27 October 2006: SEP Partner Universities
Finally, I see the National Taiwan University on the list of NUS partner universities for SEP. In case you may be wondering how I had known to come here, Prof. Teo talked to me about it late last year and suggested that I should widen my options to include NTU. I guess if not for him, I might have ended up in either China or Hong Kong, and to a fair extent I would not want to step foot on China again in the near future because I had been there thrice for the past year, having participated in various summer programmes hosted there. Anyway, I am really glad to be in Taiwan. However, as a result, I had given up the chance of studying under the Yuanpei Bicultural Immersion Programme, and I still regard this as a loss on my part.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Thursday, October 26, 2006
26 October 2006: Competition, and staying composed
Many students back in NUS have often complained of high-stress levels in their academic environment, but the National Taiwan University may be a greater nightmare to them. At least for me, it is becoming so. There are so many assignments to complete, and the mid-term tests append to haunt you for many sleepless nights. What a Seattle.
NUS is considered rather flexible with its schedules or timetables, and submission dates for essays are often negotiable. However, in NTU, every week is a battle for students to finish off endless assignments, and victory is achieved when one sacrifices his weekend in good faith that he can clear the workload. As a losing war looms the warrior becomes dispirited, having compromised both leisure and accomplishment.
Students in NTU are a diligent lot, and I can see that they do possess the calibre to gain admission to Taiwan's best university. Generally, they are more spontaneous than NUS students, as all fight to raise their hands to voice opinions in group discussions. For a fair period of time, I had thought that class participation constitutes some 50% of the course's final grade. I believe that all of them share a true passion for learning and, of course, such attitute is desirable and should be expected of tertiary students.
Yes, here is stiff competition. However, as exchange students, we should all remain composed and join little in the rat race. I hope that NTU has a separate grading system for us, because there is seriously no point in studying so hard just to pass the courses and forgoing time to experience Taiwan. Otherwise, I might as well stay put and strive for Dean's Lists and Vice-Chancellor's Lists in NUS.
Many students back in NUS have often complained of high-stress levels in their academic environment, but the National Taiwan University may be a greater nightmare to them. At least for me, it is becoming so. There are so many assignments to complete, and the mid-term tests append to haunt you for many sleepless nights. What a Seattle.
NUS is considered rather flexible with its schedules or timetables, and submission dates for essays are often negotiable. However, in NTU, every week is a battle for students to finish off endless assignments, and victory is achieved when one sacrifices his weekend in good faith that he can clear the workload. As a losing war looms the warrior becomes dispirited, having compromised both leisure and accomplishment.
Students in NTU are a diligent lot, and I can see that they do possess the calibre to gain admission to Taiwan's best university. Generally, they are more spontaneous than NUS students, as all fight to raise their hands to voice opinions in group discussions. For a fair period of time, I had thought that class participation constitutes some 50% of the course's final grade. I believe that all of them share a true passion for learning and, of course, such attitute is desirable and should be expected of tertiary students.
Yes, here is stiff competition. However, as exchange students, we should all remain composed and join little in the rat race. I hope that NTU has a separate grading system for us, because there is seriously no point in studying so hard just to pass the courses and forgoing time to experience Taiwan. Otherwise, I might as well stay put and strive for Dean's Lists and Vice-Chancellor's Lists in NUS.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
24 October 2006: Awfully Chocolate
Francoise and I had bought a cake from Awfully Chocolate, a shop owned by Singaporean singer Stella Huang（黄湘怡）that specializes in chocolate delights. The cake was expensive but delectable. It was not too sweet and yet lavishly coated in thick chocolate cream. Every bite then seems so deliciously sinful. Yummy.
Monday, October 23, 2006
23 October 2006: Post on Beipu
As mentioned earlier, we had gone to Beipu in the past weekend, and I will address it more in this post. Beipu is a Hakka-populated town located in Hsinchu（新竹）county, and a beautiful landscape of meadows and rapids can be seen there.
