Journals of an Unfulfilled Journey- 煥諺的人生日誌

Post-Christmas Hike 2010 聖誕後爬獨立山

2010-12-29T12:57:00.000+08:00

Celebrating Christmas and trying to spend some more time with each other, the Hsiao family decided to hike up Duli Mountain, which is only a 20 minute car drive from their home(It's like their backyard!)

This post documents the hard summit and the spectacular scenery that awaited at the end. Nothing feels better than enjoying challenges together with family!

為了慶祝聖誕節及多多與家人相聚，於26日一起去爬家裡附近了獨立山。這相簿紀錄著艱辛的攻頂過程成，及最後的絕佳景觀。沒有甚麼比與家人一起享受及度過挑戰還要更美好!

Duli Mountain(Dulishan) is located in Chiayi County, Taiwan, very close to the famed Alishan(阿里山). In fact, the Alishan railway actually passes through Duli Mountain before heading on towards Alishan. To get to the trail, hikers must drive through some small country roads, so it's not exactly the easiest place to access.

獨立山位於台灣嘉義縣，非常靠近著名的阿里山。其實，阿里山鐵道會先經過獨立山才會通往阿里山。要到獨立山步道的遊客須先開車經過一些小的鄉間小道，所以並不容易找到地點。

Chiayi City in the far left and Duli Mountain in bright green on the far right corner.

嘉義市往獨立山的方向示意圖

Misty clouds and foggy weather awaited us as we drove up a portion of the mountain. Parking our car on this slope, we packed everything we needed and started walking! I haven't hiked for eons and eons, so immediately I could feel a slight ache as the cold weather and steep uphill climb start to take it's toll.

The roads stop here and the hiking starts here

路在這裡停止，開始要用走的了!

Mom in front, then father, brother Eric and Eric's girlfriend, Shirley

母親在前，再者為父親，哥哥及他女友

Some parts of the hiking trail involved makeshift bamboo boards to keep from slipping

某些步道地區是用簡單的竹子板蓋住，以防滑倒。

Bamboo Forests

竹林

Captured this photo just in time!

剛剛好捕到此畫面!

All around us, birds were chirping and insects crooning. It really felt good to be close to nature after months in the concrete jungle(e.g. Kaohsiung), and the air was a sharp contrast too; fresh, relaxing and liberating!

I can't believe this place is merely a 20-minute car drive away from my Chiayi home!

我們周遭處處可聽到鳥叫聲及蟲鳴聲。在水泥叢林(高雄)待久後，能這麼接近大自然真的是個美好的事物。空氣也是個強烈的對比，在這裡，空氣是新鮮、讓人大放鬆、又有身心解放的感受。

很難想像這裡離我嘉義的加僅僅20分車程而已!

Dense jungle terrain are the first impressions of the mountain
茂密的叢林是爬山者對於獨立山的第一印象

Walking up the steep slopes is no easy feat!

走上非常陡的坡道不容易啊!

Lulu, our dear golden retriever, also joined us for the challenge!

我們可愛的黃金獵犬Lulu也接受挑戰，加入我們的行列!

Old Railway Station:

Breathtaking scenery waited for us seemingly at every turn. I was by now sweating profusely even though the weather was less than 10C, and thoroughly enjoying the peace and quiet of the place.

This trail and railway has existed since the Japanese era, and it's no surprise why this area was developed. Just look at the scenery and it's close proximity to Alishan and its timber resources!
In fact, Dulishan is also famed for it's spiral-shaped railway tracks as it follows the local terrain.
There actually also exists a mini railway station here! However, it has ceased operation since last August, when Typhoon Morakot ravaged the mountain areas of Taiwan and severely damaged the railway tracks that run through this area to Alishan. What actually happens is people who want to get to Alishan by train actually have to climb up the mountain to the other side of the tracks to continue on their train journey!

獨立山車站:
令人讚嘆的景觀似乎處處可見。此時，我已經開始大量的流汗，儘管天氣在10度C以下。真的好享受此處的幽靜喔!
獨立山的步道至日治時期以來已經存在，但這並不令我意外，因為這裡除了離阿里山(及它的天然資源)相當近，又因為阿里山鐵道通過此處!在獨立山健行步道流行以前，獨立山因為有螺旋型的鐵道設計而聞名。山上也可以見到獨立山車站，可惜至莫拉克颱風襲擊以來，因為重創
鐵道設施，所以此站尚未復駛營運。要坐火車到阿里山的旅客其實要在這裡下站，並且步行(爬山)到山的另一側方可繼續搭車前進!

The old railway tracks beside the station

老舊的鐵道在車站旁

breathtaking views along the trail

令人讚嘆的景觀

Old Bridge:

When you come across the old bridge, you know you're halfway there already! "Jiayou!"
I don't exactly know the background of this bridge, but it certainly does look old, and the misty fog adds a surreal atmosphere around the whole place. I can almost imagine how Japanese soldiers decades ago must have felt when they started exploring the mountains and came across an arrow or two. Visibility was quite restricted by this point.

老橋:

當你遇到這座橋時，妳就知道妳已經過一半了，加油!我不知道此橋的來歷，但是濃濃的霧產生了一種神秘的效果。似乎可以想像幾十年前日軍到此時可能有的感受，尤其是當遇到一些突來的箭! 這裡的能見度相當受限!

Old Bridge across a small creek

跨過小溪的老橋

Family Portrait.Except for one person...

家庭照。只是少了某人......

The mountains across the beautiful valley

山谷對面的美麗山丘

"Turning Point"

"轉淚點"

Hiking Continued:

Climbing started again after our rest at the old bridge, and knowing that we are about to get to the top, I started to hum and play around with my camera. Our cut dog Lulu started doing "her business" and the "couples" around me starting holding hands. Life could not get any better than this.
在舊橋休息夠了後，我們又開始爬山。因為我知道快要到終點了，所以我就開昰哼歌、玩我的相機，露露開始恩恩，旁邊的"情侶們"開始手牽手，人生此時真是美好阿!

Well-built and well maintained hiking trails

維護完善的爬山步道

Just look how steep this track is!

看看這個步到多麼的陡!

Resting Stop

休息亭

Mom in her best pose yet.

母親擺出最拿手的姿勢!

Occasionally we would come up to hikers returning instead of going

我們偶而會遇到往返的登山客

Fongtien Temple and Lunch:

On top of the mountain is the Fongtien Temple. There is nothing out of the ordinary about this temple of this peak(breathtaking views otherwise), except their very unique services here:

Seeing that many hikers like have their lunch and enjoy their tea after reaching the summit, the temple actually provides free chairs, tables, pots, pans , stoves, utensils, hot water, kitchens, teapots for everyone to use. Yes, it's all FREE!

There is of course a small donation box in front of the temple, and I think this actually brings in more money than if they had charged for all those things.First there is no set donation price, so no-body knows how much to donate. Second...read "moral incentives" from the book "Freakonomics" and you will understand why.

奉天宮及午餐:

在山頂有一座廟宇，奉天宮。這座廟沒有甚麼特別起眼的地方(除了絕佳的視野景觀)，只是祂有一項非常特別的服務: 由於許多登山客攻頂後喜歡在這煮東西吃及泡泡茶，廟與提供了免費的桌、椅、鍋子、炒菜鍋、茶壺、瓦斯爐、廚房、冷熱水、餐具、等餐具給所有人免費使用。對的，免費!

當然，廟宇前面有一座捐款箱。我想這當然會比廟宇人員如果收錢的話帶來更多的錢。首先沒有固定的價目，再者請讀Freakonomics裡的"Moral incentives"就知道為什麼!

Fong Tien Temple

奉天宮

FongTien Temple

奉天宮

Delicious Food and hungry stomachs mix well

美食佳餚及超餓的肚子視絕佳組合

"山蘇" "龍鬚菜"

"Awkeotsang"

愛玉子

Barbequed Pork

烤豬肉

Landscape 景觀 :

No words can describe the beauty, so I'll bring you directly to the pictures:

景觀之美無字可形容，所以我直接帶您去看照片:

Lulu

Directions and other Info:

交通及其他資訊:

	05-2630392
	無
	1.省道:台三省道→梅山→嘉162甲縣道→太平，至太平飯店前右轉五公里→紅南坑。 2.省道:台三省道→竹崎東轉→嘉122號道五公里至松腳→或於松腳貞武廟牌左轉再開三公里→樟腦寮。
	公車：可搭乘嘉義縣營公車松腳線，在松腳下車。火車：搭阿里山森林鐵路於樟腦寮站下，往回走即可。 That's it for today, hope you enjoyed the post!

