Sunday, December 4, 2011

Post#10: Reflection of ENGL 271

At the very first time that I decided to take this class, I had no idea about I will learn from this class. In the other words, I did not understand “what is expository writing”, but I signed up for the course. The only thing that I know was this is a kind of writing format that I have never learned before. The first dat that I walked into the class, we were discussing “google ourselves”. Then, everything started from this discussion, we began to learn how to write a expository essay by sharing our ideas. Through this quarter, I learned several important points from the lectures.
First of all, after we chose what we are going to write, the next step is considering who are the audience or reader that you focus. I believe that no matter what kinds of topic, format or tone that you write. It must has something that we want to share, express or describe it to specific group of people. For example, the first post that I wrote in this blog, I wanted to concentrate on the foreigners who feel interested in Taiwan's culture. The night market is the most special culture in Taiwan, so I chose it for my audience. Right this moment, I am also thinking about who will be my audience of the reflection essay. As a writer, who are your main focusing group of the topic is really important. To decided and identify the specific audience also help me to deliberate about what kind of tone or details should I use and mention in the reading. Choosing the audience makes the article to be so much different.
In addition to another point, every article will have various tone. This is one of important factor that will inspire your readers. Tones depend on who is your readers, main topic and attitude of you perspective. I always consider about tone, after I decided how I see this topic and how will I explain this idea when I speak. It might be happy, attractive or professional. Sometimes, I realized that everyone has various styles and tones. Even though they are writing a similar topic, they still have their own style and specific tone of the article. I think that is why people's words are attractive for people to read. I will always remember that tones are import to inspire my audience.
When we are writing an essay or article, we should have a clear objective. If we do not have a strong objective of expository writing, it might make this article lose the points of view. Before I really start to write, I will think again and again what I am going to explain or express to my audience. For example, we wrote a form of Process Analysis essay. I felt everyone has strong objective of that articles. We were going to use our experiences or knowledge to help someone knowing how to do those things. When we demonstrate objectively toward a writing and pursue what we want to achieve. The writing will be effective to read.
I must admit that I am not a person is good at English writing. Therefore, at the time that I realized that I am the only student who speak different native language, I was totally scared and want to give up. In most of time, I make so many grammar mistakes or misunderstanding sentences, but I knew that I am learning not only expository writing skill during this quarter but also get suggestion and correction from other classmate. The peer editing assist me to understand what kinds of error in my writing. When my classmates pointed those problem, I would remember that and try to avoid making the same mistakes again. I am so happy that I insist until the end of this course. I also appreciate every advices from my classmates and professor David. It helped me to grow a lot.
In the end of this English class, I have learned and comprehended so many things about expository writing such as finding audience, using different tones and various writing format. A lot of things that I cannot describe it all. I hope that I can use these learning outcomes to write more interesting, informative and inspired article in the future. Bringing the writing knowledge that I learned from this class to my daily or academic writing.  

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Post #9: Revision— Different kinds of Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is the most famous tea from Asia. In Tang Dynasty, the Chinese had started to produce and drink Oolong tea. Then, through a lot of ambassadors and history events, Oolong was brought into other countries such as Europe and the United States. In Nowadays, not only Taiwanese or Chinese people drink Oolong tea, but also a myriad of occidentals love to drink this special tea from Asia. In virtue of different production methods, processes or various tea trees catalog, and they all have different smell and taste. Orientals always devote time and effort to the development of Oolong tea. Therefore, they created several kinds of Oolong tea such as High Mountain Tea, Dong Ding Tea, Tieguanyin and Dong Fang Mei Ren Tea.

High Mountain Tea
           
According to the name of this tea, we can immediately understand that it should grows in the high Mountains. In Taiwan, tea farmers cultivate high mountain tea in the places higher than 1000m sea level. Since High Mountain's temperature is low and the sun usually has a short time to shine on the place. Therefore, it will reduce the bitter tastes of theophylline, and make the tea smell more strong and sweet.
Taiwan has so many mountains, so it caused that Taiwan can have high production rate of High Mountain Tea. The most famous areas which produce most of High Mountain Tea are Chai-Yi County and Nantou County. Especially, in Chai-Yi county which is the Alishan located -also known as Mount Ali. The High Mountain Tea are produced in Alishan also called Alishan Tea too. The tea farmers plant the tea trees on the hillsides which are above 1200 to1400m sea level. This high terrain  produces the best quality of High Mountain Tea.

