Author : Sue Babcock

Taiwan’s Quiet Role in the Shadow of the Opium Wars

Taiwan was not a battlefield of the Opium Wars, yet the conflicts set it on a new course. Once a frontier of the Qing Empire, it caught the attention of British, American, and French powers. From coal and camphor to naval blockades, the island’s story shifted as the ripple of war drew it into global contests.

Taiwan’s Quiet Role in the Shadow of the Opium Wars Read More »

Under the Full Moon, Taiwan Grills and Glows

As autumn arrives in Taiwan, the Moon Festival brings families together for one of the most cherished celebrations of the year. This ancient tradition combines moonlit gatherings, delicious mooncakes, and barbecues that fill neighborhoods with warmth, creating memories that connect past and present in Taiwan’s vibrant cultural landscape.

Under the Full Moon, Taiwan Grills and Glows Read More »

Ode to Summer’s Farewell, and Autumn’s Arrival

Goodbye, summer of fierce light and sudden storms. You gave us heavy skies split by typhoons, nights thick with heat, mornings of cicadas crying without rest. I will remember the weight of your air, the taste of mangoes, the streets shimmering in late-afternoon sun. You were stubborn, endless, almost unbearable, yet full of life.  

Ode to Summer’s Farewell, and Autumn’s Arrival Read More »

Tradition Meets Machine : The Chinese Typewriter Saga

The Chinese typewriter is more than a machine—it is a cultural bridge. From clumsy 19th-century prototypes to elegant designs like Lin Yutang’s MingKwai and IBM’s electric models, each step showed how tradition could bend without breaking. Today’s digital input methods stand as proof that Chinese writing, once seen as an obstacle, remains resilient in the modern world.

Tradition Meets Machine : The Chinese Typewriter Saga Read More »

A Whimsical Whirl Through Asia’s Autumnal Charm: Taiwan and Beyond

As summer’s sweaty grip loosens and the air starts to hum with a crisp, golden vibe, Asia—oh, glorious Asia—gears up for its fall fiesta. Autumn in this part of the world is like nature’s grand encore, a dazzling show of colors, flavors, and festivals that make you want to twirl through the streets with a

A Whimsical Whirl Through Asia’s Autumnal Charm: Taiwan and Beyond Read More »

Spring’s Arrival in New England : Robins, Mud, and Renewal

Spring in New England brings both promise and mess. A lone robin’s arrival lifted winter’s gloom, sparking lively discussions about the changing season. But with warmth came mud season—a thick, clinging sludge covering everything. Yet, even through the muck, beauty emerged. A hike past Kipling’s Naulakha, with Mt. Monadnock in the distance, revealed spring’s quiet unfolding—sunlight, a crow’s call, and the wind’s whisper. Messy yet glorious, much like life itself.

Spring’s Arrival in New England : Robins, Mud, and Renewal Read More »

Savoring the Joy of Sakura : Welcoming New Beginnings in 2025

“Beneath the sky’s soft glow Cherry Blossoms, like snow Tell a tale in silence true Of nature’s gift ever new.” (Author unknown)     The arrival of spring in Japan is heralded by the exquisite bloom of the ‘sakura,’ or cherry blossom. These delicate flowers paint the landscape in shades of pink and white, transforming

Savoring the Joy of Sakura : Welcoming New Beginnings in 2025 Read More »

Scroll to Top