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A publication of the Community Services Center
on TAIPEI
FEB
2019
Centered
Vol. 19 | 05
CONTENTS February 2019 volume 19 issue 5
CSC COMMUNITY
From the Editors 5 TAS - Practicing what they preach 8
Center Gallery 6 Tamsui – A Town for Photographers, Travelers and
Activity Highlights 7 Hopeless Romantics 11
Book Clubs: February 15 A Cross-cultural Taste of India 14
CSC Business Classified 26 Taipei: A City Begging to be Discovered 16
CULTURE
Celebrating the Lucky Chinese New Year of
Publisher Community Services Center, Taipei the Brown Earth Pig 18
Editor Suzan Babcock How a Little Chinese Can Go a Long Way 19
Co-editor Richard Saunders
Advertising Manager Naomi Kaly
Magazine Email
Tel
coteditor@communitycenter.org.tw
02-2836-8134 OUTLOOK
Fax 02-2835-2530 What if People Are Talking About You Behind Your Back? 20
Community Services Living Abroad With Children 22
Center Editorial Panel Siew Kang, Fred Voigtmann The Sofa Is Our Home 23
Printed by Farn Mei Printing Co., Ltd.
1F, No. 102, Hou Kang Street, Shilin
District, Taipei
TRAVEL
Tel: 02-2882-6748 Fax: 02-2882-6749 Exploring Shifen and Pingxi…without the sky lanterns 25
E-mail: farn.mei@msa.hinet.net
Centered on Taipei is a publication of the Community Services Center,
25, Lane 290, Zhongshan N. Rd., Sec. 6, Tianmu, Taipei, Taiwan ART & POETRY
Tel: 02-2836-8134
fax: 02-2835-2530 Inherited Dreams 15
e-mail: coteditor@communitycenter.org.tw Artwork by Wilder Love Fox 27
Correspondence may be sent to the editor at coteditor@ Satoru Kondo – Life in Colour 28
communitycenter.org.tw. Freelance writers, photographers and So inside back cover
illustrators are welcome to contact the editor to discuss editorial and
graphic assignments. Your talent will find a home with us!
Copyright 2018. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not
be reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner.
COT is printed on FSC certified 100% post-consumer recycled fiber. The
paper is certified in accordance with the rules of the Forest Stewardship
Council which promotes environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and
economically viable management of the world's forests. https://ic.fsc.org/
www.communitycenter.org.tw FEBRUARY 2019 3
TIGER TOTS PRESCHOOL
A LOVING PLACE FOR LEARNING
Everyone needs Crown’s service offerings include:
• International & Domestic Shipments
to know why...
• Transit Protection
• Pet & Car Transfers
• Immigration & Legalization
We’ll help your whole family •
•
Home Search
School Search
prepare for the big adventure. • Settling-in Services
PRE-K AND KINDERGARTEN (LOCATED INSIDE TAS) Tel: +886 2 2719 2618
taipei@crownrelo.com
TIGGER'S(PRE-2S), 2S AND 3S PLAYGROUPS (TIAN YU CAMPUS)
North American Curriculum Gardening
Qualified Instructors Fun and Educational Daily Activities
Low Student/Teacher Ratios Field Trips
Gymnastics and Music Class Fun After School Enrichment Classes
Go knowing
Engaging Outdoor Playgrounds Mandarin Playgroups www.crownrelo.com/taiwan
We’d love to introduce you to our diverse and incredibly special community of learners!
Please call to arrange a visitation. CR ad Euroview AprMay.indd 1 22/3/2016 3:40:25 PM
TYPA MAIN OFFICE: (02)2873-1815 www.typa.org.tw
4 FEBRUARY 2019 www.communitycenter.org.tw
COVER IMAGE:
Lanterns in Fuyou Temple
by Kenneth Dickson
FROM Please send email submissions, comments, and feedback to
coteditor@communitycenter.org.tw.
THE
EDITORS
For more information, please go to our
website at
www.communitycenter.org.tw
COT TEAM
There is something special about the beginning of a
New Year, which resonates with many people, especially
in Taipei. The Lunar New Year is a time when families
and friends traditionally get together to celebrate. This
Suzan Babcock Richard Saunders Naomi Kaly KC
year is the Year of the Brown Earth Pig, and according to
Editor Co-editor Advertising Manager Graphic Designer local fortune tellers it will be a year of minute, but steady,
coteditor@ richard0428@yahoo.com naomi@communitycenter. graphicdesigntaipei.
communitycenter.org.tw org.tw weebly.com economic gain for all animal signs of the Chinese Zodiac.
Here at the Center, the month of February is going to
Feature Writers be an active one. In Taiwan, drinking tea is a social and
cultural activity, which can be traced back to ancient
China. On February 12th, a special morning tour has been
scheduled for a visit to a local tea shop to learn the proper
way to select tea, how to brew, serve and drink it. This
unique tour will be led by Tea Master Yasuko Hondo, and
Kenneth Dickson Christina Grunwald Manoj Kumar Judy Tsuei
Panigrahi
is an opportunity not to be missed.
Our February issue has many interesting articles on
WRITING AND PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS
the Taipei art scene from the eyes of two international
Sue Babcock Satoru Kondo s t u d e n t s, p l u s p u b l i c a r t, Ta m s u i (a t o w n f o r
Andrew Conley Lindsey Kundel
Luca de Cadilhac Manoj Kumar Panigrahi photographers), advice on raising children overseas, and
Kenneth Dickson Joseph Reilly Richard Saunders’ tips on how to enjoy Shifen and Pingxi
Wilder Love Fox Richard Saunders
Christina Grunwald Rosemary Susa
without the sky lanterns.
Elliott Hodgkin Grace Ting There is always something going on at the Center. So,
Travis Humphrey Judy Tsuei please stop by for a cup of coffee, good conversation and
a warm welcome.
We would like to wish everyone a prosperous and
healthy New Year!
Pick COT up at:
Uptown:
Community Services Center, No. 25, Lane 290, Sec. 6,
Zhongshan North Rd.
Sprout – No. 33, Sec. 7, Zhongshan North Rd.
George Pai’s Beauty – No. 14, Tienmu East Rd.
Downtown:
Ooh Cha Cha – 207, Sec.2, Nanchang Rd.
