It's closed to the election day (27th Nov). All the bridges in the TPE city/county, Taichung city/county, Tainan city/county, KHH city/county will look like this bridge. I am so tried of those election tricks, just want to get it over with. Thank God it'll be over soon, by 10PM.

My goodness, something comes up, I think this election is getting more drama like.

Our first Christmas in Taiwan. Well, it's been hard for DC to stay at home alone and I have to work on the Christmas Day. There is not much to say and it's kind of sad. DC turns down some friends' invitations, it's time for family. So, we stay at home and what we do, you'll see.

The international travel show - Thailand

The international travel show - JP?
The international travel show -Taiwan
The international travel show -Taiwan

It's been 7 days since mudslides fall down. Based on Taiwanese tradition, relatives need to collect their love ones' spirit by photo or clothes, it's the first part of TW funeral (the First 7-Day;http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2009/08/16/2003451266). It's a hard time today. Many ppl kind of break down in this point. Some ppl are facing 15 blood related's funerals, there is a man holding 40 photo and 15 of them are blood related. He cried out that the he can't carry all of photo with heavy frames on, so he only puts photo on table. I wonder if any governement officer hears this or see this happening. Some ppl can't stay in the ER center, so they go back to the village to collect their love ones' spirits. After the ceremony, the woman carries photo and incense, call their love ones' names and tell them to follow her go on or get off the car. Normally, you hear ppl call one name only, but it's so different to see this woman calling 10 names. That's part of story for the death. Following is the for the one still alive. There are so many villages on the mountains and they can't leave without helicopter. Some of them still can't have the food and water. This drop point is a mountain away from the village. You can see on the video that village ppl climb out to get the supply and carry back to village. There are more video show village ppl are starving for 5 days, when they come into ER center, it's terrible to watch. 5-yr-old girl eats like dog coz she hasn't eat for 5 days and news channel puts her on headline. It's humiliation. How can they broadcast this? I feel so disgraceful. Like one of suvivors said, face the problem and deal with it, and then let it go. Most of village ppl are trying still, hopefully, they can work it out and get back to their life. There are over 100 kids on A-Li-San truck in village without food, they really need milk powder. I'm going to check governement's work schedule and make sure they don't forget those villages.

The sad thing is the center governement is hiding behind the law. The time like this, they need to behave like a country leader, but I can't see one. So far, TW governer only admits 126 death and 56 injurts. The officers need to see the remains to give compesation or help. Those survivors have lost everything they have (family, house, farm or job) and government is still on paper work. That's the governement we voted. The weather forecast department just announces heavy rain warning for this afternoon. My heart sinks.

Taipei Times shows this "Before and After". The photo can speak itself...http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/photo/2009/08/14/2008039837

Show off and show off (the Gucci bag) and then more show off (photo taken). Priminister says the rescue (5 days later) is very efficient, compared with his 921 experience (7 days later). Yes, it is 2 days earlier and he says it loud that he signed the order yesterday (12 Aug). And then 50 teams go into villiages this morning. Is it a credit? No, it's far too late. So many ppl can't wait until the help comes in. They died in their family's arm. Even one old woman who was injured by mud slides on Saturday, 9 Aug, said she was starving before her last breath (the helicopter comes next morning, 13th Aug). We are in Taiwan, and this story happens.

This video shows the mother and son seek for President Ma's help to search for the missing father. This was 3 days ago. The son cried out loud: "We voted for you. How come it's so difficult to see you, especially the time like this. The rice paddy is gone. The house is gone. The job is gone. We have nothing left. No food, no family and no help." President Ma replies: "You want to see me, I am right here. I hear you. That's why I come over. "(surrounded by a group of secret service agents and step in between; funny, look at his face expression) The side story: President Ma said his father died 4 yrs ago, so he can understand how this guy feel. For God's sake, this guy still believes his father is still alive. The mother still believe her husband is trapped somewhere. I think, a lot of victoms are asking the same question - Where is the governement when we need them most? President Ma has over 7 million votes and he is the boss. And he won't call for help or sign the order to get military in to help ppl survive on this nature disaster. These days, we see him show up in Chia Yi and Tai Dong (both are KMT strong hold counties). Until 5th day, he comes to Kaohsiung county, but leaves in hurry.Read this article in New York time - http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/13/world/asia/13taiwan.html?_r=2&ref=asia You'll get the result from this guy and his mom. That's what our president do, how hilarious!

