginal descent. The resort itself is made up of many small buildings, including shacks for guests and a communal cultural center for meals and education. Here we stayed the night and enjoyed traditional Aboriginal food and culture. The meal was excellent: a buffet that included barbecued pork slices and ribs. Entertainment for the night consisted of a bunch of local kids who performed traditional dances and songs. Unfortunately, I didn’t have my camera with me for this show. Just imagine kids yelling and hopping around wildly to tribal beats and you’ll get the idea.

I just wish we could have stayed at the park long enough to see all of the different attractions. I guess I’ll just have to return later.

Fields of Rice

The rice we eat everyday does not grow on trees. Well, kind of, but not before significant processing.

First, the stalks of rice are cut and collected. These stalks are then ground so that the individual rice kernels are released. Different methods are used to prepare the rice in many ways. Although the rice is edible throughout most of the process, it doesn't taste like anything. The powder that is created from the rice shells is used as pig food, demonstrating the resourcefulness of our Taiwanese ancestors.

The rice must be constantly cooled so that it remains dry and does not rot. Extraneous rice is stored in "Taiwan's Largest Cooler.” The giant fridge is maintained at about fifteen degrees Celsius, which would have been very refreshing for all of us had we been allowed inside.

Next, we went to a building where bamboo leaves, sticky rice, mushrooms, and meat were laid out on a table. After many unsuccessful attempts, we finally folded the leaves correctly. Food ingredients were then stuffed into the leaves for cooking, resulting in what we know as zhong4 zhi3.

After making zhong4 zhi3, we were shown how to package rice. Kernels are fed through a mechanical grinder which removes yet another layer of rice's shell; this time, only the small, white particles that we normally recognize remain. The machine produces a lot of energy, leaving the rice hot to the touch. A heat press is then used to seal the bag.

Overall, the rice making process was an enriching experience that shows why we should appreciate the food we have, for it takes a lot of effort and energy to prepare.

Ben

s-wei&willy 台東的火山豆腐

今天在很多的歌唱旅途下....我們去一個很淳樸很溫暖的地方學習做豆腐....
一開始阿公結實的踩了一個"大馬步"...開始磨黃豆。

首先，吸引我眼光的是，這個看似古董的「阿媽的石磨」

那是個黃色鐵戢般，有點斑駁的「方向盤」

雙手緊握著，傳達力量到另外一端，

那是個帶點歲月，
據說有二十年歷史的石磨。
起初看起來十分的輕鬆，

以我當舞者的身體能力。

想是沒有問題。

但是隨著逆時鐘產生的作用力及反作用力

我不再這麼想了。

因為，我的腦中似乎也產生了一種，與都市完全不同的「反作用力」。

我們看見的豆腐、豆漿。

在過去是這麼的不起眼，不削一顧：

但是在這短短的時間裡，我才發現，

不過是一碗豆漿、一口豆腐

都如同我的一段舞蹈般，

擁有數十小節的肢體動作，

或是翻滾、或是下腰

或者是左手右手的肢體擺動。

等到，我將這些經由「舞蹈」產出的汗水合精華融會之後。

再一滴滴的流入桶裡。


接者，

我們轉移入「大鼎」(大鍋子)，

阿公說：「我們還得努力四十分鐘！」

同學們開始把磨出來的汁慢慢不斷的鏟(試著不要弄焦)....

鍋裡開始浮出一處處的泡沫，

據說，這些泡沫與黃豆中的「皂精」有關(如果不經過煮他，吃了會拉肚子~"~)。

同學們與鍋子不斷的「拔河」、「接力」數十分鐘，

終於鏟成一碗碗熱騰騰的豆漿...

再加入他們最厲害的火山水做成豆花...

然後放到一個木製方塊盒裡做成豆腐。


在這短短的一個多小時裡，似乎可以聽到過去的一段的歷史：

因為據說，這戶人家已經有做豆腐80年的歷史。

起初，據說這邊的農田，

與過去台灣所知的一般，種著大家日常所需的稻米。


但是不知道從哪天開始，

這裡的農田，不再肥沃如昔。

農民細細去想這其中的原由，

是因為「火山」噴出來的泥漿，

將我們所知道的農田，變的「鹼」化了。

那是種，在印象中，是「鹹鹹」的物質，

課本上說的，氯化鈉、鈣之類的物質。


既然農田不能耕種了，

那我們能不能透過這個，產生一種新的「味道」？

火山泥水就像我們做豆腐的「鹼水」，

我們能不能用天然的東西，做出另一種不同的味道。


老師傅，試著拿出一碗鹼水，

各自拿出我們的食指，沾了嚐嚐味道。


在這無數的雙手背後，

我似乎嚐到了一點，「汗水」或「淚水」的味道。

而在這一天的疲勞之後，我已分不清，

這是汗水或者是自己的錯覺。


我的天呀！！！真想不到我常常吃的豆腐就是這樣一點一點功夫做出來的！！！最後嚐到那豆腐的滋味真的很感動，那裡面有田、有風景、很簡單、很樸實很原始台灣人的味道。

Perspective on River Tracing

This is written by Timothy Lu, not Tim Lai

Although today - Day 4 of the 2009 Culture & Heritage Camp for Outstanding Youth - was a jam-packed day full of activites, I would say going River Tracing down the San Chan river would be the day's highlight. The combination of Southern Taiwan's captivating mountain scenery with a unique outdoors water sport were the ingredients for an unforgettable experience.