Sue and Richard
Accountant Monica Cheng
COMMUNITY SERVICES CENTER Programs Manager Rosemary Susa
Programs Assistant Bunny Pacheco
Coffee Mornings Coordinator John Imbrogulio
The Community Services Center (CSC) is a non-profit foundation. CSC provides Cross-cultural Trainer
outreach and early intervention through counseling, cross-cultural education and Communications Morgan Loosli
life skills programs to meet the needs of the international community in Taipei. Events Coordinator Shan Lee
CSC offers the opportunity to learn, volunteer, teach and meet others. Check out
our website www.communitycenter.org.tw and drop by The Center to chat with us
Mandarin Chinese Teacher Gloria Gwo
about our programs. You can also email us at csc@communitycenter.org.tw. Systems Manager Samson Debele
Volunteers Miyuki Boice, Riley Carbonneau, Judith Chou,
Director Adam McMillan John Imbrogulio, Leslie McFarlane, John McQuade
Sofia Vintimila
Office Manager Grace Ting
Benefactors Bai Win Antiques
Counselors I-wen Chan, Katherine Chang, Hui-shiang Chao, European Chamber of Commerce
Jung Chin, Chiao-Feng Chung, Cerita Hsu, Carol Lee, Grand Hyatt Taipei
Miranda Lin, Emilie Ma, Kuang-Shan Wan
Premier Sponsors Concordia Consulting
Consultants Wendy Evans and Michael Mullahy ICRT
San Fu Global
Counseling Admin. Joanne Chua
www.communitycenter.org.tw FEBRUARY 2019 5
CSC
FEBRUARY 2019 A percentage of all proceeds of items sold at the Gallery will go
to the Center. Please remember that by displaying your items or
GALLERY
shopping at the Gallery, you will be helping the Center to continue
to provide valuable services to the international community.
AN EXHIBITION OF PAINTINGS BY CHARLES
HAINES
The Community Services Center is pleased FEBRUARY EVENTS
to have on loan from Bai Win Antiques an PERFORMANCE
exhibition of beautiful oil paintings by artist 2/23 Saturday
Charles Haines. Formosa Improv Group Performance
7:30 PM-10:00 PM (LS)
SPOKEN WORD
ANITA TOWN’S LOVELY SCARF CHERRY HILL ANTIQUES 2/16 Saturday
AND ORNAMENT COLLECTION Stage Time & Wine CV : An intimate open
mic event
7:00 PM-10:00 PM (LS)
MUSIC
2/15 Sunday
An Evening of French Songs : A Tribute
to Edith Piaf with Anne Dewees and
Albert
7:30 PM-10:00 PM (LS)
We are pleased to display a wide
range of handmade Chinese 2/22 Friday
ethnic-style jewelry, featuring Kind of Red XXIV : An evening of social
music
intricate knotting combined with 7:30 PM-10:00 PM (LS)
new and old jade, cloisonné
beads, lapis, coral and other WELLNESS
semi-precious stones. Other gifts 2/17 Sunday
Anita Town’s Lovely Scarf and Body & Soul : Find your breath, Find your
Ornament Collection will be at the on display include Chinese-style voice
Center for pre-holiday shopping bags, placemats and coasters, all 4:30 PM-6:00 PM (LS)
and gift-giving selections. perfect for gift giving.
MULTIMEDIA
ELIZABETH LAM'S POSTCARDS COLLECTION 2/10 Sunday
Filmmaker Night
Raise awareness, while 5:30 PM-9:30 PM (G)
helping to save Taiwan's
2/21 Thursday
endangered endemic We Are One Taiwan : Discussion w/ Tejun
species. Buy one, or a set the Performer
of five, of these beautifully 7:30 PM-10:00 PM (LS)
i l l u s t ra t e d p o s t c a r d s,
hand-drawn by Elizabeth Programs may be subject to change.
Please check our website or facebook for
Lam and printed on updates. redroomtaipei.com
recycled cotton paper.
We are looking for a creative, highly organized person to manage
and coordinate our events. You will have full artistic license to put
JOB your own personal mark on our auction, spring event, and golf
tournament. Events are an important fundraising tool here at the
Center and a key part of our everyday operation.
OPENING!!! Interested applicants please send a cover letter and resume to
Adam McMillan at director@communitycenter.org.tw
6 FEBRUARY 2019 www.communitycenter.org.tw
COMMUNITY
FEBRUARY ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
chicken, prepared with green
chilies and fresh coriander,
It’s accompanied by muttar
pulau (rice cooked with
peas, onions, bay leaves,
cardamom and cumin); tarka
daal (lentils infused with
spicy oil); tomato bhujia
(tomatoes cooked with
chilies, onion seeds and
curry leaves); and a cooling
kachumer salad. What an
amazing selection of flavors
The Culture of Tea: How have been here awhile popular Chinese dumpling and seasonings!
to Select, Brew, and Drink and are still struggling to (jiǎozi) recipes at the Center.
Taiwanese Tea find the right ingredients This semester join her for Create a Beautiful Evening
Tuesday, February 12th; for a favorite family meal, this fun, hands-on class Bag Using Chinese Knotting
9:30 am – 12 noon then this informative tour where she will demonstrate Techniques
Instructor: Yasuko Hondo is for you. The Center has two different types of Tuesdays, March 5-April 2;
NT$800 partnered with Carrefour dumplings. On the menu are 12 noon – 2:00pm
In Taiwan, drinking tea goes to offer you a chance to the traditional boiled pork Instructor: Naomi
beyond just quenching one's meet with the store’s with cabbage dumplings Watanabe
thirst. It is also a social and import team and visit (shuǐjiǎo) and pan-fried $3,200
cultural activity (which can their Tianmu store. Here’s vegetable dumplings This four-session knotting
be traced back to ancient what you will learn: which (guōtiē), commonly known class offers you a chance
China) and is embedded imported items are available as pot stickers. Both will to create a beautiful, hand-
into the culture of the in Taiwan; what local be served with her favorite made evening bag. Over
country. For the Taiwanese, items can be substituted dipping sauces and a tasty the course of each class
tea culture includes tea for ingredients that are seasonal vegetable. With Naomi will teach you how to
production, tea arts and not available; information Ivy as your cooking guide prepare the materials and
wares, traditional tea about organic and free- you will be well on your way produce the appropriate
ceremonies and the social range products; Taiwan food to making these tasty local knots, which are reminiscent
aspects of consuming tea. safety regulations; why the treats for your family at of macramé. Depending
For those of us living in availability of some items home. Hăo chī! upon your past experience
Taiwan, tea is often chosen can be so unpredictable; and skill, you may need
as a great local gift to bring and how you can go about Perfect Pakistani to do some of the work
home to family and friends, proposing items that the Friday, February 22nd; 10 at home between classes.
but do you know what type store should stock. am – 12 noon It is a challenging class
of tea to buy, or how to Instructor: Asma Ahmed but one that you will find
prepare it? If not, then join Delectable Dumplings NT$1,200 rewarding when you have
Yasuko Hondo, a Taiwan Friday, February 15th; 10am Join Asma Ahmed for a completed your own usable
Tea Master, to visit a local – 12 noon delicious Pakistani meal piece of art. Samples of
teashop and learn the proper Instructor: Ivy Chen that you will soon be able completed bags will be
way to select, brew, serve NT$1,200 to prepare yourself to wow available at the Center.
and drink Taiwanese tea. This At least once every year, your family and friends. All materials for the class
class ends at the tea shop. Ivy shares some of her very We start with green masala included.