I don't know what to say when I read this news. How great is our government! We need all the help we can have and that's what we get? All the news turn into good news only, in 24 hours, wired. What's going on? The rain still goes on and there is a new typhoon out there. Please set a prayer for those who try every breath to survive. http://www.etaiwannews.com/etn/news_content.php?id=1028576&lang=eng_news&cate_img=logo_taiwan&cate_rss=TAIWAN_eng

This is the county where Mark's chicken farm is. The farm is on higher land, but still flooded on knee high. Mark lost 12000 chicks, died on drunk or lost tempture. Everything comes so fast, there is no time to think about what's next. 2900mm rain in 3 days without stoping and it's still raining out there. Please set a prayer for my ppl in the South. There are many report of land slide and many villages lost contact. Bridges broke down and there is no road in some places, may God shows them the way to life. 2nd Uncle's rice paddy is in the water, there is nothing we can do. He looks ok and still look out for his grandchildren. They stay on 2nd floor, won't come down until water is gone. The village on video is on the way to the fish restaurant, Dong Guang. There is no road, you gonna go with boat. Let's pray the rain stop asap. The weather forcast said it'll continue until Tuesday. I don't know if they can hang on that long.

Ian, just for you. It was a funny story. I catch this sign on sales call. I took the pic and called the department to claim the mis-spelling. The girl on the phone insisted it was correct spelling. Fine, big deal, I just wanted to let them know it was wrong. And then, next day, sales call again, see the sign. OMG! I did tell her to take off "T", not the "I". End of story.

It's been a long time for a night out and watch a good movie, especially in Chinese (Mandarin and Taiwanese). DC read the preview on Taipei Times and I read the comment on Yahoo!Movie. We are on for it then. "God Man Dog" is directed by Singing Chen who is new (to us) in the market. In actors and actress, I only know two of them. "God Man Dog" are from 3 story-set combinded into one thru a car accident. It doesn't have any famous attractive actor or actress, big circumstance or any others to catch ppl's eyes. The story happens everywhere, on any of us, at anytime. But thru her camera, we see the deep thought, aren't we like that? We are stuck in this weak body coz of our spirit getting sick? The only question we have for this movie will be the director's attitude to religion. Ppl believe in something (Budda / Jesus) and then they abandon the belief or even burn the fraven image when they give up the belief. It'll be a bit defense to religion which can be a bit dangerous. In reality, we do see those kind of ppl, they give up their belief coz they don't get what they want from their belief. Those youngs confuse with value and we find it difficult to talk to them about this matter too. It's interested to see the argument between the father who is total abstinence from alcohol but involved in car accident and his priest. Don't we all think it's alright to tell a little lie from good intention?

We can see the reality in East Taiwan, the village is not well developted. Kids are send to big city coz parents believe they would have better start. In the movie, girls are send away coz of alcoholic parents. Ppl come to East Taiwan coz they believe the nature mother will heal their ill spirits. But, if we don't put down whatever bothers us, although it's a tiny little sand, it could be as heavy as a rock on our shoulder. What can be such matter? All actors and actress are like us playing in this movie, like us in this life; for good or bad, we are the one to play it thru. I read on Nell's blog that she saw on St-Patrick's parade in Waterford: We are all in this boat of life together, so play your part! I decide to have fun and one step behind DC! That's my decision. God bless all of us!

PS: It's nearly 3AM, but I am still excited from the movie. Can't stop thinking. It's a really good one, gonna buy a DVD. And then, I find out more problem - my laptop won't play DVD coz of Vista! OMG! Why can't the salesperson tell me about this Asus F9 can't play video coz of Vista before I put the purchase order?!?!?! Really piss me off!

PS: 3rd Uncle Chen comes tonight while we are in cinema. It's not the holiday, not the usual vacation; no wonder, it's about something he is after. I really know my uncles well, kind of sad. When it comes to money, ppl becomes ugly, including relatives.

PS: It's a big day today! Happy Anniversary to my parents! Although they might forget, I want to cook a nice dinner for them. Wish they can be happy forever and no more worry. Da and Ian, if you say I worry too much, look at where I am from. Those two are the experts!