Dong Ding Tea

Dong Ding Oolong is the most famous kind of Oolong tea in Taiwan. The place of origin is Luku Town in Nantou County. The meaning of Dong Ding is actually a mountain which is located in Nantou County, and it named Dong Ding. This mountain produces the first Dong Ding Tea, so the inventor chose the toponym as the name of this tea. Dong Ding tea is partially fermented tea is only 30 percent. The most special part of this tea is that after a tea factory bake and dry it, they will put the tea leaves into a cotton cloth and knead to many little tea balls. The best quality of Dong Ding tea should be golden color like amber after brewing. In addition to an impact which made Nantou County destroy and have reestablished for a long time. In September 21st 1991, a terrible earthquake almost destroys the whole Nantou County. Tea trees had serious damage that was hard to redeem at the time. However, after the tea farmers went back to their tea yards, they discovered that there came a huge number of Jacobiasca formosana (Paoli). Due to those bugs, they make the tea produce a different smell that is elegant and sweet. Tea farmers figure out a new idea, they called this tea Dong Ding Queen Tea. The special smell makes a lot of customer looks forward to drink and buy it and turned the tea farmers crisis to better.

Tieguanyin

Tieguanyin tea is originated from Fujian, China. In China, this is the most popular Oolong tea, and it has been invested for a long time. Before 18th century, Chinese people started drinking Tieguanyin. It has entirely complex production processes. Only the purebred Teiguanyin tea trees can be used to produce this tea. Moreover, Tieguanyin is really hard to plant successfully. Tea farmer must need to find the most appropriate place that has good temperature, weather and soil for Teiguanyin. Good skill of tea baking, purebred tea trees and good environment are the most important keys that will affect the quality of Teiguanyin. The best Tieguanyin should have gentle curl, beautiful green color and the surface looks like hoarfrost on the top of it.

Tung Fang Mei Ren Tea

Tung Fung Mei Ren Tea also known as Oriental Beauty Tea and White Tip Oolong Tea. Since the tea buds have many visible white tip on the surface. Don Fang Mei Ren Tea is also only partially fermented tea about 70 percent. Dong Fang Mei Ren Tea has rich fruit and honey tastes. It said that it due to the tea bugs bite the tea leaves. Therefore, if tea farmers want to plant good quality Dong Fang Mei Ren Tea trees, they cannot spray chemical pesticides.


Oolong tea is the most popular oriental tea in the world.  It actually has a lot of benefits for human's body.  Keep drinking Oolong tea may help you stay in a good shape and prohibit some disease such as Hypertension.  No matter what kinds of Oolong tea that people drink, they can gain benefits from it.   It not only tastes great but also provides nourishment that a human needs. 

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Post#8: Different kinds of Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is the most famous tea from Asia. In Tang Dynasty, Chinese had started to produce and drink Oolong tea. Then, through a lot of ambassadors and history transposition Oolong was brought into other countries such as Europe and the United States. In Nowadays, not only Taiwanese or Chinese drink Oolong tea, but also a myriad of occidentals love to drink this special tea from Asia. In virtue of different production methods, processes or various tea trees catalog, and they all have different smell and taste. Orientals always devote in development of Oolong tea; therefore, they created several kinds of Oolong tea such as High Mountain Tea, Dong Dong Tea, Tieguanyin and Dong Fang Mei Ren Tea.

High Mountain Tea
           
According to the name of this tea, we can immediately understand that should grow in a high Mountain. In Taiwan, tea farmers cultivate high mountain tea in the places where are higher than 1000m sea level. Since High Mountain's temperature is low and the sun usually has a short time to shine on the places. Therefore, it will reduce the bitter testes of theophylline, and make the tea smell more strong and sweet.
Taiwan has so many mountains, so it caused that Taiwan can have high production rate of High Mountain Tea. The most famous areas which produce most of High Mountain Tea are Chai-Yi County and Nantou County. Especially, in Chai-Yi county which is the Alishan located -also known as Mount Ali-. The High Mountain Tea are produced in Alishan also called Alishan Tea too. The tea farmers planted the tee trees on the hillsides which are 1200~1400m sea level. This high terrain make them produced the best quality of High Mountain Tea.

Dong Ding Tea

Dong Ding Oolong is the most famous kind of Oolong tea in Taiwan. The place of origin is Luku Town in Nantou County. The meaning of Dong Ding is actually a mountain which is located in Nantou County, and it named Dong Ding. This mountain produces the first Dong Ding Tea, so the inverter chose the toponym as the name of this tea. Dong Ding tea is half- fermented tea that is only 30% fermented. The most special part of this tea is that after tea factory bake and dry it, they will put the tee leaves into a cotton cloth and knead to many little tea balls. The best quality of Dong Ding tea should be golden color like amber after brewing. In addition to an impact which made Nantou County destroy and have reestablished for a long time. In September 21st 1991, a terrible earthquake almost destroys the whole Nantou County. Tea trees had serious damage that was hard to redeem at the time. However, after the tea farmers went back to their tea yards, they discovered that there came a huge number of Jacobiasca formosana (Paoli). Due to those bugs, they make the tea produce a different smell that is elegant and sweet. Tea farmers figure out a new idea, they called this tea Dong Ding Queen Tea. The special smell lets a lot of customer looks forward to drink and buy it and makes the tea farmers turned the crisis to better.

