Summer 2013 V.1
Hua-Young Hot Fun in the Summertime
Ring’s Dreamland
Who says only Disneyland can make you feel like you are in a dream? Even a gorgeous store can make yourself immerse in the happiness!
Seven Star Roamance
Twinkle, twinkle, seven stars! The literal meaning of Cisingtan is a deep pool with seven stars, but what exactly is Cisingtan? Why is Cisingtan Beach so popular among people? Let’s unlock the secret of Cisingtan!
Hualien is a fun city to visit any time of the year, but this summer, the city is offering even more exciting events and attractions that are sure to draw in the crowds. So don’t miss out on the excitement.
Tinkling Bells
Chingsui Japanese Temple not only worships the three deities, but also has 88 Buddhist statues. In a legend, if you visit 88 Buddhist statues, you would not get illness for whole year.
Hua-Young summer2013
Editor
Claire Kan
甘沛其
Contents 04 Hualien
Hank Liu
05 Get Here By…
Mandy Liu
06 Broaden Your Vision:
Esme Yeh
1.Ring’s Dreamland 2.The Older, the Better!
Art Director Mandy Liu Molly Lin
劉嘉純 林怡慧
Writers Zanna Hsu Esme Yeh Hank Lu molly Lin Mandy Liu Claire Kan
許 葉 盧 林 劉 甘
紫 怡 文 怡 嘉 沛
涵 秀 浩 慧 純 其
10 Be a Foody in Hualien
Mandy Liu
13 Wow! Thai!
Claire Kan
16 Pine Garden
Hank Lu
18 Hurrah, Huting
Molly Lin
22 Mekaen to Epah
Molly Lin
24 Seven Star Roamance
Claire Kan
28 Holy Hallray
Claire Kan
30 Tinkling Bells
Molly Lin
33 Hot Summer Fun
Zanna Hsu
36 The 2 Must-Stay Vegetarian Spots
Zanna Hsu
38 Smell Fresh, Eat Veges!
Esme Yeh
40 We are Mochi
Hank Lu
Hua-Young is the magazine project of EL3018, taught by Michael Hemsley.
2
3
cture: Molly Lin Text: Hank Liu Pi
lien. of the island—Hua nd la iry fa e th s is wan. Hualien is not want to m ai ill T w of ey rt th , pa an st w ea ai T e to d in th ional When people travel t, Hualien is locate as co n er st k and Yushan Nat ar ea P l us na no io ai at nt N ou o m ok , Tar Surrounded by different kinds of eeing, for instance ts y gh an si m d s an ha s so ce al ur n lie l reso an the landscape, Hua known for its natura es id es B s. rice, ipomoea, Yok s ot sp ou in ic ut en gl sc of n e w ad no m is Park both are well-k , it has mochi which ng of handcrafts, od ki in fo t th n ou he ab g W in d. lk te ta When also no aboriginal feature. d sweet potato are an o ar T s. an be d ade of re e are exquisite. on st desserts which is m se ro You will have an . d an an w de ai T ja , to ng t vi si vi ar woodc pay a like stone carving, r plane ticket and ai an k oo B r? fo aiting So what are you w unforgettable trip!
his is an essential question when the people who want to go to Hualien. In order to solve the transportive problem easily, this following chart includes some types of transportations you can compare them and choose the most suitable for you (Assuming the starting point is Taipei to Hualien.)
HOW TO GET THERE?
Travel Heartlands
T
Train
Plane
Car
35 mins 1,455 3 planes/day
3hrs +10mins Fuel cost Whenever you want
TIME COST FREQUENCY
2hrs + 30mins 445 23~28 trains/ day
3hrs + 50mins 340 6~7 trains/day
FOOTNOTE
Tze-Chiang regular
Chu-Kuang
Bus + Train ( Bus will pass the Country Road Line No. 5) 2hrs +10mins 209 The passengers just need to check the train’s time, for the bus dispatches 10~15 mins.