For those unfamiliar with river tracing, we were essentially guided by experienced river tracers to brave the currents of the San Chan river - hiking through rock beds and mini-rapids, while remaining immersed in the cool river water the whole time. Our final destination upriver was an accumulation of climable boulders that were the perfect shape and size for high diving. However, only some were brave enough to jump off these diving platforms; yet others were thrill-seekers that tried backflips and gainers! These boulders also wrapped around each other in a way that formed a lagoon where we took a snack break. Instant coffee, hot cocoa, and crackers never tasted so good. And after the snack break, we retraced our steps back down the river to base camp. But instead of hiking, some of us opted to lazily float down the river - buoyed by our lifevests while trying our best to avoid colliding with large rocks.

By the time we made it back to our point of origin, and changed back into clean clothes, the River Tracing guide company had prepared a scrumptious Taiwanese-style lunch. - which was delicious!

Contrasted with the tranquility of the previous night at the Leader Village Hotel in Taroko, river tracing made the day unforgettably exciting and adventurous.

My two cents on day five, by Ingo Wey, Thursday 23rd July 2009

Having spent the previous night staring at the mesmerizing night time constellations, we saw a different side to nature on the next day with river tracing. In full body suits, rubber boots and life vests, we trekked down to the river bank. This was an extremely exhausting walk by virtue of the extreme heat and we were all wondering when we could finally cool ourselves down in the river water. The relief from the heat was astounding, and the water was surprisingly clean and refreshing. We received enthusiastic and clear instructions from the experts regarding how we should river trace. It was no surprise to us that going against the current was a challenge at least initially, but we were treated with the breathtaking scenery of the Taroko valleys under the clear blues skies. This was truly an experience which surpassed any water park. Indeed, it was as if we were in a water park, considering the tomfoolery and shenanigans instructors and group members alike were involved in. Of special note is that Wei-Fu was dunked in the water at least 16 times – every occasion as spectacular as the next. In fact, it was a surprise that the decibels generated from the screaming did not create a rockfall. The climax of the expedition was arguably climbing the rocks and freefalling from them – a release like no other I have ever experienced before. Our journey back was much easier than in the other direction as we floated like dead bodies back down to the starting line.

The second activity of the day saw the group seeing how organic tofu was made. We were glad the traditional methods matched the taste of care and nature that offers of second helpings were accepted enthusiastically.


z

Tony in 太魯閣

今天我們到了宜蘭的蘭陽去了解台灣的越光米，越光米本身來是日本的品種，經過台灣農夫長時間的努力，成功地改良了越光米，並且在日本的市場佔據一席之地，象徵台灣農業的成功，同時轉變了世界對made in Taiwan的印象。

之後我們體驗了親手包粽子的艱辛與樂趣，過去在巴黎端午節時，雖然常常有機會吃到粽子，但自己親手包了之後，發現包粽子真的不簡單。

包粽子的第一個步驟需要先挑選兩片竹葉作成杯子的形狀，這道程序就花了我將近二十分鐘…

（阿嬤的葉子不是很好），不過最困難的步驟還是要把粽子用繩子綁起來，雖然繩子也是別人幫我綁的，所以實際上我一個粽子也沒有包成功，但這對我來說還是相當有趣的體驗，也增進我對粽子的瞭解，而不只是單純的端午節的食物。

在遊覽太魯閣的過程中，改變了過去我對台灣的印象，雖然常常聽到太魯閣國家公園，但實際看過之才發現，原來台灣也有這麼漂亮的地方，尤其在過程有一位非常有趣的嚮導，一直要跟我們解釋公樹與母樹的差別，還有雖然很冷，卻讓我一想到就想笑的笑話，為整個旅途添色不少。

最後在布洛灣嚐到了非常有原住民特色的山豬肉以及筊白筍，雖然我實在不知道跟法國料理有什麼關係，不過還是相當好吃，晚上看到原住民小朋友的表演，感覺很吸引我，覺得原住民的舞蹈與音樂相當有特色，其實看現場跟原住民電視台有相當大的落差，原住民的音樂雖然簡單，但卻很扣人心弦。

原住民好酷喔！！！下輩子我超想當原住民！！！

By Tony

（這全篇都是我們親愛的Tony先生親手寫的喔！

　真不愧是看過全套金庸的好孩子XD）

Thoughts from a land which could have been mine

Rather than simply describe my day, I feel I should talk about something deeper.

A couple of days ago I spent the night at Yi-Lan, the land where my father grew up. From what he tells me he grew up on a farm with a not-so-fantastic primary and secondary education. After busting a gut, he managed to get himself a degree and a job which allowed him to move to the UK.

Visiting his homeland and the simplicity of the lifestyle forced me to understand just how barren and under-developed some places can be. Having been raised in London, the city where everyone needed to be somewhere 5 minutes ago, such a slow pace would seem like time stood still.

I accept the UK to be my home and probably will do for many decades to come, but a true flavour of where your roots lie has come as a bit of a (pleasant) surprise. I wonder what would have happened if I had been brought up in Taiwan? what education would I have received if any? where would I be and what friends would I have gained?

The answers to these questions shall never be known, and I am sure I will ask many more rhetorics, but at least I am fulfilling the purpose of this tour - to discover things closer to your heart than you ever thought.

吃好米‧遇好農‧看見原住民 (for July 22)

(唔 沒有帶相機的結果就是,
讀者們自行想像畫面啦: )
不然就乾脆親臨現場吧~ : )) )


本來應該要昨天寫完blog的,
結果是今天早上要溯溪,需要早起呢,
哪來的時間寫啊....
(不過今天補寫也不算是太晚.)