Directions back to the MRT
will be provided.
Do you have a skill or talent that you
Shopping in Taipei: would like to share? Or have you found
Carrefour Tour some great places around Taipei that you
Monday, February 18th;
would like to take others to see? Then
9 – 11am
why not consider teaching a course or
Guide: Karine Lima
leading a tour for the Center in Fall 2019?
NT$500
If you’re new to Taiwan THE CENTER If you are interested, or would like more
NEEDS YOU!
and would like some information, please contact Rosemary at
information about shopping ce@communitycenter.org.tw.
for groceries, or if you
www.communitycenter.org.tw FEBRUARY 2019 7
COMMUNITY
Practicing what they preach:
A Record Number of Full-time Faculty Pursue
Doctoral Degrees
TEXT: LINDSEY KUNDEL, COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER IMAGES: TAS
T
aipei American School prides
itself on hiring a large number Lower School Middle School Upper School Administration
of faculty members who have Tara Simeonidis, Lori Richardson Juliana Martinez, Kathryn Limmer,
received advanced degrees. USC Rossier Garcia, East University of Bath USC Rossier
In this current school year (2018- Carolina
2019) approximately 63% of our faculty Leanne Rainbow, Andrew Lowman,
University
members possess one master's degree, American College Walden University
and another 5.7% have two or more; of Education Tim Sheu,
Evelyn Chen,
8.9% of full-time TAS faculty have Johns Hopkins
[Teacher prefers Vanderbilt University
obtained a doctoral degree, defined University
not to be named]
by HR as either a PhD, JD, or EdD. This Kevin Held,
Chris Hoffman,
number will go up significantly in the Northeastern
Bethel University
next two academic years. University
A record number of full-time faculty Jill Fagen, Bethel
are currently pursuing doctoral degrees University
in their spare time. Thirteen faculty
members (nearly 5% of our full-time Jeff Neill,
faculty) are enrolled in an online Northeastern
or part-time doctoral degree. It’s University
important to note that this number
does not include the six other faculty Sheu, pursuing a doctorate was the next For other faculty members like Lori
members who graduated from doctoral logical step in his career. "I'm a lifelong Richardson Garcia and Evelyn Chen, the
programs just last school year. learner, and for a number of years I felt motivation to pursue a doctorate was
While some of these faculty like I needed to look into a new degree similarly focused on broadening their
m e m b e rs h ave j u st sta r te d t h e i r in order to grow professionally," Sheu understanding of how schools function.
studies, others have finished or are said. He is currently in his third and final Richardson Garcia said that she was
nearly finished with their coursework, year of the program at Johns Hopkins, interested in exploring other areas of
and some will be graduating in a few studying how to build teachers' efficacy leadership beyond her work as a middle
months, after the grueling process of and expertise in teaching writing across school counselor. "I [wanted] to be able
defending a thesis. The thirteen faculty the curriculum. to see what we do for students through
members span all three divisions, Andrew Lowman agrees that this multiple lenses," Richardson Garcia
including administrators, teachers, and "idealist" sentiment is why he also said, "and working on my doctorate
counselors. While their formal titles first applied, but he thinks that there [would give] me exposure to many
may vary, they are all teacher-leaders. is a more practical reason as well. "I different aspects of school leadership."
This surge in doctoral degrees at would hope that as educators we all see Chen similarly said that she got
TAS aligns with recent information ourselves as lifelong learners," Lowman t h e "i tc h" to p u rs u e t h i s d e g re e
regarding the prevalence of doctoral said. "But the thing is that we also all because she wanted to be involved in
degrees in America. According to the have some gaps in our professional "different conversations" around the
National Science Foundation, American backgrounds that we should try to school beyond those of her science
universities are awarding doctoral address, because we all come into classroom. Her goal was to feel like her
degrees at an accelerating pace, up education from different places." For contribution to the school was part
nearly 3.5 percent from 2013 and Lowman, this meant that because of a greater picture. She compared it
up nearly eight percent from 2011. his master's degree focused more on to the analogy of a frog inside a well
However, Taipei American School counseling and positive psychology, he seeing only a small part of the sky. "I
teachers have outpaced those statistics, knew that he needed to learn more think that's how I felt because in our
since nearly 5% of our faculty are about school leadership in order to classes...because there's just really no
currently seeking a professional degree "round out" his experiences before time for you to establish that holistic
beyond a Master's. accepting a new administrative role picture of what kids are learning [in
For middle school EAL teacher, Tim within the school. different classes]."
8 FEBRUARY 2019 www.communitycenter.org.tw
COMMUNITY
Kevin Held was motivated to continue Juliana Martinez was also interested sentiment about pursuing a doctoral
his graduate work for a slightly different in continuing her studies based on the degree: something's got to give.
goal. Instead of working towards a leaders she had learned from in the Chris Hoffman wakes up between
career goal, Held has been working to past, including her adviser at St. Paul's 3:30 and 3:45 every morning to read,
rectify a lack of research in his particular School, our current Head of School, Dr. write, and study before coming to work.
field: technical theater. "I noticed a lack Sharon Hennessy. "She has been in my He does this, he said, so that he can be
of any literature about why we do what life for a very long time," said Martinez. fully present both at work and at home
we do behind the scenes," Held said. "And she's very impressive. Back when with his family.