After reading the chart, you may still wonder some details; thus, here is Q&A that can help you figure out more: Q1: Why does there just one kind of Tze-Chiang train? A1: Because Puyuma and Taroko trains are more difficult to book than the regular ones. Furthermore, the numbers of these two kinds’ runs are lesser. Taroko trains have runs every day and Puyuma’s only on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Q2: What are the interchanges which bus passes? A2: Wanfang interchange Xinyi express highway the interchange of Muzha the Country Road Line No.5 Luodon transfer post. system Q3: Can I ride a bike to there? A3:“Yes” Absolutely. But the Suao-Hualien freeway is still under construction. Therefore, if you do not pass the controlled road within the road’s open tine, you will wait half an hour until the next opening. No matter which way you choose, the most important thing is to go out happily, to back home safely. Have a nice trip!
4
5
d n a l m a e r D Ring’s
Esme Yeh
Who says only Disneyland can make you feel like you are in a dream? Even a gorgeous store can immerse you in happiness!
“Wow! This is really beautiful!” This is the first impression entering my mind when I come across this store on the corner of Guang Fu Street in downtown Hualien, beside the old railroad with an obsolete steam train in the middle. Among a row of stores decorated in blacks or grays, trying to show their cool trend, this store can surprisingly but definitely catch your eye because it is the only one painted light absinthe-green in the alley. Not only does the light green color make you feel fresh, but also the adorable drawings of trimmed round trees on the wall make you feel pleasant. Beside the two lovely lush trees are three pictures of darkgray furred cats in a row in a large rectangular window, and when you lift your head higher, you can see the shop sign “Ring’s Handcraft” drawn in an artistic typeface. ushing the wooden door with a wooden branch-shaped handle and stepping into the shop, you can see the bright room with lemon yellow lighting; in the meantime, you can hear relaxing bossa nova songs, swimming in the air, flowing into your ears, songs which might arouse your memories of being in some exotic places. Though it is a local shop, it can give you the feeling that you are in a foreign souvenir store.
P
6
O
nce inside the shop, you can see that there are plenty of handmade wooden shelves separated into lots of square spaces in all sizes, and there are different accessories like earrings, necklaces, rings, pins, and purses presented in each little square, with a spotlight focused on the goods. If you are going to attend a high-fashion party or have a romantic date, then it won’t be wrong for you to get into the store and choose a piece of your favorite jewelry. Among these shiny and fashionable accessories, the shop also provides different kinds of stationery such as notebooks, cards, and pencil cases with different lovely characters from cartoons on them. What makes me impressed the most is that there is a whole area which sells wooden pens sharpened into different shapes of animals, and every animal looks so vivid that you may feel that you are actually in a zoo instead of in a shop. Though it is a shop with countless goods in it, the greatest news is that the products in the store are not expensive, but have excellent qualities. If you are going to pick up someone’s birthday present, or buy a sweet gift for your lover, it will be a pity for you not to come into this cute store. “Ring’s” absolutely will be a paradise for those who want to choose a wonderful present.
7
The Older, the Better!
Esme Yeh
Pictures are one way to recall the good old days, but are there any other ways to achieve the same purpose? Maybe hanging around in this store can also make you nostalgic.
I
f you go to Nan-Bin Beach via the downtown of Hualien City, then you are sure to see a three-story white building with several big and oldfashioned wooden windows towering on the corner at the crossing of Chong Qing Road and Jung Shan Road. The building is a store named �A Zhi Bao�. Since we do not hurry to the beach, maybe we can take some time to visit this place first.
G
oing upstairs, the entrance of the second floor is on the right side, but before you go into it, you will see many rubber stamps with some famous buildings on them, put in white bowls, waiting for people who want to collect the patterns. These rubber stamps contains patterns of not only the popular buildings in Hualien, but also every train station, and people who love to collect stamps will be infatuated. For people who are crazy about handcrafts, outmoded posters, aged postcards or original products, A Zhi Bao is absolutely a joyful paradise. The importance of the second floor is that it both has the function of arranging the original handcraft, and making itself into a stage display these Taiwanese designers’ works. I think that the most interesting part of the second floor is that there are lots of precious vinyl records presented on the upright piano, and if anyone wants to find nostalgic vinylrecords, then it is the place that you must recommend.
