Centered...Katy Perry In the Witness Tour, her fourth, Katy Perry sings songs from her fifth studio album, Witness. Her new album is getting a lot of airplay on local radio stations

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Centeredon TAIPEI

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COMMUNITYTAS 9Taiwan Celebrates - The Chinese Lunar New Year of the Earth Dog 11The 2017 Taipei Community Services Center Corporate Service Award Recipient Carrefour Taiwan 12

AROUND TAIPEIDadaocheng Celebrates 150 Years of Culture & Industry 13

PROFILEA Journey Through Mud 16

HEALTHQi and Thee 19The 2017 Nobel Prize in Medicine Recognizes the TCM Inner Clock Theory 20Origin - Coming Home 22

OUTLOOKThe Forgotten Wisdom of Aristotle's Psychology 24

FOOD & DRINKHenna-Inspired Desserts 25Liquid Bread Company 26

TRAVELYangmingshan Wild Hot Springs 28

FASHION & BEAUTYRecycling Your Clothes 30

CSC From the Editors 5Events About Town 6Book Clubs: February 6 Center Gallery 7February Activity Highlights 7Kiddies Korner 8CSC Business Classified 34

C O N T E N T SFebruary 2018 volume 18 issue 5

Centered on Taipei is a publication of the Community Services Center, 25, Lane 290, Zhongshan N. Rd., Sec. 6, Tianmu, Taipei, Taiwan Tel: 02-2836-8134fax: 02-2835-2530e-mail: [email protected]

Correspondence may be sent to the editor at [email protected]. Freelance writers, photographers and 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.

Community Services Center, TaipeiSuzan BabcockRichard SaundersNaomi [email protected]

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Register on March 12 or March 14

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FEBRUARY 2018 www.communitycenter.org.tw

Everyone needs to know why...We’ll help your whole family prepare for the big adventure.

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COMMUNITY SERVICES CENTER

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I-wen Chan, Katherine Chang, Hui-shiang Chao, Jung Chin, Chiao-Feng Chung, Cerita Hsu, Carol Lee, Miranda Lin, Emilie Ma, Kuang-Shan Wan

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The Community Services Center (CSC) is a non-profit foundation. CSC provides outreach and early intervention through counseling, cross-cultural education and life skills programs to meet the needs of the international community in Taipei. 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 about our programs. You can also email us at [email protected].

COT TEAM

WRITING AND PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS

Ahead Concept DesignSue BabcockCarrefour TaiwanDr. Chen Po-ShengDaniel CunninghamDDGDot DesignZee DlaminiEarthChi HealingGolden Pin Design Award, 2016, 2017Joan H.HungryinTaipeiNomita Kavra GuptaMatt King

Brenda LinMorgan LoosliDarren MelroseMichael MullahyPei Su-yuJoseph ReillyRichard SaundersRosemary SusaTASTaste LabGrace TingDesign Yoga & Wellness

Excitement is in the air. Everyone is busy getting ready for the Chinese Lunar New Year. Red paper lanterns have been hung outside major department stores and tourist spots. Traditional markets are teeming with shoppers in search of favorite family food items, bargains on new clothes, spring couplets to hang around their front doors and a new poster of the Kitchen God for their kitchens. Banks have long customer lines, as people wait to purchase brand new notes to insert into red envelopes for lucky recipients. The New Year (February 15th – 20th) is coming, and this lunar year will be the Year of the Earth Dog, a year full of promise.

At the Community Services Center, Ivy Chen, a renowned food expert on Taiwanese cuisine and culture, will give a tour of the famous Di Hua Street traditional market area on February 7th. It’s a perfect opportunity to sample traditional holiday goodies and purchase Chinese Lunar New Year holiday decorations and souvenirs.

Anne Jacquet, the Center’s Cross-cultural Trainer, is also offering a Personal Development Workshop for expat spouses, on February 22nd. Both events are popular, so make sure that you call the Center ((02) 2836-8134) or stop in to reserve a spot and find out more about each event, as soon as possible.

The Chinese Lunar New Year is when “farewells” are said to the old lunar year and heartfelt wishes for prosperity and good health are extended to friends and family for the year to come. All of us at the Community Services Center would like to wish each of you a very Happy Chinese Lunar 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.NakedFood – 22-1, Lane 160, Sec.1, Xingsheng South Rd.Samyama (Art) Co., Ltd. – 2F, No. 1, Lane 119, Sec.1, Daan Rd.

Please send email submissions, comments, and feedback to [email protected].

Sue and Richard

COVER IMAGE: The Chinese Lunar New Year of the Earth Dog

For more information, please go to our website atwww.communitycenter.org.tw

Suzan BabcockEditor

[email protected]

KCGraphic Designergraphicdesigntaipei.

weebly.com

Richard SaundersCo-editor

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Zee DlaminiEditorial intern

Naomi KalyAdvertising Manager

[email protected]

Nomita Kavra Gupta Editorial intern

Sydney Ko Editorial intern

FROM THE

EDITORS

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Guandu Flower FestivalThis fascinating festival is a stunning floral landscape near a riverside park in the city’s Beitou District, located on a 12-hectare plot. It’s a fitting place for a weekend trip, and an excellent destination for all aspiring photographers.When: Until February 28thWhere: Beitou-Shilin Technology Park and MRT Zhongyi Station

Taipei International Book ExhibitionTaipei International Book Exhibition (TIBE) is a six-day event that not only promotes reading as a lifestyle, but also attracts professional publishers and cross-border exchanges. It takes place at TWTC Exhibition Halls 1 and 3 every year. There’s free admission to those under 18, making it a good place to take children and teenagers. The exhibition features over one million intellectually challenging volumes from 653 publishers and 67 countries.When: February 6th to 11th Where: Taipei International Convention CenterMore Info: http://www.tibe.org.tw/en/

Yanshuei (Yanshui) Beehive Fireworks FestivalRanked as the third largest folk celebration in the world, and one of the most representative religious events in all of Taiwan, during the Yanshuei Beehive

Fireworks festival, hundreds of thousands of firecrackers are ignited at the same time.When: March 1st and 2nd Where: Yansheui Wu Miao Temple, Yanshuei township, Tainan CityMore Info: http://www.wumiao.idv.tw/

Taiwan Lantern FestivalTaiwan Lantern festival is one of the big events to experience while in Taiwan. This year’s festival will be held on water, on the land, and in the air. It promises to be a “smart” event due to the incorporation of technology into traditional culture and an art-focused festival. Lanterns this year will be high-tech constructions making use of new technology, materials and techniques. The shows will take place at fixed hours every evening during the festival period, accompanied by dance performances performed by professional troupes.When: March 2nd to 11th Where: National Palace Museum southern branch, Chiayi CountySuantou Sugar Factory, Chiayi CountyMore info: http://www.taiwan.net.tw/2018TaiwanLantern/index_en.html

Sappho LIVEEnjoy a laid-back and cool music environment in downtown Taipei.Live music, dance floor, bar and good food. They also offer open mic/jam sessions.Tuesday to Friday, 8pm-3amVenue: B1, No.1, Lane 102, Anhe Road, Section 1, TaipeiFurther information: [email protected]

John Legend in Taipei: Darkness and Light TourLegend won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2015 for “Glory” from the film Selma. He has also won ten Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe, and a Tony for co-producing Jitney for Broadway. His single, All of me, earned him a Billboard Hot 100 number-one single. The R’n’B singer-songwriter is touring Asia to promote his album Darkness and Light, released in 2016.When: March 19th at 7 pmWhere: Nangang Exhibition Center C3 PlazaTickets: https://www.bandsintown.com/e/20657716?app_id=JOHNLEGEND&came_from=267

Katy PerryIn the Witness Tour, her fourth, Katy Perry sings songs from her fifth studio album, Witness. Her new album is getting a lot of airplay on local radio stations in Taipei, and as part of this world tour, Perry will be stopping in Taiwan. When: April 4th at 8 pmWhere: Taipei ArenaTickets https://ticket.ibon.com.tw/Web/ActivityInfo/Details/29436

Bruno MarsAlthough it’s still a few months before Bruno Mars graces the stage in Taipei, if you want to see the famed crooner in action, it’s best to purchase your tickets now. An award-winning musician and performer who draws inspiration from the King of

Pop, Michael Jackson, Mars will be showcasing his famed stage performances and retro showmanship right here in Taipei.When: April 17th at 8 pmWhere: Taipei World Trade Center Nangang Exhibition HallTickets: https://www.stubhub.com.au/bruno-mars-taipei-tickets/ev442774?afl=1X00396LRG&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_content=feed&utm_campaign=2&utm_source=td-tech&affid=2427504

COT February 2018 Book Club

Selections

The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollan will be the Morning Book Club’s February selection. For meeting dates, times & location, contact: [email protected]

The Evening Book Club’s February selection is Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick. For meeting dates, times & location contact: [email protected]

EVENTS ABOUT TOWN

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A percentage of all proceeds of items sold at the Gallery will go to the Center. Please remember that by displaying your items or shopping at the Gallery, you will be helping the Center to continue to provide valuable services to the international community.

FEBRUARY 2018 GALLERY

ADORNMENTS OF BLESSINGHandcrafted in the Holy Land, made of wood and natural stone, Balance Health International brings these beautiful religious home decorations and accessories from Israel to you.

A BEAUTIFUL SCARF AND ORNAMENT COLLECTIONShop at the Center before Chinese New Year for beautiful scarves and elegant ornaments for yourself, or give as gifts for someone special.