Heros or Terrorists?

2010-12-21T08:58:00.007+08:00

A great and powerful documentary has recently come up on Youtube, inspecting
the French-Algerian War and independence movement.
This documentary, produced by Aljazeera English, documents the Algerians lengthy struggle for independence from French colonizers after more the 100 years of colonial rule, from 1830~1962.

The French had by then long considered Algeria an "integral terroritory" of the home republic, and 1.7 million French had settled in Algeria by the 1950s.

Ironic that France considers itself the land of "Liberté, égalité, fraternité", as there were two classes in this land, the white Europeans and the "natives".

Wikipedia:

"Even before the decision was made to annex Algeria, major changes had taken place. In a bargain-hunting frenzy to take over or buy at low prices all manner of property — homes, shops, farms and factories — Europeans poured into Algiers after it fell. French authorities took possession of the beylik lands, from which Ottoman officials had derived income. Over time, as pressures increased to obtain more land for settlement by Europeans, the state seized more categories of land, particularly that used by tribes, religious foundations, and villages[citation needed].
Called either colons (settlers), Algerians, or later, especially following the 1962 independence of Algeria, pieds noirs (literally, black feet), the European settlers were largely of peasant farmer or working-class origin from the poor southern areas of Italy, Spain,[12] and France. Others were criminal and political deportees from France, transported under sentence in large numbers to Algeria. In the 1840s and 1850s, to encourage settlement in rural areas, official policy was to offer grants of land for a fee and a promise that improvements would be made. A distinction soon developed between the grands colons (great settlers) at one end of the scale, often self-made men who had accumulated large estates or built successful businesses, and smallholders and workers at the other end, whose lot was often not much better than that of their Muslim counterparts. According to historian John Ruedy, although by 1848 only 15,000 of the 109,000 European settlers were in rural areas, "by systematically expropriating both pastors and farmers, rural colonization was the most important single factor in the destructing of traditional society.
The colonial regime imposed more and higher taxes on Muslims than on Europeans. The Muslims, in addition to paying traditional taxes dating from before the French conquest, also paid new taxes, from which the colons were normally exempted. In 1909, for instance, Muslims, who made up almost 90% of the population but produced 20% of Algeria's income, paid 70% of direct taxes and 45% of the total taxes collected. And colons controlled how these revenues would be spent. As a result, colon towns had handsome municipal buildings, paved streets lined with trees, fountains and statues, while Algerian villages and rural areas benefited little if at all from tax revenues.
"

The indepedence movement grew traction gradually and France, evermore desperate, started using "anti-terrorist tactics" on the natives, brutally suppressing the FLN Movement.
Brutalities and retaliations were commited by both sides, which brings us to a central question: Under times of crises, is there still a moral boundary? an integral value that never sways?

Policies started bearing uncanny resemblence to state sanctioned torture, which added more fuel to the fire.

Hypocritically, France itself had 20 years before gained independence from the Nazi-backed regime after many struggles, and yet, 20 years on, stridently refuse to give up what they themselves had been subjected to.
The really unfortunate group of people, with the most to lose, as the video greatly brings up, are the Algerian Muslims(natives) who fought for and were loyal to the French Republic post-independence, as they were regarded as traitors by the locals, and were often hunted down and killed. Furthermore, the French Government disbanded their unit without any other supporting measures, and after so many sacrifices for France, were refused immigration into France, while all Europeans settlers were allowed.

Skin-color apartheid, anyone?

That is the double standard humans often employ, and can shed some light on the human pysche, especially when vested interests are involved.

Definitely a must-watch!

Readers, I leave you with a ~~conflict~~ proverb that is applicable in every conflict from the Algerian War, IRA, Taliban to the Iraqi Insurgency:
"Terrorists are evil to some and heros to others."

When Ruby Went Away

2010-10-18T00:29:00.000+08:00

When Ruby went away,

it was on a rainy day.

Pity she couldn't stay,

for just one more day.

What am I to say?

When I patted her head,

my heart was filled with dread,

so I gave her a piece of bread,

for the days ahead.

What am I to say?

When the car left with her inside,

with my brother at her side,

I knew I had to let her go,

with my head hanging low.

What am I to say?

I will miss the walks we had,

or the time I had to scold her bad.

Maybe even the hot chocolate she made.

I know what I shall say !

I will miss you bad,

and cherish the times we've had.

Be good ,

and have a good life ahead.

Kaohsiung Room for Rent, GREAT location!超棒房間出租:地點超棒(長短期/男女皆可!)

2010-06-23T23:51:00.006+08:00

長短期/男女皆可喔!

Kaohsiung Room for Rent

-------------------------------

Large Room For Rent, GREAT, GREAT location!

超優房間出租:地點超棒!

Are you tired and fed up of the dormitory?厭倦了宿舍群體生活?
Do you wanna stay in a great place this summer and enjoy total freedom?! 想住很棒的地點，完全自由?
do you want to enjoy true convenience?想要享受真正的便利生活?

(離文藻: 5分鐘 5mins to Wenzao)

My brother Eric's leaving, bound for Alaksa, so....
我哥將要離開，去阿拉斯加了，所以....

His room is up for rent!

他的房間要出租!

featuring:
房間圖片:

A majestic double bed "no worries about "guests" staying"
優雅雙人床

Computer Table+Work Table "true multitasking"
書桌+電腦桌

Large Windows "excellent ventilation"

大窗戶 "通風優良"

Everything Provided "no extra $$"
應有盡有 "不需額外花費"

Your Own Bathroom "total privacy"
自己的浴室 "完全隱私"

   You have company "no boring day"
   你/妳有伴"沒有一天不精采"

kitchen with pots&pans and cutlery, washing machine, TV, are ALL included!!!
   廚房廚具、洗衣機、電視都有!

   Wait!
   等等!
   There's more
   還有:
within 2 minutes walking distance, there is:
   步行兩分鐘，即有:

Big Park, open space in the City!
城市中的大公園!(實景)

convenience stores 便利商店

   85C Cafe and nice restaurants across the street
   85度C咖啡館+眾多優良餐廳

   Next door, good food and beer!
   隔壁，100熱炒+啤酒

   Night Market in 2 minutes, yummy!
   兩分鐘就有夜市!肚子在叫了!!

A market nearby, cook your own!
附近黃昏市場，自己下廚!

   City Streets
   街頭景象

   and all this for just
   這麼多好處只要.......

* This apartment belongs to my parents, so EVERYTHING is negotiable.
*這間公寓屬於我父母親的，所以所有事情都"好談"

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WE ACCEPT LADIES&Gents
我們接受男性/女性防客

Rent房租: NT$3000/month月
including: TV+Water+electricity
包含: 電視、水費、基本電費

NOT including: internet+electricity(AC)
不包含: 網付費+冷氣電費

You will live with:
您的室友有:

Lucy Wang, service industry
王佳君, 服務業

   Donivan Hsiao, T&I Senior
   蕭煥諺, 翻譯系要升大四

Disclaimer: We accept both male and female tenants on the basis of mutual respect. We are all responsible adults and should behave so. We try to build an atmosphere of family warmth and kindness towards each other in the apartment, and it should maintain that way.

If you are interested, please email me:

   donnyhsiao@msn.com
or call me:
   0963077670

蕭煥諺 Donivan Hsiao

!!協尋!! 大家"狗肉收索"，幫忙Rocky找回家的路!

2010-04-21T22:42:00.006+08:00

!!協尋!!

本隻黃金獵犬於

99年04月20日約晚上11點多在

本和里公園遺失，名叫Rocky，

已成犬。特徵為身軀瘦長，個性

溫馴，尾巴幾乎無毛，後背部有

不均勻的剃毛痕跡，胸前有一大

塊白毛，脖子有佩戴鐵鍊。

懇請大家幫忙注意與尋找，我們

會非常誠心感謝您。

如果有任何消息，請撥打

0963077678,

0973015072或0917256728

蕭先生

主人非常焦急，希望大家可以幫Rocky找回他的家!