T
he third floor is a tearoom which is a very suitable place for you to chat with your friends. The furniture of the room is made of wood, so it will give you a comfortable feeling and will create a natural atmosphere that can make you relaxed. There are tea, coffee and some meals provided in the tearoom, and the meal will make you feel very healthy because it has a light flavor, maintaining good health. The specialty of the tearoom is that its center is open to the floor below, so you can enjoy your meal and watch the stream of people flowing around at the same time.
A
Zhi Bao is a store which is suitable for both young and old, and if there are some old people in your family, maybe it will be a good place to bring them out, because they might re-experience their happy moments again.
B
efore going into the store, you will see a couple of pot plants placed tidily on either side of a large wooden gate with Spring Festival couplets on it, greeting customers with geniality and freshness. Beside the bright gate is an old sign which only appeared in the 70s or 80s, so if you are eager for returning back to the old good days, it can definitely make your recall your intimate memories.
P
ushing the gate, the first thing that welcomes you is the harmonious classic music, and you can see lemon yellow light flowing around the space, creating the strong feeling of nostalgia, triggering memories of your childhood. The first floor is basically arranged with some bottled homemade organic condiments like soy-bean sauce, vinegar or jam, and those bottles are in an old style of early periods; the silver tableware is glittering under the illumination of light, just like it
8
9
Be a foody in Hualien!
Mandy Liu
Not sure where to eat? Want to try some popular food? There are some special restaurants and local foods which can enrich your tourist days!
Scallion pancake with deep-fried egg
W
hen walking along Fuxin St., I am curious about why there are many lively people gathered here. When I get closer, I see the people lining up in front of a yellow van which is parked “in” a house. They talk about “scallion pancakes”, so I decide to join the procession. When it is my turn, the staff asks me if my pancake should have a well-done or a soft-boiled egg and whether I need some spicy sauce or not. After ordering, I sit on a chair next to the van and wait for my pancake; 15 minutes later, the staff yell loudly “No. 110!” I finally think “it is my turn!” My pancake is made with soft-boiled egg and spicy sauce; when I bite it, the liquid egg immediately flows fast. The pancake is very crisp too, so it is a unique taste. After having this special experience, I find there is another store which sells the same product. I buy the same kind that I just ordered from the previous one. The appearance of this pancake is not different to the other, but it tastes a little salty. Anyway, the yellow van’s pancake is softer and the latter one crisper. No matter which kind of scallion pancake I choose, I think they both have their plus points. Just try it to feel the savor of “liquid” egg!
Li-ming black tea
Li-ming black tea is located on a small lane near the city center. When I go into the store, I am attracted immediately by the paintings on the wall. The boss tells me that all of the paintings are by her daughter. There are choices of many kinds of foods, so I order a cup of ice plum juice and a portion of Chinese omelet. The boss claims that the omelets are the most popular products at his store, for the skins are home-made. When I bite the omelet, the tasting is not like made by machine that the “Skin” tastes crisper. Then, the ice plum juice leaves me an impressive flavor, the juice is not very acid, instead, when I swallow it, the after-taste becomes sweet. There is another thing that I have to recommend, that is the kindness of the boss and his wife. They always show their customers a smile even though sometimes the customers may have a bad temper. Sometimes if there are few people in the store, the boss and his wife will also chat with the customers to share their story. I remember the boss’ wife told me about their black tea. She explained that the black tea is made by them, and has no chemicals whatsoever. Besides, they will mark the bottles to distinguish the tea which is made on different days. The boss’ wife claims that they do that because they want to retain the best quality for their customers. When I am leaving, she reminds me that maybe I can try their black tea next time so I will know it is really true.