Many first-class historical sites rest in Beipu, and they bear witness to the stories of toil and sweat of many pioneers who had migrated to Taiwan from mainland China. These migrants had settled in Beipu since Ming times, and they cleared forests and grasslands, converting them to fields and plots. However, the situation for them then had not been rosy, as they faced much antagonism and enmity from the native aborigines. Finally, some of these settlers managed to make it big for themselves and their community, and the chief commercial crops that had delivered this prosperity included tea leaves. Hence the 擂茶. Don't blink; the residences and temples that you see in the following pictures are some of Taiwan's grand historical sites（国家一级古迹）:
As mentioned earlier, we had gone to Beipu in the past weekend, and I will address it more in this post. Beipu is a Hakka-populated town located in Hsinchu（新竹）county, and a beautiful landscape of meadows and rapids can be seen there.
Many first-class historical sites rest in Beipu, and they bear witness to the stories of toil and sweat of many pioneers who had migrated to Taiwan from mainland China. These migrants had settled in Beipu since Ming times, and they cleared forests and grasslands, converting them to fields and plots. However, the situation for them then had not been rosy, as they faced much antagonism and enmity from the native aborigines. Finally, some of these settlers managed to make it big for themselves and their community, and the chief commercial crops that had delivered this prosperity included tea leaves. Hence the 擂茶. Don't blink; the residences and temples that you see in the following pictures are some of Taiwan's grand historical sites（国家一级古迹）:
This performer is power. He can play all the musical instruments strapped to himself alone.
Jacky Wu had been to Beipu! Haha! Here's adding on to the fond memories!
22 October 2006: Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall
Francoise and I visited the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall（国父纪念馆）today. On our way there, we dropped by the Puppetry Art Centre of Taipei unexpectedly, and were in luck to have caught an exhibition there.
We saw many puppets on display. The art of puppetry has become almost obsolete in Singapore, as we seldom watch puppet shows unless some Chinese festivals are round the corner. Thus it had been quite an experience for me here. Some parts of the exhibition hall appeared ghastly, and we often had to grope our way from spot to spot.
Francoise and I visited the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall（国父纪念馆）today. On our way there, we dropped by the Puppetry Art Centre of Taipei unexpectedly, and were in luck to have caught an exhibition there.
We saw many puppets on display. The art of puppetry has become almost obsolete in Singapore, as we seldom watch puppet shows unless some Chinese festivals are round the corner. Thus it had been quite an experience for me here. Some parts of the exhibition hall appeared ghastly, and we often had to grope our way from spot to spot.
Later, we walked to the Living Mall, which is the biggest dome-shaped shopping mall in Taiwan. Like this also can. Build something different and call it biggest or longest. Hee.
This is the office tower of the Chinese Television System (CTS; 中华电视公司）, famous for the production of a past variety show called 超级星期天:
We finally arrived at the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall. However, bad timing! Many parts of the Hall are currently under renovation, and we had few spots to explore there except for a lush beautiful park in the site compound. The park had proven to be more of an attraction, as we saw Taipei's urban dwellers in their leisure moments relaxing by the ponds and flying kites at the central square.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
21 October 2006: Neiwan and Beipu
Francoise, Jasmine and I went for an excursion to Neiwan（内湾）and Beipu（北埔）organized by the International Student's Office of the National Taiwan University. The objective of this excursion is to allow foreign students like us to experience the Hakka culture in Taiwan. Both places are populated by many Hakkas, and much traditional crafts and food can be found there.
Francoise, Jasmine and I went for an excursion to Neiwan（内湾）and Beipu（北埔）organized by the International Student's Office of the National Taiwan University. The objective of this excursion is to allow foreign students like us to experience the Hakka culture in Taiwan. Both places are populated by many Hakkas, and much traditional crafts and food can be found there.
In Neiwan, we ate rice dumplings that were not oily at all! I was very surprised at this, because I had thought that rice dumplings can shorten our lifespans tremendously. Later, we were told that the entire process of packing and steaming them involves only water.
We had lunch at a restaurant that screens old films in a dining environment. The restaurant was a theatre house before its overhaul, and we watched this 70s' movie that shows the cast clowning around in old-style humour. Rather fresh for modern people like us.