。

Kaohsiung Biking Trip 高雄鐵馬單車一日遊-WINDOSA Official Survey 場勘記

2009-12-16T00:57:00.043+08:00

Kaohsiung Biking Trip 高雄鐵馬單車一日遊

WINDOSA Official Survey 場勘記

It's hard to believe that its been almost 6 months since I've last been able to touch my blogger
account. Judging by all the spam comments I've been getting(weirdly all Japanese, see for yourself), it also needs some help in the maintenance section. What, you might ask, spurred me to start reactivating the blogger bug deep within me? What would entice me enough to start dusting off my keyboard(figuratively, of course) and laboriously -really!- start cherry-picking photos from the hundreds and hundreds ( 573, ask Rio!) I took for this post?

很難相信距離我上次碰我Blogger帳號已經有6個多月了。看一看我的留言區就知道這部落格需要維護了!(很奇怪，留言都是日文的)。你或許會問是什麼喚起了我內心深處的「寫部落格癮」?
是甚麼吸引我到把鍵盤的灰塵清掉(比喻啦!)且辛辛苦苦地開始精心地從好幾百張(573,問Rio)挑選這貼文所需的特定幾張?

Sorry to disappoint. It did not come from the poetic side of me (Read my previous posts, ha), nor the moody one, but rather official business. My dear friend Sabina Satriyani, an international student at our school from Jakarta, Indonesia, is the president of WINDOSA, an acronym for Wenzao Indonesian Student's Association. She endorsed an event I proposed for her club( I'm a member), and henceforth this post, which documents a survey trip me and fellow organisers took on a sunny Saturday to hone out the intricate details for the planned trip,
which will take place on December 26th, 2009.

抱歉要讓您失望了。它不是因為我詩意的個性亦不是憂鬱的個性而寫的(讀我前幾篇貼文)，
而是，「公務」。我親愛的好朋友，從印尼雅加達來的國際學生施悅平也是學校印尼學生會的
會長。他支持並核准了我所提出的這個活動，因此才有這貼文。它記錄了我跟組員在一個陽光普照的周六下午所進行的活動場勘，來加以把活動細節搞清楚。這活動將於2009年12月26日進行。

With a population of 1.5 million, Kaohsiung is Taiwan's second largest city, and also an industrial and shipping hub, responsible for over 70% of Taiwan's shipping freight volume.
Kaohsiung city is also a city in tranformation. Trying to shake off its shaky past as "the black lung" of Taiwan, it has been actively cleaning up its act and pursuing a diversification of its industries and reaching out into other sectors, such as tourism and high-tech industries.
Notoriously foul rivers have been cleaned, many trees planted, parks built and a facial make-up of the city implemented. It hosted the World Games 2009. Leisure activities is also one thing the city is now emphasizing on its residents (Taiwanese are workaholics), with many facilities built all over the city, biking one of them. So, how effective has this tranformation been?
We shall see:

高雄市是台灣第二大都。擁有150萬人口的高雄市，是一座工業及港口城市。他負責了超過70%
的台灣海運進出口業務。高雄市也是個再脫變的城市。為了試圖擺脫台灣「黑肺」的惡名，
高雄市很積極的改善並鼓勵市內產業的多元化及接觸如科技業等的產業。惡名昭彰的河流已清理、種植了許多樹、蓋了許多公園及改善了城市市容。高雄市今年也舉辦了2009年世運比賽。

所以這個脫便有沒有見效? 請看以下內容:

Event: Windosa Kaohsiung Bike Trip
Start Location: New Zuoing MRT Station
Finish Location: Cijin Island
Time: December, 26th, 2009 12:30 PM
Route: See Map
Helpful Website: http://pwbgis.kcg.gov.tw/bicycle/happytravel.aspx?index_no=1.2
Note: Bring at least NT$ 250, prepare own water, do not double ride, OBEY
organisers, watch out for traffic, enjoy!
ApplyNow: Send to donnyhsiao@msn.com(Donivan) or pOnkzz@hotmail.com(Rio)

活動: WINDOSA 高雄采風悠遊行

開始地點: 高雄新左營捷運站

終點: 旗津海灘

時間: 2009年12月26日下午12:30

路線: 請參見以下地圖

好站分享: http://pwbgis.kcg.gov.tw/bicycle/happytravel.aspx?index_no=1.2

注意事項: 請攜帶約至少NT$250，準備自己飲水，不要併騎，遵守主辦人指示，注意交

通，開心玩吧!

報名:

Route Labelled in Red. 路線以紅色標記。約23KM

Author's note: the following descriptions will be written in English only. He cites laziness as the main reason. 注:以下內容將只以英文呈現，全部中英對照很累又很煩!

Lunch was eaten at a fast pace as we were already late for our starting time. We had intended to start at 1:00Pm, but by the time we started on our trip it was already thirty minutes past one. For those of you who will be joining us on our formal trip on the 26th, please know that we will be expending much energy during our trip, so eating an adequate amount of food is absolutely necessary prior to starting on the trip.

Starting from the rear entrance of our school, we chanced upon Sabina, Windosa President and her entourage of fellow Indonesian students. With their blessings, we started on our "epic" journey, delving into the haze of scooters and car exhaust that plague the streets around Wenzao.

( Well-wishers taking a group picture and bidding us good luck. L>R, Me, Rio, Angela, Paula, and Betty.我們的加油團助我們好運。)

After 30 minutes or so, we arrive at the High Speed Rail Station in Zuoing District. This is the place we we are going to start and also the place where we get to rent our bicycles. From here on, there are dedicated bike paths all through the journey, so we are very safe.

三十幾分鐘後我們抵達了左營的高鐵車站。這是我們的起始點也是我們租用腳踏車的地方。從這開始均有腳踏車步道，所以路途很安全。

( The High Speed Rail and Zuoing MRT Station. 高鐵及左營捷運站)
(Rio surveys the road and pathway to take. Rio檢視路況及騎乘路線)

We take a shortcut and soon arrive at our first destination, the Indigenous
Botanical Gardens. The smell of dew, fresh-cut grass and the fragrance of the trees wafts throught the air around us as we ride through this amazing park. Man-made mini hills and ponds sit serene as bicycle tyres whiz past, its occupants exhaling with joy the fresh air that permeates this rare retreat from the huzz and buzz of the city streets to the side.

(A boulevard of green trees welcome us as we ride into the park. All plants here are indigenous to Taiwan. 一條綠廊迎接了我們的到來。這裡的所有植物都是台灣原生物種。)
( A large open green space is the perfect place for a picnic on such a fine day. 這塊遼闊的草地非常適合野餐。尤其當天天氣又那麼好。)
( Betty(L) and Rio(R) are exuberant with joy at discovering such a fantastic location to relax and be merry. Betty及Rio看到如此可以放鬆又愉快的地方，充滿著喜悅感。)
( Me(L) and Rio(R) taking a time-out to take a picture. Remember to wear a helmet like us, safety first! 我(左)跟Rio(右)休息片刻拍個照來留念。記得向我們一樣要戴安全帽，安全第一!)
( This is a glorious place to take pictures of bicycles lying down like this. My trustworthy bike is taking a nap lying down. 這是為腳踏車拍寫真集很棒的地方。我牢靠的腳踏車躺在地上打瞌睡。)
( The visitor centre-cum-restroom situated disctreetly between a group of trees. 遊客中心暨洗手間

隱隱約約的坐在一群樹裡)

After we pass through the Indigenous garden, we come across an indigenous forest section and we were astounded by the well-maintained forests. We felt as if we were surrounded by nature at its purest. Birds chirped around us and I have even seen one squirrel or two!There are very few people at this time of the hour(2PM) so we have the whole place to us to discover and survey. The brick paths here are more tougher to ride so we had to be careful for twigs and other larger obstacles on the ground and in the air-squirrel poop, anyone?- falling down on us.

(Lush green unkempt, therefore natural, forests all around us. This was like heaven when we were riding! 綠意盎然的樹木覆蓋了整個原生森林區。這裡好像天堂喔!)