CHEN CHAO PAO’S PAINTING COLLECTIONCome visit the Center this month to view renowned visual artist Chen Chao Pao’s paintings, brought in by Baiwin. Chen used the ancient Chinese splash brushing technique, combined with Western painting skills, to develop new expression and new subject matter for ink and water paintings. His paintings are popular at auctions worldwide.

Celebrating Chinese New Year: Di Hua Street Holiday Market TourWednesday, February 7th; 9:30 am-12 noonGuide: Ivy Chen$600Macy's at Christmas! Harrods at Easter! Di Hua Street at Chinese New Year! Join Ivy for a tour of the famous Di Hua Street market area and enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of the holiday. Sample some goodies and shop for traditional holiday decorations and souvenirs. Included will be a quick walk around the fabric market, making this your one-stop tour of the neighborhood.

Personal Development Workshop for the Expatriate Spouse Thursday, February 22nd; 9:30 am-12:30 pmInstructor: Anne Jacquet$800As an accompanying expat spouse you may find yourself faced with some unique c h a l l e n ge s i n yo u r ro l e as the pillar and constant i n y o u r m o b i l e f a m i l y. Balancing everyone’s needs and perspectives, including your own, is no easy feat. Specially designed for expat spouses, this productive workshop will encourage yo u to t h i n k a b o u t a n d explore how you can make y o u r s t ay i n Ta i w a n a n enriching experience and how your journey abroad can contribute meaningfully to your future personal and professional life.

Essential Oils for Skin and Body Care Tuesday, February 27th; 12:30 pm-2:00 pmInstructor: Cindi Anderson$1100More sponge than barrier, the skin is our largest organ. M a n y p r o d u c t s o n t h e

market contain ingredients that po l lute our bodies a n d t h e e n v i r o n m e n t . E s s e n t i a l o i l s i m p r o v e skin issues safely, without preservatives, chemicals, or harsh ingredients. Join us as we make simple essential oil-infused products to soothe and pamper your skin. Cost of all materials to create your take-home products included.

Taiwanese Tea: How to Select, Brew, and Drink Thursday, March 1st; 9:30 am-12noonInstructor: Yasuko Hondo$700Drinking tea in Taiwan goes beyond just quenching one’s thirst it is a social and cultural activity, which can be traced back to ancient China and is embedded into the culture of the country. For the Taiwanese, tea culture includes tea production, tea arts and wares, traditional tea ceremonies and the social aspects of consuming tea. For those of us living in Taiwan, tea is often chosen as a great local gift to bring home to family and friends. But do you know what type

of tea to buy, or how to prepare it? If not, then join Yasuko, a Taiwan Tea Master, to visit a local teashop and learn the proper way to select, brew, serve and drink Taiwanese tea.

Indian Vegetarian: Savory Samosas Friday, March 2nd; 10:00 am-12 noonInstructor: Nomita Kavra Gupta$1200Join Nomita for this fun, hands-on class where you will learn how to make two types of samosas: vegetable-fi l led and soy-fi l led (this recipe is also great with meat). She will also prepare t a m a r i n d c h u t n e y a n d coriander chutney to serve with your samosas. These delicious appetizers will be a hit with your family at home, or served at any party.

FEBRUARY ACTIVITY HIGFEBRUARY ACTIVITY HIGFEBRUARY HLIGHTS

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KIDDIES KORNER

TEXT: NOMITA KAVRA GUPTA

Here are a few exciting places to visit with your busy-bee kids to keep them buzzing!

WHAT WHY WHEN AND WHERE

EGYPTIAN MUMMIES FROM THE BRITISH MUSEUM

TAIPEI INTERNATIONAL BOOK EXHIBITION 2018

BIENNIAL BUTTERFLY BEAUTY FESTIVAL

TAIWAN LANTERN FESTIVAL YANSHUEI (YANSHUI) BEEHIVE FIREWORKS

FESTIVAL

Ancient Egypt is still a civilization full of mysteries, and mummies never cease to intrigue. You can see around 200 exhibits and six mummies who lived in ancient Egypt from around 900 BC to AD 180. They have been carefully chosen to demystify different aspects of life and death along the banks of the River Nile. In addition, the curators and scientists at the British Museum used latest technologies to determine the age at death, state of health, mummification process and religious practices in ancient Egypt.

The six-day Taipei International Book Exhibition (TIBE) is an annual readers’ carnival that was launched by the Ministry of Culture in 1987. A leading book expo in Asia, TIBE takes place at TWTC Exhibition Halls 1 and 3 every year to simultaneously promote cross-border exchange, professional publishing, and reading as a lifestyle.This year, Israel is the guest country of honor, and will showcase interesting publications and cultural events.

This magnificent yearly event takes place at the Maolin National Scenic Area from December to March. The National Scenic Area is one of the biggest winter migratory butterfly destinations in the world.During this period millions of migrating Euploea butterflies arrive in the Mount Dawu foothills. Tourists from every corner of the world travel every year to Maolin to experience first-hand countless beautiful purple butterflies dancing in the air.

Yanshuei is one of the largest folk celebrations in the world, and attracts huge numbers of onlookers every year.Tradition has it that the beehive fireworks originated in summer 1885, when a cholera epidemic raged in the streets of Yanshuei. People prayed to Guan Di, the god of war, to bring an end to this calamity and save them. Thus on Lantern Festival evening, Guan Di appointed General Zhou, as his guide, and patrolled the city with faithful followers lighting firecrackers on their way until dawn. From that time onward, generations followed this tradition of asking Guan Di to watch over the streets on the evening of the Lantern Festival.

Address: National Palace Museum221, Zhishan Road, Section 2, Shilin Gallery: (Northern Branch) Exhibition Area II 1F, Library BuildingHours: 9 am to 5 pmDates: Until February 18thPhone: (02) 6616-6656General admission fee: NT$350https://www.npm.gov.tw/en/Article.aspx?sNo=04009596http://www.mediasphere.com.tw/show/show/EgyptianMummies

Address: Taipei International Convention Center, 5, Xinyi Road, section 5Hours: 10:30 am to 8 pmHall 1: Feb. 6 - Open to public from 3 pmFeb. 7 - Feb. 11 - Open to publicHall 3: Feb. 6 - Feb.11 - Open to publicPhone: (02)-8512-6492http://www.tibe.org.tw/enhtml

Place: Maolin District, KaohsiungPhone: (08) 799-2221 #245Timeline: Until March 31sthttp://theme.maolin-nsa.gov.tw/butterfly2015/en/index.htmlhttps://www.eventaiwan.tw/cal_en/cal_20178https://www.maolin-nsa.gov.tw/

Address: Yanshuei Wu Miao Temple, Yanshuei, Tainan City Timeline: March 1st and 2ndPhone: (04)- 2331-2688 #117http://www.wumiao.idv.tw/ http://eventaiwan.tw/cal_en/cal_19954

Fun Activities for Kiddies

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A t Taipei American School, we define wel lness as "a state of optimal well-being t h at i s o r i e nte d to wa rd

maximizing an individual's potential.” We understand that in order to flourish, we must practice habits that foster healthy minds and bodies in addition to working toward the achievement of our other goals.

T h e i n a u g u r a l TA S W e l l n e s s Convention promoted overall wellness in the student body and the broader TAS community wi th the theme, “Be Well, Do Well.” At the Wellness Convention, parents, faculty and staff, and upper and middle school students, took advantage of the opportunity to learn from international and local experts in a series of presentations and workshops designed to make attendees reflect, learn, laugh, and recognize the coexistence of academic excellence and wellness.

Over 25 presenters, including eleven TAS faculty experts, led a diverse variety of breakout sessions during the two-day event beginning on the morning of November 17th. During these sessions, participants learned about eating right and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the power of sleep, aromatherapy, and unlocking potential through a growth mindset. Participants also enjoyed optional physical activities that included yoga, dance classes with Cloud Gate, Pound Fit, and more. During both days of the Convention, local food vendors sold lunch and snacks, and a variety of wellness books were available for purchase in the lobby.

D r. L a u r e n c e S t e i n b e r g , a n internationally renowned expert on psychological development during adolescence, delivered the opening keynote titled “Age of Opportunity: Lessons from the New Science of Adolescence.” He shared the pervasive fear that adolescence is something you survive, rather than a time for embracing the opportunity to help

young people thrive. He explained that during adolescence, which he defines as ages 15-26, the prefrontal cortex of the brain is “plastic” and higher-order thinking functions like logic, planning, weighing risk and reward, and self-regulation develop. He provided many helpful tips to promote positive development and self-regulation during adolescence.

Dr. Kristen Lee Costa, an award-winning behavioral sciences professor, c l inic ian, and author, del ivered a keynote titled “Cultivating Resilience and Well-being in Today’s Complex Wo r l d” a b o u t i n c l u s i v e way s o f understanding ourselves at a time when global mental health is in decline. She described our skills and power as human beings and explained that when we are generous with others, it generates happiness. She said, “The human connection we are wired for bolsters well-being over the long run.” She reminded us that we actually live in the most prosperous and safe time in human history, and that we need to work toward mindful thinking where we create a positive effect on mental health by feeling gratitude for what we have.