台灣農業一直是很有趣也很有人情味的生活文化
雖然在加入WTO,飲食習慣改變,
再加上地狹人稠的客觀條件,
其實衝擊很大,也說不上是多光鮮亮麗的發展
(看看交工,看看生祥,楊儒門,賴青松榖東俱樂部...有太多人奮鬥的故事)


昨天一行算是再次看見了
屬於台灣農業的一種憨,卻又堅定的身影

東部行程的這幾天
早上先以宜蘭五結鄉五農米開場
(紀念最早(也最大戶)的五姓農家--->陳林黃賴張)

對我來說是第一次看到整套處理白米的流程與器具
(雖然不知道為什麼會跟農會連在一起呢?這我也是第一次看到,哈)
中午還包了實在是很難包的粽子
(手很殘...但幸好是都還能吃!!)


其實是不願也不用多說太多辛酸或不堪的一面的吧,
看著他們,這種情緒就會很自然的浮現上來.

農人總是傻卻又傻得可愛的一群.
如果說有什麼真的是分不開的,割捨不下的,
應該是這種人和土地之間,
最最自然也最不應該放手的感情與關係.



望著陳大哥,和在農會吃飯的長輩,
腦中不斷地閃過我阿公阿媽一輩的身影,
以及家鄉善化的影子.


呼吸了太多城市的空氣.
太容易忘記原來所有的塑膠包裝的商品裡,
都還有人的一份真心和手的溫度,
曾經是被用力且認真的,一個個灌注著的.





下午則是到了心中的夢土啊,太魯閣國家公園.

一直沒有機會到這裡,昨天一看,真的是很感動.

曾爬過保加利亞的Rila Mountains
(雖然一連爬三天,爬到3000多公尺真的是出乎意料)
看見地理課本最標準說的垂直海拔植物分布那種景緻,
是美的,
但再怎麼說,
似乎總還是比不過自己的太魯閣國家公園,
那一大片仰望不盡的大理石壁,和碧綠色的河水潺潺流去.

那種壯麗,和一種(近乎愛國情操的)感動
(畢竟就在我們自己國家啊,不開心也難,哈)
是讓人會不禁微笑的: )


陽光灑在山壁的植被上,閃閃發光,
伴著雲朵飄過,陰影因此幻化出不同圖樣.
每次看到這種畫面,
總是有一種 一片丹青畫不出 的感慨

但幸好我本來也就不是什麼職業人士(笑)
若不能用相機或畫筆紀錄下來大不了就用文字吧(笑)


(對了,昨天導覽的林老師,和我可算是同鄉呢.
他是高雄大樹人喔,和我的鳳山也算是出自同一區啦!)



布洛灣晚上星星很美.
我差點就真的要躺在椅子上睡著了.
(不過還是很理智的爬起來走回房間...我可不想著涼感冒...)




晚上原住民舞蹈表演,
應該可算是這幾年我看到的最精采的演出.

精采之處,不見得在於是多完美,多精緻,或多大場面,
而是一直看見,那種人的可愛可親與用心之處,
一種在背後,有股很龐大力量,相扶相持的感情.


雖然村長(飯店老闆?)一度讓我覺得,
這樣在大家面前,說著小朋友的身世背景,好嗎?適當嗎?
但說真的,
不說,就比較好嗎?


看著他們表演,
腦中也實在是很疏離的冒出之前上課教到的,
保存文化或消費文化的爭議
(真是殺風景)



I really hate to give any final answer.
That really depends on what attitude people hold and perspective they take.


不過,每次看到原住民小朋友,
聽原住民朋友們說話,
除了感覺可愛,幽默好笑,心情很好之外
(對不起我是笑點很怪的人...)
還是會隱隱感到難過,
對於好久好久好久沒回到屏東青葉,屏東泰武,去看他們的
那種遺憾,和愧疚感.






Betty (Su-Ting)
-->我是台灣學生喔: )


July 23

2009-07-22 "花蓮-太魯閣國家公園" - 惠心

今天終於讓我感受到了台灣的多元文化及山水之美. 以前雖也有遊過台灣但一只沒機會到花蓮來走走, 當在車上看到了一座一座翠綠的山頭, 我感動了一下. 我以前一只以為台灣我差不多什麼都看過了, 卻沒想到意外的又發現了一個我從未涉足過的太魯閣. 在我的認知裡台灣是寶島, 是還保存著偉大的中華文化的地方, 但並沒想到以為只在中國看的到的好山好水, 在蓬來也看的到. 這次也讓我得願以償第一次的接觸原住民的文化, 讓我印象深刻, 使我又多瞭解了台灣的歷史, 我還未滿足, 我絕會再來到花蓮, 尋找更多, 增長見聞, 享受太魯閣秀氣的山水.

