A Glimpse of Simple Garden

“God Almighty first planted a garden.”

-Francis Bacon Sr.

A garden isn't meant to be useful. It's for gladness.

- Rumer Godden

ABC Wednesday - G

Watery Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Chinese Foot Massage

You'll shout in pain,

but worth afterwards!

Mellow Yellow Monday

My World Tuesday

Ruby Tuesday

Bali Walk Bridge

A long walk bridge @ Bali, Taipei County

Winter, 2010

Sunday Bridge

They are Happy Together

(The continuatin of yeterday's post, the lonely boat is no longer lonely!)

Two are better than one,

because they have a good return for their work:

If one falls down,

his friend can help him up.

But pity the man who falls

and has no one to help him up!

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.

But how can one keep warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered,

two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken

- Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Spiritual Sunday

Lonely Blue Boat Reflection

Taken @ Danshui

Overlooking the place called Bali

Winter 2010

“The person who goes farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare.

The sure-thing boat never gets far from shore.”

- Dale Carnegie

Weekendend Reflection

Describing Taipei in Chinese Characters

I took this photo in one page of Taipei Discovery Magazine,

describing Taipei in different season.

*

Guest Heart Thursday

If There's Smoke, There's Fire

Well, not actually a FIRE, but they're making FIRE!

Around 2pm, the temperature was 35*C and I was my way to Shi Da (School), all the people working in the buildings (business in particular) were out burning paper (ghost) )money in the big FLAME to honor their ancestors. In return, their ancestors will give them blessings and good fortune. Aside from burning money, they also offered FOOD.

Actually, today in Chinese Calendar is July 15, it's "Zhong Yuan FESTIVAL", meaning Chinese Ghost  FESTIVAL. According to their history, the gates of hell are wide open and ghost arrived in a mortal world. In Taiwan, Ghost Month runs through the entire month of July, and the gate of hell are open the whole month. That's why the whole month is known to be "not a good month" with many traditional taboos still being practiced. Like don't get married, don't buy house, don't go swimming, etc. to avoid bumping into a ghost.

Imagine how hot that was + the smoke that irritated my eyes!

But, they're doing it as their belief/religion.

ABC Wednesday - F

A Glimpse of Bella Vita Building

At the lobby of Bella Vita

A new place to shop for branded stuff, just opened a year ago!

Nine-storey European Style Building, Bella Vita Boutique/Department Store is located in Xinyi District (near Taipei 101). The achitecture is very elegant and impressive.

Ruby Tuesday

My World Tuesday

Featuring National Taiwan Museum

The Exterior Appearance of National Taiwan Museum

What a shame, I've never been inside :)

Mellow Yellow Monday

Another Glimpse of Lin Family Mansion

Last time, I featured Doorways in Lin Family Mansion.

The other day was the Reflection in Quiet Water under the Bridge.

Today, I'm sharing you the well-maintained pond.

Sunday Bridges

Shadow Shot Sunday

Body Language is Very Much Effective

In Taipei, when you take public transporation, priority seats are visible.

No one dares to sit on them, since commuters will stare at you!

Pink Saturday

Reflecting in Quiet Water

Only in quiet waters do things mirror themselves undistorted.

Only in a quiet mind is adequate perception of the world.

                                                      -Hans Margolius

Happy Weekend!

 

Weekend Reflections

Just Sending Love to All

Some of you have seen this in some parts of the word!

Well, we also have in Taipei in front of Taipei 101 Building.

I still have aftermath of Chinese Valentine's Day,

although I din't do anything on that day!

Guest Heart Thursday

Egg and Earthquake

Taken today @ MRT Station Billboard

What's the connection of Egg and Earthquake?

I can't wait to hear all your ideas...

ABC Wednesday - E

Another View of National Theater Hall

National Theater Hall @ Chiang Kai Shek Memorial

 The opposite side of this building is the National Concert Hall.  A place where local and international shows are being held. Too bad, I haven't tried watching anything yet, since I teach at night. :(

Ruby Tuesday

My World Tuesday

Happy Valentine's Day ♥♥♥

I know it's not February 14!