In the afternoon, we headed for Beipu and for once after watching some episodes of 周日八点党 back in Singapore, I had a taste of making my own 擂茶 and drinking it with my fellow companions. Frankly speaking, I was not very used to the taste and most certainly, I did not like the idea of going through so much work before settling for some good brew. Not my style of afternoon tea, pounding and smashing tea leaves, peanuts, and some spices to a powdery gruel and then pouring warm water to it, an entire process that takes a probable 40 minutes or so. Nonetheless, I was still very happy to have undertaken the tea making process! I shall elaborate on Beipu in a later post.
Finally, we arrived at a persimmon farm at dusk. I had never eaten a persimmon prior to this, and after tasting some samples of it I doubt I will ever like it. No offence to anyone; just my personal preference. Anyway, we saw how persimmon dried foods are processed and produced, and had received some free products from the farm operators.
The day had been long but fun. Need to thank the dedicated Taiwanese volunteer helpers for this!
Friday, October 20, 2006
20 October 2006: Chinese History
My forte lies in Chinese history, as I have always hated literature and philosophy. Even if I had scored well in some of these modules, they were due to the fact that I crammed all their content in memory work. However, I seem to experience an overdose of Chinese history these days, drowned by classical texts and their ilk. Sigh..
My forte lies in Chinese history, as I have always hated literature and philosophy. Even if I had scored well in some of these modules, they were due to the fact that I crammed all their content in memory work. However, I seem to experience an overdose of Chinese history these days, drowned by classical texts and their ilk. Sigh..
19 October 2006: Work piling up
Assignments and datelines are coming in. I'm beginning to feel the strain now. Not stress yet, thankfully. Wonder if my NUS friends have been enjoying school life these days. Missing jokes from Boredin the Iceman. Hope everyone is fine! Work hard for Dean's List and CAP 5.0!
Assignments and datelines are coming in. I'm beginning to feel the strain now. Not stress yet, thankfully. Wonder if my NUS friends have been enjoying school life these days. Missing jokes from Boredin the Iceman. Hope everyone is fine! Work hard for Dean's List and CAP 5.0!
Thursday, October 19, 2006
18 October 2006: ISM Woes
Preparing for ISMs can be such a chore. There are so many nitty-gritty details to take note of, and my brains have overworked from playing Romance of the Three Kingdoms XI at past nights. Not as fun as the previous series.
USP friends, give me some guidance on working the ISMs out!!
Preparing for ISMs can be such a chore. There are so many nitty-gritty details to take note of, and my brains have overworked from playing Romance of the Three Kingdoms XI at past nights. Not as fun as the previous series.
USP friends, give me some guidance on working the ISMs out!!
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
16 October 2006: Student Discounts
Sometimes we just love Taiwan, because students of all levels tend to enjoy discounts at many places. Our clique has been enjoying these benefits in our local trips, including cheaper admission tickets into some attractions. However, watching a film here is more expensive than catching one in Singapore, as it costs about S$12.00 for one movie ticket.
To enjoy the student discounts (when I purchase books or simply enter an attraction site), I need to produce my National Taiwan University student card, and very often when I show it the attendants or staff will say, “哦，你是台大的！”, looking seemingly impressed. This is the usual response, that is, if they bother to make small talk (Taiwanese are a nice lot). So it is best that I don't flash the card too frequently in anyone's face, lest I appear to be too arrogant or insensitive.
Sometimes we just love Taiwan, because students of all levels tend to enjoy discounts at many places. Our clique has been enjoying these benefits in our local trips, including cheaper admission tickets into some attractions. However, watching a film here is more expensive than catching one in Singapore, as it costs about S$12.00 for one movie ticket.
To enjoy the student discounts (when I purchase books or simply enter an attraction site), I need to produce my National Taiwan University student card, and very often when I show it the attendants or staff will say, “哦，你是台大的！”, looking seemingly impressed. This is the usual response, that is, if they bother to make small talk (Taiwanese are a nice lot). So it is best that I don't flash the card too frequently in anyone's face, lest I appear to be too arrogant or insensitive.
15 October 2006: Wufenpu Shopping Area
Francoise and I went to Wufenpu Shopping Area（五分埔商圈） after Hisashi had abandoned us for his cycling mates in a weekend club outing. Word has it that in the Qing Dynasty, five prominent clans had divided this area into five divisions and hence the name. Less known than either Ximending or Shilin Night Market, Wufenpu is actually the largest clothes market in Taipei with more than a hundred clothes shops, and reportedly even celebrities come here to create a fashion statement.