(Rio riding in front, leading the pack. Rio騎在第一順位，帶領我們。)

(Betty with her face brimming with contentment riding through the park. 臉上充滿滿足感的Betty騎過森林區。)

Then we arrive at Kaohsiung's famed Lotus Pond. Being a very positive place for feng shui and other traditional practices, it features over 40 temples along the banks of the pond. Benches and tables are set alongside the embankment we observed as we take a rest. Songs and chants blare out from some of the temples as we ride past, thinking of all the care and preservation to maitain all the structures alongside Lotus Pond.

( I envy the benches and the trees. They can watch the sunset everyday. 我好羨慕那條板凳和樹木。他們每天都可以看得到日落!)

( Two middle-aged fishers talked spiritedly as they tried their luck in catching fish. 兩位中年男子樂烈的講會，試圖要釣到魚為止。)

( The sharing of water is a commendable act. Remember to bring your own bottle of bottled water for your bicycle. 分享喝水是一個該讚許的行為。記得要帶自己的水來喔!)

( Some people relaxing under the shade of a tree near the banks of river, sipping tea 一些市井小民坐在岸邊享受好天氣!)

This is the bike we have got to rent for your trip. It is a wonderful bike, easy to ride and with comfortable seats這台腳踏車就是我們要租用的折疊車。很好騎又舒適，真是方便!)
( We rode a circle around the Pond, although I would say its big enough to be a pond, don't you?我們騎了一圈。為什麼不是湖而是潭啊?)

(This is the basic accessory to have on a mid to long-distance bike. Pouches, lights and timers are necessary. 這是中途道長途所需的基本配備之一：包包、手電筒、碼表都是必備品!)

We arrive at the gates of the Confucious Temple located within the vicinity of Lotus Pond. It is a big temple built in the classical northern style architecture (I think), and looks like a mini palace (though not lavish enough) rather than a temple. If you are into Confucious, then the place is worth a visit.

(Betty and Rio posing in front of the main gates of the temple. Betty及Rio在孔廟前們合照)

(Rio on his bicycle, which was borrowed from my dear friend Doris. Thanks Doris!Rio在他的腳踏車上。腳踏車是跟我朋友Doris借的，謝謝Doris!)

(On the other side of the Pond, we come a across many large statues of traditional gods and dieties. There are literally hundreds of temples here on the Pond, as I mentioned before. 在潭的另一面我們遇到了很多有大神像的廟。蓮池潭這應該有上百座廟!)

(This is the bikeway we'll be taking. Isn't it pleasant and idyllic?我們要騎的單車道，不覺得很棒嗎?)

( This is one of the most well-known temples in Taiwan. It's called the Dragon and Tiger Pagoda. Yeah, you can walk into the mouth, it won't bite... 這是台灣最有名的廟之一，叫做「龍虎塔」。對，你可以走進它的嘴巴，不會咬...)

(An old busker singing a jazz tune under an old tree. He was very good and the Japanese tourists surrounding him cheered him on. 一位老的街頭藝人在老樹底下吹起一首爵士搖。它吹得很老，旁邊的日本遊客還常常給他拍手鼓勵)

(Some guys fishing, wanna go anyone(I've still got rods and equipment left over from South Africa? 一些中年男子在釣魚，誰要去釣魚啊?我還有從南非留下來的釣魚器具)

(We leave Lotus Pond through the main gates. The insigna in front of the gate is from the World Games held in Kaohsiung this year. 我們從門口再次的離開了蓮池潭。大門前面的標誌是今年世運的。)

We ride to Bo-Ai Road(博愛路). Most of you might know this road from the Kaohsiung Arena and the adjoining Hanshin Department Store. Its a beautiful, modern and busy thoroughfare that leads to the CBD. Luckily for us, there are bike paths here too! so we don't have to worry about traffic, only human traffic maybe, LOL!

( The predestrian walk on Bo-Ai Rd. 博愛路的人行道)

( Me riding along this road. As you can see, I love wearing black, haha. 我騎著我的鐵馬。看看我多愛穿黑色，哈哈)
( Hanshin Department Store, one of the 10+ department stores(one too many, I think) in Kaohsiung City. 高雄的漢神巨蛋百貨公司。)

( Predestrians come out from the MRT Station. Going shopping I guess.. 行人走出捷運站，可能是去逛街吧)

( Foreign residents play some football on a school located on BoAiRoad. 一些外籍人士在博愛路的操場上踢足球)

( Me posing before the Kaohsiung Arena.我站在高雄巨蛋前)

(A normal narrow street/road in Taiwan. There are two things Taiwan has plenty of; scooters and
apartment buildings. )

(Street scene in BoAi Road. Notice the bicycle crossing sign on the lower-left corner. 博愛路的街景，注意左下方的單車專用標誌)

(A baskeball court along the road. 沿街的籃球場。)

( Don't you think its so special? A bench and a single tree in the middle of a large field. 不覺得很奇特嗎? 一坐板凳及一顆樹在一片大草地中央，其他東西都沒有)

We come to our next destination, the Heart of Love River. This venue one numerous accolades after it was completed. At night its lighted up and casts a very romantic atmosphere over the whole place(As you can see in my Facebook album). 我們來到了下一個景點，愛河之心。這公共建設完成之後贏得了許多建築大獎。晚上時會點亮並且非常浪漫，可以在我的Facebook (donivan hsiao) 觀看相簿。

(Me, Donivan Hsiao我)

(Rio(L) and Betty(R), were taking time out to rest. 休息片刻)
( A bridge spanning the river. It was built in the shape of a heart, hence its name. 一座橫跨水體的橋。為何叫「愛河之心」?因為形狀像愛心嘛!)
( Betty and Rio )
(One can take a tour ferry here, which will take you to the mouth of the river connecting with the sea. 可已在這搭「愛之船」到港邊看盡沿途風景)
(Betty(R) and Me, Donivan Hsiao)

Impressed? So are THEY!

" So come JOIN US!"

Let's GO!

( Rio and Betty riding off into the sunset. Rio 及Betty)

Why is it called the Love River?

There's no romantic or tragic Romeo-and-Juliet-ish tale to be told here, guys.

Orginally named the Benevolent Love River(仁愛和), it was a favorite dating spot among youngsters many decades back. That was before the general industrialization of Taiwan, back when wooden pulps were still transported to sea across this canal. After the industrialization of the 60s and 70s, lack of environmental concern turned this once beautiful river/canal into an industrial wasteland. People avoided it if possible. One year, a typhoon wrecked the city, and after the storm a reporter from the north came to Kaohsiung to report on the disaster. He saw a banner advertisement with a part torn, revealing 「愛河」(love river), therefore ostensibly thinking that was the name of the river. Lame right?

Cleanup efforts by subsequent mayors, especially widely-credited Frank Hsieh, who was the last presidential candidate, transformed this former shame into the new face of Kaohsiung. It is now an oasis harbouring diverse wildlife. People now jog, walk and chat beside this river. Fishes flow freely in its waters and people play water sports on its surface. Cafes are plenty and it is now the most famous tourist spot in Kaohsiung.

( The start of the 8-km long river. 愛河前的河段)

( Lush green foilage along its embankment. 綠意盎然的綠地在它的沿岸)

(Many residents take a leisurely ride along its banks. 很多市民愛悠閒的采風悠遊愛河)
( Betty can't wait to discover the spots along the river. And go to the toilet. Betty等不及欣賞美景。及去上廁所。。。)
( A tarmac-like substance makes this bike path an easy ride. 似柏油的鐵馬步道使得騎車容易)
( Flowers blooming along the sides. Couldn't resist to take this one.在旁邊的花朵，忍不住拍下來!)

OMG!我的天啊!

"I've never seen L.R. so clean before! you can see right to the bottom, and there are fish swimming!我從沒看過愛河如此清澈，可以看到底部及魚群!"

(Does this scene look like it came out of a commercial? the serenity! 這景象好像從廣告出來得吧?)

( Gulls are a clear sign that there is life in the river海鷗很明顯的顯示水裡有生命)
(The sun is setting! We better ride fast! 太陽快下山了，要快騎!)
(River scene. See that yacht parked there in the background. Who said we Taiwanese don't know how to have fun and relax?)