"Everything focuses on how to use the I met her in high school she already Lori Richardson Garcia often has a
latest gadget, but not why it enhances had multiple degrees. Since that time I similar schedule to Hoffman. "At one
our art form. I also noticed that the have always wanted to pursue a higher point when I was writing my literature
rhetoric about robotics and engineering degree." review, I was going to bed at 7 PM and
focused on the team process, iterations, For Leanne Rainbow, the opportunity waking up at 3 AM." She spoke about
and returning to the design until you get to also be a role model is on her mind the importance of being strategic
something that works." as she finishes her degree. "I think it's with work time but also scheduling in
Many of the faculty members a good message for our students to protected time for yourself and your
interviewed said that they had been have a female doctor in STEM present loved ones. "We carve out time on
t h i n k i n g o f p u rs u i n g a d o c to rate in their life at an early age. It's powerful Mondays because [my husband] is off.
for several years before applying or for all of our students to look up to, Monday is our date night [because] the
beginning their coursework. One faculty but it's even more powerful for our other nights we’re both working."
member, Chris Hoffman, has a different young girls." Within her own family, Several of the other candidates said
story. This is his second attempt at she's proud that her daughters see her that they prefer to work mostly on
d o cto ra l st u d i e s b e ca u s e h e wa s work through the joys and challenges of evenings or weekends.
deployed to Afghanistan in the middle study. "It's not always pretty," she said, Jeff Neill said that he often wakes
of his first degree. He took a break from "but I like studying alongside my girls up early to work out, but prefers to
his studies upon returning to the United and I'm glad that they get to see me save all work for after his children go
States and, after moving to and living working hard on something that's really to bed. "Thankfully, my kids go to bed
in Taiwan for several years, he finally important to me." early," said Neill. "One of the promises
decided to return to his research. Each of these TAS faculty members that I made when I started the doctoral
For Hoffman, studying leadership has a different story about why they program was that I wouldn't allow it
at the doctoral level has been about are pursuing this degree now, but all to interfere with family." He said the
"standing on the shoulders" of those agree on the sacrifices that must be things that he has sacrificed the most
leaders who inspired him, leaders made in order to achieve this degree. are sleep and reading for pleasure
from the military and from the other All of these doctoral candidates work instead of for classes.
schools he has worked in. He decided to full- (or beyond full-) time at TAS. They For Evelyn Chen, she said that the
continue his studies because he wanted have families, children, and other thing she has had to sacrifice most is
to become what he calls a "public outside responsibilities including taking her social life. "Every weekend I try to
intellectual," a person who is consulted care of pets, coaching responsibilities, do one great thing for me. Whether
and trusted by others when they face and attempting to live a balanced life. that is yoga or having dinner dates with
challenging problems in education. However, they all echoed the same friends, I definitely make sure to do
Leanne Rainbow Andrew Lowman Tim Sheu Kevin Held Lori Richardson Kathryn Limmer
Garcia
Jill Fagen Evelyn Chen Juliana Martinez Tara Simeonidis Chris Hoffman Jeff Neill
www.communitycenter.org.tw FEBRUARY 2019 9
COMMUNITY
something for me," she said. "But the on-campus graduate credit workshops, title that says that I really understand
rest of the weekend is for work." partnering with outside online that subject."
J u l i a n a M a r t i n ez i s e n ro l l e d i n educational groups like COETAIL, State Chris Hoffman and Tim Sheu agree
a British program that has a much University of New York at Buffalo, or with Martinez. Both describe being a
different schedule than the American The College of New Jersey, or helping doctor as entering into a club of public
universities; as such, her work schedule to partially fund some students who intellectualism, where other people
i s q u i te u n l i ke t h at o f t h e o t h e r are working on graduate credits that might look to you for ideas and answers
candidates. Sher attends classes in relate to the School's Strategic Plan, to difficult problems. This is not a
person in the United Kingdom each professional development continues to theoretical claim. As a result of nearly
summer and then works independently be both supported and expected. completing his doctoral degree, one
during the school year on research All of the faculty members faculty member, Jeff Neill, has already
and synthesis papers that reflect her interviewed encouraged other faculty been asked to consult on his area of
knowledge of the course content. She members to pursue the more difficult research for a professional journal.
said the biggest thing she has had to option, a doctoral degree, over a These thirteen faculty members are
sacrifice is vacation time. She and her second master's degree, albeit for a compelling testament to the School's
husband have not yet taken a vacation different reasons. continued support and encouragement
during the school year since beginning For some, like Juliana Martinez, a of professional development for our
her studies. "You definitely need doctoral degree is superior because of faculty. Most of them will not be
someone at home who believes in you. what the title symbolizes. "If I'm going receiving a higher salary as a result of
My husband has been the one who to do all the work of forty credits and this decision to pursue another degree,
has really supported me through this a thesis, I want a title," said Martinez. and yet they have made the difficult
process, discussing my ideas and helping "For me, that is something important (and time-consuming) decision to
me to organize them," Martinez said. because it is hard work to go through prioritize their own learning, which will
TAS actively encourages and supports that level of academic research...if benefit not only the students under
faculty members who are pursuing I'm going to research something that their immediate care, but the entire
graduate work. Whether it is offering in-depth, I want to be able to have a culture of learning at our school.
TAIPEI
AMERICAN
SCHOOL
INFORMATION SESSIONS
Learn about our programs and admissions
requirements, and tour our facilities.
Saturday, March 2, 2019
Lower School 9:30-11:00 AM
Middle and Upper School 1:00-2:30 PM
Reserve a space by emailing admissions@tas.tw,
calling 2873-9900 ext. 329
or registering online at www.tas.edu.tw/infosessions
10 FEBRUARY 2019 www.communitycenter.org.twCOMMUNITY
Tamsui
– a Town for Photographers,
Travelers and Hopeless Romantics
TEXT & IMAGES: KENNETH DICKSON
I
f I could name just one place in
Taiwan that would absorb a visitor's
entire day, that'd be Tamsui in New
Taipei City. So let me introduce the
town to you, experience a taste of its
cultural heritage, and find out why it's
creating a real buzz for visitors!
Arriving in Tamsui, most people head
straight for the waterfront on Huanho
Street, which runs along the harbor
front to the old wharves. On Sundays,
holidays and in summer, there will be
throngs of people on this street, so
walking will be slow. If you prefer a
faster pace, take the Old Street then
thread the narrow side streets, then
come back to the Old Street/harbor
TAMSUI TRADES IN GOODS AND mostly between Taiwan and China,
front later in the afternoon. You may
PEOPLE effectively re-establishing centuries-old
even catch some golden hour sunsets
From the Qing dynasty period, Tamsui trading patterns. If you stand at the
over the water if you do that!
was the busiest port in Taiwan, and seafront or harbor, you will see clearly a
a major center for trading tea, gold, dozen large cranes hovering over ships.
camphor, sugar, wood, and opium. In More large vessels can be glimpsed
the late 19th century, the river started offshore waiting to drop off or pick up
silting up, eventually restricting large goods.
trading ships from going upstream.