Francoise and I went to Wufenpu Shopping Area（五分埔商圈） after Hisashi had abandoned us for his cycling mates in a weekend club outing. Word has it that in the Qing Dynasty, five prominent clans had divided this area into five divisions and hence the name. Less known than either Ximending or Shilin Night Market, Wufenpu is actually the largest clothes market in Taipei with more than a hundred clothes shops, and reportedly even celebrities come here to create a fashion statement.
There is a night market with the regular street vendors peddling food and snacks, and Francoise and I had dinner at a bubble tea cafe (becoming almost obsolete in Singapore after the bubble of the bubble tea industry had burst years ago). I used to frequent bubble tea outlets in the past and have always detested the "take-and-go" concept at stalls, so it was indeed reminiscent and welcoming for me to cure this nostalgia of mine here in Taiwan.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
14 October 2006: Wonderful Saturday in Yeliu!
The weather was fine, and Francoise, Hisashi and I had decided that it was time to visit one of the most spectacular places in Taiwan--Yeliu（野柳）!
We took a 1-hour bus ride to Yeliu, which is located at one of the northernmost points of Taiwan (beyond Taipei). Thus we were able to see both the Taiwan Straits and the Pacific Ocean at the Yeliu Geopark by the sea. There was an aquarium too, but we had to forgo it due to time constraints. Much of Yeliu was seabed tens of thousands of years ago, and is now a plateau of unique rock formations by the sea. Both the seaview and evening view had been scenic and lovely, and Francoise claims that Yeliu is the best place that she has visited thus far! I have never seen both Francoise and Hisashi so happy before!
We indulged ourselves with a seafood feast at a nearby restaurant. Yummy!
13 October 2006: Taiwanese Variety Shows
In Taiwan, I enjoy the opportunity to watch many variety shows, including the latest screenings of 娱乐百分百 and 我猜我猜我猜猜猜. However, I seldom watch TV here, and had spent a greater deal of time on my tours. Here's a joke (a bit lame) by Jacky Wu:
In an international archery contest, a Swiss hit bull's eye with his remarkable skills. A reporter asked for his name and the archer replied, "I am William Tell."
An English had accomplished the same feat, and he said, "I am Robin Hood."
A Chinese did so too, and he answered, "I am 后羿."
A Japanese aimed his arrow at the target board but had missed, and the arrow hit the butt of a spectator. The Japanese sheepishly said, "I am sorry!" (Nothing against Hisashi hor)
In Taiwan, I enjoy the opportunity to watch many variety shows, including the latest screenings of 娱乐百分百 and 我猜我猜我猜猜猜. However, I seldom watch TV here, and had spent a greater deal of time on my tours. Here's a joke (a bit lame) by Jacky Wu:
In an international archery contest, a Swiss hit bull's eye with his remarkable skills. A reporter asked for his name and the archer replied, "I am William Tell."
An English had accomplished the same feat, and he said, "I am Robin Hood."
A Chinese did so too, and he answered, "I am 后羿."
A Japanese aimed his arrow at the target board but had missed, and the arrow hit the butt of a spectator. The Japanese sheepishly said, "I am sorry!" (Nothing against Hisashi hor)
12 October 2006: Back to Taiwan!
Phew! A tiring but satisfying week in Korea had ended! Early in the morning, Francoise and I took a long-distance bus from Suwon to the Incheon International Airport for our return flight to Taipei. This was the last picture that I had captured in Korea:
Phew! A tiring but satisfying week in Korea had ended! Early in the morning, Francoise and I took a long-distance bus from Suwon to the Incheon International Airport for our return flight to Taipei. This was the last picture that I had captured in Korea:
To conclude my posts on our trip to Korea, I must thank Francoise's cousin Liet for treating us to delicious meals in Korea and playing such a wonderful host for us there. Liet had paid for much of our expenses in Korea, and both of us feel rather bad about it. Thank You very much! We had gone for a farewell dinner with Liet prior to our morning departure:
We had traveled in two Korean cities, Seoul and Suwon. We had included Busan in our itinerary but time and weather did not permit us to visit its wonderful sunny beaches near the Korean autumn season. Our other regrets include the failures to visit the World Cup Soccer Stadium used in the co-hosting of the 2002 FIFA World Cup and the Panmunjeom on the 38th parallel line that separates the two Koreas. They are both in Suwon, and we had placed too much focus on Seoul! Nevertheless, I had enjoyed the Korean trip very much. It was my first trip to Korea and I wish to embark on another soon, perhaps to other cities or destinations.
