Category Archives: politics

Typhoon Morakot

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Typhoon Morakot wreaked havoc on southern Taiwan last weekend. Up north, we just got some strong winds and a bit of rain. We didn’t realize that after the three-day weekend, the South took the brunt of it, and the floods took out entire villages causing billions of NT dollars in damages and resulting in many losses of lives and homes.

The inpouring of concern from friends and family in the States was touching. I suppose that even living in the country, I hadn’t realized how bad the typhoon was in Taiwan until messages from afar greatly outnumbered the phone calls of family living in Taipei. (which was zero. because nothing had happened up here.) I hadn’t realized it yet, but media portrayals everywhere have begun their coverage of what they predicted as a devastating typhoon for the South.

I am fine. Taipei is unaffected. But the people in the South really need your help. Since I’m a bit behind with this post, I will link you to Serena’s post which lists lots of ways you can help this cause.

Help Typhoon Morakot’s Victims

Thanks again for the messages and the concern. Please help those who are really in need.

20 Years

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Because I’m on this side of the world, I feel that it’s only appropriate to at least make an acknowledgment of the 20th anniversary of Tiananmen Square. It shocks me that college students in China now have no idea what happened 20 years ago due to censorship.

I’ve never really followed Taiwanese politics while in the States. I never knew who the president was, what the parties meant, and what the economy was like. Now as a witness to public protests and even my boyfriend’s mother is a strong green advocate, I can’t help but try to understand it all. I’m starting to have my own opinions and understanding how difficult it can be for Taiwan and its leaders to make the right decisions in the country’s best interest based on its current circumstances.

Although, I’ve always rooted for the underdog.

Rain Rain Go Away

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After a week of b-e-a-utiful weather, the rain clouds came rolling in today, on the day we decided to go to the beach. So instead, we slept in, went in search of breakfast around noon, and went to the LIBRARY. After ten months of being in Taipei, I’ve finally ventured into the Taipei Public Library and got a library card! I’ve finaly realized that I no longer have to buy books for ridiculous prices just to be able to read some English novels. Although, I’m only able to check out five books at a time, compared to 25 in the States.

There was also a giant parade today for a protest demonstration against President Ma and his relations with China. The entire city of Taipei as well as a ton of people from the South were gathered around the Presidential building, and roads were closed off everywhere. There’s a lot of political stuff going on lately, what with the ex-president being in prison and a lot of people disagreeing with the current president’s actions.

Fun Fact: I’ve learned that there are two main colors here in Taiwan. Blue and Green. Blue means you are pro-China, and Green means you are pro-Independence.

Historic

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I was waiting for the bus, headed to work, when Jud sent me the text telling that Obama had won. I was wriggling with such excitement that I could barely contain myself. I looked up and half expected everyone to be jumping up and down, celebrating too. But I was alone, amidst a crowd of people going about their day as if nothing epic had just happened. Didn’t they realize that history had just been made and for the better? That’s alright, years from now, at least I’ll remember that moment forever.

Thank you, America, for pulling through.