River tracing and tofu - 7/23

Today I awoke to a brilliant morning sun, casting shadows across the mountains, and cool dew floating on spiderwebs. The morning was spent walking upstream in level 1 whitewater. It began with the donning of ridiculously hot wet-suits, life jackets, and helmets. However, the wet suit became much more tolerable once I entered the chilly water; the life jacket allowed me to float with no effort; and the helmet... well, I'll talk more about that later. The chilly rapids were surprisingly strong, knocking me to my knees. Some people held hands. And of course, there was a sqealing girl. A few boys surprised me with how patient and helpful they were with girls who could not swim and were not strong enough to withstand the current. Meanwhile, others tried to swim upstream, like salmon during mating season. Our tour guides kept our spirits up and journey safe, through a combination of goofiness and wisdom earned through countless journeys of their own. Eventually, we reached a quiet area, where we could climb the cliffs and dive into the water. The rocks on the cliffs were wet and slimy, a dangerous climb; but I could not leave without trying everything. So I followed the guide, who helped our group to the top of a thirty-foot drop. A moment of fear gripped me before the jump; but there was only one way down and one way to preserve my pride; so I took the plunge and screamed. What a thrill! I had to try it again. So when I saw another group climbing the rocks, I decided to join them. But this time, I gripped a slimy rock, and slipped! It's surprising how many thoughts raced through my head as I fell twenty feet, "Oh shit!... well, that was dumb... OH, I could get really hurt... well, no, I'm wearing a helmet..." I fell head first, heard the "crack!" of a rock connecting with my head, and felt the cold splash of water. Afterwards, I wondered briefly whether I needed a doctor, but then realized I could go over the concussion algorithm myself, and decided I had a mild contusion which could be alleviated with rest and head elevation. Afterwards, I took note of battle-scars among my comrades: headaches, sunburns, bruised shins, and cuts. But we'd made it and had a good time!
During the afternoon, we visited a place where we could make tofu from volcanic water. We tasted fresh soy milk and the best tofu I've ever had in my life.
In the evening, we rode the bus to our hotel, and were regailed with yet another round of off-key shouting that some people deem "singing." My contusion-induced headache felt ten times worse as the poorly rendered songs echoed throughout the bus. Really people, louder does not equal better.

掌聲◎越南 李偉賢

掌聲

越南　李偉賢

　　有些地方，舊地重遊，會有另一翻感覺，花蓮太魯閣，就給了我這樣的享受。去年，也是暑假，飛瀑直瀉而下，溪流急湍，兩邊露出的河床迤邐著一條看不到盡頭的石春路，像魚肚吐白，從任何一個方向遙望，美，總是黏著你的眼睛，久久不願離開。今年，同樣是鳳凰花開的時節，看著一路的綠，從山壁到山頂，像欣賞一幅還沒裱好的油畫，任由遐思飛舞，當車子駛到布洛灣時，大自然的美景再一次震撼人心。
　　萬萬沒想到的是，我們會在布洛灣內的飯店住宿，放下行李，就迫不及待地走到這個環山合抱的綠洲，三十二間木建平房環圓而立，鱗次櫛比，背後是看不到頂的山峰，又逢夕陽西下，雖然沒有晚霞漫天，但雲霧繚繞，抬頭，是即將入夜的天，看地，是一片柔和的綠草，人置其中，如臨仙境。但最令我難以釋懷的，卻是入夜後看太魯閣族的文藝表演。面對這些原住民以最簡單和最友善的方式來表達對我們這班來自十二個國家二十四個城市的青年的歡迎，我除了感動腦袋就一片空白。這是我自三年前繼在桂林陽溯看《印象‧劉三姐》大型歌舞節目後第二次感動得流下淚來！流淚不是因為它的節目有多豪邁，而是因為它的純樸和原始，我們為原住民傳統文化的頑強生命力而感到愕然，繼而為孩子們的用心演出而鼓掌，為每一個孩子背後的故事而嘆息，為今天我們能夠相聚而感謝緣份的安排……生命，如果有一刻可以讓你造就永恆，只需要一刻，那麼，我相信那一刻會永遠留在布洛灣，留給那些一直對著我腼腆地笑的孩子。
　　太魯閣族是台灣的第十二個原住民族，研究太魯閣族的人，就會知道他們曾有過許多腥風血淚的歷史，與大自然的搏鬥、與入侵者的對抗，無論是那一代人，他們心底裏最終極的要求，就是想保存一片屬於自己的天空，一個晚上聽著蟲鳴入睡而早上聞到鳥啼起床的家，如此而已。到今天，面對著來自四方八面湧進來的所謂現代文明，他們沒有顯得半點自慚形穢或退縮，反過來，他們非常自信也很樂意地與我們一起分享他們另類的文明成果，告訴你，不同的民族其實是可以相得益彰，也可以相互圓融，就一如當年他們的祖宗，打到獵物後，敲鑼打鼓的與全村人分享，這種人類共生的民族性，時至今日，仍一直在他們的子孫的血液內流淌。當節目結束時，全體起立，掌聲不絕於耳，在山中颯颯迴盪，吹響著我們每一個人的心窩，溫馨，陶醉，慰藉。
　　我想，人類的掌聲，理應留一份給太魯閣族。