But for the Chinese Calendar (August 16, 2010) is the seventh day of the seventh lunar month (July 7) and known to its name "Qi Xi" or "Seventh Eve". It's translated as Chinese Valentine's Day! According to the ancient story that handed down, there was a cowherd fell in love with a weaver girl. As usual, their love affair was forbidden. Since then, they only see each other up in the sky once a year when Weaver Girl Star (Vega from the West) and Cowherd Star (Altair) helped by Magpie to become their bridge. When you look up in the summer sky, you'll see the couple twinkling towards each other.

In Taiwan, the tradition still celebrated , like the couple will go to Lover's Temple to make a wish for their happiness, and that they will not end up like Vega and Altair. Roses and chocolates are all over, lots of activities like concerts, dates, and the like.

If you're here right now, you can feel that LOVE is in the air! ♥♥♥

Rednesday

Shadow of Trees

The Man-made Lake @ Chiang Kai Shek Memorial

"Keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps a singing bird will come".  

- Chinese proverb

Shadow Shot Sunday

White Bridge at CKS Memorial Hall

Just a little bit focus of the White Bridge @ CKS

Isn't it amazing how people created and maintained a lake in the middle of  busy streets.

Sunday Bridges

Scenic Sunday

Reflection of National Theater Hall

One of the twin hall @ Chiang Kai Shek Memorial

A nice place to relax after visiting/walking the whole area of CKS.

Weekend Reflections

No Explanation Needed

The Golden Rule

So in everything,

do to others what you would have them do to you,

for this sums up the Law and the Prophets

(Matthew 7:12)

Happy Weekend!

Pink Saturday

Spiritual Sunday

A Glimpse of Taipei 101

Taipei 101 Building

The international landmark of Taipei City, one of the tallest building in the world. The exterior design is like a shape of a bamboo, symbolizing the periods of time as step-by-step struggle for improvement. It was acoomplished in 2003 with the height of 508m and has 101 stories. Tourists can take the fastest elevator in the world to the top for viewing the whole Taipei.

Below is a compilation clip of our visits in observatory deck, and capturing the fastest elevator. Enjoy!

Skywatch Friday
Looking at the Sky Friday

Famous Tofu Ice Cream

 Tofu Ice Cream Taste

Living in Taipei, different kinds of tofu are all over the place. They have their own specialization in making and presenting it. Like this  famous ice cream that can only find the original store in Shenkeng Tofu Street. They have variety of flavors but I only bought this orginal taste. Well, the taste has no difference at all with soya milk. It's only creamy!

Guest Heart Thursday

Doorways of Lin Family Mansion

The Lin Family Mansion and Garden "Doorways"

(Photos taken, January 2010)

It was built in 1888, but what you see above has been renovated several times. There are also few old buildings that still preserved. The place is also known as the best private garden in Northern Taiwan.

In this photo: D as Dante (my husband) with his D as in Darling (that'sme)!

We're near yet so far :)

ABC Wednesday - D

Rednesday

Capturing Tai Chi Statue

Tai Chi

(photo taken @ Japan Consul Office)

Tai Chi Chuan is a kind of Chinese Martial Art with slow movement both for self-defense and health benefit, and that's longevity. I met a person, she's 99 year-old and I asked her what's her secret, she told me she's practicing tai chi everyday. My landlord before, teach tai chi every 6am and asked me to join them. I would love to, but being a full-time M.A. student and part-teacher, I didn't try. :(

I've only tried this when I'm still working out in California Fitness, but not much. My yoga instructor only introduced tai chi in the beginning of the session. Every morning, all the parks I've seen here have lots of people doing tai chi.

If you're a beginner, all you have to do is to stay at the back and follow what they do, not to disturb the rest of them. The instructror will come to you after the session, and teach some techniques. Isn't that amazing!