( A bench fashioned out of wood where we take a rest. 用木材做得板凳格外的吸引人)

( Rio and Betty take a rest. Rio 及Betty休息片刻)

(Rio leading the pack. Rio騎在前頭)

( We turn here along the bridge to the other side. Notice the signage. 我們在這轉到彼岸，注意箭頭)

( River scene. We are at Love River now.河景。我們在愛河了)
( My bike under a sunset. Shimano Deore 24-speed, 7005 Aluminium, Suntour XCR shocks 日落的腳踏車，腳踏車規格: Deore 24速。其餘配備留言問我)
( A lot of riders, pro mixed with amateur, ride along this path. 無論專業或菜鳥騎者都愛騎這一段)

( Love River with Ambassador Hotel in the background愛河景象)

( Rio and Betty with Mounted Police. Rio,Betty及騎警)

(Rio and Love River. Rio及愛河)

(Me and Love River.我及愛河)

(Bikers, young and old. 騎車，老少閒宜)
( We reached True Love Pier, at the mouth of the the river and the sea. 我們到達了真愛碼頭。它位於愛河出海口。)
( The whole place is under construction, what for? 整個地方都在翻修，不知為什麼)
( Kaohsiung City高雄市)

We turn right and head for the ferry station. The bike paths here have a unique history: In the bygone years, this place was full of warehouses the stocked sugar and other commodities for export. Taiwan doesn't export these things anymore, therefore this place fell into dereliction and urban decay before the government set out to rejuvenate the surrounding areas. The bike paths were orginially rail tracks that were converted to bike paths.

(Only for bicycles! 只給單車騎!)
( The Bicycle School. What do they teach? nothing! but you can learn about cycling all around taiwan(free seminars) and free drinks and repair are also provided. 腳踏車學校。教甚麼?沒教甚麼!但是可以去裡面喝免費的水及免費修理。也有免費的講座。)

(The interior of the Bicycle School. 腳踏車學校的內部。)

( A mini conference taking place! 迷你會議，真不可思議!)

(Antique bikes. 骨董車)
(Public Art. 公共藝術)

(Bike Paths 單車步道)

(Ships under sunset at the Fisherman's Wharf 漁人碼頭旁的船隻)

Ferry Pier: We arrive at the ferry pier where we are going to take a ferry to Cijin Island, a 5-minute journey. It costs NT$15, so remember to bring some spare change with you. 記得帶零錢，需要NT15元。

(A predestrian bridge to the other side where we will take our ferry. 一座人行橋，我們要去彼岸坐船)

( My bike on the brdige. 我的單車及橋)

( Getting on the ferry. 上床)

( A container ship leaves port. The "O" sign is a signal to the boat that its okay to pass. Notice the lighthouse at the top of the hill. 一輛貨輪離港。那個"O"是標誌給傳說可以離港了。注意山丘上的燈塔。)

( The shopping area on Cijin is packed. So we have to be careful as we are travelling in a large group. 旗津的逛街區假日人擠人，因此我們要格外小心，因為我們是一大團人。)

(Curious tourists and visitors好奇的遊客)

(Betty and Rio)

( I take them to one of my favorite places, just across this tunnel. 我帶他們前往我最愛的地方之一，就在這隧道後)

(Lovers chatter as ships sail away. 甜言蜜語的情侶)

(Rio and me being ecstastic about this place.驚喜的Rio與我)

( Tourists and bikers alike take this route, so we have to be careful!遊客及騎者都走同條道路，所以我們要小心。)
( It feels like we are so close to the ships entering and leaving!感覺跟進港跟離港的船隻好近喔!)

( Wa~~ watching the sunset on this secluded beach. 在這隱密的海灘看夕陽)

(An old pillbox. Just like from Red Alert! 一座老舊的守衛碉堡，好像紅色警戒喔!)

( Wa~~ watching the sunset on this secluded beach. 在這隱密的海灘看夕陽)

(The City from kaohsiung Harbour. 從旗津看高雄港)
(Welcome to kaohsiung Harbour! 歡迎來到高雄港)
(The City from kaohsiung Harbour. 從旗津看高雄港)

Thank you for taking your time to travel with me in

感謝您花時間跟我一起數位旅遊

A Day of Riding in Kaohsiung City

「高雄鐵馬行一日遊」

Hope you enjoyed reading as much as I did riding and writing.

希望您有如我騎車及寫部落格班一樣享受這次的文章。

Donivan Hsiao

蕭煥諺

Poor baby, Asshole Jackie, and Mail from New York.

2009-04-21T22:34:00.009+08:00

by Donivan Hsiao
21 April 2009

One "great" week after another, life couldn't get anymore..ahem... the clouds today seem to just tell the mood on everyone's minds.

Its midterm week here at Wenzao, and having rain pour down will be just great. Now we'll have to contend with the rain and the humidity. The humidity here can best be described as sweat wanting to come out of your skin, yet never doing so. So wherever you go, whatever you touch, you ain't ever gonna escape that stickiness.
Too bad then today's top news on networks here are so bloody sordid. Yesterday a couple ,who jointly manage a noodle shop, had a fierce fight and subsequently caused a tragedy so hard to believe it just breaks my heart . In between the exchanging of harsh words, the female lover threatened her counterpart with the words "If you dare, then throw your daughter into the cooking pot." And this morally degraded fellow did just that.So a 10-month-old baby, new to this world and innocent of its sins, is thrown into a pot of scalding hot water by her own dad. The hysterical mom quickly plucked the baby out and sent her to the hospital. Pray for her everyone, for today, after many hours of emergency treatment, her condition is deteriorating. Hope the best for her.
On another note, just as depressing nonetheless, a certain Hong Kong Movie Star who goes by the name of Jackie Chen recently caused media furor and evermore controversywhen he went on bashing Taiwan and its youthful democracy again. 4 years ago, during Taiwan's presidential elections, he called Taiwan's democracy a 天大的笑話 "the greatest joke in the world". Blunt and brusque as he may be, we protected his freedom of speech, and after a media furor, it all faded into obscurity. I wonder if he could do that in China?Anyways...this time around, he makes this remark to a reporter at a press conference in Hainan, China: "Taiwan is chaotic because it is too free, Hong Kong as well." furthermore adding: "I think we Chinese should be controlled. If we are not controlled, then we run around doing whatever we want.
Taiwan is admittedly a young democracy, we stumble and fall, yet we've always climbed up again. We cherish the common democratic values every free nation upholds, and we preach tolerance, something China, sadly, does not have. So while Jackie has reaped the benefits of capitalism and freedom all his life, he betrays it for what reason? To save his ailing career by brown-nosing the Chinese?
I am ashamed to say that he is the spokesperson for the Deaflympics 2009 Taipei. So basically this guy is detracting the nation he aims to promote? I don't see how Taipei can condone that.
So, what do you think?

On a lighter note. I actually got a mail all the way from New York! On Robert's recent trip with the Model United Nations Delegation there, he actually mailed me and Eric a postcard from the UN Headquarters. Now how cool is that?Anyways Roberts become a minor celebrity of some sort, eh, with newspaper interviews and whatnot?
Post Card from New York, New York

UN Headquarters, New York, New York

The main assembly hall-we all wanted to be in in our dreams- with the Model UN Delegations from each country

Robert and his delegation receiving their prize

Anyways, thats it for today. I'll update it if anything interesting comes up in my dull life(which is like never).

Reflection and Hope

2008-01-24T22:57:00.000+08:00

Reflection....and Hope...
反省...及...希望...

First of all, I want to dedicate a poem to everyone I know, and those yet to know

首先，我要送一個詩給所有人： (奇美博物館Chi-Mei Museum，2007，蕭煥諺)

Hope is the thing...

希望就是....

Hope is the thing with feathers

希望就是那個有翅膀的東西

That perches in the soul,

在靈魂中棲息

And sings the tune without the words,

而唱沒有文字的旋律

And never stops at all,

而永不停止

I've heard it in the chillest land,

我在最寒冷之地都聽的到之音

And on the strangest sea;

而在最鬼怪的海也是

Yet, never,

但，從不

in extremity,

在最極端的情況下

It asked a crumb of me.