11
Okonomiyaki
This is an inconspicuous restaurant exists in Zi-Qiang night market and next to a famous restaurant which sells bread bowl (in Chinese, it called 官財板 .) So, whenever I go to the market, I did not notice it ever. The first time I entered this store was a reunion with my Church mates; I remember I ordered a portion of shrimp okonomiyaki. As soon as I ate it, I knew that I would be one of the regulars here! About today’s dinner, I choose to recall the amazing taste again with my friend who has never been there before. When we get there, I order a portion of fried rice and my friend orders octopus okonomiyaki. When she almost finished her meal, she gives me some of her okonomiyaki, so I mix it with my fried rice. While chewing the mix, I find there is another amazing thing is discovered! The taste of these two things is well arranging despite one was sweet and the other was salty. After discovering taste, I go to the counter to pay; the price is also surprised me that it just cost me 55 NTD for my okonomiyaki! Thus, if you have a chance to there, do not forget to visit this remarkable store.
Wo w ! T h a i !
cLAIRE k AN
Is it necessary to visit Thailand to taste local Thai food? The answer is absolutely “no!” Right in Hualien, local Thai food is delivered!
B
efore stepping into the entrance of 瓦 泰 Wa Tai restaurant, we saw a wooden board
decorated with a smiling couple and bilingual phrase in Chinese and Thai meaning “Welcome” on the door. The board implies not only the good service of the restaurant but Taiwanese people’s impression of passionate Thai people. Finding me standing near the restaurant, the clerk walked toward the door, opened it, and politely invited me to have dinner with a big smile. Then my journey of Thai delicacy began!
12
13
Since I visited the restaurant alone and didn’t want to feel awkward by occupying a spacious
Before I left 瓦 泰 restaurant, I had interviewed with the manager. He told me the
seat and arousing the clerk’s curiosity, I chose the table near the entrance of the restaurant
restaurant was run by both he himself and the Thai chef, who emigrated from Thailand 30
which was the farthest one from the front desk for two people. Glancing round the restaurant,
years ago. Having worked for numerous Thai restaurants, the Thai chef is very experienced
I observed that many pictures displaying Thai culture, adorable Thai ornaments, the national
and understands Taiwanese people’s preferences. Admiring the Thai chef’s ability, the
flag of Thailand, and a big framed photo of Thailand’s royal couple were hung on the walls,
manager, as a chef who excelled at cooking Taiwanese food, suggested her to co-work with
which created an unique atmosphere; I felt like I were at a local The food I ordered was the
him, and then 瓦 泰 restaurant appeared! Even though they know Taiwanese people’s
chef’s recommendation Thai style hot & spicy chicken and a glass of Thai style milk tea.
preference of food flavor very well, they insisted on presenting the local Thai food instead
As they were delivered onto the table, I doubted if I could really hold back my impulse of
of catering to Taiwanese people’s preference so that Taiwanese people could also have the
eating them all at once before I took pictures. The food seemed to be the one dragged from
opportunity to taste real Thai food in Hualien without going to Thailand!
a brightly colored painting, glittering like stars, and surpassed the type of Thai food I have imagined. When I tasted it, I could feel lemon juice and the Thai special sauce slip through my tongue; it’s just beyond amazing. As for the Thai style milk tea, though it looked nothing too different from general milk tea, it definitely has been the irreplaceable partner of any Thai food when we “suffer from” its sourness.
14
15
Pine Garden Set in the east of Taiwan— Hualien, there is a secret place called Song-Yuan. Follow the local people go through the esoteric path you would enter a place where is like the Arcadia. Song-Yuan hall built in 1924, located at No.65, Songyuan St. Hualien City. At the very beginning, it was set up for military affairs, but when Taiwan was colonized by Japan, Song Yuan was also be taken over by Japanese people and transformed into place for Japanese officials to use. In 1945, after the Restoration of Taiwan, the Republic of Taiwan government decides to promote the local culture and humanity, so the government collaborates with the folk company and the non-profit-organization, hopes to restore the flourishing of Song Yuan
Walking straight into Song Yuan, a broken down house surrounded by lots of pine trees, you may be attracted by its atmosphere at the very first sight; also, you will be surprised by how great the sea view is. Going through the door and entering the house, various handicrafts might tempt your eyes, some of the arts and craft are made by aborigines, not only for selling but also promoting the characteristics of their culture. Some of the products are made by The Garden Hope Foundation. The Garden Hope Foundation is a mechanism for helping the women who suffer from domestic violence. To help those in need, Garden Hope Foundation offers the free course to instruct them and teach them the professional ability, like the manufacture of lazurite bracelet and necklace.