Since then industry, fishing and tourism WAREHOUSES: PAST AND PRESENT
have sustained the town. S eve ra l wa re h o u s e s h ave b e e n
Nowadays, Tamsui Wharf has several restored to tell that story of trading:
ferries to Bali on the opposite shore including the British Tea Merchants
of the river, to Fisherman’s Wharf, trading houses and the Douglas Lapraik
and occasional excursions elsewhere. Warehouse at the harbor. The former
The trips to Bali are the most popular,
so on busy days there can be a wait.
GETTING THERE Elsewhere, you'll see small fishing
Go to any MRT station then catch v e s s e l s m o o r e d, a l o n g w i t h t h e
a train to a transfer station for the occasional dragon boat used during
Red Line to Tamsui. You won’t have the annual Dragon Boat Races. The old
to wait more than six or seven trading harbors further up are worth
minutes for your train. From Taipei checking out, including the recently
Train Station, the journey is about 40 r e s t o r e d Ta m s u i C u s t o m s W h a r f
minutes. Arriving at Tamsui, exit the buildings at 259, Zhongzheng Road
MRT station, turn left and Old Street (open daily 9:30 am ~ 5 pm, entry is
and the waterfront are both 2-3 free).
minutes away. Trading still continues since Taipei
Port opened across the Tamsui river,
and trade has recently grown robustly,
www.communitycenter.org.tw FEBRUARY 2019 11COMMUNITY
ROUTE PLANS
I suggest the following route:
Longshan Temple >>> Qingshui Temple
>>> Presbyterian Church >>> Head to
the Waterfront >>> Douglas Lapraik
Warehouse >>> Old Street pt. 1 >>> Fuyou
Temple >>> Old Street pt. 2 >>> Shell Oil
Yard >>> MRT.
Please treat these as way-points; you'll
find lots of other places to explore. It’s not
a long walk, but stopping to explore and
buying snacks will extend your time quite
a lot. I recommend you bring an umbrella
and/or hat, sunscreen, decent walking
shoes, and lots of fluids, especially water.
British Tea Merchants warehouses warehouses sit the renovated offices of the statue of Mazu with extraordinary
were purchased by the Royal Dutch Douglas Lapraik & Co, which operated eyes and ears.
Shell Company for oil storage. In 1944, steamship routes around East Asia. Religion was important to the early
they were bombed and destroyed. After Taiwan became a Japanese colony arrivals to Taiwan. There are temple
Since then, they have been restored as in 1895, Douglas Lapraik & Co withered foundation stories all over the island
Tamsui Culture Park, with exhibitions, away, though one of their buildings that trace their roots back to ancient
shows, and events. They’re right next to has been restored at 316 Zhongzheng
the MRT station on the river front, at 22 Road.
Bitou Street, and are open from 9 am ~
6 pm. Entry is free. TEMPLES AND CHURCHES
When you go, remember to take Harbors traditionally are places
photos looking out over the river. Don't where products are traded and
forget to check out the original railway travelers visit. But ideas, cultures, and
tracks nearby, remnants of the sidings religions also traveled through harbors.
from the old railway that used to run to So it's not surprising that Tamsui has
Taipei. so many religious sites and temples.
If you've ever seen the movie The Not far away at 200, Zhongzheng
Sand Pebbles with Steve McQueen, Road is Fuyou Temple, which faces
y o u’l l s e e s h o t s o f t h e o r i g i n a l Guanyin Mountain. Fuyou Temple was
warehouses, before they burned down. consecrated to the Goddess Mazu in
While the original warehouses are the 1720s and rebuilt in 1796. The
gone, you can still enjoy the location intricate stone structure and wood
and a cup of coffee at Starbucks which carvings were built by the fishermen
now occupies the site. Behind the and townspeople of Tamsui. Check out
12 FEBRUARY 2019 www.communitycenter.org.twCOMMUNITY
As an aside, you can check out his
grave in the old Foreigners' Cemetery
n e a r t h e O x fo r d C o l l e g e, w h e r e
you can’t fail to notice the large
commemorative statue, too. His legacy
is quite impressive, especially when you
consider that in the first few years the
hurling of stones would often greet his
arrival in a new place.
OLD STREET: LITTLE SNACKS AND
temples in China. Longshan Temple in SOUVENIRS
Fujian Province in China has inspired From the church, you can return to
five local Longshan Temples around the the MRT station along the Old Street.
island for the worship of Guanyin. Of This is the famous market area for
course, Tamsui has a Longshan Temple visitors that starts beside Starbucks
which can be found in the old market at Tamsui MRT station. Its official
area at 22, Lane 95, Zhongzheng Road. name is Gongming Street, and it runs
Not far away is Qingshui Temple, at to Zhongzheng Road, the main road
87, Qingshui Street, dedicated to the through Tamsui town center. There are
god Qingshui Sushi. There are plans to actually two parallel roads to explore
restore the temple steps, so one day it here: the shore front (Huanho Road)
will look even more dramatic. has more restaurants and edibles, while 42 Gongming Street, which has been
Tamsui is also an important center the Old Street itself sells tourist knick- making local specialty and wedding
for the development of Christianity, knacks, street food, and souvenirs. cakes for over seventy years, plus a
medicine & education. On New Year's For those of you eager to try the range of traditional Taiwanese cakes
Eve 1871, a missionary from Canada famous local delicacies, iron eggs and special pies.
a r r i ve d w h o wo u l d h ave a m a j o r (literally translated) are small, edible You will also find vendors selling
impact. The Rev. George Leslie Mackay deep-fried shrimp rolls, pepper pork
from the Canadian Presbyterian Mission buns, freshly made cakes, and much
in Taiwan left an important legacy more, and plenty of drink vendors
of churches, hospitals, schools, and with freshly made tea, coffee, and
universities for the people of Tamsui. juices along the street. By the time you
The Tamsui Presbyterian Church finish snacking, dinner will be an after-
(founded by Rev. Mackay) sits on a little thought as you head back to Taipei.
alley at 8 Maxie Street, just behind the
main thoroughfare through the town. LOOK OUT THE WINDOW
Its spire gracefully reaches for the sky, As you leave Tamsui on the MRT,
while the red bricks glow in the sun. don't forget to look out of the window
It's one of the few places here that has across to Bali and Guanyin Mountain
stained glass visible to the street. Built across the river. Perhaps you'll ponder
in 1932, this building imposes itself for a few moments how generous the
even now on the local surroundings. Goddess of Mercy has been to Tamsui
Check the bulletin board for opening and its people. Perhaps one day, she'll
hours. even entice you to come back!
nuggets of dark weirdness; try them!