Dr. Yu-Che Tsai, a sleep and positive psychology expert who serves as Assistant Professor of Psychology and Supervisor of Curriculum Design for the

Positive Psychology Center at Kaohsiung Medical University, delivered keynote remarks tit led “Opening the Door to Happiness: The Power of Positive Psychology.” He shared that Positive Psychology is about how to become happier and feel better, and requires self-control and practice. He said that our natural inclination is to forget about the positive things in life and focus on the negative; he suggested to focus on three positive thoughts each day and to choose objects that remind us of those positive thoughts.

Another highlight of the day was the Wellness Roundtable featuring Ms. Tara Conrad, a Certified Clinical Nutritionist, and keynote speakers Dr. Costa, Dr. Hassed, and Dr. Steinberg. All four participants answered a series of questions about incorporating wellness into the lives of children. A compelling question concerned the way to balance the expectation of high academic achievement with overall wellness. Ms. Conrad commented, “There is pressure to be perfect, but what matters is that children grow up to be healthy, kind, helpful human beings.” Dr. Steinberg also made a powerful statement: “Academic excellence and psychological well-being are complementary, not competing. Strengthening one amplifies the other.”

COMMUNITY | TAS

Taipei American School Inaugural Wellness Convention

TEXT & IMAGE: TAS

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COMMUNITY | TAS

Also during the Wellness Roundtable, Dr. Hassed advised students to find their passion and make it useful in the world. He said, “If passion is there, you are not driven by failure, but you are instead driven by caring for yourself and others.” So what does it take to be mindful and connected? The experts recommend practicing being in the present moment and to remember in the face of failure that we are “human beings, not human doings.”

The second day of the Wellness C o n v e n t i o n b r o u g h t a d d i t i o n a l impactful events. Keynote speaker Mr. Vince Papale, best known for joining the Philadelphia Eagles at age 30 without college football experience and serving as the inspiration for the 2006 Disney hit movie Invincible, addressed the crowd about the power of perseverance and holding fast to dreams.

He to ld the audience, “I t’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.” He said that you must be willing to take advantage of opportunities when they come along because “dreams are not lived on the

sidelines.” Dr. Craig Hassed, a mindfulness

program expert and Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer at the Department o f G e n e r a l P r a c t i c e a t M o n a s h University in Australia, delivered the final keynote titled “The Essence of Health.” He discussed how getting enough sleep, exercising, focusing on nutrition, meditating, exercising, and maintaining spirituality in terms of the “expression of meaning in life” can reverse the aging process and the progression of other diseases. He said that “simple things over a long time make a big difference” to our well-being.

Wellness Convention attendees felt the event was enlightening and emphasized the myriad ways TAS embraces the coexistence of academic excellence and wellness. One teacher observed, “The things I learned apply so clearly to the well-being of my students, but there are so many things I am taking away for myself."

THE CENTER NEEDS YOU!

Do you have a skill or talent that you would like to share? Or have you found some great places around Taipei that you would like to take others to see? Then why not consider teaching a course or leading a tour for the Center in Fall/Winter 2018? If you are interested, or would like more information, please contact Rosemary at [email protected].

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COMMUNITY

TEXT: SUE BABCOCK IMAGES: WEB

Taiwan Celebrates – the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Earth Dog

P reparations for the upcoming Ch inese Lunar New Year have begun. Outside major department stores rows of

bright and colorful vermillion paper lanterns hang high above the city sidewalks. Fish, sausages and other meat delicacies have been strung across apartment balconies, patios and empty lots to finish the seasoning process as they absorb what little sunlight winter provides.

Local markets are teeming with customers jostling with each other along narrow market pathways in search of their favorite traditional New Year foods. Markets are filled with ample supplies of dried nuts, brightly wrapped candies, glutinous rice cakes (nian gao), alongside huge bags of dried shrimp, squid, fish, roe and mushrooms. Hanging from ceilings on large steel hooks are pressed ducks that look like they have been run over by an army of steam rollers. Jars of homemade condiments, spring rolls (chun juan) representing lucky gold bars and white radish cakes (luo buo gao) representing “fortune are among the symbolic foods served at Chinese New Year.

LEGENDS, MYTHS AND TRADITIONSThere are two legends associated

with Chinese Lunar New Year; the monster Nian and the demon Sui. According to the Nian legend, this ugly and frightening monster, which lived in the sea, only appeared in a particular town on the eve of the Lunar New Year, looking for people to eat. Each year, the town’s people would run from their homes and hide in the nearby mountains to avoid being eaten.

However, one year, one old man did not run and hide. Instead, he remained behind, ready to deal with the monster. Quietly and swiftly, he went to each family’s house and pasted red papers on their front doors and brightly lit candles inside each of their homes. Then he gathered up all the bamboo limbs that he could find and set them on fire, so that they would make a lot of noise, like modern day firecrackers, while burning. Sitting under a banyan tree, he waited for the Nian. Soon, the old man heard a thrashing sound, as the monster made its way towards the town. However, it suddenly stopped moving when it heard the noise from the burning bamboo and saw the

protective red papers covering the people’s doors. It became afraid of the noise and the bright lights coming from the town, and ran away, never to be seen again. So, on the eve of every Chinese Lunar New Year, firecrackers are l i t to make sure that a l l ev i l monsters will stay away.

The Sui demon was even more frightening. It would seek out children that were sleeping. If a chi ld was to u c h e d b y t h i s d e m o n a n d to o frightened to call out for help, they would develop a terrible sickness. So, the custom of staying up late at night was established to help keep the children from harm, along with giving lucky protective red envelopes to them.

Chinese Lunar New Year is celebrated on the first day of the first month of

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COMMUNITY

the Chinese lunar calendar, continuing until the fifteen day, and the Lantern Festival. It is a time for honoring past and present generations and various deities like the Kitchen God and the God of Fortune.

TRADITIONSIt is also a time of the year to pay

respects to old friends, settle any outstanding debts, and for employers to give employees at least a full-month’s bonus for their work. It is a time for people to shop for new clothes in the auspicious color red, and wear them throughout the holiday. No new jobs or contracts are accepted during this time of the year; even medical appointments and surgeries are put on hold until after the New Year celebrations have ended.

Common decorations seen during the Chinese Lunar New Year are red lanterns for driving off bad luck, door couplets with poems and good wishes for the coming year, and designs cut from paper. Paintings, (nian hua) are placed on doors or walls. the Chinese character “fu” (good fortune) is placed upside down to signify that luck will continually “pour forth” during the coming year, and gifts of kumquat trees

are given with wishes for wealth and good luck.

THE CHINESE ZODIACThe Chinese Zodiac is based on

twelve animal signs, each with its own set of characteristics, spanning a 12-year cycle, beginning with the rat. Following it are the ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. This year is the Year of the Earth Dog.

THE 2018: YEAR OF THE EARTH DOG

According to the Chinese Zodiac the years of the dog include 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 and 2018. Each zodiac sign is associated with one of the five elements: gold (metal), wood, water, fire and earth. A person’s characteristics are decided by their birth year’s zodiac sign and element.

There are five types of zodiac dogs, each with different characteristics. Individuals born in the years 1934 and 1994 are wood dogs and are c o n s i d e r a t e , s i n c e r e , r e l i a b l e , understanding, and patient. Fire dogs, born in 1946 and 2006, have the

characteristics of being intelligent, hardworking and sincere; People born in the year of the earth dog (1958 and 2018) are communicative, serious and responsible in work. Gold or metal dog individuals (born in 1910 and 1970) are conservative, desirable, cautious and always ready to help others. Last but not least, the water dog people, whose birthdays fall in the years of 1922 and 1982, are considered to be brave and self-centered, even seemingly selfish; they’re also well-versed especially when dealing with financial matters.

Regardless of the specific dog year that a person was born in, in Chinese society dogs are well-known for their loyalty and friendship. So, it looks like 2018 is going to be a great year, if you or any of your friends are born under this zodiac sign.

The 2017 Taipei Community Services Center Corporate Service Award Recipient Carrefour Taiwan

T his year’s Community Services Center Corporate Service Award has been awarded to Carrefour Taiwan for its continuing community support since 1989. Accepting the award was Mr. Rami Batieh, CEO of Carrefour Taiwan.

In 2016, the Carrefour Foundation played a major role in creating the first “no waste” restaurant. Located in Taipei’s Wanhua district, a relatively disadvantaged community with over three hundred households living below the poverty line, this restaurant receives surplus and unsold food from Carrefour stores, other distributors and restaurants. As the first retailer to donate unsold food in Taiwan, Carrefour Taiwan is a leader in combating waste, in all its forms.

In addition to the “No Waste” restaurant, on-the-job training has been arranged for twenty young people selected from economically challenged neighborhood families to learn specific restaurant skills. These young people also maintain a “community share” refrigerator, in front of the restaurant, which is filled with free food for those in need.

Currently, the Carrefour Foundation funds a refrigerated vehicle for the collection, transport and redistribution of fresh produce, which assists 190 beneficiaries per month. Over the last year, it distributed 192,000 meals.

Carrefour Taiwan is a valuable corporate community leader, and the Center is honored to present this year’s 2017 Corporate Service Award for Carrefour’s outstanding community service to Taiwan.

TEXT: SUE BABCOCK IMAGE: MORGAN LOOSLI

Fred Voigtmann, Chairman of the Center’s Steering Commit tee and Foundat ion Board presents Mr. Rami Batieh, CEO of Carrefour Taiwan, with the 2017 Center’s Corporate Service Award

Suzan Babcock is a long-time resident of Taiwan. During her stay here, she has managed four success fu l career s in education, cross-cultural relations and counseling, although being a mother has been her favorite.