Next time, if you have the chance to visit Song Yuan, besides enjoy the time there; do not forget to give a smile to those angels, because your smile can bring them endless warmth.
Text: Hank Liu Pictures: Hank Liu / Molly Lin
16
17
Huting, which is a name from the Amis tribe, was a place for feeding cows in the past. In Chinese, it’s called Niou Mountain because its landform looks like a cow. Huting used to be a pasture for aborigine to raise cattle. As the time past, the aborigines changed their way to make a living, so the landowner of Huting began to run a private scenic spot here. He tries to keep this wonderful nature view and shares it with people too.
Hurrah, Huting
On high way 11, the view is really beautiful. The sky is clear and the sea is shining with the high waves. After 30 minutes, we will see a small and inconspicuous wooden signboard with a name – Niu Mountain Huting. We pay NT$50 each for tickets and then we walk around. We go to the beach first. The sea is clear and clean and we take a little while to take pictures here. Looking around, a hill, which has restaurant and hostel, is beside the sea. Going into the restaurant, the meals on the menu all are expensive, instead, we use our tickets to claim a free cup of tea which is normally NT$50.
Along the seaboard of highway 11, you’ll see Niu Mountain, a beautiful and popular bay with unusual ocean currents and landforms. Text: Molly Lin Picture: Molly lin / Mia
Which tourist attraction will come to your mind when you think of Hualien? Taroko Gorge or Liyu Lake? Most tourists like to visit Tarako and Liyu Lake to see and experience the beauty of Hualien. Undoubtedly, they are worth visiting, but they are not the best places for people who like tranquility and to get out off the beaten path. Along the seaboard of Hualien, there is a wonderland with beautiful scenery. If you want to see the beauty of mountains and sea at the same time, Niu Mountain Huting is the best place to visit.
18
19
Hua-Young Team Instructor Professor Michael Hemsley Getting out of the restaurant, we look around and go up to the hill. We can see lots of driftwood sculptures that the landowner handmade. These driftwood sculptures symbolize rebirth, the spirit of nature, and the landowner wants to show them to people. On the top of hill, there is a ball hanging on a white wooden railing. With the sea as the background, most people like to take pictures with it, especially couples and newlyweds for their wedding photos.
20
漢明遠 老師
Editor&Writer Claire Kan/ 甘沛其 Interests: Travel, reading and doing aerobics The next time our friends and family come to Hualien, we’ll recommend them to visit Huting and go with them. It is truly a wonderful place. If you are interested in Huting, you can go there by car and it takes about one hour from the Hualien Railway Station. You also can go there by bus, scooter or bike. Niu Mountain Huting opens every day, 10:00 to 19:00. The address is No.395, Nuishan, Shoufeng Township, Hualien County.
Art Editor&Writer Mandy Liu/ 劉嘉純 Interests: Shopping and eating Art Editor&Writer Molly Lin/ 林怡慧 Interests: Painting, reading and baking 21
Mekaen to Epah The farmers in Hualien, the aborigines, not only tell the story of Sakizaya, but combine agriculture and aboriginal culture to produce food for people. Just like the aborigines always say, "Mekaen to Epah!": "drink wine!" Text: Molly Lin Picture: Molly lin
In Taiwan, there are 14 different aborigine tribes spread around the island. One of the famous tribes, the Saisiyat, is located in the Northwest of Taiwan, and the Amis tribe is in the East. The Sakizaya, Taiwan’s 13th tribe, is scattered in Hualien. People come to Hualien not only for the beautiful landscape, but also to learn about culture. Kiraya Winery is a really good place for people to learn. On the first floor, there are two entrances. No matter which one you choose, you will arrive at another door. Going through, we come to a small exhibition which tells us about the history and culture of the tribe. Follow the arrows, you can see how the Sakizaya built the tribe and live. Reading the words on the wall will help you realize how they made millet wine, one of the specialties of the aborigines. After browsing, you can buy some small bottles of millet wine to help you to remember the trip or give your friends.