A total of 13,221,609 people voted in the election, a turnout of 76.33% of the 17,321,622 registered voters. There were 117,646 invalid votes.

The KMT ticket won 7,658,724 votes (58.45% of the ballots), with the DPP pair garnering 5,445,239 votes (41.55%)

The two referendums on entry to the UN, both failed to garner enough votes, falling short of the 50 percent turnout required for their results to be valid.

The DPP's on entering the UN under the name "Taiwan" and the KMT's on returning to the UN using the country's official title - Agree 5,529,230 (94.01%) & disagree 352,359 (5.99) & 320,088 invalid votes. It has 6,201,677 out of 17,313,854 votes (35.82%)

"Republic of China," or any other title that upholds the nation's dignity - Agree 4,952,309 (87.27%) & disagree 724,060 (12.73%) & 500,749 invalid votes. It has 6,187,118 out of 17,313,854 votes (35.74%).

Happy Easter!

Lá Fhéile Pádraig / Happy St-Patrick's day! It's Irish national day, DC has one day off. That's why we take Mom to LuKang, it's her day off too. We are lazy, we are relax and we are on our way.

On the first pic, we go to the Wunwu Temple. It consists of both Civil and Military Shrines. Those Shrines and Wenkai Academy (famous academy at the time, like the library) are built in 1811-1824.

We visit the Long-Shan Temple (built around 1653), it's classified by the government as a Class A historical site and also known as Taiwan's Forbidden City, for its solemn grandiosity. We are lucky to have Mr. Chen as tour guide to tell us the story of this temple and detail of the temple itself. The style of teh constructions of Long-Shan Temple is identical to that of the imperial palaces built in the Northern Sung Dynasty. They used to be altogether 99 doors and gates in and out of the temple, each contained its significant meanings according to tradition while they link all parts of the temple into an unity. It has fab building method and even the modern building method can't compete.

Later on, finally, we find the way to the Heavenly Empress Temple (also known as the Old Temple of Goddess Matsu of the Sea, which is one of the three major temples honoring the Heavenly Empress in LuKang). The temple is built in 1683 and it consists of three halls, being the front one with three entrance doors, each with an octagonal door on each side, where the porches serve as bell towers. The front hall has a mountain-shaped roof and large beams that make the building itself overwhelming. The Goddess statue is been smoked to black, which gives the peaceful image. The whole temple is nearly smoked to black coz of lots of believers' non-stop worshipping. It's good to see the little town reserved their culture and carry on so well. I'll come back another time. After driving around the town for 3 hours, I guess I know the place better now. The tourism sign is really not useful, comfuse all the time.

"In the 2nd year of the Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty (1683), Lang SHIH,
Fukian Navy Admiral had the order to conquer Taiwan with a statue of the
Heavenly Empress from Meizhou Temple. After Taiwan and Penghu were ruled,
Shibang SHIH, a nephew of Lang SHIH asked to have the statue left in Taiwan for
continous worshipping. Therefore, number of believers grew and the Heavenly
Empress was worshipped everywhere."

Bad news, DC catch cold and I don't think my cold is over yet. However, I'll keep an eye on this. Can't get sick now.

Mom has completed her mission in TPE, Joshua is 1-month old now and new parents are back in track. We need Mom back to KHH urgently, but before that, we take Mom out for a nice trip. She hasn't tried Afternoon Tea time yet, we take her to Breeze Plaza. She loves those tiny cakes. DC's favourite one is on the right, fresh made and so tasty.
Mom went to LuKang (a small town in Central Taiwan, West seashore) twice, with Dad, with Mark & Joan. They were all in rush. Today, we spend time here. Although it's a small town, but they do have good accomodation here. Quite impressed, we see many George & Mary here. I believe they are here for work. LuKang is a tourist town, but there is a manufactory area on the side. I suggest to take bike, but DC & Mom won't. However, we come to this hotel and it's the few high building in town. The view is brilliant. We can see the whole town, but our window is facing the other side. Ian, have fun, the second pic is for you. Enjoy!