Tieguanyin

Tieguanyin is originated from Fujian, China. In China, this is the most popular Oolong tea, and it has been invested for a long time. Before 18th century, Chinese started drinking Tieguanyin. It has entirely complex production processes. Only the purebred Teiguanyin tee trees can be used to produce this tea. Moreover, Tieguanyin is really hard to plant successfully. Tea farmer must need to find the most appropriate place that has good temperature, weather and soil for Teiguanyin. Good skill of tee baking, purebred tee trees and good environment are the most important keys that will affect the quality of Teiguanyin. The best Tieguanyin should have gentle curl, beautiful green color and the surface looks like hoarfrost on the top of it.

Tung Fang Mei Ren Tea

Tung Fung Mei Ren Tea also known as Oriental Beauty Tea and White Tip Oolong Tea. Since the tea buds have many visible white tip on the surface. Don Fang Mei Ren Tea is also half- fermented tea. However, it the sort of half- fermented tea, this is the tea which are 70% fermented. Dong Fang Mei Ren Tea has rich fruit and honey tastes, and it said that it due to the tea bugs bite the tea leaves. Therefore, if tea farmers want to plant good quality Dong Fang Mei Ren Tea trees, they cannot spray any chemical pesticides at all.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Post#7: Revision— How to Make a Raspberry Cheesecake without an Oven?



According to most of cheesecake recipes, we need to put the cake in oven to bake of the last step. However, we can have different methods to make a cheesecake without an oven.  The tools are easy to get, and we do not have to worry about over baking or do something wrong.  This simple recipe can help you to make a cheesecake successfully,and failure will not happen again.  Get ready, and we are going to make your own raspberry cheesecake with some zipper bags, a stove, a rolling pin and a 6-inch springform pan.


Material
            First of all, we need to prepare materials for the cheesecake.  We can go to grocery stores such as QFC, Albertson or Safeway.  For a cheesecake, the main material will be cream cheese. We cannot make a cheesecake without cream cheese, so we must make sure whether we have a pack of cream cheese or not.  There is what we need for making this cake.  We have to prepare some crackers, 65% unsweetened chocolate, cream cheese, raspberry jam, lemon juice, a cup of strawberry flavor yogurt, milk, gelatin and strawberry flavor powder.  Please check complete material list in below.

Cookie bottom(crust) :
            Crackers 70g
            65 %unsweetened chocolate 35g
Main cheesecake:
Mixing part a.         Cream cheese 150g
                             Raspberry jam 100g
                             Lemon juice 1 tbsp.
                            Mike 50g

Mixing part b.         Mike 70g
                            Gelatin 9g
Jelly Top:
            Gelatin 3g
            Cold water 120g
            Raspberry jam 30g
            Strawberry flavor powder 1 tsp.

Tools and equipment
            Before we really start to make the cake, please make sure whether you have zipper bags, a rolling pin, big bowl for mixing, microwaveable containers or bowls, a pot, a strainer, spoons, a refrigerator, a microwave, a blender and springform pan.  Springform pan will be the most difficult tool to obtain.  If you don't have a springform pan, Amazon and Target will be a good place to get it.   I believe everyone should have other tools in their kitchen. 
Processes (Step by step)
            After we checked that we have all materials and tools that we need, we can start to make our own cheese cake.  Take out zipper bags, crackers and a rolling pin.  Then, put the crackers inside of bags.  This is the most interesting part; shiver the crackers with the rolling pin.  You must be careful that every cracker is crumbled as well.  After done this step, put chocolate inside a microwaveable bowl.  Put the chocolate in a microwave and set about 25 seconds to melt the chocolate.  Add the melted chocolate into the crumbled crackers and mix them evenly. Place them into the bottom of the springform pan and put it in the refrigerator.  
            As we complete the cookie bottom, let's begin to make the main cheesecake part.  We separated to Mixing part A and B part in this process.  For part A, must remember to take out cream cheese from refrigerator, and it will be softer in room temperature.  After it became softer, put all A part material into the blender to mix them thoroughly.  Use the stove and place a pot.  Put the B material milk 70g into the pot, and add the gelatin inside to heat them up.  However, be sure do not over heat the milk (do not boil it).  Next, put the “gelatin milk” into “part A”, and use the blender to mix them again.  Then, we can use the strainer to percolate the mixing liquid about two times, and it would make the cake tastes smooth and soft.  Last but not least, pour the cheesecake liquid into springform pan and place them in the refrigerator again.  After two or three hours, it will become solid.
            We are almost finished with this cheesecake at this point, but we may want this cake to look additionally beautiful and cute.  The last part, we are going to use jelly as decoration to make this cheesecake looks fancy and more delicious.  Pour cold water into the pot, and place them on the stove to heat them up.  The caution here is also doing not boil them.  Add gelatin, strawberry flavor powder and raspberry jam into the water.  Turn off stove, and wait until it cools.  Take out the cheesecake that we put in the refrigerator previously.  Make sure it is solid that we can use a spoon to put the jelly liquid on its top.  Carefully, pour the jelly liquid into the top of the cheesecake. Otherwise, it will destroy the cheesecake that we made.  Next, put the cake into the refrigerator again.  This will be the last time we put the cake inside.
            After those processes, we can read some magazines or watch television to wait the jelly top solidify.  It might be taking above one hour, and then it became solid.  That means we make this cake completely.  You can start to eat it or give this cheesecake as a present to you friends. Making a cake by ourselves will be interesting and funny.   