On the second floor is a restaurant which offers aboriginal meals which are full of traditional features. Most of the meals are non-vegetarian, but the restaurant does provide vegetarian as well. The meals here are a little expensive, but they are copious. You can choose a main dish to go with 4 side dishes, one soup, two cups of tea for before and after the meal, and a dessert. If you are not a vegetarian, I recommend Babui, a pork set menu, which is the specialty of the restaurant.
If you’re interested in the culture of the Sakizaya, you should come to Kiraya Winery. It’ll not only tell you the story, but also let you taste delicious foods. It opens every day, 09:00 to 18:00. The restaurant opens every day as well, but it provides meals only from 11:00 to 14:00. The address of Kiraya Winery is No. 510, Sec. 1, Zhongshan Rd., Hualien City.
23
Seven Star Roamance
Herewe come~
Twinkle, twinkle, seven stars! The literal meaning of Cisingtan is a deep pool with seven stars, but what exactly is Cisingtan? Why is Cisingtan Beach so popular among people? Let’s unlock the secret of Cisingtan! Text: Claire Kan Pictures: Claire Kan/ Molly Lin/ Mandy Liu
24
In Hualien, people can admire the scenery of both the mountains and the sea. Except for Hualien harbor, the most popular spot for people to take a stroll along the beach and have an unforgettable experience near the sea is Cisingtan Beach. The meaning of “tan” in Chinese is a deep pool. However, Cisingtan is not a deep pool at all, and there is a story behind the name. During the Japanese colonial period, the original Cisingtan did exist, but the Japanese government stuffed most of it with materials for construction. As a result, the residents who lived near by were forced to move to the area near Yueya Bay, which means “new moon bay.” Because the residents still called themselves people of Cisingtan, they called the area Cisingtan instead of Yueya Bay. Consequently, the Cisingtan which tourists now relish is actually a bay, named Yueya Bay. If very curious about the original Cisingtan, we can visit National Dong Hua University’s Meilun Campus. Hancui Lake at the campus is the remainder of the original Cisingtan.
Since Hualien harbor is far away from Hualien downtown or Hualien train station, most people consider Cisingtan Beach their best choice to admire a natural sea attraction. By renting a motorbike or taking a taxi, within half an hour Cisingtan Beach will present a magnificent sight. Slowly pacing the beach of adorable pebbles, we feel like we are experiencing a natural massage treatment, and our health condition seems to be gently and silently improved! However, there is one thing that we need to notice: we are forbidden to take any pebbles away from the beach. Because the pebbles are the properties of Taiwan’s government and any creatures which enjoy and cherish the beach, anyone who breaks the law may be fined. So, be careful! If we truly love the place, we should keep it as it is!
25
Hua-Young Team Writer Zanna Hsu/ 許紫涵 Interests: Reading, shopping, sketching, bathroom singing and cycling The geographical condition of Cisingtan is peculiarly different from other coastal areas. At first glance at the surface of Cisingtan, the sea looks calm and limpid; however, the strength of the waves turns out to be so strong and potentially deadly that it may drag anyone off the beach at any time. Since numerous visitors have been drowned due to swimming in the sea at Cisingtan, people have been prohibited to swim in or even approach the sea. For your own safety, please follow the rule.
26
With many regulations and accidents, though visiting Cisingtan beach seems dangerous, it is still most people’s favorite spot in Hualien. Because of the beautiful scenery and the regular sounds from the sea which make people comfortable, tourists choose Cisingtan beach as the must-visit attraction in Hualien, and newlyweds even designate Cisingtan beach as the background of their wedding photos. Before leaving Cisingtan beach, one more thing we definitely can not miss is the icecream shop near by, which may be one of the reasons that Cisingtan beach attracts lots of visitors. All the ice-cream in the shop is made by the shop owner every morning, and the price of each ball of ice-cream is very inexpensive. We can enjoy eating the ice-cream while we freely sit in the icecream shop, admiring the sea and the sky. Are you curious about Cisingtan beach? Elegantly beckoning you, Cisingtan beach is ready!