TNN

What I like about living in country side is that simple easy life style. Grandma makes the backyard as her green house providing vegetable and fruit whole year run. We always get full trunk vegetable back to KHH. In the last pic, there is a bag of bamboo, fresh cut, so sweet to go with pork rib stock! We are lucky to have unstop breeze and we start to play Titanic and Grandparents have no clue what that movie's about, otherwise, Grandparents will consider it as bad luck. (Never mention death on birthday, especially in front of birthday-boy) Grandpa's memory stucks in his 20th and he can't recognize us. Maybe it's a good thing coz he was happy in his early 20th. Is it possible we could be back to our happy age? That'll be a blessing.

When we are back to Grandparent's house, we like to stay outdoor coz of the bleeze, the air with rice paddy, the warm sunshine and the hospitality. All relatvies live in next door. My Grant grandpa had 3 wifes and children. All granduncles live nearby on the same land. So, walk out of this door, half village are relatives. Grandma told me a story when I was very little. It was my first visit of Grandparents' house, I came back to family temple to pay my respect and met all elders. Back to the house, somehow, someone took me out to local temple to watch the celebration. My mom was panic when she couldn't find me. Ppl started to shout and look for me. When the news arrived local temple, this person shouted back that I was in temple to watch the show and with his name. Ppl passed the message back to Grandparents' house. In the old time, kids are safe in village, ppl don't need to lockup their door. I miss that old time.

CNN-2

48 hours had passed and nothing happens, I guess TW meant nothing to AP or CNN. Well, not surprised, after they take mainland Chinese's point of view on this issue. There is a report saying that CNN's senior management's reaction when TW chief officer paid a visit with VP Lu's letter. The manager didn't think the article would make such big issue to VP Lu and he was sorry to hear it happened. Wow, I don't know if I can understand this kind of attitude. I don't know how many editors or reporters would read the article before it was published, and no one of them would think it's kind of making personal abuse. Journalist should report or state someone's points but not on inflaming and agitating the people.

CNN has responed and the CEO is out of office (in Mexico), so let's keep waiting then. Maybe, we need to wait until CNN does do their own business through their own hand first. CNN's statement was the article was written by AP reporter and CNN chose 11 words out of 27-word foreword for a sensational headline. Although they did changed the headline an hour later after received the official complain from the office of the President of ROC, Taiwan, but the contents of this article are still on CNN website. Nothing change at all. CNN did make me startled.

AP headcourt also replied that they didn't take side but no idea how it came out. They did take someone's statement in 2000 on the first paragraph and didn't know it will cost trouble. Those people are native speakers, I don't have this part of vocabulary. Those people are experts in English language and I am still learning how to polish my sentence and express what I meant in better way. Now, really, I have seen the power of word, the ability of being libeled in the press.

Again, no matter how the world looks at TW president election; WE - Taiwanese vote for them. We - Taiwanese choose who to be on the leadership. That's our democracy. No matter another democract tried to stamp on our democracy without considering it. VP Lu respects the freedom of the press, but it can't be played around. She had sacrificed her youth to defend democratic rights. From what I read about her, she is a foresight woman. But she struggles with her party, maybe becouse she is female or TW is not ready for stateswoman, well, at least, unlike her that sharp.

Like my grandma used to say: We should speak and act cautiously. God is watching us 3 feets above. In my opinion, damage has been done, nothing else can undo it. Therefore, leave it then. It just be another lesson on this cruel world. Maybe we can learn something from it, maybe it is a part of God's plan. May God bless Taiwan.

CNN-1

For a long time, I though International media will take the responsibility to report an event without favour. But with this article regarding Annette Lu, the first hour, the title was "Taiwan's "scum of the nation" runs for president" I can't believe it was from CNN, and the reporter is from Associated Press (AP HKG). Although the headline was changed later to a more moderate tone that read "Lu seek to be first Taiwan woman president", but the damage has being done, and no one think they should be responsible for it.
I don't like TW media coz they are madness. They love blood and thunder, tragedy and big story. They just garble a statement and don't even bother to verify their point. Coz of their incaution, people who live in the real world got hurt. My family business is chicken farm and the bird flu report has beat us up big time. Although there is no such case and the price run down so low after the news came out. Also the "Asphalted duck", it kills so many duck farms for nothing by TVBS.
The AP HKG reporter did this report on summarizing 3 articles written by a Chinese professor from 2000 to 2004. Actually, this professor wrote those articles on his own opinions, he might not able to get enough information about Annette Lu. Most of information were wrong, but he believed in it, and that's his choice. But being a media broadcast, there is a responsibility to be impartiality, report the situation and condition. I though that was the basic rule. Otherwise, what's the different between CNN and TW media? Maybe USA doesn't recognize TW, maybe no one else will recognize TW, maybe China still thinks TW is part of it. It doesn't matter to me becouse it doesn't make any different in my life. But, if someone dares to say that kind of word to my Vice President who I voted to, we - all Taiwanese deserve an official apology. At least, Annette Lu is a Vice President of Taiwan, she is voted to be Vice President of Taiwan TWICE. It doesn't matter how many Taiwanese or maindland Chinese don't like her or not, she is voted to be on TW's leadership. And no one can take that away.