有跟我要過任何東西。(麵包屑)

- Emily Dickerson

One term at college has gone by at the blink of an eye, so many things has happened that my mind seems to be operating at full capacity to try and organize my life. Everyday there are so many things to do, see, smell, hear, feel, and of course, eat! I have been so busy that I haven't had the time to touch my blog for quite some time, and I'm sincerely sorry to anyone who reads my blog for that.
大學的第一學期一轉眼間就過了。太事情發生了，讓我的腦每天好像都滿載的在整理我的生活。

每一天都有好多東西要做，看，聞，聽，感覺，而當然...吃。

One only cherishes what one has when one reflects, and now as I sit in front of my computer,I have been doing just that, and looking back at these past few months, I have come to realize how lucky I am. Lucky to have a loving family that supports everything I do, lucky to have great

friends and classmates that make my life so enjoyable, lucky to have good, well-behaving students that have shown me how much effort they have put into my classes, lucky to have caring teachers that teach us not only about books, but also about life.

我們只有反省((思)才會珍惜，而我現在就正坐在我電腦前面反省。
往回看這幾個月，才發現自己好幸運。
幸運因為有個支持我的家庭，幸運因為有很多很棒的朋友，讓我身活這麼美滿，
幸運因為有一群乖乖的學生，讓我看到他們上我的課的認真，而幸運有關心我們的老師，
步指教我們書，而教我們人生。

We often ignore what we have gained, whilst bemoaning all we've lost. Yeah I've lost a friend or two, quite some money, my dear rabbit, Cici, and believe it or not, my saftey helmet. God bless thee who has stolen my helmet, may it help you when you get hit by a car. Oops~

我們時常忽略所得到的，而一直抱怨所失去的。對，我失去了一兩個朋友，一些錢，清愛的
兔子..CiCi，而我的安全帽。上天保佑偷我安全帽的人，希望你被車撞時他能幫助你(妳)....

2008 will be a new start for me(really~ this time), I Will try very hard to find that other one, Help me succeed, haha! I WILL improve my Chinese, and I will try to be a better person

every day that I live.

2008將是我人生的新開始(這次真的)，我也會努力的去找我的另一半，祝我成功吧！哈哈..
我會進步我的中文的，而每天都要成為更好的人。

想留言？請在這點一下就可以
進行留言

By Donivan Hsiao
蕭煥諺

Soar to the sky

2007-10-31T13:54:00.000+08:00

Soar to the Sky by Donivan Hsiao
飛到天空蕭煥諺

As maple leaves blow across the September sky,

就像楓葉在秋天的天空飄著

so does my heart want to fly.

我的心也想要飛著

When? I ponder, as another day goes by,

何時?我問我自己，一天又過去了一天。

would I soar to the heavenly sky.

我才能飛到美好的天空。

The world up there would be different,

在上面的世界議定會不一樣

just as the world down here is indifferent.

就像下面的世界如此的冷淡

As the eagles fly above my head,

當老鷹在我頭上飛著

I often wish that I can be lead,

我時常期許自己被領導著

to a place with no hatred,

到一個沒有恨得地方

where none could be despised,

沒有一個人會被討厭的地方

as nothing can be disguised.

因為沒有東西可以被偽裝。

(馬來西亞，2007，蕭煥諺)

謝謝你觀賞我的詩.....喜歡or不喜歡的話要跟我講喔...以後我才會改的更好！

Thanks for checking my post out. Tell me if you like it or not. Give me feedback!

在這點下去"comments意見"留言啦><

Why I'm Down, Why I'm Low

2007-10-30T22:54:00.000+08:00

Why I'm Down, Why I'm Low

Hey, you wanted to know why I'm down, why I'm low?
黑，你想知道我為何如此的憂鬱？
It can't be easily put into words to let you know.
很難用字來跟妳解釋
I feel like a failure, thats why I'm down, why I'm low.
我覺得我很失敗，就是我為何如此的憂鬱
We reap what we sow,
他們說，我們種甚麼
is the words that is often told.
就得到甚麼
Failed at everything since small,
從小做任何事情都是失敗的
even to stand up tall.
連站得直都一樣。
Seeing you succeed at every facet in life
看到你在人生的各方面都是如此成功
makes me wonder if I can take it anymore.
讓我覺得快受不了了
"No", people say," you're different from him,"
"不"大家都說，"妳跟他不一樣 "他們時常講
well what do I have that you don't have ?
我有甚麼妳沒有的？
Oh, why do I fail at everything, do you know?
喔！我為甚麼在做的所有事情都是失敗的？
is it fate? is it life? or is it just darn bad luck?
是命運？是人生？還是純粹的倒楣？
Lonely since small, no outlet to have,
從小孤單，沒有出風口
what do I have to give, to have what I crave?
我要給甚麼，才得到我想要的？
That thing that I crave, is not really a big thing,
我想要的東西，不是個大東西
not to be king, not to be seen.
不想成為國王，不想被看見
but to have that someone to hang on to,
只希望有那個可以依靠的那個人
someone that I can hang on to through everything.
能一起經歷所有事情的那肩膀
Seems like I fail at everything, even that.
看來我什麼事情都失敗，連那也一樣
I really look up to you, you know,
我真的崇拜你，你知道嗎？
that's why I think God is unfair.
就因如此，我才覺得上天不公平
why I'm down, why I'm low,
我為何憂鬱
is not hard to comprehend.....
就這麼容易理解.....

Hualien: The Shangri La of Eastern Taiwan!花蓮，泛舟天堂!

2007-08-09T16:22:00.000+08:00

有中英文！請不要因為一開始看是英文就關掉！不會留言嗎？再文章末端有個"Comments意見"
按下去就可留言

Hualien: The Shangri La of Eastern Taiwan
＊下面有泛舟影片，There's a canoeing video.

Me and Robert and his NTUT college buddies are going there on a three day trip canoeing and just checking out the place. I've been to a lot of places this summer vacation, but this is the first time with young people like them. It gives you a totally different "feel" when having fun and doing things together. Hualien, at first glance, seems like a small place in the middle of nowhere. But after a while, you start to like the pace of life here, where all people are laid back and enjoying life, something very hard to find in Taiwan. Although most of our plans were hampered by bad weather, some of us still enjoyed the core part of our trip:
canoeing. Imagine yourself in a body of water surrounded by mountains and lush green forests.....
I've added a new media player to my blog, where I put some of the songs I like. If you would like to suggest any new songs I could add to my playlist for my blog, TELL ME!
花蓮市，位於台灣的東部，真是一個不一樣的城市，他沒有甚麼工業，但是取而代之的是漂亮的天然資源。
這暑假我已經去過很多地方玩，但是這次第一次跟一群年輕人去的。感覺會完全不一樣。雖然大部分的形成都被壞天氣給搞砸了，但是我相信大家這次都玩的很快樂！尤其是那些有玩過泛舟的人。真高興認識你們這些新朋友，希望以後還可以以起出去玩！這次我的BLOG有新增英月播放器，有甚麼音樂你們想聽的，可以跟我講，
我會把他放上去的！

Budget:NT$ 4000
預算： NT$ 4000

Here's a rough idea of where Hualien is:
這裡大概是花蓮的位址：
(Source: Google Earth. 來源:Google Earth)
We started out two days before a typhoon set in on Taiwan, us people from the south
driving to meet up with the friends from the north, who had already taken a train there.
我們在颱風來前兩天出發去花蓮。南部的搭車上去跟北部的會合
(北部的已經搭火車下去了)。

People in our group:
我們這一群的成員:

Robert and Don(me), twin brothers and in body and soul.煥謙和煥諺，雙胞胎兄弟。也有人叫我們 "南非"和"非弟"

"Da Ge" the oldest guy in our group,
and chief driver.大哥，我們這
群最老的，也是我們的"司機"

A-Wei, left, and Hon Lian, both experts in vehicle repairs. 阿偉(左) 和宏良，汽修專家

Other members of our group will be introduced later on. We, the above, took Da Ge's car and
traveled to Hualien through Taiwan's "Nan-Hen" road, through Taiwan's central mountain ranges.
我們這群其他的成員會依序的介紹給大家。我們上面的這群搭"大哥"的車子往南橫公路開
往花蓮，經過台灣的中央山脈。

Overlooking a cliff, it seems like you can see endless mountains into the distance.景觀真
是壯觀無比阿！

The scenery is speechless, lush unspoilt forests, water fountains, majestic cliffs...etc. 景觀美的無比，風豔的樹林，山泉水，壯觀的山頂...