圖片說明：人間仙境：環山‧雲霧‧木屋

──2009年7月22日晚寫於花蓮太魯閣

July 22, 2009, WeiFu's Group

This morning, we toured a rice farm and processing plant that specialized in yue guang mi, a special rice strain originating from Japan that is grown with minimal light pollution from such as traffic lights. A curious sight, apparently common in Taiwan, was the presence of a multitude of inedible snails in the gutter. Well, I guess that it is a given that the snails are inedible as if they were edible (and free, seeing as they were in the gutter), there would not be any left. After seeing the gutter, we were shown the rice field. We learned that the reaping of rice is now mechanized; the person driving the machine even has air conditioning! Right beside the field was another field that was currently being allowed to rest. Though it was technically resting, it was overgrown with an inedible plant sowed there by farmers; the plant fixes nitrogen from the atmosphere, storing it in little balls in its roots. At the plant, we were shown what unprocessed rice looks like, a coarse, brown grain. We learned that drying rice was kept cool to lessen the impact of insects and mold. After being processed, it is kept at 15 degrees Celsius to slow the metabolism of the seeds, keeping the rice fresh. What happens to the rice husk? There are actually two husks. The outer layer is inedible and used for fertilizer whilst the second layer is edible, though only really as a last resort, and is used as pig feed. At the sales/display area of the plant, we mostly saw the usual kinds of rice seen at Asian supermarkets (in the United States), though there was a novel (to me) item: a bag of rice used as a gift at a wedding in lieu of the tea or other sort of stuff normally given by the bridge and groom to the guests. After the tour, we were given a chance to try making zhong zhe from rice, meat, and bamboo leaves. Unfortunately, most of us failed miserably at this exercise. We were also allowed to use a rice husking machine to fill small bags of rice. Before lunch, we were given a question and answer session where we learned several interesting things. One was that the average age for farmers is about 55 years. This of course begs the question of who the farmers will be after this current generation. We also learned that imported rice is cheaper, albeit less fresh, than local rice. I’m not sure why that is, seeing as the imported rice must factor in shipping costs, all the way from the United States in some cases, and possibly tariffs as well. A third thing was that the average income for farming is only 130,000 NT for a normal field of 100 meters by 100 meters.
After lunch, we were given an opportunity to taste an excellent shaved ice before we arrived at Taroko National Park; of course, we took it. At Taroko, we a had a knowledgeable volunteer from the park as our tour guide. Running through the park is the 58.4 km Great River. There were numerous small waterfalls, and the water we saw ranged from muddy to crystal clear, depending on our location. If I remember correctly, we learned that the construction of the central cross island highway took a steep toll in human lives: 200 dead and more than 200 injured; shrines were built for them. We passed by the Swallow Grotto; unfortunately, it was closed. We were warned about falling rocks as the combination of recent rains, recent earthquakes, and current sunshine made likelihood of falling rocks incredibly high. We were introduced to the paper mulberry tree, also called the deer tree as it is used to feed deer, and taught to differentiate male and female paper mulberry trees by the male trees having a single long strip as its flower. At the same observation deck, we were shown the inspiration for the park symbol of a tree in a v-shaped valley. On the way to our hotel, we were told that Taiwan had an amazing 450 species of birds and 400 species of butterflies. That night, we had a sumptuous dinner that included roast pig (perhaps even wild boar from the mountain) followed by a performance by the local children.

Day 1, a little late

Today was our first full day in the program. After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we left in taxis (because our tour bus broke down) to visit the OCAC ministers. I was impressed that Minister Wu dedicated so much time in his busy schedule to meet and speak to us. All 37 of us introduced ourselves quite extensively, and he greeted us with geniune enthusiasm, asking us questions about ourselves, and even asking Fang if she was married yet =P. Though he spoke for half an hour to answer just one question, I could tell he was passionate about his job and really hoped we would carry out the mission of OCAC.

Lunch was at the Landis Taipei Hotel. This was by far the best meal I have had in a long long time. We were served small traditional dishes one after another, dishes including shrimp, pork, fish, and a red bean & lotus root dessert soup. I don't even like seafood very much normally, but this meal was incredible and I cleared everything on my plate.

After lunch, we headed over to the Legislative Yuan. We watched a quick introduction video about the government, then got to sit in the actual room where the legislators meet. I kind of wish we could have learned more about the structure of the Taiwan government (well, maybe not if it's explained in Chinese since I've come to realize just how awful my Chinese is =P). I asked Betty about it briefly, and it sounds awfully complicated, with 5 branches and all. Overall, it was pretty cool, we got to stand at the podium and pretend like we were presiding over a meeting.

In the evening, we bonded with our groups. Our group (Even's group!) went to see a temple, tea shop, and chinese medicine shops. We had a great discussion about the differences between “sarcastic”, “ironic”, “cynical”, and other very confusing English words, all while eating ice. Good times =)

To my dear friends

To: Daphne, Fang, Tina, Roxy, 婉慈, Bing, Tony, Anson, 子翔, 仕強:

(Just for me to memorized the joyful hour~)

I wanna tell you how I was motivated at our first night.
It 's such a crazy time and I'd like to say thanksssssssss to you all.
What a cute team with passion and sincerity, which brings the most unforgettable
memory to me.
Wish I can bring some more for you~

by Elena

Elena's picasa

Dear all

Here are some photos of you, have a look!
I'll update new photos everyday (I wish....... Hahaha)

