Just outside of Taipei in the town of Banqiao is a traditional garden. One of Taiwan's most important families built the garden in the 19th century. After falling into disrepair it was restored in the late 1980s. On the day I visited with Ellen, a Fulbright colleague, the garden was hosting a flower show. … [Read more...] about The Lin Family Garden
Street Views
Odds and Ends
Election season is here, and so is Christmas. … [Read more...] about Odds and Ends
Taipei Pride
The 17th annual Taipei Pride Parade was a blast: 200,000 participantsa visual feast of gorgeous cosplay and drag outfits enthusiastic delegations from NGOs and corporationsuntold numbers of giddy young people celebrating together Pride was definitely mostly a celebration. And LGBT Taiwan has a lot to celebrate. This year, Taiwan became the first country in East Asia to … [Read more...] about Taipei Pride
Still standing …
I wrote about this tree, which grows through the first two stories of a building before spreading its canopy over the balcony and roof, in Why Taiwan Matters. Every time I return to Taiwan I look for it with trepidation -- someday, it won't be there anymore. But for now, I'm happy to report, this icon of Taiwan's abundant plant life is still with us. … [Read more...] about Still standing …
Sunday is for Picnics in the Train Station
Taiwan is home to more than 150,000 Southeast Asians. Although the island is attracting many students from Southeast Asia, most of those residents are here to work. For many, Sunday is their only day off each week. They make the most of it by meeting up with friends from home, often at Taipei's main station. Southeast Asians throng to the station's shops and crowd the … [Read more...] about Sunday is for Picnics in the Train Station