Imagine, living here with only the mountain as your companion. 想像一下，住這裡，只有山在陪伴你

Taken in front of Da Guan Shan Tunnel 在大觀山隧道拍的

In front of a statue commemorating the aboriginals of Taiwan 在一個紀念台灣原住名的雕像前拍合照

After a few more hours of car ride, we arrive at Hualien at last. We meet up with
the rest of our group at Hualien Train Station.
在經過幾小時的車程之後，終於到了花蓮。我們在花蓮車站跟其他的朋友一起會合。

Now introducing the rest of our pack:
現在介紹我們其他的成員:

Yui-Shi, one of two gals in our group. She's a transfer student from another university. Da-Jia, the clown of our group.
大甲，我們這群中的搞笑高手。聽說他很喜歡在他電腦裝飾燈泡.
育詩(學姐)，我們這群中兩個女生之一也是個料理高手。

Yui-Shi and Jer-Hsian...(L)
育詩還有哲賢....... Chiu Kai and Yui Shuan.(R)
邱凱還有育鉉

A-Wei and Chia-Chey
阿瑋及家杰
Chi-Chian and Hsin-Pei San
志鍵還有佩珊

We rent scooters to get around Hualien(NT$700 for three days), take our luggage to our B&B lodge, then head off to Hualien's beach. Unlike beaches of the
West coast, which is sandy, beaches here are filled with rocks. Hualien used to be famous for its marble industry.
我們租了機車來探險花蓮(3天 700元),把我們的行李放進我們的民宿，開始往花蓮的海邊跑。不像台灣西岸的沙灘，這裡都是石頭。感覺會完全不一樣。花蓮以前是大里石大產地。

Renting scooters next to the train station.
在火車站附近租機車。

Heading down towards the beach.
往海邊前進

There's an air force base right next to the beach! 海邊旁邊有個空軍基地！

Lovely beach with few people. However swimming and playing in the water is prohibited.
漂亮人又少的海灘。但是不能玩水～

Some beach photos一些海灘照

The two sole girls in our group. 我們這群中唯一的兩個女生
All thirteen of us. Too bad the photos a bit blurry.
我們13個人全部，可惜照片有點模糊。

The sun is starting to set into the mountains. 太陽開始下山了

Its getting dark, so we head off to Hualien's Night Market. Its exactly like all the night markets in Taiwan. No difference.Nevertheless, we had quite some fun there. 開始暗了，所以我們去花蓮的夜市，跟全台灣的夜市沒兩樣，可能比較小一點吧。不過我們還是玩得很快樂。

Da Jia is quite a good shot, he nearly shot 10 balloons in a row!
大甲是個射擊高手，他差點連續射破10顆氣球

Robert? an archer? well his excuse was "I don't have my glasses with me."
南非？射箭？他射不好的理由是"我沒帶我眼鏡"
Just hanging out, enjoying time and youth.

After we got bored with the night market, we went to one of Hualien's most famous scenic spots: Li-Yu Tan, literally "Dam of Koei"
我們對夜市感到無聊之後，就往下一個地點跑：鯉魚潭。

However its only beautiful in the morning, at night its pitch black. Lucky for us,
the Hualien International Lights Festival was just starting, so I could take some
nice pictures of the fireworks and light effects.
但是鯉魚潭白天時才好看，晚上甚麼都看不到。幸運的，花蓮燈火傑正要開始，所以至少有東西可以看。我有拍一些燈光效果不錯的相片：

II

The next day, we wake up early in the morning and hop on a bus that will take us to our conoeing destination. The cost of 6 hours of canoeing, including lunch, is NT$800. The typhoon
was coming right next to Taiwan, and only the eight of us daredevils dare to go on. Turns out there were a lot of other people as bold as us.
早上我們7點爬起來踏上遊覽車載我們到秀菇蘭溪，到我們的泛舟的地點。費用，包括午餐，是
大約800元。颱風已經快來到台灣了，只有我們八個敢死的人去。沒想到還有很多其他人跟我們一樣勇敢，打破了我對國人的映像！

{Distance of Shou-Gu Lan River: 25 Km. 秀菇蘭溪總長：25KM}

We prepare all of our gear, double check, then head off down to the lake bank. This is a wild place, so one cannot be too careful.
我們準備所有的配件，在檢查，往溪
岸的方向前進。

Taken just before our bold adventure.
下水前照的

Q&A
Q : How did I take pictures when my camera isn't waterproof?
A : Easy, just put your camera in a plastic bag and be VERY sure to check there isn't any holes in it. Then tighten the bag with rubber bands so as to ensure that water will not leak in.
Q:如何泛舟拍照片？
A:簡單，把相機放入一個沒有破洞的塑膠袋內，再用橡皮筋把出口綁緊，就可以下水玩並留下
美麗的回憶了！

Two opposite expressions on the same ship......
同條船，兩種表情........

The terrain here is full of marble stone, so the river water seems murky. But its clean: I drank it!
這裡的地形都是石頭，所以水顯得有些污濁，但是其實超乾淨的。我喝了！

Our expressions might seem happy, but we're already damn tired by this time.
我們的表情有能快樂，但是其實我們已經超累的了。

Why are you crying, Robert? you wanna quit?
南非，幹嗎哭？想放棄嗎？

The lake is wide enough for everyone.
這條溪還真寬阿！

Everybody's in a desperate frenzy to get into first place. So we start splashing each other and
having some fun! 每個人都想要拼第一！大家開始瘋狂潑水！～

You can get an idea of how tired we were just by looking at these pictures.
你可以從這些照片大概知道我們多累！

We got stuck in the rocks! AARRGGHHH! 我們卡在石頭中～阿阿阿！

Before long, the weather started to get pretty bad, and the lifeguards had to start towing all the people to the final destination. Not that we had any energy left... 過不久後，天氣開始惡化，工作人員要把所有人拉到終點。反正我們也沒體力了!

Which is Robert, Which is Donny?
誰是南非？誰是非弟？

"CANOEING VIDEO HERE ! 泛舟影片在這！

That night, we had a barbecue grill on top of the house we rented.....it was raining so hard outside that there was nothing else to do.
那晚上在我們租的房子上烤肉！下雨下到沒事情做。

Most of us were half drunk by the time we left for bed. So ends our Hualien trip. Tomorrow
we all head for home. 我下去睡時大概都半醉吧！花蓮行結束了，明天大家就回家了。

III

The next day, some people had to leave for Taipei early, so we all said goodbye in Hualien Train Station, then the rest of us took Da-Ge's car and headed south, back home.
往北上的要先搭火車上北部，所以就要在火車站說再見了。其他的我們搭"大哥"的車子往南回開去。

One last group photo before everyone heads home.
最後一張合照。

We drive south all the way down to Pintung, because the sea route is safer during bad weather.
Along the way we see the coast, and stopped to admire the scenery.
我們往屏東方向開去，因為海岸現在壞天去較安全。順便沿路欣賞美景。

聽。。。。海哭得聲音。。。。。。

After we reached Pintung, we stopped at Pintung's most famous resturant: Hai Hong Hotel,
the home of Wan-Luan Stewed Pork.
我們到達了屏東之後，晚上就在萬巒鄉解決晚餐！當然要吃最好吃得萬巒豬腳！

Enjoying delicious food!
享受美食！

Thank you for taking time to finish reading my post! If you have any comments or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment! It would be appreciated, as I would know that you've read it!
謝謝你觀賞我的貼文！希望你喜歡！有任何意見或感想，請你
留言！這樣子我知道你有來過！再次謝謝你！

Movie Review- Hot Fuzz. 電影評價-Hot Fuzz

2007-07-29T00:53:00.000+08:00

Source: Wikipedia.org

HOT FUZZ

Big Cops. Small Town. Moderate Violence

As any movie aficiando knows, British humour is sometimes hard to understand. For as long as I could remember, I could hardly comprehend the humour in British films-except, of course, Mr. Bean. Recently though, I've watched a new movie that has gotten rave reviews from critics around the world. Indeed, it is quite an enjoyable film that will get you and your friends laughing for quite some time. Except for some gory parts that are inappropriate for children, heavy British accent that some might have a hard time to understand, it is really quite something I recommend.