Sunday, November 13, 2011

Post#6: How to Make a Raspberry Cheesecake without an Oven?

According most of cheesecake recipes, we need to put the cake in oven to bake of the last step.  However, we can have different methods to make a cheesecake without an oven.  The tools are easy to get, and we do not have to worry about over baking or do something wrong.  This simple recipe can help you to make a cheesecake successfully.  Failure will not happen again through this way.  Therefore, we are going to make your own raspberry cheesecake with some zipper bags, a stove, a rolling pin and a 6-inch springform pan, etc.



Material
            First of all, we need to prepare materials for the cheesecake.  We can get to grocery stores such as QFC, Albertson or Safeway.  For a cheesecake, the main material will be cream cheese.  We cannot make a cheesecake without cream cheese, so we must make sure whether we have a pack of cream cheese or not.  There is what we need for making this cake.  We have to prepare some crackers, 65% unsweetened chocolate, cream cheese, raspberry jam, lemon juice, a cup of strawberry flavor yogurt, milk, gelatin and strawberry flavor powder.  Please check complete material list in below.
Cookie button:
            Cracker 70g
            65 %unsweetened chocolate 35g
Main cheesecake:
a.         Cream cheese 150g
            Raspberry jam 100g
            Lemon juice 1 tbsp.
            Mike 50g
b.         Mike 70g
            Gelatin 9g
Jelly Top:
            Gelatin 3g
            Cold water 120g
            Raspberry jam 30g
            Strawberry flavor powder 1 tsp.
Tools and equipment
            Before we really start to make the cake, please make sure whether you have zipper bags, a rolling pin, big bowl for mixing, microwaveable containers or bowls, a pot, a strainer, spoons, a refrigerator, a microwave, a blender and springform pan.  Springform pan will be the most difficult tool to obtain.  If you don't have a springform pan, Amazon and Target will be a good place to get it.   I believe everyone should have other tools in their kitchen. 
Processes (Step by step)
            After we checked that we have all materials and tools that we need, we can start to make our own cheese cake.  Take out zipper bags, crackers and a rolling pin previously.  Then, put the crackers inside of bags.  This is the funniest part; shiver the crackers with the rolling pin.  You must be careful that every cracker is crumbled as well.  After done this step, put chocolate inside a bowl which should be microwaveable.  Put the chocolate in a microwave and set about 25 seconds to melt the chocolate.  Add the melted chocolate into the crumbled crackers and mix them evenly.  Place them into the button of the springform pan and put it in the refrigerator.  We finish the cookie button at the point.
            As we complete the cookie button, let's begin to make the main cheesecake part.  We separate A and B part in this process.  For part A, must remember to take out cream cheese from refrigerator, and it will be softer in room temperature.  After it became softer, put all A part material into the blender to mix them thoroughly.  Use the stove and place a pot.  Put the B material milk 70g into the pot, and add the gelatin inside to heat them up.  However, please do not over heat the milk (do not boil it).  Next, Put the “gelatin milk” into “part A”, and use the blender to mix them again.  Then, we can use the strainer to percolate the mixing liquid about two times, and it would make the cake tastes smooth and soft.  Last but not least, pour the cheesecake liquid into springform pan and place them in the refrigerator again.  After two or three hours, it will become solid.
            We are almost complete this cheesecake at this point, but we might want this cake looks beautiful and cute.  The last part, we are going to use jelly as decoration to make this cheesecake looks fancy and more delicious.  Pour cold water into the pot, and place them on the stove to heat them up.  The caution here is also doing not boil them.  Add gelatin, strawberry flavor powder and raspberry jam into the water and raspberry jam.  Turn off stove fire, and wait it comes colder.  Take out the cheesecake that we put in the refrigerator previously.  Make sure it is solid that we can use a spoon to put the jelly liquid on its top.  Please be carefully and softly to pour the jelly liquid.  Otherwise, it will destroy the cheesecake that we made.  Next, put the cake into the refrigerator again.  This will be the last time we put the cake inside.
            After those processes, we can read some magazines or watch television to wait the jelly top solidify.  It might be taking above one hour, and when it became solid.  That means we make this cake completely.  You can start to eat it or give this cheesecake as a present to you friends.  Making a cake by ourselves will be interesting and funny.  