Feb 2018_p3-end.indd 12 2018/1/29 下午2:17


AROUND TAIPEI

Dadaocheng Celebrates 150 Years of Culture & Industry

TEXT: DANIEL CUNNINGHAM IMAGES: DARREN MELROSE, GOLDEN PIN DESIGN AWARD

D u r i n g t h e n i n e t e e n t h c e n t u r y, D a d a o c h e n g w a s o n e o f Ta i p e i ’s most affluent communities, linked to trade via the Tamsui River docks. The

neighborhood quickly grew in opulence, but with a dark side, founded on the back of gang violence and a family feud between settlers from Zhangzhou and Quanzhou in China. To this day, older generations of Taipei locals associate Dadaocheng and Datong District with the mob.

The community’s opulence is evident still, through its architecture and ever-present, centuries-old family businesses. It has seen an upsurge in the past decade due to Taiwan’s burgeoning cultural industry, as young designers and creative entrepreneurs set up shop in newly renovated lane houses. One such designer leading the way in Dadaocheng is Lance Han, Founder of Dot Design.

Lance designs branding and packaging for local craftsmen, specializing in classic Taiwanese delicacies such as high mountain tea. His 1869 Taiwanese Tea Series won the 2017 Best Design at the Golden Pin Design Award. Pay a visit to his experiential workshop, Dot Design Labs on the corner of Ganzhou Street, opposite Ta Tao Cheng Presbyterian Church; he will prepare a pot of tea while sharing his kung fu tea knowledge.

Dot Design Labs 44 Ganzhou Street, Datong District

Dadaocheng, Dihua Street fruit and nut store - photo by Darren Melrose

Chosen Tea - 1869 Taiwanese Tea Series by Dot Design - Golden Pin Design Award 2017 Best Design

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AROUND TAIPEI

Just down the street from Dot Design Labs, a tiny restaurant called Two Bites has been serving authentic rice noodles since 1954. In the hot summer, you can enjoy them with shavings of ice, refreshing green beans and brown sugar treacle, or in a hearty oxtail broth with green vegetables on a cold winter’s day. A quick stop at Two Bites followed by a coffee at the historical Starbucks building, built in 1926 and situated at the base of Taipei City Hotel, should put you in good stead for the rest of our Dadaocheng tour.

Two Bites Starbucks 34 Ganzhou Street 11 Bao’an Street

Beside the bustling Chongqing North Road, about two-hundred meters from Starbucks, the family-owned Lin Hua Tai Tea Store predates living memory. The company was established in 1879, and inside its stable doors, thankfully nothing has changed over the past century. Aromas of oolong and high mountain tea overcome your senses as you set foot on the warehouse floor; it is in fact where Lance sources his tea for Dot Design.

The Lin family was torn apart not so long ago in a typical Taiwanese family feud, which resulted in one of the grandsons opening his own tea store right next door. Despite the similarity in their products, Lin Mao Sen Tea Store offers a different experience from its predecessor with a captivating interior, designed by Ahead Concept Design, which won the 2016 Design Mark at the Golden Pin Design Award.

Lin Hua Tai Tea Store 193, Chongqing North Road, Section 2

Lin Mao Sen Tea Store 195-3, Chongqing North Road, Section 2

Lin Mao Sen Tea Store by Ahead Concept Design - Golden Pin Design Award 2016 Design Mark

Upon leaving Lin Mao Sen Tea Store, hang a left and head west down Liangzhou Street towards the Tamsui River. Stop off at Renan Hospital on the corner of Yanping North Road; the surgery, which dates back to 1924, has been meticulously preserved as a museum, apothecary and all. Its ninety-five year old decor makes the perfect setting to snap some photos and soak up the Japanese colonial-era experience.

Renan Hospital 237, Section 2, Yanping North Road

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AROUND TAIPEI

Taiwan 101: Essential Sights, Hikes and

Experiences on Ilha Formosa

by Richard Saunders

Taiwan is a perfect illustration of the saying that good things come in small packages. In comparison with more popular tourist destinations in the Far East, Taiwan is very modest in size, but despite its diminutive scale, the island has an astonishing amount to offer the curious explorer. The two volumes that make up Taiwan 101 are the perfect guide for exploring the very best of Taiwan: not only the island’s finest hikes, but also its best historic towns and cities, brightest traditional festivals, unique Chinese and aboriginal cultural riches, and its little-known natural wonders such as eternal flames, mud volcanoes and badlands. Together, Taiwan 101 Volumes 1 and 2 present Taiwan’s finest attractions to anyone who wishes to get to know this island of kaleidoscopic charms, and comes with detailed information on getting around by public transport, and accurate GPS coordinates of nearly 800 fascinating places.

Our tour concludes among the traditional medicine and craft stores of Dihua Street. If you turn left and head south, you will come to Museum207, a historical building, which dates back to 1962. It features unique exhibitions about traditional Taiwanese culture, materials, and customs A Lifetime of Gifts is currently on display, until June 10th.

Museum207 207, Dihua Street, Section 1

If you are taking this tour before the end of March, then head a little further south down Dihua Street and you’ll find a pop-up shop called Smell & Drink Dadaocheng. The designers from Taste Lab created an experiential shop to tell the story of Dadaocheng’s market and its four main products, traditional medicine, herbs and flowers, fruits, and nuts. They sell Taiwanese craft products such as beers, which incorporate these flavors.

Smell & Drink Dadaocheng 155, Section 1, Dihua Street, Section 1

Last but not least, head back up Dihua Street, northwards toward Daqiaotou MRT station, and check out all the bright red Lunar New Year stores. You will pass beautiful, antique cafes and restaurants, just before arriving at Lao Mian Cheng Lantern Shop with its ghostly, handmade paper lanterns. Hopefully, as our tour of Dadaocheng concludes, you will be immersed in Taiwanese culture, and chomping at the bit for more.

Lao Mian Cheng Lantern Shop 298, Dihua Street, Section 1

With special thanks to Lance Han, Founder of Dot Design, for sharing this tour of Dadaocheng.

Smell & Drink Dadaocheng by Taste Lab (from lef t to r ight) Designer Hsuan-Tzu Liu, Executive Planner Kiki, Experience Producer Grace, Designer Nancy, Designer Tim

Daniel Cunningham is International Project PR & Marketing Manager at DDG Taipei. He is the International Media Liaison of the 2017 Golden Pin Design Award and the Golden Pin Concept Design Award.

Feb 2018_p3-end.indd 15 2018/1/29 下午2:18


PROFILE

A Journey Through Mud

TEXT & IMAGES: MATT KING

O ne of my first memories of making something out of clay was at a church activity when I was maybe

4 or 5 years old. Something about it was captivating at that age, but I couldn’t tell you what I made from that lump of malleable material thirty-some years ago. I didn’t touch clay again for several years. When I did, memories of my experience came flooding back.

It was f ifth grade, and we were creating an animal of our choosing out of this mud-like medium. I chose a penguin. I don’t know why exactly, but the formally dressed bird stuck out in my mind. Shaping it with care and crafting the ice he stood on absorbed my full attention. I couldn’t wait to get it out of the kiln and paint it. It’s currently sitting on the bookshelf back home at my parent’s home in Minnesota. It brings a warm smile to see it today. Who knew where that little guy would eventually take me.

Fast forward to the end of junior high school, when my best friend and neighbor at the time tells me there is this amazing class in high school that we should take, called ceramics. I had never heard this term before, so I asked him about it. He described it as a class during which we could make coffee mugs, bowls, or even sculptures out of clay.

O h Ye a h? I t h o u g ht to mys e l f, remembering my short-lived obsession with the medium years before. I was in.

At home that night looking over the class listings, ‘Ceramics I’ was the first one I scribbled on my signup sheet. First period, first class of 9th Grade.

I called my friend and told him which class he should sign up for, but his reply wasn’t what I was expecting . His mother was making him take an extra math class and he didn’t have space for it in his schedule. My adventure, sans-friend, into this topic would still be interesting, right? I had no idea what

was in store for me. That first class ignited something in

me. I couldn’t tell you if it was my early memories of molding this material, or if it was something more primitive being unlocked. Whatever it was, it lit a fire in me (pun intended) in that classroom that burns brighter today.

In high school, there were four courses offered for ceramics. I ended taking all of them plus two additional independent studies in the ceramics department. I also stayed after school to work during open studio as well as occasionally heading to the elementary school with my teacher to help teach the kids the same class in which I’d made my penguin, years back.

When it was time to head off to university, f inding a school with a ceramics program was essential to my studies. I was going to become a ceramics teacher. Taking a tour of the art department at Minnesota State University-Mankato, I was impressed

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PROFILE

with the ceramics lab with the sign ‘MUDWORKS’ on the door. I couldn’t contain my excitement to get in there and start working.

Though I enjoyed my ceramics, paint ing, and art h istory c lasses; my classes on pedagogy were less captivating. My nascent love of creation led me to question if I should fully take the dive into being an artist instead of an art teacher. It was my painting professor that gave me the final push in that decision. After my freshman year, I changed from a Bachelor of Science to a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, pinched my nose and jumped in the deep-end. I spent the next seven years working in that studio and came out with a Master of Arts in Ceramics.

During a brief two-year stint in Japan teaching English and taking some time away from academic life, I made pottery in a corner of my smal l Japanese apartment. No matter where I will go in life, clay will find a way to tag along with me.