This article gives me a feeling of melancholy. TW stands on her own feet to fight for a name. TW has successful democracy and the bloody history with. The civil war is over in my point of view. There is no way to take the democracy away from TW now or ever. Taiwanese have voice and no one will go for communist after a taste of freedom. I feel sad coz even AP or CNN such kind of international press company will take the side of communist, speak for them, or take their point of view to depreciate the work we have done on this island - Taiwan.

I think, from now on, I won't believe whatever I read or hear, unless it's vertified like this press or BBC.

228

It happened on 28 February 1947, sparked by the beating of a female vendor by authorities for selling untaxed cigarettes. For decades, when Taiwan was under martial law, the massacre was a taboo.

Even now, it's still a taboo here. We don't talk about it. Grandda is afraid of mainland-born Chinese and Grandma won't let us say a word of it. Somehow, I feel bad for them. When I studied aboard, Grandparents warmed me to stay away from Japanese and mainland Chinese. But, they never tell me why. Until now, Grandma believes those government police still exists.

The first time to hear of 228, it was about 10 years ago. I remembered about Kaohsiung incident (Formosa incident) was a taboo too. We live in Kaohsiung for years, it happened here in 1979, but we never heard of it. But we read on newspaper about Annette Lu and most of DPP members were sentenced for sedition. For years, we studied Chinese history, most of Taiwanese story were under cover. None of them were told until 2000 (I think). It's a pitty to being a Taiwanese and learn about the history on this land until now. However, it's not too late yet. Even most of the TW story are still wait for discover, old generation are dying, story will be gone with them. But, I believe, somehow, the history will be remembered and hopefully, the mistake won't repeat.

Delivery

Super tide wedding delivery route! It's been a long day to reserve the cake, delivery wedding invitation and make this little monster satisfied. It's rare to see train in downtown KHH. We just made it to have a good shot and get camera on time!!! Daniel was excited to see train passing by. Some of my Dad's friends are taking holiday in South USA. Therefore, they will come back for this next week with my parents. Dad's friends are over 40 yrs, they watch us grow up, get married, and even with next generation. This wedding reception is the last one in Lin's family. My parents have done their job, it's completed! It's our turn to carry on!!! Chris & Mia were talking about having 3 children! In this New Year, Chris was worry to have Mia as wife which he didn't think he can afford her. Now, they want 3 kids! Good for them!

帶爸媽去飛飛飛

星空聯盟環遊世界夢想計畫
看到這個活動, 就腦力激盪一下.世界上有太多東西要看, 但, 爸媽年過半百, 體力已不能太操練, 所以打定點觀光休假牌. 好笑的是, 我們家老的小的, 結婚到現在, 都沒蜜月旅行過. 所以, 這次旅行, 就當我們的蜜月旅行! 當然, 除此之外, 也帶著爸媽看看我頭家的家鄉. 想到讓爸媽自己遠渡重洋的搭機到愛爾蘭, 我就頭皮發麻; 很怕他們餓到, 等錯航站, 錯過班機, 甚至不見了. 雖然, 從我結婚以來, 每天教他們英文, 還是不夠讓他們自己自由活動 - 因為忘得比記得快. 每次旅行回來, 爸媽總巴著相本, 看我說著故事, 想像他們似乎也跟著我在場看著事情發生. 爸媽辛苦工作了大半生, 就放了我這麼一個遠的風箏. 我知道爸想借由我來實現他周遊列國的夢想, 媽是想要我完成她沒辦法有的生活. 但, 我還是有時間, 帶著他們實現他們想做的事 - 環遊世界地球村. 這次, 輪到我跟我頭家牽著他們的手走我們計劃的路了...