Sunday, November 6, 2011

Post#5: What is Real Friendship?


In people's live, we will meet a myriad of other persons. Sometimes, lives will bring a person or a group of people who might be worthy and important for us. These people may become friends in our lives; however, everyone keeps asking “what is real friendship?”. People usually have myths about real friendship. In my opinion, friends are the people who are willing to share happiness, joy and vexation with you. Even when we feel depressed or sorrowful and want to cry, they will not leave but accompany with you until your mood turn to happy. We might have a lot of friends around us, but only a few person can become your “best friend” who makes you feel comfortable to share heart with.

According to Webster dictionary, it provide several definitions of the word “friend”. It says that friends is “ one attached to another by affection or esteem” and “a favored companion”. Nevertheless, these definitions are not enough to describe what is real friendship? A real friend is not only means “one attached to another by affection” or “a favored companion”, but it also can refers to an extended definition to explain.

When people meet each other at very first time, they will never realize they will become best friend at all. They might have the same mind like “I don't know this person before, but we can be a normal friend previously.” Gradually, you might realize he or she is easy-going and enthusiastic person for you to be with, and you have the same topic to discuss or you are crazy for the same thing. The most important thing is you are willing to share everything with each other. When he or she is sad and depressed, you will feel worry and care about his or her mind. The same as you, if you were sorrowful and felt everything is bad and unmeaning, they would stay with you and never leave.

A friend can tolerate your characteristic or habits, so you can show them your true characteristic and do not need to afraid them abandon you. When you did something wrong or incorrect, they will not judge you furtively. They will blame you and do what ever they could do to remind that is not good for you. Since they want to to transform for good, so they will tell you truth without any lie. Even though you are unconscious to hurt them, they will forgive you and tell you “Don't worry. We are still friends.” Real friends will tolerate and forgive you thousand times.

As real friends, They truly care about you, so they do not hope you get hurt. For example, If you were happy they will be joyful too. They will concern your mind every minute and never forget to help you when you run into a trouble. They will support at any costs, and what they want just a smile from you. So as you, they are convinced that you will sacrifice for them too. Sometimes, friends might be closer than family or lover since a real friend does not retain her or his love to help you.

Furthermore, in my country, we always say “a good friend is also a good teacher and a nice listener.” People usually have several vexations in their lives. They might not be comfortable to share these problems to their co-worker or family; however, they can ask help from friends. A real friend is willing to listen your difficulty patiently. Then, he or she may provide a lot of methods that you can consider to use to solve your difficulty. You are only a person, but when friends gather that can be a strong power, they will give you nice solutions to solve the trouble in a short time. They might also provide a lesson for you that you can learn more through this difficulty. They are not only your good advisers but also great teachers.

In sum up, a real friend might be hard to find since we cannot predict when will they come into our life. However, they will appear in our life and bring something to learn for us. A real friend will help you to grow up, share every feeling with you and support you without any costs. If you already have a friend or several friends like that, please cherish the friendship and never break it. Otherwise, you will regret for a long time. If you did not find the real friend, it is okay, you can still keep believing he or she will come into your life soon.  

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Post#4: Traveling in Kyoto and Tottori

Kyoto was capital of Japan. Every year there comes a myriad of foreigners to visit this place. In Kyoto, people can easily to see a lot of ancient buildings such as temples, palace and castle. These buildings all have a historical story of Japan. This is the reason that tourists are looking forward to go to Kyoto to see those beautiful building. Tottori is located in western side of Japan. The western part of Japan also called San' in Region. Natural landscape, seafood and pears are most famous thing in Tottori. However, only a few tourists go to Tottori for traveling since there is the country side of Japan, and traveling books or programs rarely introduce this place. Those two places are located in western side of Honsu, and they are the special place which are worthy to take a adventure.

The most popular historic place in Kyoto is Kiyomizudera. It is subsumed in UNESCO World Heritage site and National treasure. Kiyomizudera is a old temple which is built in A.D. 778, and it is located at Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto. The temple is built nearby high hills. When tourists walks approach to the handrail and look over the view. They can discover that this temple is built in an amazing place which is hard to support a huge building like it. Kiyomizudera was found in Heian period. Kiyomizu also means clear and pure water. A Japanese equivalent said that “to jump off the stage of Kiyomizu”, this is really famous expression of Kiyomizudera, and it means “to take the plunge” in English. If people came to Kiyomizudera, they usually bought a lucky bell as a present to give their friends or family. The lucky bell is popular items of Kiyomizudera since it is looks like a ball is filled with many “sakura” (cheery blossom). It is sort of omamori which means protective and blessing charm in Japanese.