For the next chapter, I was off to Tainan National University of the Arts to work for three years in the beautiful countryside of Taiwan. While there, I had the opportunity to travel Asia and create, too. I will say this to

those pursuing a studio arts post-bac program: don’t rush into i t af ter undergrad. Take your time; get some life experience, travel, work. I couldn’t have made a better choice to do so.

My three years out of a studio environment grew a hunger in me for making. I walked in with excitement and a fresh sense of creativity, but left with a distaste for the academic side of the arts. I still was passionate about clay, but I was exhausted by the intense three-year-long experience. I took six months to breathe, then bought some more clay and started making at my coffee table.

Currently I am very excited to start on the next phase in my pass ion for ceramics, he lp ing to develop a residency studio. Recently I was fortunate to meet a fellow ceramic enthusiast, David Pipkin. He is looking to retire soon from his career and pursue a long-time passion of his, mak ing potter y. In Au gu st 2017, he off ic ial ly opened Cloud Forest Collective, which is a not-for-profit artist collective ceramics center located in Yangmingshan, near Chinese Culture University. I got in touch with him shortly after it opened to see if I could assist in any way possible. I was lucky

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PROFILE

to find someone with a similar goal in mind and appreciation of ceramics.

The studio has partnered with URS27M and The Red Room, offering professional-level ceramic workshops, classes for all levels, public events throughout the year, and an artist in residence program. Providing the community with artistic resources, and open information, as well as an inspiring studio space is part of our goal. As Artistic Director at Cloud Forest Collective, I am assisting in curriculum development, fundraisers, workshops, and recruitment of students and artists. I am excited to see what this new year has in store for us. We will be bringing in our first few resident artists and workshop instructors, and possibly expanding the work space, as well as diversifying the range of classes we offer to the community.

Ceramics has historically been taught in a master-apprentice environment, in which techniques and trade secrets

have been passed from generation to generation. With this studio, we can join in this tradition to share one of the oldest forms of artistic expression in the world.

My passion for ceramics is fully charged with this new endeavor. If I can pass on a word of advice to those who wish to try their hands in the creative

field, but are unsure, trust in yourself. Fol low what your heart tel ls you, because that passion might lead down roads that you never imagined, but are what you might have been looking for all along. As a kid, I liked to play in the mud and play with fire. Now, I get to do it professionally. I never would have believed when I was younger that my love of clay would lead me to learn new languages and journey to foreign countries in pursuit of the opportunities mud provided.

I f you are interested in f inding out more information about Cloud Forest Collective, you can find us on Facebook, or visit our website at: www.cloudforestcollective.com.tw

M a t t K i n g i s a n A m e r i c a n C e ra m i c Artist who has been living in Taiwan for the past six years. Website: w w w.crownceramics.net Instagram: @crown_ceramics

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HEALTH

Note to the Reader: If you have experience or training with Traditional Chinese Medicine, please graciously allow me some slack with my simplistic views. I sincerely respect that the principles and methods of Chinese medicine are complicated, and require years of dedicated research, study and practice.

C o m i n g t o A s i a fo r o n e re a s o n (b u t e n d i n g u p s t a y i n g f o r a t o t a l l y different set of reasons) will

resonate with expats, especially those living in Taiwan. Over the years, I have encountered radically different ways of viewing the world from the way we did back where I grew up, on the plains outside of Circle, Montana.

The first time I heard the word qi was in one of the Mandarin Chinese language classes that I was taking. A classmate was telling us how she was grappling with migraines. Jokes f lew around the table that it was caused by our homework, when the teacher interrupted and asked if our classmate would consider going to a traditional Chinese medicine doctor for acupuncture treatments. Of course, our jokes stopped, as our teacher proceeded to explain some of the basics of Chinese medicine to us.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM) PRINCIPLES OF YIN/YANG AND THE FIVE ELEMENTS THEORY

Tra d i t i o n a l C h i n e s e M e d i c i n e (TCM), our teacher told us, has several principles, but there were four that would be useful for us to understand.Our bodies are a complete and whole system of integrated networks; nature and our environment affect how we feel; our bodies have abilities to regenerate or heal; listening to our bodies is the best way to stay healthy.

YIN AND YANGOur bodies also have two polar

forces cal led yin and yang, which are opposites, just like the opposing

forces in nature of water and fire. Yin represents the feminine within our bodies, and yang the masculine. When they are out of balance, illness occurs.

THE FIVE ELEMENTS THEORYH a r m o n y, i n o u r l i v e s , o u r

relationships, and within ourselves, will always be in a state of flux. This is the nature of change. Early observations, which go back to the Shang dynasty (1600 to 1100 B.C.) about our world and nature, identified five elements that are intertwined; wood, f i re, earth, metal and water are necessary for sustaining dai ly l i fe. Ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors used the Five Elements Theory to study extensively the connections between the physiology and pathology of the gallbladder and liver and the natural environment. Their studies led to the categorization of objects, nature and phenomena according to the five elements.

OUR QISimply put, Chinese medicine sees

our body as an energy system. This energy or life force is called qi. and it is considered a vital force responsible for the functioning of our body and mind. Many cultures have different names for this non-physical energy. In Sanskrit it is called prana, it’s “ti” in Hawaiian, bioplasma, an odic force and so on. The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, which is over 4,000 years old, lists thirty-two different kinds of qi. it's the first known document regarding Traditional Chinese Medicine, which is thought to have been practiced as early as 475 to 221 B.C. in China.

The tracks or paths that our qi follow are called meridians, and we have twenty of them. Twelve of these are associated with specific organs of our body. If there is a blockage or imbalance in the flow of our qi then we become ill. When the flow of qi is restored, our body is back in balance.

COMMON TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE METHODS/CONCEPTS

Tra d i t i o n a l C h i n e s e M e d i c i n e supports a ser ies of methods or concepts for aiding people towards better health. Some of these you may already be familiar with, since they have become more accepted in the West. Acupressure, acupuncture, cupping, electroacupuncture, the Five Element Theory, moxibustion, pulse diagnosis, qi, jing and shen, qigong, reiki, shiatsu, tai chi, tui na (massage to align the body’s frame), and the Ying and Yang Theory are among the more well-known.

ACUPUNCTURE DID WORKOur Mandarin Chinese language

teacher’s concern and kindness towards our classmate, who was experiencing excruciating migraine pain, led to a successful ending to this story. Because of the acupuncture treatments, her recovery was slow and steady. We have kept in touch and she continues to live a life that is migraine-free.

TEXT: PAI SU-YU IMAGE: WEB

Qi and Thee

Pai Su-yu is an educator, author and ‘casual’ photographer, whose cur ios i ty for l i f e keeps th ings interesting.

Feb 2018_p3-end.indd 19 2018/1/28 下午6:33


HEALTH

TEXT: DR. CHEN PO-SHENG IMAGES: THE NOBEL PRIZE WEBSITE AND EARTHCHIHEALING

The 2017 Nobel Prize in Medicine Recognizes the TCM Inner Clock Theory

T he prestigious 2017 Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to American geneticists Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash, and

Michael W. Young for their discoveries of molecular mechanisms controlling the circadian rhythm. As a Chinese medicine doctor, this recognition truly meant the world to me. I’d l ike to say that these discoveries happened to coincide with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theories, with a focus on maintaining good health.

Thousands of years ago, the Chinese medicine Yel low Emperor (

) recorded the theory of flow along our bodies’ meridians ( ). in Chinese medicine this theory is known as the "twelve meridians,” which are concerned with the circulation of the human body’s energy, or qi ( ).

According to TCM, the day is divided into twelve periods, with every two hours counting as a unit of time (

) . T h e t we l ve m a i n m e r i d i a n s correspond to these twelve t ime periods. During our active daily lives, or when we are resting, Chinese medicine treatments follow and conform to the rules of Chinese Time Medicine, and the important scientific discovery by this year's three Nobel Laureates allows us to be able to adopt a more scientific approach to it, allowing us to peek inside our biological clocks and elucidate their inner workings and learn how they affect our bodies and our health.

O u r s e l f-re g u l at i n g c l o c k wo r k mechanism is controlled by a protein ca l led PER. The Nobel Laureates d i scovered that the PER prote in accumulated during the night, and was degraded during the daytime. Thus, PER protein levels change over a 24-hour

cycle, in synchrony with day and night.The Nobel Congress said the Nobel

Prize Laureates’ discoveries explain how plants, animals and humans adapt their biological rhythm so that it is synchronized with the Earth's revo lut ions. The Laureates have mentioned that physiological clocks can regulate many body functions, including hormonal secretion, sleep cycles, organ function and metabolism. And this physiological clock mechanism also explains jet lag when traveling between different time zones. By no means can we ignore the great impact of a chaotic physiological clock; for instance it increases the risk of many diseases. This is why the 2017 Nobel

Prize in Medicine winners’ research and discovery is crucial for better care and understanding of our bodies and our health.

The body’s biological clock is involved in many aspects o f our complex physiology.

Juleen Zierath, a member of the Nobel Congress, points out that the study "reminds us of the importance of developing good sleep habits."