Writer Esme Yeh/ 葉怡秀 Interests: Arts, movies, literature and music Writer Hank Lu 盧文浩
27
Holy Hallray
Many people may have doubted about the generous dimensions of Jing Si Hall. Dharma Master Cheng Yen has said, “There are three types of important places that shall be firmly constructed: schools, hospitals, and Jing Si Halls.” The reason for her saying is that when any disasters take place in Taiwan, these three types of places can be temporary shelters to protect everyone in need. As a result, before the first Jing Si Hall was built in Hualien, Dharma Master Cheng Yen insisted that its construction should be as stable as possible so that the building can last and protect people for over 100 years.
Claire Kan
“A simply designed grand grey building with peaceful praying voices” is the impression that people usually have of Jing Si Hall. Within 10 minutes from Hualien train station on foot, Jing Si Hall has become one of the popular attractions that tourists can easily reach and enjoy. Located near Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Jing Si Hall is the place presenting all the concepts that Tzu Chi, a local charity founded by Dharma Master Cheng Yen, attempts to convey to the world. Entering Jing Si Hall, there is no guard checking visitors’ identities but instead a group of enthusiastic volunteers welcome visitors with a smile. Since some of the volunteers are very capable of speaking English, foreign friends can still enjoy the exhibition and the photo gallery without worrying about language problems. One of the features of Jing Si Hall is its auditorium, which nearly everyone always admires. Stepping into the auditorium, we can directly see rows of elegant wooden seats designed for prayers. Glancing through the orderly arranged seats to the inner area of the auditorium, there is a huge portrait of a merciful Buddha, who is concerned with the world. When people take a close look at the portrait, we may surprisingly discover that the portrait is actually a puzzle-like mosaic, consisting of reused colorful glass fragments!
28
"This is not just the place where people piously pray for themselves, their family, and their country. In Jing Si Hall, positive energy is everywhere."
Jing Si Hall is a place where is full of positive energy. A lot of visitors feel incredibly comfortable after taking a tour in Jing Si Hall. What’s more, there is a legend that if the visitors are focused and pious enough, they can slightly sense the particular ray in the hall.
29
Two Muststay Haulien Vegetarian Spots!
和風民宿
Houfeng Holiday Garden Resort Houfeng Holiday Garden Resort is located in Ji’an Township, Hualien, in a safe, quiet neighborhood. Within minutes you’ll be in the center of this exciting town on the northeast coast of Taiwan-- an area is rich in cultural and outdoor activities. The simply-furnished house provides a very fresh and comfortable environment; this is more than just a place to sleep…This is a place to rest your soul.
Features: ＊ Free WiFi ＊ Free parking ＊ Pet-friendly ＊ Home-made breakfast Address / Contact: No.50, Taichang Rd., Ji’an Township, Hualien County 973, Taiwan (R.O.C.) Tel: 03-8576252 Phone: 0917 – 948948 0978 – 396748 Email: lo0917948948@gmail. com
木目心居素食民宿 ( 想喝咖啡 ) Think House/ Want to drink Coffee •
Picture of Houfeng Holiday Garden Resort
Imagine you leave your bedroom at a hotel or resort,and go to its dining room, feeling ready for a hot breakfast just like what you usually have at home every morning, but looking at the menu, you find out you only can eat salad. Only salad? You definitely deserve more! Pretty much every vegan or vegetarian traveler has had some kind of experiences like this; they have found it difficult to find a good place to stay when they travel. However, if you’re a traveler in Haulien, you’re totally blessed! We’ve chosen two delightful vegetarian-friendly B+Bs especially for your trip.