Another local delicacy is a-gei, deep-
fried tofu stuffed with bean noodles, Kenneth Dickson bought
which can be and eaten with a little a camera many years ago
spicy relish. Tamsui fish balls are a to take photographs of his
popular snack, made from ground fish trav els around Taiw an.
and garlic, served in a simple stock. Twenty thousand photographs later, he
As you walk further up the main finally joined Photowalkers in Taipei, a
street, you'll come across a wide group that encourages everyone to get
range of tasty things to eat, both out and take photographs wherever they
s a v o r y a n d s w e e t. F o r i n s t a n c e are. You can visit his other photography
there's Shinjiencheng Cake Shop at at http://www.lookthroughthelens.com
www.communitycenter.org.tw FEBRUARY 2019 13COMMUNITY
A Cross-cultural
Taste of India
TEXT & IMAGES: MANOJ KUMAR PANIGRAHI
A
quote from the movie Today’s exams multiple times in my 12th grade, with students a first-hand experience of
Special (2011) best expresses it took me over a year-and-a-half more learning about India that didn’t rely on
my love of Indian cooking: to enter college. During this time, I had books. My friends have asked me many
“Masala is the symphony, oil lost all hope of succeeding and slipped times, “Don’t you feel tired? Why are
is the orchestra.” This quote came from towards depression and anxiety. But you visiting so many schools to teach
the scene where a character described something inside of me kept on trying. those students, and for free? And all
his love of Indian food. Eventually, I passed all the exams and this in addition to your own graduate
Recently, I was invited to make some requirements and enrolled in college. studies?”
easy and simple dishes for students at But this wasn’t the average urban My answer to them was “yes,” it
the schools that I am visiting here in college, but instead lay deep inside the takes a significant amount of my time
Taiwan. Coming from an international forests of the Eastern Ghats, and the 30 and energy. Sometimes, I do feel
relations background, this idea of km ride there took more than ninety frustrated because of the long traveling
cooking Indian food for students was minutes. hours, but what keeps me going is my
a perfect way to share my culture. I During those times, I had no one to love of speaking to students. It really
decided to name it “curry diplomacy.” talk to except my family and very close enthralls me when I am teaching them.
Students would not only get to taste friends, but they not only helped me Teaching not only helps relax my
Indian food, but they would also see to overcome difficulties, but also to mind and eases stress, but it also
first-hand how curry is made, from the have a completely different approach provides me with a platform to speak,
beginning until they taste it. They are to education and to the life which was to share and discuss my own culture
usually surprised at its taste, and want waiting for me. All these experiences with students who come from different
to know why curry is not as spicy as have made me realize the importance backgrounds and ages. I also see this
they had previously thought. of having a broader vision for our as a type of training for my future work
Since I enrolled in a master’s program education. I promised myself I would do in teaching history or geography at a
in New Delhi, a lot of things in my whatever I could to make education for school, or international relations at
life have changed. Coming from the similar children better. university level.
countryside of India’s Odisha state, I’d When I came to Taiwan, I realized Once a schoolteacher asked me
dreamt of studying abroad since I was that there was a way I could present why I make so many visits, especially
in primary school. Having failed in the information about India through the since I wasn’t getting paid to do so.
school’s mathematics and chemistry schools and colleges. I could share I re s p o n d e d by s ay i n g, “I t’s ve r y
easy to criticize something you don’t
fully understand. I found a lot of
misinformation about India here in
Taiwan and other places in the world.
I want to try my best to remove those
stereotypes or misinformation about
my country, and this is what makes me
different from others. The only way to
solve an issue is by working on it rather
than criticizing it.”
One special school visit was to
Pingbei Senior High School in Pingtung
County. The school is located in a
beautiful valley surrounded by nature.
Most of the students are aboriginal,
and I was able to watch them sing
their traditional songs. They also tried
to teach me how to count using their
14 FEBRUARY 2019 www.communitycenter.org.twCOMMUNITY
language, which, unfortunately, I have visits to Taiwan schools is seeing the easy to criticize, but we need to use
forgotten. discipline of the country's students. these criticisms in a positive way. My
I also visited two schools in Changhua They’re responsible for keeping their experiences in Taiwanese schools have
County, where I observed some unique classrooms and corridors clean on a really helped me, and I feel that I am
teaching styles. The first was the use of daily basis. Taiwanese students also going to be a better teacher and human
social media, Instagram and LINE, which have a mandatory thirty-minute nap being in the future.
were used by the teacher and students during lunch hour. This scheduled
for fast and effective communication. rest time acts as a power booster for
Students were able to ask the teacher students to be more productive.
about future activities and the In future, I not only want to be a
coordination of events. teacher, but one who puts extra effort Manoj i s currently
Another teacher used online into understanding students who are a PhD candidate
p l at fo r m s to c re ate i nte ra c t i o n s not doing well, not necessarily only at International
between her students and students in their academic life, but also other Doctoral Program in
in other countries. I found this unique activities. Students are valuable assets Asia-Pacific Studies
way of teaching very inspiring. It gives for the future. We need to nurture and (IDAS) at National Chengchi University
students first-hand experience of teach them carefully so that they will (NCCU). His research includes the
interacting and learning cross-culturally not become a problem to society in the foreign policy, foreign aid, security
with students from other countries. future. i ssues and culture of Asia-Pacific
A m a j o r ta ke away fo r m e f ro m A s I p rev i o u s l y m e nt i o n e d, i t’s countries.
Inherited Dreams
TEXT: ANDREW CONLEY IMAGE: WEB
MORNING BOOK CLUB
Now, we walk slowly The President is Missing by
James Patterson and Bill Clinton.
because while we were walking fast For Morning Book Club meeting
we couldn’t recall dates, times & location, contact
Julie Hu at: mcelroy22000@
our inherited dreams yahoo.com
of silence and harmony
With every name, with every face
we walked all night alone
as we began to focus
with the frozen stream, the rising sun
illuminated the change of season
as we longed to see EVENING BOOK CLUB
a truth apart from reason Beartown by Fredrik Backman
that makes us all one For Evening Book Club meeting
dates, times & location, contact
that seems to elude us Lauren at: laurenmccarthy1011@
but that is already known gmail.com
Now we slow our pace
so we are able to see
a thawing stream
sunrise in nightfall Andrew Conley is a writer from
the United States inspired by
as seeds from the past engaged Buddhism. He writes in
leap forth suddenly a mirror form with the thesis that
eternal knowledge and a way to
peace are written as a holy text in nature.