C h i n e s e m e d i c i n e fo c u s e s o n conditioning the body’s health. This ancient, practical oriental approach emp h as i zes that h u ma n l i fe can maintain good health by adapting to the laws of nature. The Chinese Time Medicine theory has been recognized

Chinese medicine indicates qi and blood flow through the body in accordance with the time of day. Every two hours both flow by a different meridian. The blood flow corresponds to the meridian to show different physiological functions. Courtesy of Nobel Prize Website: https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/medicine/laureates/2017/press.html

Feb 2018_p3-end.indd 20 2018/1/28 下午6:33


2017年10月2日諾貝爾醫學獎揭曉，由美國基因學者賀

爾（Jeffrey C. Hall）、羅斯巴許（Michael Rosbash）與楊

恩（Michael W. Young）三位學者因為發現調控生理時鐘

的蛋白分子而獲得此殊榮，這發現令身為中醫師的我感到

意義非凡，因為這與中醫理論強調的時辰養生理論，不謀

而合。

幾千年前中醫醫學《黃帝內經》記載了子午流注的理

論。這在中醫經絡學裡稱為「十二經流注」，也就是十二

經裡頭氣血在人體內循環的順序，根據中醫學說，一日分

為十二個時辰(每2小時對應一個時辰)，時辰對應人體的

十二條主要經絡，所以生活作息、養生或治療時順應這些

對應的身體系統就是中醫的時間醫學。

諾貝爾醫學獎的研究讓我們得以用更科學的方法一窺生

理時鐘的奧妙及內部運作情況。諾貝爾大會表示：「他們

的研究解釋了植物、動物與人類如何調整生理節奏，以符

合地球運轉的步調。」

這種自我調節機制由蛋白質PER來控制，諾貝爾得獎者

他們發現了PER這種蛋白，周期變化的蛋白在夜間累積然

後在白天降解，與晝夜節律同步，PER蛋白在體內含量在

24小時周期內高低變化所造成的生理時鐘能調節許多身體

功能，包括荷爾蒙濃度高低、睡眠周期、器官功能與新陳

代謝等。而這樣的生理時鐘分子機制亦能解釋，旅遊跨越

時區時會出現時差的問題，同樣的紊亂的生理時鐘如何對

健康帶來極大影響，甚至也增加某些疾病的罹患風險，也

就能一一解釋了。

因此諾貝爾大會成員席拉斯（Juleen Zierath）指出，此

研究「提醒我們培養良好睡眠習慣的重要性」。當然從事

中醫臨床多年，我認為每個朋友瞭解這個重大的諾貝爾醫

學發現，對我們有什麼好處呢？它使我們的生活起居作息

和養生保健有所依據，而且親身去遵循是真正有益我們的

健康的。

中醫學理論 — 這古老卻非常實用的東方醫學強調人要

順應大自然的規律才能時常保有健康，如今西方醫學跨越

2-3千年後，用科學方法驗證了中醫的時間醫學，體內氣

血運行的規則，一天來講，氣血流行有不同的經絡變化，

意即根據中醫學說，一日的十二個時辰，隨著每兩小時對

應的時辰不同，氣血流注對應的經絡，以表現不同的生理

功能。如左圖所列。

for over two thousand years. Today, Western medicine further validates this traditional Chinese practice, which recognizes that the human body has an inner time mechanism (biological clock) that regulates it.

What are the benefits of these Nobel Laureates’ medical discovery?

The recognition of their work by the Nobel Congress validates and opens-up avenues for cross-cultural medical discussions, collaboration and advances for the good of humankind. No matter whether you are hearing about your biological clock for the first time in this article, or have been aware of it for a long time, the most important thing that you can do is to learn more about how to “listen” to it. The more that you learn and practice, the healthier you will become.

Our body is our best doctor, and our

health depends on how we use and care for our bodies. It is my hope that this article about the recent discovery and recognition by the three 2017

Nobel Laureates in Medicine will help in your journey for seeking better health.

京禾中醫繪製

Dr. Chen Po-Sheng is dedicated to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and how the language of science explains it.

HEALTH

Chinese Hourly Meridan Flow chart courtesy of EarthChiHealing

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HEALTH

Origin – Coming Home

I t had been a particularly busy few months and I was at work one late afternoon, my energy low, but still a long to-do-list away from heading

home. Instead of plowing ahead to fulfill the tasks, I opened up a new window on my computer and typed in the words, “yoga retreat,” fantasizing about being some place where my only responsibility was to practice yoga, eat whole foods, read, write, and have the mental space to think. The first things that came back were week-long retreats in Mexico, Thailand, India, Australia but that wasn’t what I was looking for. I would miss my husband and kids, and I didn’t want to be in a different time zone or have to pack for a flight, much less be in the frenetic space of an airport. So I narrowed my search to “yoga retreats in Taiwan,” not really thinking such a thing existed here. When Origin Yoga & Wellness popped up – a yoga retreat in nearby Baishawan! – I was so surprised it felt like I had conjured it out of thin air. Not wasting a single minute, I arranged a day my husband could be home with the kids, and convinced two girl friends to do the same. Then we registered for the Origin Signature Full Day Retreat.

WARM AND INVITINGThe day we went to Origin Yoga &

Wellness was blustery and raining, but that hardly put a damper on my spirits. Perhaps somewhat counter-intuitively, I had not slept as soundly the night before, because I was so excited for this

day. Driving just north of Baishawan, we came upon an old, abandoned apartment complex. Some of the units looked like bombed out shelters, many windows were shattered, broken furniture and discarded temple statues dotted the roadside. None of the apartments appeared to be lived in, save for one, in front of which was a handmade sign with an “O” painted on it with bright blue paint. The windows glowed with yellow light emanating from inside. The door swung open and we were greeted warmly by a young woman with smil ing eyes – Lydia Chang, the co-founder of Origin Yoga & Wellness.

The space ins ide was in d i rect contrast to the weather and environs outside – where it was cold and wet outside, it was warm and inviting inside; where it felt abandoned and l i fe less outs ide, the space ins ide practical ly hummed with posit ive energy. There was a large, communal table in the center of the room, a couple of old, traditional wooden doors with floral carving around the edges laid into the cement wall leading to the kitchen, where a young man was milling about. When Lydia led us upstairs to the yoga and lounge space, the three of us gasped collectively when we saw the floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out onto the ocean; the expanse of rolling waves immediately filled our hearts with an indescribable sense of peace and awe. She pointed out a little white lighthouse in the distance. “The

northernmost point of Taiwan,” she said, then added, “You made it!”

Lydia and her younger brother, Ed wa rd (t h e c h ef i n t h e k i tc h e n downstairs), grew up in this house. They l ived there unt i l the fami ly immigrated to Canada, where Lydia remained until a year ago. This row of beachside apartments had been developed fifty years ago as weekend getaways for local celebrities and well-to-do government officials. But the idea of us ing a beach house never quite caught on, and the entire development soon languished and was eventually forgotten. But Lydia’s father, a meditation practitioner, saw its potential, bought a few units and planted the family’s roots. It was an odd place to spend her childhood, Lydia admits. The family didn’t have many neighbors and the wet ocean air made for difficult maintenance around the house. But the spectacular ocean view and proximity to the beach made their home a magical oasis. After moving to Canada, Lydia often recalled the quiet days spent by the sea, and memories of the beach house filled her heart with longing.

A LEAP OF FAITHFour years ago, Lydia and Edward

accompanied their father on a trip to India, during which time she received her yoga teacher training in traditional Hatha Yoga, and began her studies in the ancient healing practice of Ayurveda. It was a trip that would

TEXT: BRENDA LIN IMAGES: ORIGIN YOGA & WELLNESS

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change the course of her life. She returned to her corporate job in Canada, and implemented a charity program, Mindfulness at Work, to help her company employees manage stress through the practice of yoga and meditation. The program helped her connect with her colleagues on a deeper and more personal level, and also accelerated her career to the point of receiving the promotion for which she had been working so hard. Despite achieving material success with her work life, she still felt like something wasn’t quite being fulfilled.

Last year, Lydia returned to Taiwan to visit her childhood home in Baishawan. She was supposed to stay for a couple of weeks. Instead, she decided to quit her successful corporate job in Canada and remain in Taiwan to take an entrepreneurial leap of faith. Along with her brother, Edward, they worked tirelessly to transform their childhood home into a tranquil seaside space for yoga and wellness.

I stood in that very space on that rainy winter day and looked out into the infinite distance. I watched as the steel blue waves rolled onto shore, then

curled underneath to push out to sea again – back and forth, back and forth – and I felt something stir inside me. This must be what inspired Lydia to stay. My two friends and I, all of us busy, working mothers, spent the entire day feasting on this vista, nourishing our souls. Lydia guided us through an in-depth yoga practice including deep stretches, breathing exercise, and meditations, and led an Ayurveda workshop, sharing useful tips on how to take care of our five senses. Edward prepared a delicious vegetarian lunch – wild mushroom whole-grain congee, fresh vegetable stir-fry, and cold tofu drizzled with homemade sesame dressing. As we ate, we talked and laughed and were mindful of inhabiting this peaceful mental and emotional space together.

That evening, when I returned home, my three children almost knocked me over when they ran to greet me at the door. They filled me in on their days, each person talking over the next, their voices becoming louder and louder. My husband and I smiled at each other over their eager heads. That night, I slept deeply – the safe, velvet sleep of being aware that I was home.

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Full day, weekend, week-long, and create-your-own retreats available. Reservation & Enquires: [email protected]

A typical full day retreat:9 am – Arrival & Welcome Tea Tasting9:30 am – Good Morning Yoga Practice12 pm – Gourmet Vegetarian Lunch2 pm – Wellness Enrichment Workshop – Afternoon Tea & Healthy Dessert4 pm – Ocean Therapy & Beach Restoration (optional pm – Metta Loving Kindness & Sunset Meditation5:30 pm – Departure

Brenda L in is a writer, the head o f Corp orate Social Responsibility at les enphants, co., and a mother of three.