The Koreans had been very nice! For instance, there was once when I had buckwheat soba for dinner and I did not know what some of the side dishes were for. A Korean couple noticed this and at their own initiative taught me how to eat the soba. I was really grateful for that! For food culture, these are pictures of all the delectable dishes that we had consumed in Korea:
This photo shows the interior of the subway train that we had always taken to our places of interest. The subway network consists of hundreds of stations in Seoul alone! Criss-crosses of coloured lines on the subway maps had never ceased to confuse me.
Nonetheless, thanks for the memories, Korea!
11 October 2006: Lotte World
Francoise and I went to Lotte World, located in Seoul as a Korean answer to Disneyland. There are theme rides, carnivals, parades, an ice-skating rink, museums, cute mascots, and graphic theatres in this "world". Lotte World is notably the world's largest INDOOR amusement park, and it comprises facilities in open air as well. We had spent a whole day there, and in this post I shall let the pictures speak for themselves:
10 October 2006: Myeong-dong, Unhyeongung Palace, Insadong, Namsam Park, Seoul Tower and Hanyang River
We had missed the celebrations of the national day of the Republic of China, failing to see the fireworks display and troop marches in Taiwan. Nevertheless, to compensate for this loss, we had made 10 October a vey packed day for ourselves. Early in the morning we headed for the Unhyeongung, which was one of the shooting sites for the popular Korean drama serial Gung(Princess Hours). The palace is modest, but we had enjoyed the serenity. We were literally the only visitors there at such early timing!
We had missed the celebrations of the national day of the Republic of China, failing to see the fireworks display and troop marches in Taiwan. Nevertheless, to compensate for this loss, we had made 10 October a vey packed day for ourselves. Early in the morning we headed for the Unhyeongung, which was one of the shooting sites for the popular Korean drama serial Gung(Princess Hours). The palace is modest, but we had enjoyed the serenity. We were literally the only visitors there at such early timing!
Next we walked to nearby Insadong, which comprises shops selling traditional Korean artpieces such as calligraphy works, fans, paintings, stamps and souvenirs. Hangual drawings and writings can be found everywhere, and an aura of culture transpires there.
We had passed by Myeong-dong on the previous day, but it was only today that we made efforts to explore the place in proper and comb for good bargains. Myeong-dong is Korea's version of the Shibuya of Japan. It has been said that every trend in Korea starts from Myeong-dong, and indeed the shops cater mainly to the taste of punks and youngsters. They offer streetwear and funky clothes, as well as mid-range products by popular Korean brands. Personally, I like the layout of the shooping district, because I can never experience this back in Singapore. Very bustling yet orderly, and with a tinge of Korean pop culture.
With little time to waste (Francoise had bought more clothes!), we rushed down to the Namsam Park and Seoul Tower to clinch good viewing spots for the impending sunset. We took a cable car up Namsam Park, which stands at some elevation from Seoul City. We had our taste of the beautiful Korean fauna and flora, and experienced the rustic landscape offered by the mountainous country. Namsam Park has a small zoo, botanical gardens, streams, and nature reserves and trails. Beautiful.
We bought tickets and went up to Seoul Tower, which is reportedly the third tallest tower (not building) in the world. The night view was spectacular! Awesome! Even the washrooms had been nice too! You can catch night views at the cubicles too!
The night had been eventful, as we finished dinner and proceeded down to the banks of Hanyang River in the central business district of Seoul. HanyangRiver is a river (Korea's longest?) that runs through Seoul, and is instrumental to the construction of so many palaces on its outskirts. Generally, palaces all over the world have mountains at their rear gates and are located near rivers that serve as both sources of freshwater supplies and moats for defence. Anyway, Seoul's city dwellers love the river banks, and we had enjoyed our stroll there.
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