In higashi-ku region, there are not only Kiyomizudera can go to visit, but also a lot of places can go. This little area is called Kiyomizu. A temple is near by Kiyomizudera which is Jiju temple. It is really famous tourism spot too. Jiju temple is popular since a lot of girl come here to pray for good love fortune. There are two rocks which are love fortune rocks. They are separated above ten meters. It said that if a person closed his or her eyes and walked toward another rock, his or her wish will come true. In below of Kiyomizudera, there is a little street named Sannenzaka. An abundant of special stores are located in this area. The street make people feel like walk through “time tunnel” and go back to Meiji period of Japan. They sell a lot of traditional food and accessories. For example, mocha ice-cream would be the highest recommended food to eat. Especially it's really hot and humid in summer time, and it tastes really good and icy. This tiny road is wonderful after visiting Kiyomizudera that people can have a meal or stay in dessert place to take a break.

There are at least three way can go to Tottori from Kyoto or Osaka. First, a lot of people choose to take train to go to Tottori. It takes more than five hours and about 18,000 Japanese yen for a round-trip. This is the most generous way. Second, the fastest way is taking Sinkansen. Shikansen is high speed rail in Japan, but it cost higher price than other ways. It takes only three hours to go to destination. However, it costs about 20,000 Japanese yen for a round trip. On the other hand, there is a special way can go Tottori without taking high price and long time. That is high speed bus. Even though it might hard to find information in the English or other languages, but price and service is better than other ways. In addition, most of domestic Japanese choose this method to go to Tottori. It takes only four hour duration, and the price is lower than 10,000 Japanese yen for a round-trip. However, tourists need to order extremely early before taking the bus. They will ask for tourists to provide their personal information. This is totally different from train and Shikansen, but the most convenient way to go to Tottori.

Traveling in Tottori will feel relax and enjoy this place easily since this is the country side of Japan. According to wikipedia, It is the least populous prefecture in Japan.“ Therefore, Tottori is not as prosperous or noisy as some big cities. The most popular place in Tottori is Minatoyama Park. When Spring come to visit Tottori, the Cherry Blossom tree's flower will bloom at the time. Japanese people usually go “hanami” (means flower viewing) when cherry blossom bloom. There is a river called Kamo River in Minatoyama Park. Moreover, Minago jou is also near by Minatoyama Park. Minago jou was the castle that built for the seignior to live before. This castel built in Edo period. Therefore, it is not really ancient building. Minago jou is the most important historical building of Tottori.

In Japan, it has a myriad of historical and special place that people looking forward to go. Every spot has their own stories and background that is interesting to know and go there look around. When people walk into the building, they always feel amazing that everything is so gorgeous that they will never forget. That is also the most charismatic and inspired part of Japan. 

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Post#3: Traveling in Kyoto and Tottori



That was my first time to go to Japan. I decided to go to Kyoto and Tottori which are in western side of Japan. After I booked flight ticket from website, I started to do research and made my own traveling schedule. I had research data for three months. I tried to understand culture, history, special places and transportation. That was an interesting experience that I have never had. I could have a trip that is totally decide and make plan of my desire. A dreamy and fabulous trip I wanted to have for a long time. Therefore, everything place that I go should have a purpose to visit and understand their characteristics. In summer 2009, I made a dream of traveling Kyoto and Tottori come true.



Kyoto and Tottori are the main cities that I wanted to go. The reason that I want to go to Kyoto is that it was capital in the past, so it would help me understand a part of history of Japan. I also want to see those beautiful and ancient temples, and I heard that Kyoto is a place provides a lot of traditional Japanese food. On the other hand, Tottori is the place that only few foreigners know and visit there. However it is my favorite place in Japan when I saw the introduction since I was middle high. Even it was really hard to go to Tottori for a foreigner like me, I still have strong hope to visit there.

● Kiyomizudera
 

The first day that I arrived at Kyoto, I felt that I walked in to an exactly different world. Those traditional temple and edifices around me were fantastic. Since I research information for a long time, I saw the pictures again and again. At the meanwhile, everything became real and appears in front of me. I felt that was the most impact experience in my life. The first step that I visited was Kiyomizudera. Which was famous temple in Kyoto since it is UNESCO World Heritage. This building is national treasure. It was built nearby hills. When I walked approach to the handrail, I looked down the crag. That was most amazing view that I will never forget. I bought a lucky bell for myself as a present. It would reminder me the memory that I visit this wonderful place.



● Sannenzaka and tourists
 

When I left Kiyomizudera, there was a little street named Sannenzaka (三年坂) which is a traditional Japanese style street. Every store at there was ancient but let people feel they walk through “Time tunnel” and come back to the past. It was an extremely hot and humid summer, so I bought a mocha ice-cream. The ice-cream tastes delicious, it has strong tea smell and icy. If I could, I really want to go back to the time that I ate the ice-cream. That was one of the finest memories in my life.






