I've had many communications from friends and family asking about the coronavirus situation here in Taiwan. It's true that we're right next to China, which is the point of origin and (so far) the epicenter of the global outbreak. Nonetheless, I feel as safe here as I would in the US. Read on for more about how COVID-19 has affected my Fulbright year so far, and why I'm not … [Read more...] about Coronavirus: Am I Worried?
Tiles: Art and History
These beautiful tiles are a traditional Taiwanese decorative art. During the colonial era (1895-1945) they were imported from Japan. Now they're made in Taiwan. Their construction is impressive: both the textured surfaces and the brilliant colors can last for over a hundred years. The patterns all have symbolic meanings. My friend Annie studies the meaning of flowers in … [Read more...] about Tiles: Art and History
Preserving Taiwan’s Past: Military Housing for Americans and Chinese
In 1945, Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalist Chinese government took over Taiwan from the Japanese colonial government that had ruled since 1895. In 1949 the Nationalists lost a civil war with the Communists, and they moved their government and military to Taiwan. Something like two million Chinese, mostly soldiers, administrators, and their dependents, moved to Taiwan in those four … [Read more...] about Preserving Taiwan’s Past: Military Housing for Americans and Chinese
What to Worry About (it’s not coronavirus)
I've been hiking a lot lately. The weather is perfect, and my friend Fann Meeiyuann knows all the great places you can get to on a bus. The hikes are fantastic -- gorgeous scenery and just the right amount of challenging -- and you can be back in town in time for dinner. But the warning signs are pretty intimidating. … [Read more...] about What to Worry About (it’s not coronavirus)
The Weirdly-Emotional Experience of Watching Taiwanese People Counting Votes
It hardly seems like the sort of thing to make grown men cry: Taiwanese people counting votes by hand. But I saw it happen to one of my colleagues on election night. I also had a first-hand report from another friend who found himself tearing up at the sight. And I get teary, too, every time I see it. Here's why: Taiwanese vote counting is a beautiful ritual that goes right to … [Read more...] about The Weirdly-Emotional Experience of Watching Taiwanese People Counting Votes