Feb 2018_p3-end.indd 23 2018/1/28 下午6:33

OUTLOOK


W estern philosophy has been haunted by the so-called “mind-body problem” ever since the 17th century French philosopher René Descartes concluded that all he could know

with certainty was the existence of his own mind (his famous “I think, therefore I am”). Descartes’ idea that the human body and the human mind are entirely separate sorts of things - an idea which later came to be called “Cartesian dualism” - has had a profound impact on philosophy and science. Philosophers have recognized that Cartesian dualism leads to a difficulty in understanding how it is possible for the mind and body to interact if they are separate things, but nobody has been able to develop a solution that doesn’t have problems of its own. However, one solution may be emerging from a surprising source: the recent revival of the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle.

After centuries of neglect by modern science and philosophy, Aristotle’s philosophy has been making something of a comeback in recent decades. The influence of his ideas has been strongest in ethical philosophy and metaphysics, but some philosophers of mind have also begun to look to his writings on psychology for inspiration. Below, I’ll describe a few of the main points about what Aristotle had to say about psychology, then talk about why I think this is important.

In his writings on psychology, Aristotle used the Greek word psyche, a term that is surprisingly difficult to translate. For us, the psych- in words like “psychology” means something along the lines of “mind” or “consciousness.” For Aristotle, though, all forms of life - not only humans and higher animals - have a psyche, even plants and the simplest animals. This is why “mind” is not a very good translation of the word. Today, we have difficulty imagining how something without a brain could possibly have a “mind,” which is why psyche is usually translated into English as “soul.”

So what exactly does Aristotle mean when he says that all living beings have souls? The key is that Aristotle believed different kinds of living beings have different kinds of souls, and the kind of soul something has depends on the kind of things it can do. The most advanced function of plants is what he called “nutrition” (and what we today call photosynthesis), so plants have a “nutritive soul.” Animals also have the same nutritive function, but they also have many additional abilities that plants lack: animals can move around, perceive the world with their senses, and desire certain things. Aristotle therefore believed that animals have “locomotive,” “sensory,” and “appetitive” souls. Finally, humans possess all the capacities that animals have, plus one more very important capacity. Because we can think and understand, humans

alone have a “rational soul.” It should be clear Aristotle’s ideas about the soul are

very different from Descartes’ ideas about the mind. Unlike Descartes and many of the philosophers and scientists following him, who tend to think of the mind as some kind of “thing” or “place” where mental events happen, for Aristotle, the psyche is nothing like a thing or place at all. In fact, in Aristotle’s thinking, there is no way at all to separate the psyche and the body. A living being is a unity of a living body and a soul. Without a body, a soul cannot exist, and without a soul, a body is not a living body. This is because souls are not things that are somehow inside of or connected to living beings. Souls are simply the abilities something possesses because it is the type of thing it is. A rock has no soul because a rock by itself can’t do anything; it has none of the abilities or capacities living beings have. A tree, on the other hand, has a soul simply because it is a tree, and trees have certain abilities and life-functions. A soul is nothing other than the abilities or capacities of a living being. This is true for human beings as well. Aristotle wrote, “it is surely better not to say that the soul pities or learns or thinks, but that a person does this with their soul.”

Many of the problems haunting modern philosophy of mind can be resolved by drawing on Aristotle’s ideas about psyche. For one, there is no room for the mind-body problem from an Aristotelian perspective. Because the body and the soul are a unity, there is no way to divide them up. The body and soul are just different aspects of the same thing, a living being looked at in two different ways. “It is not necessary,” Aristotle wrote, “to ask whether soul and body are one, just as it is not necessary to ask whether the wax and its shape are one.”

The influence of Cartesian dualism has contributed to a sense of division and separation between mind and body, between reason and emotion, and between self and world. Once we start to think of these things as divided and opposed, it becomes very difficult to figure out how to go about reconciling them. This leads to confusion not only in science and philosophy, but also in our ability to understand what we are and think about ourselves as human beings. In Aristotle, we can find an entirely different way of understanding these things, a holistic perspective which can help us have a more complete and integrated understanding of what we are, and what we can do.

Michael Mullahy is a licensed counseling psychologist in Taiwan and enjoys hiking, reading, and traveling in his free time.

TEXT: MICHAEL MULLAHY IMAGE: WEB

The Forgotten Wisdom of Aristotle’s Psychology

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FOOD & DRINK

H enna is a popular form of temporary tattoo found all over the world. Today people enjoy it as it can be

applied in intricate designs to any part of the body, and it is only temporary.

Henna has been used for over 5,000 years, not only in India, but also in Africa and the Middle East. It was a popular adornment for the rich and the poor alike. While the poor are said to use it to decorate their bodies due to lack of jewellery, Cleopatra too has been documented as using henna for

decorative purposes.Henna is a shrub that grows in

tropical climates. Its leaves contain a pigment called lawsone that combines with proteins to cause staining. Henna also has natural cooling and medicinal properties. It is known to be useful to treat conditions such as athlete’s foot, hair loss and headaches. Due to its cooling properties, it is believed that its use originated in desert areas where people soaked their hands and feet in the cool henna leaf paste, which left them stained. Soon, people started

applying the paste in designs, instead of just smearing it on, and the designs got more defined and intricate over time.

Henna plays a very important role in Indian weddings. It signifies prosperity and auspiciousness in Indian culture. Therefore, a whole day is devoted to the mehendi ceremony in a typical Indian wedding. On this day, friends, relatives and family of the bride-to-be get together and apply henna to their hands and sometimes feet in the midst of singing, dancing and games. Professional henna artists are also sometimes hired to apply mehendi for the bride and other people. Some grooms also apply mehendi for the wedding. The groom’s name may also be tattooed on the bride’s palms, and the groom may choose to have the bride’s name on his palms too. It is said that the depth of color of the stain on the bride’s palms defines how much love she’ll receive from her mother-in-law.

Given such rich background, it is about time we used henna designs in dessert decorat ions. Intr icate henna design can make anything look luxurious and regal. Decorations could be minimal, or extravagant, with glitter, sparkle and gold accents. Henna designs can be used to decorate cakes, cupcakes, and cake pops as well as cookies.

Henna-Inspired Desserts

TEXT & IMAGES: NOMITA KAVRA GUPTA

Nomita Kavra Gupta is a writer and India cuisine i n s t r u c t o r w h o l o v e s baking. With her roots in India, she is passionate about exploring different cultures and traditions.

Feb 2018_p3-end.indd 25 2018/1/28 下午6:34


FOOD & DRINK

TEXT: JOAN H, HUNGRYINTAIPEI IMAGES: HUNGRYINTAIPEI

Joan created Hungr y in Taipei in 2005 when she moved to Taiwan from California and couldn't find much in format ion on l ine ab out restaurants in English. She has since b logged about over s i x hundred Taipei restaurants, found places to fulfill her Mexican, cupcake, BBQ and pho cravings. She has explored Taipei's night markets, shaved ice, dumplings and fine-dining scene extensively. Hungr y in Taipei has been mentioned by BuzzFeed, CNN Travel, NY Post, Lonely Planet Taiwan, Taipei Times, Bizarre Foods and the Culinary Institute of America. http://hungryintaipei.blogspot.tw/

L iqu id Bread Company i s a sandwich shop founded in 2017, located in the quiet al ley behind the Xinyi and

Guangfu roads intersection. Those craving American-style sandwiches in Taipei don't have a lot of choices, so the founders of Liquid Bread Co saw on opportunity to offer the sandwiches they wanted to eat themselves with higher quality ingredients, made almost entirely in house.

Liquid Bread Co's partner, Jim, says LBC was "the natural progression of a bread shop, the wanting [to show] how sourdough is used, in addition to missing a well put-together sandwich."

The menu includes classic sandwiches like pastrami, BLT, and tuna melt as well as creations like carnitas, spicy pork belly, and Taipei Bomber, which is a ham and cheese sandwich with egg salad added.

E v e r y m o n t h , t h e r e i s a l s o a collaboration with a guest chef to offer a limited edition sandwich. A recent month featured Le Blanc's Chef Long Xiong, although (regretfully) Le Roast Beast was sold out the day that I went. I’ll have to go back soon to try it!

The menu board on the wall is only in Chinese, but there is a paper menu with English sandwich names and ingredients. It’s a bit tough to match up prices to the sandwiches if you don't read Chinese, since the prices are only on the menu board, but they range about NT$290-420, and half sandwiches are available.

LIQUID BREAD COMPANY

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FOOD & DRINK

Side dishes include housemade soup of the day, pickled broccoli slaw, potato salad, egg salad and packaged chips like Doritos. A variety of craft beer is also available to down with your meal. It’s self service, meaning that you grab your own food, pay at the counter and then bus your table afterwards.

The roasted tomato soup (NT$90) comes with two small pieces of bread, which I used with the egg salad to make a mini toast. It would pair perfectly with cheesy bites and I used it to dip my tuna melt. Since it's more on the sour than sweet side, I wouldn't be able to finish off a bowl on its own, but the creamy tartness is a great complement to a sandwich, so you can create your own soup and half sandwich combo, though it would be nice if they could offer a price break on the soup if you added it on.

After trying almost every sandwich on the menu (thanks to Liquid Bread Co), which were my favourites? I was expecting it to be carnitas, since that's the sandwich I had heard raves about on Instagram, but they had sold out that day. Booooooo!