My World Tuesday

Chinese Paper Cutting

The Story of Chinese Paper Cutting

(handed down from generation to generation)

Long time ago, there was a man who lost his wife and he was really, really lonely. A friend gave him a gift, a lady made of paper cutting that sticks to the lamp. When the lamp is on, there's a huge image of a woman, pretending that's his wife. From then on, Chinese Paper Cutting became famous.

Paper cutting was started 2000+ years ago by Chinese, offering it to their ancestors in heaven, or offered to a person who just passed away.

Nowadays, people use paper cutting  as a gift any time of the year, use as a decoration for windows or doors, and even accessories for body, umbrella, bags, and clothes. Artists also may use different colors.

By the way, I made this for the first time! A lot of patience, but worth!

Weekday Photos
Ruby Tuesday

Taiwan's Yellow Navel Orange

Taken @ Taipei Main Station Orange Harvest Show

A very popular citrus fruit specially Winter Season.

For me, this kind of orange is too sweet!

Mellow Yellow Monday

A Home Away from Home

St. Christopher Church 

"Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching." - Hebrews 10:24-25

The church was established after World War II by American Military Personnel who stayed behind after the war. Very few Americans were left in Taiwan, so Filipino Migrant Workers started flocking the church. In 1997, Filipino priest head the church up to now...

From then on, Sundays in the vicinity of St. Christopher Church  in Zhongshan seems like Fiesta. Most of the Filipino Migrant Workers not only participate in Sunday's Mass but also the place where they meet up friends.  The church has different group communities serving people. There are also Filipino stores, restaurants, and park nearby that makes the place a social hub for Filipinos.

The church became my comfort zone when I was still living nearby, and I even volunteered for years as one of the lecturer (bible reader) in English Mass. Truly, the church is home away from home...

By the way, Today is also Father's Day here in Taiwan... 8/8 means Ba ba (or Pa pa)...

A glimpe of St. Christopher

Spiritual Sunday

Shadow Shot Sunday

Fake Nails Designer

Artificial Finger Nails in Business

There are many small places or even vendors business about fake nails, but the first time I saw moving van offering her different designs for fake nails. I captured this Pink Mini-Van @ Xizhi (Shih Chih) City Night Market. If you happen to know Jolin Tsai, a famous young singer here in Taiwan has a business about artificial/fake nails and nail polishes around Asia. I guess that's made this fashion click for teenagers.

Pink Saturday

Shaved Ice with Abundant Toppings

Shua Bing (Chua Bing)  with Abundant Sweet Toppings

@ Rao He Night Market

A famous Taiwanese Snack/Dessert especially summer time.

Theme Thursday - Brown

Food Trip Friday

! Love Taiwan T-Shirts

 Finally, I captured souvenir shirts for sale in Night Market

One thing I noticed here in Taipei, they don't have much souvenir shop unlike in the places I've been in Europe. In Taipei, mostly the souvenir shops can only be find in the museum or other attraction like Taipei 101. But not much, I couldn't even find snow globes/balls to add in my collections.

Guest Heart Thursday

Some Colorful Mochi

I took this when we went to Shenkeng Tofu Street.

The colorful wrappers go with the flavor of mochi.

For example: red, the filling is cherry or stawberry

Color Carnival

The Red Flag is Up

Taiwan's Flag

Taken at Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall

(Military Graduation)

Ruby Tuesday

Rednesday

The Missing Yellow Ox

Year of the Ox

One of the oxen that can be seen around Taipei last year (2009), but I still found one this year in one of the parks near Taipei 101. In this ox, painted the famous Taipei 101 and CKS Memorial Hall.

MellowYellowMonday
Color Carnival

Just Reflecting Taipei

Taken @ 228 (February 28) Peace Park

July 29, 2002, the day I arrived in Taipei, I can concluded that I'm officially living here for 8 years. I already considered the place - my second home! I might be leaving by end of October, but for now I would like to share the place to all of you, one day at a time! Besides, I have 8 years of captured moments that will last me to post for another 8 year. Enjoy!

The photo above is a park near NTU Hospital Station. The "TAIPEI" is surrounded with lots of Palm too!

Theme Thursday-Palm
Weekend Reflections

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