http://picasaweb.google.com.tw/Elenahsu85

Elena

結合新舊傳統的生態社區----港邊社區

結合新舊傳統的生態社區----港邊社區
作者: 趙偉婷
旅程進入了第三天，今天我們離開了台北，來到了雨城「宜蘭」，不同於一般的觀光客參觀一些著名的景點，下午我們參觀了有著濃濃古早味的台灣生態營造社區---港邊社區。「生態社區」為近年來在國際環境政策新興卻逐漸成長的新治理方式，強調透過社區居民的參與讓社區在硬體建設上可以更加符合環保概念，並且增加社區居民對於當地公共事務的參與以及建立認同感，在歐美許多城市居民致力打造生態社區，最著名的例子像是德國的佛萊堡。而「港邊社區」可以說是台灣在打造生態社區的行動上一個很成功的案例，並且更特別的是結合了當地既有的特色，以本身特殊的文化以及在地的人情味建立了一個融合傳統在地文化卻又與國際環境理念接軌的綠社區。
在這個社區居住的居民其實不多，共同打造社區的經驗讓他們對於這個社區多了一份認同感，彼此之間更加互相照顧，在「阿嬤的灶腳」參觀的時候附近的居民剛好經過，大家都很熱情的打招呼，互相問對方吃飽了沒有，並且分送食物，這是生長在都市的我們少見的人情味。也讓人體會到台灣早年各村子間那種單純、互助的美好情誼。
透過社區解說員的代理以及社區理事長的解說，我們了解到這社區成長的歷史，以及他們所堅持以及嚮往的理念，很開心在台灣有這麼多熱愛自己本身土地的人，並且透過本身的力量改善自己的家鄉參與公共建設，近年來許多國內學者以及NGO極力鼓勵將公民力量帶入政策決定中，因為當地居民最了解本身的需要，並且透過民眾對於工程以及政策的了解，除了增加民眾的責任與認同感外，更可以減少錯誤政策以及工程貪污等現象。這些在理論上學到的知識，今天我在港邊社區看到了良好的示範，理事長說他們民眾很熱意參與很多社區發展的案子，而政府也願意補助，一但政府看到成效，就願意補助更多的錢，這樣形成了一種良性循環。
站在溼地的觀景台上享受著徐徐吹來的微風，白天酷暑所帶來的悶熱感瞬間消失，我很開心社區居民選擇把這片綠意盎然的美麗景緻留下來，更開心社區居民找出自己獨特發展生態社區的方法，在台灣其實還有很多不同的社區，像是在台北市的奇岩地區也開始極力發展生態社區，每個社區需要以及可以發展的模式都不相同，所將面對的問題也不相同，但是相同的是都需要一群有熱忱熱愛台灣這塊土地的人，以及對於台灣的未來可以更加環保更加發揚本身文化的期望。

感恩的心

　　　布袋戲是非常鮮明的台灣意象, 透過這項傳統技藝的歷史演變我們可以一窺台灣歷史的今昔流變。「千年傳統, 全新感受」對於布袋戲的存續下了一個最好的註腳搬演布袋戲的師傅透過他嫻淑精湛的口白，讓一尊尊的戲偶有了新的生命。



　　　下午，我們到了宜蘭的港邊社區。這是一個炎熱的午後，大家不約而同拿出避暑的法寶，甚至連水槍都成了最佳的涼快利器。
　　　首先，我們遇到了將廢棄的木頭做成一張張精巧、令台灣學生懷念起過去那段求學日子的阿伯。這種惜福的精神，不僅是傳統精神的延續，在環保意識被奉為圭臬的今日，也是一種價值的具體實踐。
　　過去的港邊社區是一個漁村，然而隨著時代的演變，漁民的生活，已成為一種文化的象徵。至於具體的社區保存，還是需要有一種策略的考量。由於村民的努力，才使得當初的火力發電廠沒得在宜蘭設立；此外，水鳥生態保護園區。
　　














離了台北市的郊區，我們從社區及社區的生活見證了許多台灣五六十年代屬於＂簡單的快樂＂
區民親切的問候笑容，人民勤儉的美德，長幼有序的祥諧氣氛，人與人之間相互相惜的美麗圖畫在社區事處處可見
儘管社區人民物質上的資源並不富裕，維持著生活最基本食衣住行的需求，但是社區的人民是絕對自由並自主的

社區人民雙手經營的是一個家園和知福惜福的實踐
在物資充裕的社會，擁有大筆的金錢似乎就是一座可以操縱幸福人生的神燈
一切貪得無厭的慾望太容易被滿足但一切的快樂卻太虛枉
社區的人民不看電視但並不會因此比較無知，至少社區裡的人教導我們許多生活的智慧
社區的人不吹冷氣但並不會因天氣炎熱就悶悶不樂怨天尤人，汗倒也留的暢快
洗碗不用化學清潔劑，用苦瓜粉代替，生活原來可以這麼簡單，而生活簡單就是享受

反觀我們自己，在充沛物質的享受中，我們的情感是否更無私懂得犧牲奉獻？多吹一點冷氣多看了一些電視，我們是否享受更健全的家庭生活及健康？忙茫盲中，我們是否比較快樂？
不能否認做為血氣方剛的青年人，大家對未來都秉持著很多的理想，我們似乎都認為對於經營快樂和很多事情我們有絕對的主導權，這樣的邏輯對於有能力有知識有想法的青年人似乎是天經地義的事，但是人生若是這樣膚淺就太完美了

社區裡幫我們做ＰＲＥＳＥＮＴＡＴＩＯＮ的老師是一個反世代潮流的見證

老師倡導的是態度，而不是一種方法
老師沒有硬性規定年輕一代的要跟他走一樣的路
但是他把社區經營的井井有序，等待年輕一代放假時返鄉和大自然環境連結
讓年輕人有機會去思考生命中真正重要的東西，挑戰很多年輕人核心的價值觀
趨勢和潮流是屬於世界的路，那屬於自己的路是什麼？我，環境及國的真實意義又是什麼？
老師不希望當我們步入中年的時候，才發現生活拾垻的過程中遺漏許多真正美麗豐富的故事和體驗