這一路共計 28,865 哩, 將近五個月的行程... 探親之旅出發囉!

2007年8月13日 TPE-AKL via: SIN SQ871/SQ285 7235 哩

早上從台北出發, 到奧克蘭是隔天的早上了. 一路上, 我們要好好享受世界服務第一名的新航, 我可以連打四個小時的電動! 新航的餐飲, 也是很合爸媽口味的! 我們要去朋友家的酒莊, 體會一下當酒農的生活. 對爸媽來說, 農家生活, 並不陌生. 早睡早起, 身體好! 有時, 我們還可以南下去找朋友. 出去巡海捕魚一下, 去嚐試海上生活.

2007年9月14日 AKL-AUS via: LAX/DEN NZ6/UA1190/UA738 8137 哩

這一路會很遠囉! 尤其在洛杉磯轉機, 帶爸媽大開眼界一下, 不然老是說我當他們是三歲小孩, 說我怕假的. 拜訪我多年沒見的好友, 雖然十年沒見了, 我們都為人婦了, 但, 我們只是在電話的那一頭而已, 我們互相打氣, 支持著對方. 爸媽也沒看過她老公跟小孩. 這個禮拜, 夠我們話家常. 也順便帶著爸媽看一下美國生活方式. 另外, 也好好調一下時差, 而且, 這裡還滿多東方食物的選擇.

2007年9月19日 AUS-NBA via: DEN US7943/UA6738 1792 哩

租個假日公寓, 或開車到別的洲走走, 都是個方法. 來這裡的重點是, 我頭家的小孩都在這裡. 要讓爸媽看看老公的小孩. 不然, 每年準備的禮物, 都不知道是給誰的, 只看照片, 不準. 見面三分情, 爸媽喜歡老公, 也很喜歡他的小孩. 孩子也早開始學習使用筷子跟一些基礎的中文對話. 特別安排了一個月在納什維爾, 來培養他們的感情. 偶爾, 我們還可以去別的城市渡週末或開船去釣魚. 這是爸媽從沒想過的生活方式之一.

2007年10月19日 NBA-DUB via: PHL US876/US1706 3939 哩

都柏林是老公家鄉, 很多家族成員都沒見過我家人, 除了照片或錄影帶以外. 這下子是每個家人都會早就等著我們到來. 公公跟婆婆都有個大家族, 家族成員都住不遠. 其實, 愛爾蘭人跟台灣人的民風很相像. 家庭觀念很雷同, 價值觀也類似, 早期都是農業社會再轉型到工業社會, 如今, 兩個島國都往高科技方向走. 只是都柏林的歐元生活, 可能是台灣人沒辦法接受的高消費. 但, 也借著這個機會, 讓爸媽看一下, 愛爾蘭的生活方式. 半個市中心大的鳳凰公園, 一個健力士啤酒工廠在市中心, 一個喜愛音樂的天主教國家, 一個熱愛隨性生活的民族. 聖誕節是愛爾蘭人的新年, 每個家族都要團圓的日子, 還不知道這一年是輪到誰家做東. 但可以想像的是大家又聚在一起, 聊聊有趣的見聞或球賽輸贏. 輪到做東的女主人, 要花三個禮拜, 做聖誕布丁. 想當然爾, 東家有權要求協助, 所有的女人, 又會忙成一團. 每年一定會有新的成員加入, 大家可以借著這個機會, 再多認識一下. 我媽每年花二個禮拜準備新年的菜, 其熱情也不輸愛爾蘭人. 再者, 爸媽都沒在冷的國家過過冬天, 這會是他們第一次住暖氣房跟每天升火的經驗.

2008年1月7日 DUB-TPE via: LHR/BKK BD130/TG917/TG636 7762 哩

新年過後, 該是時候打道回府, 過我們的農曆新年了. 回程路上, 有好多的回憶跟提不太動的行李. 路上, 我們會過境新的曼谷機場, 可以號稱亞洲最大的機場. 這一路上, 我們拜訪了很多不太熟的親人, 雖然我們是來自不同的民族, 但, 我們是一家人!