M
emories of tastes are unforgettable. When these fondly remembered flavors spread through the mouth, whether they come from beef noodles from a military dependents’ village, pan-fried milkfish from Tainan, or Hakka caozaiguo (glutinous rice cakes flavored with herbs), you get a clear and vibrant impression, “Yes, that’s exactly the flavor!” You cannot forget or exchange these vivid impressions for anything.
On Toad Hill in Taipei, Mrs. Tong of the Amis indigenous tribe in Hualien, whose husband hails from mainland China’s Heilongjiang Province, has learned how to cook pickled cabbage in the northeast Chinese style, while Mrs. Ye, a Hakka from Hsinchu who married a man from Jiangsu Province, has mastered mainland-style noodles in addition to Hakka dishes like caozaiguo. It is these nostalgic flavors that have allowed people from different origins to blend together.
This land of Taiwan is also developing fine wines, such as those made by Shu-Sheng Domaine and Weightstone Winery. And young homegrown chefs like Nicola Cheng and Hsiao Tsun-yuan, as well as new immigrants who are bringing in the flavors of Southeast Asia, are increasing the diversity and refinement of our cuisine. Their creations not only excite diners, they also convey the spirit of true emotions.
Education is a painstaking vocation that works for long-term results. Whether it be the Tavalan family who are reviving Sirayan culture, or Alex Wang, a teacher who is driving the adoption of the flipped classroom in Taiwan, they are planting seeds of hope for the next generation.
When Chien Mu, the great master of Chinese cultural studies, delivered his “last class” before his retirement in 1986, he attracted major public figures to attend, including Professor Lu Yaodong, General Kong Lingsheng, and politician James Soong. Chien has long since left us, but memories of his exemplary approach to education still linger in every corner of his former residence, Su Shu House.
Using shutter speeds of 1/2000 of a second, Taiwan Panorama photographers have captured exciting moments from competitors in the Summer Universiade for this month’s Photo Essay.
Art, whether it be street graffiti art or major works in a museum, is a mirror that reflects the myriad patterns of our lives. Artist Paul Chiang’s work The Hundred Year Temple was inspired by scenes of pious worshippers at Taipei’s Longshan Temple. Graffiti artist Bounce incorporated elements of the local culture of Taichung’s Dongshi District when he painted a mix-and-match work depicting tung blossoms, persimmons and a mystical dragon-horse on a restaurant wall.
Whether it be nostalgic flavors that delight the tongue, learner-centered education, or artistic creations, they all spring from the energy that abounds on this island of Taiwan. This issue of Taiwan Panorama will take you for an in-depth experience of Taiwan’s beauty and wonder.