若不相信緣分，我們這一批年輕人不會聚在一起，聽見這樣的話，交換生命的體驗
若不相信冥冥之中我們是被愛被眷顧的，我們不會遇見許多努力為生活的人而因此被激勵
若不相信天地有情，樂在人心，我們不會懂得知福惜福
能過今天我們所擁有的生活，我們真的很有福氣
有福氣的孩子更應該比別人付出得更多，為自己，為家園，為國家，為世界，為保持心中的滿足
老師讓我明白
愛，就是在他人的需要上看見自己的責任

宜蘭一日遊

跟隨著溫暖的陽光 微微的風 開始了第二天的旅程
今天是以宜蘭的藝術中心 和 港邊社區作為 目的地
很多台灣在地人 壓根一輩子也 來不到 到不了 也不想
因為宜蘭是一個 小鄉村 小漁港 似乎沒有絲毫的吸引
到了第一站 傳統藝術中心 充滿了 "藝術的氣息" (不然咧)
很多不一樣的民俗文化 皮影 布袋 歌仔 傀儡 全是經典
各有特色 也各有觀眾 更各佔勝場。

下午的港邊社區(根本不是景點) 很熱 但也有鄉下人(蚊子)的一番熱情
經過當地阿姨的介紹 讓我們認識了幾乎是早期年代的生活方式(古早味啦)
是台灣較原始且不為現代年輕人所知的一面
這個落後的地方 能帶給我們什麼？不禁想著
前些年來 因為 人口 老化 外流 和 失業(整個不到千人)
這個地方沒落了下來…
但卻有人離開了繁華便利 五光十色 絕大多數人嚮往的台北 回到了故鄉致力於發展社區
為的是什麼？ 拼經濟？ 抑或 營利？都不是！
為的是能為家園帶來更多的希望！
為的是能夠替沒有競爭力的老人家注入一股生命力！
為的是朋友 是家人！
港邊社區純樸 老實的阿公阿嬤也跟現今的社會人，形成了對比
多少人想要舒適的生活 充份的金錢 名車 豪宅 但有了之後呢？就快樂了 滿足了？未必見得

真正的快樂來自心靈的無欲無求
真正的滿足來自於付出
真正的幸福是能擁抱家人 關懷朋友

或許當你有一天被壓力壓得喘不過氣來時，回來這片淨土走走看看吧！
21日晚 於晶英酒店

Wandering About in the Yilan Cultural Center

Today we went to this Taiwanese cultural center. Basically it's a giant plaza with a temple, some shops, and various exhibits on traditional Taiwanese art and culture. The first thing we all noticed, however, was how friggin hot it was outside. I'm thinking it was in the mid 30s (upper 80s or 90s for the metrically challenged). I dunno, maybe it was just the humidity that made it seem so terrible. There were these things that sprayed mist everywhere, but they didn't really help that much.

Anyway, the heat pretty much forced us into staying in the various shops and exhibits, where we learned about traditional arts and crafts. First, we walked into the temple, which gave us a little shade, but not much.

From there, we all went our separate ways. I listened to a guy speak about the merits of chopsticks made of certain material that I think was stone but I'm not sure. Apparently metal chopsticks taste kind of weird and can be cold in your mouth, and wooden chopsticks can splinter and kill you painfully. I think I'll stick with the ones I got though.

There was also this exhibit on charcoal carving, where we all sat wondering how and why you even work with charcoal. There was this incredibly cool sculpture of Guan Yu (maybe? I'm not sure) wielding a guandao. (Pictured: awesomeness)

Finally, I think a big attraction there were the puppets and puppet shows that played during the day. There was an exhibit showing off various traditional puppets, including a set showing the main characters from Journey to the West.

After a while, though, I started to get creeped out by all the puppets staring at me with their cold, glassy eyes. It was like looking at extremely grotesque action figures that stared into your soul.

After a few minutes, I really felt the urge to hide from the puppets. I suppose I should show you what some of them look like so OH SWEET JESUS THEY'RE STARING AT ME THROUGH THE COMPUTER MONITOR AS I'M POSTING THE PICTURE.

But other than that the place was pretty cool.

Day 2

Even's Group
Hey everyone! Well... first, I'd like to warn you, the reader, that this post may have some grammar or vocabulary mistakes, because english is not my mother language! sry xD!
And second, here is my post:
Today we "moved" from 台北(Taipei) to 宜蘭(I-Lan)and we visited 國立傳統藝術中心(National Center for Tradicional Arts) and 港邊社區(Wu-Wei Gang Eco-Community).
In 國立傳統藝術中心(National Center for Tradicional Arts), we learned a lot about Taiwan's past: the puppets, the temples, the origami, the buildings, etc. And we had a tradicional chinese/taiwanese lunch(can't tell the difference! sry Taiwan! xD).




In 港邊社區(Wu-Wei Gang Eco-Community), we interacted with a different Taiwan that we used to. Here, almost everyone lives a simple and easy life(being rude, a poor economically life), but they don't seem to be unhappy! In fact, they seem to be enjoying it! There is a saying that fits this: "窮有兩種，窮得消沉和窮得開朗。" ("There are 2 kind of poverty, Unhappy Poverty and Happy Poverty").




So in Day 2, we "smelt" two different Taiwan's 味道(Wei Tao): 以前ㄉ味道(Past's Wei Tao) and 簡單生活ㄉ味道(Simple-Life's Wei Tao).