I won't give you much of the storyline, but here's the big idea: A super dedicated and effecient London cop, Nicholas Angel, has become so good at what he does that his supervisors and colleagues start to worry they might lose their jobs. therefore one day he gets called in to his supervisors office and told that he will be promoted to Sergeant. He becomes quite happy until his supervisor continues: He will be a sergeant in Sandford, Gloustacshire. "Where? " you might ask me, and to that, I would reply "Hell should I know?" Yep, but soon after he gets there, some

mysterious "accidents" start to happen, and......the rest you'll have to watch yourselves.

I give the film 4 out of five stars: ****/*****

here are what other critics have to say:

Rotten Tomatoes: 90% fresh

www.rottentomatoes.com

Johnny Vaughan of The Sun: the "most arresting Brit-com of 2007".

Beagle Wiggle

2007-07-03T18:45:00.001+08:00

Beagle Wiggle

＊英文程度不太好的台灣朋友們，先讀英文一遍，在讀中文意思，祝你們進步。這篇大概初級>中級程度

Just another normal summer day, then suddenly a little beagle pup comes into my life.

一個普通的夏天，突然一隻小米格爾來到我的生命

I just recently graduated from high school, and am spending the summer teaching English,

我剛從高中畢業，在這暑假教英文（spending有花...東西的意思<不一定事前>)

helping my dad and CHASING the girl I like....

幫幫我爸還有追我喜歡的女生。

when I thought that life was getting tedious, sometimes with nothing to do, and sometimes with endless work,

當我覺得我過的好累時，有時沒事情作，有時有作不完的工作

this puppy comes:

這隻小狗來了：

Although she is for someone else, her brief stay here brought many joyous occasions.

雖然他是給別人的，他在我家的短暫時間帶來很多開新的事

Although she does not have a name yet, she'll be in my memories for a long time.

雖然她沒有名字，但她會在我的記憶留下很久

Here are a few pictures of her at my house.

這裡有一些牠在我家照的相片

She was born on 2007/05/30, to a secretary at Chung Cheng University with an oversupply of dogs. She was
她生於 2007年5月30日於一位在中正大學的秘書有了過量(oversupply)的狗。她很急的想要把
desperate to give some away, but we already have two big dogs at home, so

一些送走，但我們家裏已經有兩隻大狗了，所以我們只能拒絕她。

we had to refuse her. Luckily, my father's secretary wants a dog, so we gave it to her.
幸運的，我爸的秘書要一隻狗，所以我們把狗給她

I call her Wiggle, for she likes to wiggle her tail a lot.
我教她 "遙遙尾"，因為她喜歡搖尾吧。

The minute she comes in to the room, she lies down and prepares to sleep!
她一進來我房間，就躺下來準備睡覺！

My friend, Gao Hon An, with Wiggle.
我的朋友，高宏安，跟著狗狗

Me with Wiggle
我跟狗狗

Sleeping snuggly, Sleeping Sound.
安祥的睡著了。

Hey thanks for taking the time to read my blog! Hope you enjoyed it. If you like, please leave a comment so that I can know you read my blog. Thanks!
嘿！謝謝光賞我的blog，希望妳喜歡！如果可以讓我知道妳到來，請留言！謝謝!
Dankie!

2007-03-31T21:34:00.000+08:00

Sun Lin Lake Hiking Trip
杉林溪爬山行

This Saturday(2007/03/31), Me, Robert and Mom went on a hiking tour to Sun Link Sea (official name), a recreational nature reserve in Nantou County, Taiwan. This day is the perfect day for hiking, with light sun, slight breeze and a cheerful mood to boost. Nantou is situated in the centre of Taiwan, with mostly mountain terrain. Sun Link Sea(pronounced Sun Lin Si in Mandarin,which literally means Lake by the Trees) is a major tourist venue here because of its beauty and gains tens of thousands of visitors a year. Ticket price for adults is NT.200(US$5.8).The following are the photos I took. Enjoy.
這裡拜六，我跟二哥及媽媽去南投著名景點杉林溪爬山，杉林溪接近台大農業實驗室，有個很漂亮的瀑布，因此每年都吸引很多遊客觀光。

7:30AM
The main entrance into the nature reserve.
大門口的入口。

7:50AM We start climbing up the mountain. Along the way, we can see beautiful oak trees and pockets of pond water. The climate here is quite cold, therefore allowing oak trees to grow to a big size. 我們開始往上爬，在途中我們可以看到很多大伯樹，這裡因為是深山，所以柏樹普遍也長得較高大。
8:30AM We find the waterfall at last. The air here is so fresh it makes you want to live here forever. Did I mention scenery? 我們終於到達了瀑布，這裡空氣好到讓你永遠都想住這裡。我有提到風景有多美嗎？

Me, Donivan Hsiao
我，蕭煥諺

Robert, my twin brother.
蕭煥謙，我二哥

8:50
After we're finished with the waterfall, we keep on walking the old tracks. Here, we before the entrance to a tunnel, states this Notice: "Ancestor's Tunnel. Our earlier people logged nearby trees , They used their blood and sweat to make this tunnel. To show your respects to them, lower yourselfs down and enter with respect."
我們瀑布看完之後，繼續走下去。我們來到一個隧道入口前，告示牌寫著"先民隧道。先民伐木運木材手工鑽x費歲月行得先民血汗流，彎腰低頭示感懷。

10：30
We walked through thick dense forests and man made gardens. There are too many places to go to so we headed back to the waterfall. You can actually see old tracks that have lost to nature.Taiwan is mostly mountains, so back when the Japanese occupied Taiwan, they had to build a lot of tracks in the mountains in order to quell the aborigine rebellion with ironically, aboriginal labour. There are only a few left. I've heard some mountaineers say that they travelled through thick forest and suddenly see a rock with a picture of a deceased Japanese officer on them.
我們一直走進去，有時還會看到一些已經敗給森林的就步道。以前我在中橫公路爬山的時候，有看到在重林裡面有個大石頭，上面有個殉職的日本軍官圖案，那時是深夜只有我和我哥，以點恐怖。

We get back to the waterfall the other way that goes directly under the waterfall,
where we can truly see its beauty closeup.
我們從橉一邊到瀑布，可以直接去瀑布底下，近近的看到瀑布的美。

11:00
We then went to the "Gardens", park authorities had done this on a joint cooperation with the NTU agricultural division. Trees here grow very tall, probably because of the cold climate. (Taiwan is a tropical Island.)
我們要去"花園"這裡好像是園方跟一大學合作的花園。

11:30
We get to the Gardens. My stomach is starting to rumble!
我們到了"花園"了，我的肚子開始餓了！

11:40
"Guilt Inquiry Stone. The stone is neutral and fair. The proper gentleman should step on this stone with one feet. If he can't last 10 seconds, then he is guilty. " I stood 15 seconds!
問罪石

We walk back to the entrance of the park.
我們回到入口吃中餐

 The Tong Blossom. I think this is an indigenous Taiwanese flower.
油桐花，現在開花季真的很美

After Sun Link Sea, we travelled to a nearby township. It is famous for one thing: a NT$40million toilet. I couldn't believe my years when my mom told me this.
我們去附近的一個村莊，她唯一莠民的就是花了四千萬打造的廁所，蛙！NT$40,000,000ㄟ！

Electronic sensor latrines, paintings one the wall, air-conditioned, a fountain in the centre and nice music. It's got everything! But is 40million worth it?
感應便斗，冷氣房，牆面掛滿了畫作，中間還有個池塘，但四千萬值得嗎？

A traditional temple rest stop here in Taiwan.
This is a short brief post before my "Rediscovering South Africa Part II, I hope you enjoyed this post. If you have anything to say, feel free to comment.
這是『從新發現南非第二部份』之前的一個小貼文，希望你們喜歡，有任何想要說的話可以在
下面看到了嗎？有寫 "comments 意見"的第方留你的感想，謝謝！