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
Street Views
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
Taipei’s West Asheville: The Treasure Hill Artist Village
One of the many cool places I can walk to from my apartment is the Treasure Hill Artist Village, a cluster of tiny, ramshackle dwellings pinned to a steep hill overlooking the Xindian River. It reminded me of West Asheville in many ways, not just because (almost) everything was closed on Sunday afternoon. … [Read more...] about Taipei’s West Asheville: The Treasure Hill Artist Village
Dueling light shows
Truth Lutheran and Grace Baptist are battling it out for best Christmas light show on Xinsheng South Road. … [Read more...] about Dueling light shows