MrC

讓筷子告訴您◎越南 李偉賢

　　　　　讓筷子告訴您

　　　　　　越南　李偉賢

　　因為誤了航班，要搭下一班飛機而被延了六個多小時。抵台的時候，時間已是晚上十點多，難為了輔導員Even這個時間還要來接我，回到酒店，整個人疲憊不堪，心裏一直在嘀咕，為什麼我就這麼背呢！但當看到我們組的輔導員音絜一見面就對我露出絲絲笑容時，頓時感到一股流過心底的暖，在七月某個晚上的台北，顯得格外灼熱，臨回房間時，她還給我遞過一份禮物，說是僑委會送我們的見面禮，她說，是一對筷子，讓你好好品味一下台灣，接過禮物，心裏很不以為然，不就是一雙筷子嗎？有什麼好特別的！？
　　趟在床上的時候是凌晨一點多，翻開這趟行程的手冊，才知道今次的主題是“幸福的滋味在台灣＂，再往下看，我的興趣就來了。原來這個“味＂不僅僅是台灣多元文化之下的豐富民間小食，它還包含著你必須要用聞、聽甚至是用心去感受，才會嚐到真真正正的“台灣味＂，這時候才想起來，是呀，中華民族不是有句老話“民以食為天＂嗎？而講句坦白話，相信沒有誰會否認全世界最懂得吃也最講究吃的民族非炎黃華冑莫屬！而我也認為，“筷子＂是最能代表中華民族幾千年“吃文化＂的象徵，“筷子＂，是我們對世界飲食文明演進的歷史過程中最偉大的發明和貢獻，轉過頭去看一下放在床頭上的那雙筷子，肅然起敬油然而生。
　　翌日，總領隊林育正在車上對我們說，那雙筷子會帶我們走遍台灣的大江南北。他這句讓我想到，天地雖大，望於宇宙顯然滄海一溧，筷子雖小，放眼四海卻能獨步方圓，更何況它還有著槓桿原理，亞基米德不就是説過，給我一根棍子，只要找到那個點，我就可以把地球撼動起來。
但我們優秀的中華民族祖先，比他更早就想到了，而且應用於日常生活中，吃，原來也可以蘊藏著一種轟天動地的原理，可我們的祖先，在偉大的同時卻可以表現得很謙卑。謙卑得當我拿著它挾住那塊東坡肉時，咬一口，吃，不就是這麼一回事嗎？誰會像我這個傻瓜去管它什麼槓桿原理。
　　但我這個傻瓜還得感謝它給我“撼動＂出一系列的台灣美食來。由於移民文化的影響，早在三百多年前，移居這片寶島的中華民族，也把他們的傳統飲食文化一拼漂洋過海，他們在這裏辛勤灌溉，流下汗水的同時，也留下了這些寶貴的民族遺產，再加上幾個世紀與地方飲食的互相糅合，而把目前台灣的飲食風味變得別具一格。杭州菜也好，閩南菜也罷，統之飽過口福以後，台灣味已悄然走進你的齒夾裏。
　　而這種台灣味還不僅僅是停留在嘴裏。去看龍山寺以前，早就聽說過台灣人對宗教的虔誠勝過東南亞任何一個華人社會的群體，但當真正來到這間已有三百多年歷史的佛教聖地時，才真正地“聞＂到了這股濃郁的台灣禪味，一個人的心靈的美，對神佛的無條件敬仰，這是一種“原味＂，是原始人類對天地萬物自然界一種反樸歸真的崇敬，要不然，你就絕對看不到無求品自高的人生境界。踏出龍山寺，前面就是艋舺公園，許多公公婆婆就坐在這裏優哉悠哉的，有人下棋有人圍觀，有人聊天有人散步，音絜跟我說，這些都是老台北，在台北土生土長，現在都退休了，這是一個讓年長者聚首言歡的地方，閒話家常的，扯天說地的，好不快活。人生至此，夫復何求？一個社會，如果能夠做到生有所養、老有所安、病有所醫、死有所葬，西方極樂世界去不去倒無所謂了，然而，這卻是當今社會每個人都在尋找的地方，台北，可能未必是目的地，但我看到了它的努力，還有過去努力所取得的成果。
　　入夜了，在台北的市中心步行，是另一翻風景，因為去年來過的時候，都沒有好好地停下來看每一寸土地，看它的平實，還有它的隱晦。音絜帶我們去同喜號吃了非常好味的肚魠魚，最後還去吃蛇肉湯，飲蛇血，來自巴西的鍾苓佳一口一口的吃，還大口大口的喝，我對這個女生突然另眼相看。
　　二十四小時後的台北行，仍是帶著一身疲倦回到酒店，然而卻感到自己是幸運的，因為我嚐了一整天幸福的滋味。
是呀，那雙筷子還會帶我再走十幾天的路。

──2009年7月20日晚寫於台北

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even

Xi Men Din 西門町 @ Taipei

* Elena's Group*

We had a fantastic time at 西門町 tonight. Elena took us to a costume rental shop , where several of us tried on clothing that belonged to different eras of the Taiwanese history, such as Qi pao (旗袍), Japanese kimono (和服), and dresses from the Taiwanese dancing troupe in the earlier days (台灣歌舞團的禮服).

The plan was to have six people from our group dress in costumes representing the eras mentioned above and to have their pictures taken infront of a historical building called Taiwan 紅樓, as well as to stroll in Xi Men Din while wearing the costume. We then decided that it would be more fun to have our male teammates dress in female clothing- especially clothing that would "accentuate their curves." As we strolled on the streets, we got a lot of stares and the boys even got girls requesting to take photos with them.