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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Our bus dropped us off at the bottom of the hill, accompanied by a cheerful “Goodbye” and “Enjoy your visit” from the bus driver. The dense morning fog was beginning to lift, and as it did, we were able to see the famous stone lions that have steadfastly guarded the entrance to the National Palace
Stone Lions, Morning Fog, and a Museum Full of Wonders Read More »
“If you are a poet, you will see clearly that there is a cloud floating in this sheet of paper. Without the cloud, there can be no rain; without water, the trees cannot grow, and without trees, you cannot make paper. The existence of this page is dependent upon the existence of a cloud. Paper
Dusty Shelves, Hidden Gems, and Endless Adventures Read More »
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 »
“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 »
This year, Taiwan’s public Lunar New Year holiday lasts from January 26th to February 3rd. It will also be the ”Year of the Snake”, which is the 6th animal from the Chinese Zodiac. It represents wisdom, dexterity and charm, and symbolizes the improvement of luck and the arrival of success.
Snake Charmer’s Delight: Happy Lunar New Year! Read More »