 

After I went to Kyoto, it time to go to Tottori. I took high speed bus to go there since train in Japan costs too much. As a student, I cannot pay as much as price likes that. Originally, I though there is no way except train could take me go to Tottori. However, when I felt depressed and wanted to give up, my Japanese friend told me I can took high speed bus. That was the cheapest and fastest method. After three hours driving, finally, I arrived at the place that I had dreamed to go for a long long time. Tottori is sort of in country side of Japan. I saw mountain and river after I got off the bus. There was a harbor in Tottori. Therefore, seafood in Tottori is famous and delicious. I went to Minatoyama Park at first. It was really beautiful park which is surrounding by mountains and Kamo River. The residents told me if I came in spring, the cherry blossom would bloom that people could see the whole park are filled with lovely pink flowers. I took a walk and spent some time to see this park carefully. It was like what I see from the Internet pictures. I discovered Kamo River was in a secretly place of Minatoyama Park. The river looks so peaceful. The clear blue color let me feel relax and energetic. At the time, I though the nature is most beautiful thing in the world. I also made a wish that I can come here to visit in spring next time. I want to see those cheery blossom trees blooming and bring my friends come with me that we can share the joy.
● Kamo River in Minatoyama Park
● Minatoyama Park
 

This trip made my dream come true. Every moment and memory are precious things in my life and I won't forget it forever. I hope next time I can stay for longer time and deeply feel the culture in the country. I want to visit those places again. I am convinced that when I go back to there, the fantastic and beautiful memories will come out again. Then, I can have new memories with people who are surrounding me at the time.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Post#2: Tenacious and Brave Spirit : Taiwanese Movie Seediq Bale in Venice Film Festival

● Poster of Seediq Bale. 


In the 1930s, when Taiwan was ruled by Japan, a horrifying rebellion happened in Wushe. This history events is called Wushe Incident. This incident was originated by Seediq people who were a Taiwanese aboriginal people, they felt discontented with Japan government's inequality treatment at the time. This movie, Seediq Bale was adapted from a real historical event, and it brought the story about intense conflicts among two different culture. Wushe Incident was an impact in history of Taiwan. Taiwanese Director Te-Sheng Wei brought this story as a movie to show audience this historical event.

Mouna Rudo was chieftain of Seediq, and he was also the haed of the rebellion and the protagonist of the movie. The film started from the time when Mouna Rudo was a teenager, and they lived in the remote mountain. Originally, there were a place which was held by several tribes. They had traditional living ways like hunting for animals, warring with neighboring clans, head-hunting and tattooing their faces as a sign of initiation into manhood. However, after First Sino Japanese war, Taiwan suddenly was ruled by Japan. Japanese entered into their's lives and domicile. The conflict among these two group of people also appeared at the meanwhile. Japanese established schools, post office and police office in their tribes. They thought those people are”savages”; therefore, they wanted to teach them was is civilization. Some Seediq people also have a Japanese name since they were naturalize as a Japanese. However, Japanese's unequal treatment also resulted conflicts at the time. Losing original culture and dignity, Mouna Rudo and Seebiq men felt malcontent, so it triggered them to plan this rebellion.

In Seediq Bale, Mouna Rudo was a character to mold a hero. He is brave and fearless man. When he saw Japanese's action, he decided to rebel against Japan government. He gathered three hundred warriors to join the rebellion. As a surprise, they planed to set out their attack during the school's sport holiday. Seediq people caused a violent massacre, and it strongly damage Japanese Army. Mouna Rudo and worriers said “a blood sacrifice to our ancestors” as the purpose of their rebellion. They uses spears, machetes and guns as weapons, and they had killed a great deal of Japanese even women and children. Until Japanese generals called for help, and a two cultural “war” had started. The most memorable part in Seediq Bale is fighting scenes. Those fearful fighting scenes make people to deliberate again and again why this two group will conflict and through civilization what people earn from it.

The director of Seediq Bale is Te-Sheng Wei. His most popular Taiwanese movie is Cape no.7 which was released in 2008. He is also the first person who used Wushe Incident as material to film an “original” Taiwanese movie. He knew that Taiwanese aboriginal people have a myriad of historical stories, and through this movie he could showed the part of Taiwanese history. Seebiq people and Japanese's situation might be similar to native American and white people. They all wanted to insist their own culture and territory.

The cast of this movie also make the whole movie looks more complete and inspired. Ching -Taiin Lin was the leading role, Mouna Rudo. He was not professional actor; however, he is aboriginal Taiwanese. Director Te-Sheng Wei used a lot of aboriginal Taiwanese as the important characters in this movie. Their special and unique tattoos, clothing and dancing became the significant symbol of this movie. They also different dialogue in the movie too which is Seediq, Japanese and Taiwanese. Seediq was separated in two parts when it shows in theaters in Taiwan.