www.communitycenter.org.tw FEBRUARY 2019 15COMMUNITY
Taipei:
A City Begging to
be Discovered
TEXT & IMAGES: Luca de Cadlihac
I
grew up in Rome, and I used to pass that caught my attention the most was
the Pantheon every day on the way the National Taiwan University of Arts,
to school. The frantic buzz of tourists which I came across accidently. After
and Romans amongst ancient art is taking an aimless turn near Guandu
something I am used to, so when I came MRT station in the north of the city,
to Taipei last year, I felt the need to dig and following a twisting road through
a little deeper to get something out of thick forest, I arrived at the campus
the city, artistically speaking. via the back entrance. The campus
Taipei is not a typical Asian capital. commands an expansive view of the
The calm you can feel here is very city below, and feels like a breeding
different to the craziness and the ground for art students to fully engage
crowds of Shanghai, Tokyo, or Seoul, with their craft. There, they treat
and when a city is not so ”in your their campus as a gallery; constantly
face,” exploration is all the more experimenting with space.
rewarding. The islanders here are more At the top of the campus, a huge
laidback than their counterparts in bird-like structure fashioned from a
China. Even for a European like me, cage looks out over Beitou. Against
the rhythm of studying and working the pinkish sunset, it’s a striking sight.
here is surprisingly lacking in intensity, But what I found most wonderful
compared to what I am used to in were the little, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it
Europe. You can feel the newness installations. On the way down to the
of this city. The continual blocks main campus, a few students were
of conveniently tiled buildings are gathered around a tree, taking pictures.
interspersed with overgrown temples, A pair of shoes were hanging from
and besides the majesty of the Chiang the branches, seemingly forgotten.
Kai-shek Memorial, Taiwan’s long, When I started speaking to some of the
multicultural history is not generally students they said these little hidden
reflected in its architecture, which works are common on the campus.
is something that I took for granted
in Europe. But lacking in personality
Taipei is not. Instead of looking to the
past, young street artists are bringing
intriguing color into the city, and giving
it an increasingly artistic, prosperous
future.
A BREEDING GROUND FOR ART
STUDENTS
I have to admit, growing up in
an ancient capital, I can be a bit of
a traditionalist. Graffiti artists have
left their mark on ruins throughout
Rome and I can’t understand why one
would put a post-modern sculpture in
the foreground of the Colosseum. In
Taipei, however, it works. The place
16 FEBRUARY 2019 www.communitycenter.org.twCOMMUNITY
grandparents play such an elemental
role in their grandchildren’s upbringing,
aesthetically chaotic spaces like these
seek to bridge the generational gap.
And with the Museum of Contemporary
Art, the Zhongshan metro area is a
perfectly curated prelude to one of
Taiwan’s finest artistic institutions.
Being a Roman and coming from
a life surrounded by antiquity, I find
Taipei to be a very special city. It often
feels like the yin to Rome’s yang. It’s
not a place for the absent-minded to
look but not really see, and falling into
this trap is too easy. The tranquillity, the
They appear and disappear from day absence of ostentation, and the gentle
to day, triggering intrigue and creating SOMETHING FOR EVERY mix of the modern and the traditional
a story in the mind of each person GENERATION make the city a place that begs to
who spots them. This kind of modern Back in the city, the district of be discovered, rather than merely
art perfectly encapsulates the vibe Zhongshan is full of street art that ”toured.”
of the campus. Students are not just breaks up the flow of shoppers and
experimenting with their own unique diners darting around the street stalls
forms of expression, but trying to and boutiques. It has a sleepless feel
inspire their classmates too. Continuing to it, a restlessness that is unique in
through the campus, each turn brings Taipei. Coming out of the MRT, the
new shapes and colors. It defines long street which leads to the Museum
the landscape. There’s even a pair of of Art is full of murals and sculptures.
resident buffalo that may or may not Colorful robots for children, edgy Luca de Cadilhac i s
be some kind of living exhibition. A visit works of graffiti for adolescents, and a student from Italy
here brings a perfect escape from urban rural vistas painted onto anonymous w h o s e p a s s i o n s a re
life, and it’s well worth spending a doors. Putting something for every languages, travel,
little time in this birthplace of the next generation in the same space has a photography and
generation of creatives. harmonising quality. In a country where international cuisine.
www.communitycenter.org.tw FEBRUARY 2019 17CULTURE
Celebrating the
Lucky Lunar New Year
of the Brown Earth Pig
TEXT: SUZAN BABCOCK IMAGE: WEB
T
aiwan is certainly the place to the five elements, metal, water, wood, a thread-like green moss, Chinese
be for celebrating the Lunar fire and earth, along with the twelve cabbage and bamboo fungus. Each
(or Chinese) New Year. There is animals (the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, ingredient had a special symbolic
something invigorating about dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, meaning and by the time we finished
being here. Perhaps it’s the mounting rooster, dog and pig) that make up the our meal, I felt like I was the luckiest
excitement and hopeful expectations Chinese zodiac. It is a complex system. lady in the whole world.
which are ever-present, especially in The full title for this year’s zodiac
the Chinese market places. animal is the Brown Earth Pig. The THE LANTERN FESTIVAL
I happen to love the markets of color brown corresponds with the The Lantern Festival takes place
Taipei, especially the more traditional earth element. According to Chinese two weeks after the Lunar New Year
ones. For me, they are the heartbeat astrologers, 2019 is supposed to be and marks spring’s arrival. Red paper
of the society, a place where everyone an auspicious year for all signs of the lanterns of all sizes are hung in hotel
g o e s to s h o p, c h at w i t h favo r i te Chinese zodiac, because the pig attracts lobbies, department stores, shopping
vendors, pick up choice food items, and success in all aspects of life. malls, post offices, temples and in
network. traditional markets.