Think House is located in Ji’an Township next to Ji’an train station, a fully vegetarian restaurant providing a variety of food styles from hotpot and kimchi noodle soup, to Udon noodles and spaghetti. Single orders and set meals are available. Plus, on the second floor, there is a B+B run by the same owner. Think House creates a warm atmosphere which you come here to relax and enjoy your stay.
Features: ＊ Free WiFi ＊ Free pick-up at Hualien station (reservation needed) ＊ Free parking ＊ Pet-friendly ＊ 15% off in June Address / Contact: No.2, Nanchang Rd., Ji’an Township, Hualien County 973, Taiwan (R.O.C.) Tel: 03-8525438 Phone: 0922-599019
Text: Zanna Hsu Picture: Zanna Hsu
36
37
Eat , h s e r ll F
Veges!
The Hualien Farmer’s Market is an excellent way for people to learn how to get along with the earth by growing organic products, and if we go to visit this pleasant market, and buy the organic agricultural products as often as possible, maybe we can contribute our strength to save our mother earth.
Sme
Part of the remains of the east coast line railway is the location of the Hualien Farmer’s Market, and this is the place where you can see lots of local farmers selling vegetables and fruits which are grown by themselves. At the intersection of Fu Jian Street and Fu Ding Road, this market opens from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. on Saturdays, so why not let us be early birds, and see if we can get the worms! What looks like a big house built with dark-brown woods in a Japanese style is divided into several rooms, and each room has become an exhibition for the materials of the early period of the Taiwan Railways Administration. This place belonged to the TRA in the Japanese colonial period, so it explicitly records the very beginning development of the eastern railways in Taiwan; by displaying the railway objects and the precious historical documents, we can learn more about the culture of railways. However, it gains an extra added value by becoming the weekly meeting place for local smallholders who make good use of the extra space to form a small organic market. There are several vendors greeting customers nicely under the canopies, saying “Hi, good morning, how are you? Today we have lots of fruits and vegetables for you to pick up! ”. With their amiable smiles on their faces, you are sure to be lightened up right away; their voices waving energetically, these local farmers make their fresh fruit and vegetables much more glittering under the illumination of the sunshine. You can find plenty of fresh fruits with polished surfaces and crispy taste, and you also can see bundles of green vegetables neatly tied displayed on the stands. This is the most common scene you can see in the Hualien Farmer’s Market, and this is how the group of people has become so crucial in the organic farm business. Most of their crops are grown and sold in an organic and eco-friendly way, and nowadays, more and more people focus on how to find a balance between eating tasty food and caring about their health, so the food sold in the market not only can achieve the goal of people having healthier diets, but also can help these farmers who grow crops at high cost earn back their money. Although there are lots of advantages of organic food, the greatest benefit of purchasing is that if more people buy organic vegetables and fruits, more farmers will tend to grow these crops in a more natural way, so that it is sustainable for our land.
Health is an asset that modern people long to possess, so there are more and more people who care about what they eat. That is why there are lots of organic markets springing up. 38
39
We are Text: Hank Liu Picture: Hank Liu
Mochi
!
Mentioning Taiwan, what would be the first thing in your mind? An island called Formosa standing in the east of the Pacific Ocean? The splendid scenery of mountains and rivers? Very friendly and enthusiastic people? The extremely famous and successful movie producer Ang Lee or the bicycle Giant? Yes, you are right, but do not forget the fine food, you won’t want to miss it! Taiwan is known for it thousands and thousands of side dishes, like stinky bean curd, sausage, friedchicken steak, iron egg, wheel cake, pearl milk tea and beef noodle soup. It is hard to tell you all of the delicious foods in this small column. But in the east of Taiwan, in Hualien, there is a special dessert invented by the Japanese and adopted by the aborigines, named Mochi since Taiwan was dominated by the Japan from1895 to 1945, it shares and inherits many cultural characteristics of Japan. Mochi is a special food made of rice, pounded into paste and molded into the desired shape. In Taiwan, Mochi is made into many different flavors, such as read bean, green tea, peanut and black sesame. In Hualien, the local people even combine sweet potato and taro into Mochi to give this food a brand-new savor. Come and visit Taiwan, it is gonna impress you!
40