I was actually surprised by how much I l iked the BLT (NT$290). The thick slice of Sedor Farms bacon was crispy yet juicy, and perfect with the crisp lettuce and tomato. I typically wouldn't order BLT, but the owner Jim insisted I try it. It would be even better with some avocado slices, but on its own it's a refreshing bite, with the addictive tomato jam.

The pastrami sandwich (NT$420) was a nice stack, with provolone cheese, house-prepared mustard and zucchini pickles. I l iked it a lot, though the kind of pastrami I usually crave is the

juicy, jus-soaked heaps of thinly sliced pastrami of the kind you would find in LA at Johnnie's Pastrami or the Hat, rather than the traditional deli-style pastrami on rye.

Made with mozzarella, gouda and parmesan, the cheesy bites (NT$180) were super buttery and cheesy, like a grilled cheese cut into quarters for bite-sized enjoyment, or for dipping in tomato soup.

Before I went to Liquid Bread, I had heard a lot of people say, "the sandwiches are really good, but it's on the expensive side." I can't say that I disagree, as the prices for the sandwiches average about NT$290, and that's without any sides or soup. But they are serving some of the best sandwiches in Taipei right now, and if you love sandwiches, then it's worth it to fill that craving - they taste just like a sandwich you would get in the States.

The day I went, almost all the other customers were expats or people speaking Engl ish, and I wonder i f the market for sandwich lovers is big

enough. It will be a bit of a hurdle because I consider myself in their customer demographic, and even I find it a bit expensive to pay US$10 for a BLT, or US$13 for a pastrami sandwich, espec ia l ly s ince I of ten do make sandwiches myself at home. However, I would definitely recommend Liquid Bread to my friends and you guys, even taking price into consideration.

Liquid Bread Company 270 Yanji Street( 270 )(02) 2704-6218Hours: 11 am - 9 pm (closed Monday)MRT: Xinyi AnheWebsite: Liquid Bread Co facebook page

Feb 2018_p3-end.indd 27 2018/1/29 下午2:22


TRAVEL

Y angmingshan, the national park (and chain of act ive vo l ca n o e s) j u st n o r t h o f Taipei city, has the largest

concentration of hot spring sources in Taiwan – springs can be found in at least twenty sites in the area. Sadly the larger ones have all been tapped for bath houses and hot spring spa resorts, which are great for bathers more interested in a luxury bath than enjoying nature, but not so good for the ecology of this fascinating yet surprisingly under-explored national park.

H a p p i l y s e ve ra l, a l t h o u g h n o t

completely unmarked by the careless hand of man, remain stunning examples o f Ta iwan’s geothermal act iv i ty. Those only seeking a dip in the warm, healing waters should stick to the many developed establishments, but hikers looking for a taste of the little-visited, wild Yangmingshan, can’t do better than to head somewhere like Dayoukeng Hot Spring ( 溫泉), which bubbles attractively out of a rock face stained white by minerals dissolved in the hot water. It’s a ten-minute walk from highway 2, close to the trailhead for Dayoukeng Fumaroles. Although a

big red sign warns people not to enter, just enough people seem to ignore the warning to maintain a narrow trail up to the hot springs. Above the first pool is a whole string of tiny hot spring pools in a small gorge. If you decide to go keep out of the water to avoide damaging the fragile formations.

H o u s h a n H o t S p r i n g ( 山溫泉), not far away is delightful, but, lying within the strictly protected Lujiaokeng Ecological Conservation Zone means the tiny spring is among Yangmingshan’s most pristine and rarely visited. There’s no restriction to visiting the relatively newly ‘discovered’ X iaq igu Hot Spr ing ( 溫泉), which has a lovely setting beside a small, tumbling stream. Sadly its easy approach, down a shortish path from the road, means it has already been uglified by the tarpaulin brigade, who have channeled the water from the sylvan springs into hideous “bathing pools” of bright blue plastic sheeting.

Bayan Hot Spring ( 溫泉), far and away the best known ‘untouched’ hot spring in Yangmingshan, is the largest and most beautiful of all. Unfortunately, although it’s still a wonderful place, it’s proved a little too popular for its own good, and has suffered as a result, with more of those those nasty plastic-sheet pools much in evidence at times. Always officially out-of-bounds to the public, the authorities have also been cracking down on visitors in the last few years, and fines may be imposed if you’re caught, so if you decide to risk it, be very discreet! More seriously, there are also reports of dangerously unstable cliffs above the main hot spring pools, and these could collapse at any time.

Yangmingshan’s Wild Hot Springs TEXT & IMAGES: RICHARD SAUNDERS

RICHARD SAUNDERS EXPLORES TAIWAN'S LESS-TRODDEN PATHS

Richard Saunders is a trained classical musician and writer who has lived in Taipei since 1993. He has written several books (available at the Center and in bookshops around Taipei), including Yangmingshan: the Guide (a complete guide to the National Park on Taipei’s doorstep), Taipei Escapes I and 2, which together detail sixty day trips and hikes within easy reach of Taipei city, and The Islands of Taiwan, a guide to Taiwan’s offshore islands. His latest book, Taiwan 101: Essential Hikes, Sights and Experiences around Ilha Formosa, is out now.

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TRAVEL

By fa r t h e m o st i nte re st i n g o f Ya n g m i n g s h a n’s s e l e c t n u m b e r of undeveloped hot springs is the magnificent Gengziping Hot Spring (焿子坪; 磺山溫泉). Sulfur was first extracted from Gengziping way back during the brief Spanish occupation in the early seventeenth century. This amazing place is a martian landscape of blasted, ashen rock, steaming sulfur fumaroles, pools of steaming hot water (not suitable for bathing in), and an unusual hot spring waterfall which has

stained the cliff various colors. The area is potentially very dangerous, and the whole area has now been cordoned off by fences, so the activity can only be seen from the road. On the way the road passes Sigengziping (死焿子坪) fumarole area (look out for the plumes of steam to the left) just off the road. The area is spoilt by many pipes (the area supplies a popular nearby hot spring resort of Tianlai with its water), but there’s stil l plenty of interest. There are no fences to stop visitors

wandering into Sigengziping, but as always, if venturing in take care as it’s a potentially very dangerous place with all that boiling water around.

Finally, freely and easily accessible (and eerily striking on a cold, misty winter’s day), Sulfur Valley (硫磺谷), in the foothills just above Xinbeitou, is far from untouched, but the scenic lake of (cold) spring water, a large area of natural steaming fumaroles, and several man-made boreholes in which water is boiled for use in nearby hot spring resorts is fascinating, and very photogenic.

Feb 2018_p3-end.indd 29 2018/1/29 下午2:27


FASHION & BEAUTY

TEXT: ZEE DLAMINI IMAGES: WEB

T he beg inn ing o f the year brings a new start for most people. It is a time where the four big fashion weeks are

getting ready for their annual cycles, meaning designers, fashion buyers and consumers alike are all preparing to bring something new to the fashion landscape.

On a smaller scale, the new year signifies a new direction for your closet, your home or simply some new ideas for building your personal style.

Fast fashion has played a role in the amount of used or unused garments we amass, leading to a rising number of wastefully discarded clothes. As the year starts, closet cleanses may be a good way to get rid of clothes that are taking up much-needed space in your living environment.

In Taipei, there are several ways in

which you can reduce your clothing co l lect ion and fash ion footpr int while still not being entirely wasteful. Several charity organizations work with communities in need within the city or beyond Taiwan’s borders, which would be grateful for your generosity. Alternatively, you can deposit them in the used clothing recycling boxes installed by the local government and other charity organizations.

However, donating used apparel doesn’t simply mean just throwing things into a box without a thought. It’s vital to sort through your wardrobe to decide what you would like to keep or throw out. One way is to throw out clothes that you haven’t worn or used for a period of 24 or 12 months.

When you are satisfied with your closet cleansing, it’s essential to go through your disposable pile of clothes to check for those that are in usable condition, and to make sure that they are washed and clean. Even when giving to a charity or someone who needs them, clothes should be in a condition in which you would like to receive them.

Yo u ca n b ox o l d c l o t h i n g t h e n log onto the Conservation Mothers Foundation (http://www.conmofo.org.tw/) and donate your old clothes to those who need them the most via the Foundation’s online system. Also, you can deposit them in the used clothing recycling boxes installed by the Taipei City Government and other charity organizations. The local government clothes recycling banks are located in many places across the city.

Some neighborhoods in Taipei have recycling businesses that frequently visit as well, making it easier to dispose of clothes you no longer need.

O rga n i zat i o n s h e l p i n g fo re i g n immigrant workers and homeless peoples around the city are another excel lent way to donate your old c lothes. Thrift stores wi l l f ind an additional new home for old clothing.

Alternatively, you can reuse old fashion items from your home in various ways, for example, an old pair of leggings or a stretchable T-shirt makes for a good, comfortable head wrap (turban-style). Old cotton items make for great rags for dusting surfaces around your home as well.

Recycling clothes will be a positive way to start the year and also do good for others and the environment, and will yield more space too!

Zee Dlamini is a digital PR strategist turned fashion stylist/fashion blogger, in addition to being a full-time mommy with a zest for life and a lover of all things good.

Recycling Your Clothes

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Centered...Katy Perry In the Witness Tour, her fourth, Katy Perry sings songs from her fifth studio album, Witness. Her new album is getting a lot of airplay on local radio stations