Each year, one week before Lunar LUCKY LUNAR NEW YEAR FOODS There are several legends about
New Year eve, I brave the crowds and To make sure that good luck is the origin of the Lantern Festival. One
head over to Dihua Street. Some of present at each family’s New Year’s version goes back to the Western Han
my friends just shake their heads in Eve dinner table, auspicious dishes are dynasty (206-24 BC), when Emperor
disbelief at my annual pilgrimage to this prepared and served. Chicken, fish, Han Wu Di, wanted red lanterns hung
historic neighborhood. mustard greens, shredded vegetable and lit throughout his palace in honor
For me, being among the throngs dishes (containing ten vegetables like of the god Taiyi. This god was powerful,
of people and gingerly navigating my potato noodles, spinach, cilantro, for he controlled disease, drought,
way along the crowded sidewalks and celery, Chinese cabbage), etc., are floods, the rain and the wind. During his
streets, is a reminder of how tradition traditional favorites. Each dish signifies entire reign, Emperor Han Wu Di made
unites people. The streets are brimming a specific symbol of good wishes to sure that during the first month of the
with racks of clothing, rows of neatly those that are present. In Taiwanese, lunar New Year, all the red lanterns
stacked house slippers, green, red and the pronunciation of “chicken” is similar were lit for the safety and welfare of
blue plastic containers filled with shiny to “home and family”. In Mandarin, the the people.
kitchen items, huge bins of brightly pronunciation of “fish” and “surplus”
wrapped candy, dried spices and herbs, sound the same. Steamed dumplings
piles of garlic and ginger, and hanging in the shape of gold ingots are eaten to Suzan B ab co ck i s a long-
pressed ducks that look like they have ensure that prosperity will come your t i m e re s i de n t o f T a i w a n .
been run over by a steam roller. way from every direction. During her stay here, she
Several years ago, at a good friend’s has managed four successful
THE CHINESE CALENDAR home, we had a delicious hot pot, careers in education, cross-
The Chinese calendar combines the in addition to the regular traditional cultural relations and
solar, lunar and the sixty stem-branch dishes. It was filled-to-the brim with counseling, although being a mother
counting systems. Also included are tofu, stuffed dumplings, fish balls, has been her favorite.
18 FEBRUARY 2019 www.communitycenter.org.twCULTURE
How a Little
Chinese Can Go
a Long Way
TEXT: TRAVIS HUMPHREY IMAGES: WEB, TRAVIS HUMPHREY
T
he first time I visited China was back in 1998. I was
19, and in my second year of college. I made the
trip because of my parents’ jobs after they took on
a year assignment that eventually turned into three
years. To be honest, at that moment in my life, I had no idea
what I wanted to do. I was enjoying life as a college student in
the States, and the last thing I wanted to do was go to China.
Nonetheless, my parents thought living as expats in China
would be an excellent opportunity for our family. You can use the phrase for any of the three daily meals.
When we first arrived there, I must say I was quite However, it is usually used around lunchtime. If the answer
overwhelmed by the language barrier. There were hardly any to the question is “yes,” then they will probably ask you
English-speaking expats living there, and the locals didn’t the same question. After that, you can continue chatting.
speak much English. Luckily, my dad hired a Chinese tutor If the answer, however, is “no,” they will likely follow with
from a local university. She would come to our hotel and something like, “oh, I’m just so busy!” At that point, you
teach us some basic Chinese a couple of times a week. should try to give them some encouragement. You can say
One of the first things she taught me how to say was, “Have something like, “Hang in there, it’s almost the weekend!”
you eaten yet?” Of course, I found it strange that I could Personally, I like to use this phrase a lot with people I know.
barely say hello, but I knew how to ask people if they had I will take notice when someone hasn’t had a chance to eat.
eaten. I’m sure it’s hard to imagine me running around China I will ask them the question even though I know the answer.
asking people whether they had eaten. In the beginning, it Then I will try to encourage them to get through the rest of
was quite difficult to approach random people and ask such a the day.
question. However, it became normal quickly. Soon I realized No matter if you try to use this Chinese phrase or practice
that this was just another way of saying hello. A conversation other words, the Taiwanese will genuinely appreciate you
starter if you will. Now that I have experienced Chinese trying to speak the language. I often say just “hello” in
culture for over twenty years, I have mastered the usage of Chinese, and people tell me my Chinese is excellent. I am
the phrase! blown away by their complements, and think to myself,
Now that you know my story, let’s get started with the "Wow, I only said hi!" Imagine what people would say when
Chinese lesson. Thankfully, the Chinese created a way to read you’re fluent.
the language using a phonetic system called pinyin. Below If trying out new languages isn't your cup of tea, then
is a picture of the phrase “Have you eaten yet?” in Chinese you can start by asking Chinese people about their meals
characters and in pinyin. in English. I think you’ll be surprised how quickly people
respond to your questioning.
Good luck practicing Chinese. I’m available if anyone wants
to discuss this topic further.
Travis Humphrey has spent half his life
teaching in Chinese speaking countries.
Currently, he sp ends hi s free time
writing about his experience as an expat
in Taiwan on L inkedIn https://www.
linkedin.com/in/travishumphrey/
www.communitycenter.org.tw FEBRUARY 2019 19OUTLOOK
What if People Are Talking
About You Behind Your Back?
TEXT: JUDY TSUEI IMAGE: WEB
R
ecently, I received a LINE listened with kindness and generosity, involving details that aren’t confirmed
message from a client who and still chose to move forward with our as true – isn’t a hard-line, black-or-
said, “Please let me know if working together — though if she had white situation. It’s something we all
there’s anything I can do.” I believed the gossip, it could have taken participate in, and usually starts out
had no idea what she was referring to an entirely different turn. innocently enough.
until the pieces began to fall together Later, a mutual friend who also saw Maybe someone said or did
and I came to realize that someone who the Facebook post reached out to something that offended you, and
had once been close to me had written me and shared, “I’m a smart enough you’re not okay with it. Maybe your
about me on Facebook, which then person to know that there are two sides boss got angry at you, when you felt
caused a chain reaction of concern that to every story.” But, not everyone has like it wasn’t deserved. Maybe a friend
eventually reached me. that same perspective and some will promised you to show up to a specially-
As I became priv y to what was immediately believe what’s being said. made plan, but couldn’t make it at the
written about me, I had to take a step last minute and you were left feeling
back to breathe. My mental health, WHEN IT COMES TO GOSSIP, vulnerable, or hurt.
personal character, and role as a parent WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO HANDLE Rather than bravely confronting
were being talked about in a very public IT? the person who offended you, it’s
space. If I were any outside person who Everything we experience as humans often easier to have a reaction to the
read those words, I would also be very is subjective. We each have our own situation, then go around gathering
concerned — both for the person being unique lens through which we view evidence that proves your feelings are
talked about and for the person writing the world, colored by our previous valid and just. That’s when we start
the post. experiences, value systems, and level of reaching out and talking to others. We
T h a n k f u l l y, t h r o u g h h o n e s t open-heartedness. want a support group that agrees with
conversation with my client, I cleared up G o s s i p – c a s u a l c o n v e rs i o n o r us, especially with feelings of empathy
what could have been disastrous. She talking about other people, typically or compassion, like “Oh, I can’t believe
20 FEBRUARY 2019 www.communitycenter.org.twYou can also read