Venue: Venice Film Festival (competing), Aug 31, 2011.
Production company: ARS Film Production, Central Motion Picture Corporation

Cast: Lin Ching-Tai, Umin Boya, Ando Masanobu, Kawahara Sabu, Vivian Hsu, Lo Mei-Ling, Landy Wen, Da Ching, Pawan Nawi, Yakau Kuhon, Lee Shih-Chia, Lin Yuan-Jie.

Director: Wei Te-Sheng

Screenwriter: Wei Te-Sheng

Producers: John Woo, Terence Chang, Jimmy Huang

Director of photography: Chin Ting-Chang

Production designer: Taneda Yohei

Music: Ricky Ho

Editors: Chen Po-Wen, Milk Su, Cheung Ka-Fai

Visual Effects: Foo Sing-Choong

Action Choreographers:  Yang Kil-Yong, Shim Jae Won

Sales Agent: Fortissimo Films

156 minutes.


Trailer of Seediq Bale: 


Sunday, September 25, 2011

Post#1: Special Joy in Formosa Taiwan


Taiwan is a country which is located in eastern Asia. This little island also had several names such as Formosa. It means beautiful island. In Taiwan, there has an unique Taiwanese culture which is night market, and it attract a great deal of tourists come to Taiwan every single year. Delicious Taiwanese food is famous in the world. Night markets will provide many kinds of Taiwanese food such as Taiwanese style fried chicken, Lou mei and bubble milk tea.


Not only Taiwanese, every time when foreigner come to visit, they enjoy the night market culture too. Night markets are similar to street fair. They usually have above fifty pedlars in a market. People can find popular Taiwanese traditional or new “Xiaochi” -Taiwanese traditional food-in markets.  Most of night markets operate every single day, but some small markets will have different schedule. People can find night markets in urban or suburban area. Every night market has various special products which make them distinctive. For example, guancaiban which is a xaiochi that only provide in night market in Tainan, and Kaohsiung which has famous herbal tea that people will never forget the flavor of it. Those night markets also became illustrious tourist spots.Xiao chi, food and beverage are very cheap in night markets. Those dishes are carry-out food. However, some pedlars will offer small folding table that customers can sit down and eat their food easily and comfortably. If customers were unable to eat any more, they could take those dishes with them, and it would note charge money again. Dishes in night markets usually around thirty to one hundred Taiwanese dollar. It depends on what people eat and buy. For instance bubble tea seldom above forty Taiwanese dollar, and famous food, Lurou fan will cost around fifty dollar. In Taiwan, people can use less than eight Taiwanese dollar and have a Sumptuous meal.

● Famous Herbal tea in Liuhe Night Market.
The most popular night market is Liuhe Night Market in south of Taiwan. This night market is located on Liuhe Road in Kaohsiung. Liuhe Night Market is near to the MRT Formosa Boulevard Station,and it cover a wide range of area. Moreover, Liuhe Night Market attract not only resident live in Kaohsiung but also tourists from other places. This tourism night market also won a lot of awards such as champion of friendly night market and most unique night market in Taiwan. Liuhe Night Market was called Daikongpo Night Market in 1950. It was a little night market in the past. However, in 1620, Kaohsiung City government changed the name of Daikongpo Night Market to Liuhe Night market. Gradually, people and sellers came to this place, and most of famous Taiwanese food were gathering here. Nowadays, there are above seventy thousand of pedlars in the night market. Most of stores have operated over twenty years, and they have the best flavor in Taiwan. The popular dishes include Taiwanese fried chicken, stinky to-fu and rice dumpling.



Furthermore, the biggest night market in Taiwan is Fengjia Night Market also known as Fengjia Shopping Town. It is next to Feng Chia University in Taichung. Fengjia Night market had won the award the most delicious and finest night market in Taiwan. In the past, the area was Military dependents, but after Feng Chia University changed location to Xintu district. It brought above twenty thousand of people move to this area. Therefore, Fengjia night market gradually extending to Fendjia Road and Fushin Road, and now, it became the biggest night market in Taiwan. The transportation to go to Fungjia Night Market is convenient. There are several bus routes can take people to Fungjia Shopping Town. The most famous part of Fung jia Night Market is Price. They offer the most affordable price of every Xiaochi. People can cost a few money and get delicious food. According Tourism Bureau's survey, above million tourists come to visit Fungjia Night Market every single year. It is the most popular tourism spot in Taiwan now.      








Pictures are from:
1. http://night-market.tw.tranews.com/Show/images/Column/5170_1.jpg
2. http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3300/3431693374_a39b0fc3be_o.jpg
3.  http://www.itravelqq.com/uploadfile/2010/0414/20100414034740890.jpg
4. http://072881888.tw.tranews.com/