Garden Party for the Elderly

Trini and I joined Hsin-tien Volunteers Group to perform an opening dance at the Garden Party for the Elderly Saturday afternoon, the 31st of May. Our colorful square dancing costumes caught a lot of attention from the crowd. Immediately after Carpenters' Sweet Sweet Smile, we performed Eyes Like Yours in our dazzling belly dance costumes and won a big applause from the audience.

The Garden Party was held mainly to raise funds for elderly with dementia. After our clogging dance performance Trini and I took it easy to hunt for food, drinks, accessories, clothes for more than three hours, we had every reason to buy in the name of charity. We had three big bags full of loot in our hands when the garden party came to an end at 5PM. Trini was named No. 1 buyer, and I was No.2.

While Trini decided to stay around to visit the sunset market in the neighborhood, I left her alone and went home. I wonder where Trini got all her energy. We met at 11 o'clock this morning to rehearse the clogging dance, try on the square dancing costumes, and practise how to be a sexy cowgirl to the best of our abilities. We didn't take any rest in the afternoon. I was exhausted before I arrived home.

It has been a fruitful and successful garden party this afternoon. Hopefully the money we raised would do something for the elderly with dementia. I bet Trini is more eager than I am to show off the clothes and bags she bought at the garden party to golden ladies at our next gathering in the future.

Toastmasters Magazine Reading Gathering in May

It rained when I left home, it rained when I arrived home. The Toastmaster Magazine reading gathering in May took place at Easy House Vegetarian Cuisine on An-ho street Friday evening, May 30th. Trini selected four articles of April Issue for us to read in advance, 1. Be a Non-stop Learning Machine, by Shawn Doyle, ACB; 2. Campaign Comedy by Gene Perret; 3. Mastering Table Topics by Bob Lea, ACS, CL; 4. Dare to Be Different by Birgit Starmanns.

While waiting for Irene and Lydia, we finished sharing our thoughts about the April issue in less than ten minutes. Golden ladies seemed to be synchronized, we agreed with one another from the beginning to the end. Linda commented that it's not important we read at the gathering together, it's important we read by ourselves at home in advance. When six golden ladies were in place, we began our order and couldn't wait to savor the delicious vegetarian food.

Among four assigned articles, the majority of golden ladies voted Shawn Doyle's "Be a Non-Stop Learning Machine" the best article of April. The reason is simple, at the second last paragraph, Shawn quoted Robin Sharma, in his book The Greatness Guide, says, "There is a cure for aging that no one talks about. It's called learning." The key phrase, a cure for aging, won the hearts of the golden ladies. Mastering Table Topics of Bob Lea came to the second choice, because it's a lifesaving article to those who wished to go on when they really wanted a time-out.

After dinner, golden ladies were happy to taste the mouthwatering Chikushi Desserts from Japan. The beautiful packaging won the praise form the ladies. We admired Japanese for their aesthetic sense in everyday life. Everything is like a piece of art in Japanese culture. Before we called it a night, we had many group photos as usual to put an end to the beautiful May 2008.

Butterflies Festival 2008

Yangmingshan National Park's annual Butterflies Festival takes place this weekend, the 31st of May and the 1st of June. Golden ladies couldn't wait for the crowd and took an early morning drive to dance with the butterflies at Ta-tung Mountain Thursday, the 29th of May. The entire mountaintop was covered with delicious food for thousands of butterflies. They were happy eating, sleeping, and making love. Golden ladies are happy to share with their happiness at the peak of their life cycles.

Blue Tiger Butterflies
Blue Tiger Butterflies are not afraid of people. They are not afraid of predators behind. They stood tall on the flowers at ease. Nobody dares risk toching the poisonous butterflies, because the toxic plants the caterpillars feed on remain in thier bodies to expel the enemies in the nature.

Photographers Toastmasters
A picture is worth one thousand words. Today we had three photographers in our group. The definition of photographer is a person who owns an expensive camera. Petra and Margaret have Nikon, Virginia has Canon. I am not a so called photographer, because mine is a petit Konica Minolta Dimage Xg digital, not capable of grabbing the beauty at a hundredth of a second. But it is a birthday present from my husband. It has traveled around the world with me in the past five years. It's a precious toy I keep in my bag everyday.

Day 10--Home Sweet Home

President Kazue Fujino of Fukuoka Toastmasters Club asked me on our way to Fukuoka International Airport Saturday morning, what I planned to do the coming Sunday after I returned to Taiwan. I answered without a second thought that I would blog most of the time and finished the travelogue in Kyushu as soon as possible.

Sunday Ritual
After a good sprint in spring in Kyushu for nine days, I lay in bed for a good rest to recover from my excitement and fatique. Sunday morning, I got up late. In stead of sitting in front of the desktop to see the photos taken in Kyushu, I went on picnic with my husband and my brother as usual.

The Samll World
Along the Hsin-tien River, we saw many living creatures in the bushes of green and on the colorful flowers. It is the season of breeding. It's the season to observe the nature and to make friends of nature lovers. On the hiking trail, we ran into many strangers who taught us different species of animals and insects. We were excited to see the endogeneous Taipei tree frogs. Have a look at the photos of Day 10 in Hsin-tien, Taipei.

Day 9--The Sprint in Spring

Sayonara Toastmasters in Kyushu
Hiromi Takigawa, EVP of Dazaifu Toastmasters Club and Kazue Fujino, President of Fukuoka Toastmasters Club saw me off at the Fukuoka International Airport Saturday morning, the 24th of May. We didn't shed tears for leaving one another, on the contrary, we are happy that we shall meet soon to celebrate the joint 10th anniversary of Success Toastmasters and the 20th anniversary of Kumamoto Toastmasters Club in Taoyuan in October.

Chikushino City--City of Treasures
Among many cities in Japan, I would say Chikushino City has the most to offer. From Dazaifu relics, Kyushu National Museum, to Futsukaichi hot spring, people can enjoy a splendid time of history, culture and nature during the day. When the night falls, the best jazz in town at the Jazz Factory Nishimura in a quiet and secluded residential area is alluring.

Hiromi drove me back to New Sakaiya Hotel late last night and picked me up at 8:30 this morning. Upon Toastmaster Yumiko Nakano's recommendation, we stopped by the English Garden of Daiichi Keizai University on our way to Fukuoka International Airport.

English Rose Garden
May is the best reason to see the flower blossom in Japan. After the falling of Sakura, the most favorite flower of Japanese, many flowers are rushing to burst into beings, iris, hydrangea, rose, just to name a few. No matter where we go, we see high school students on their extracurrcular activities. Japanese students are lucky to have the school trips in the breeze of May fragance. The English Garden of May is a must see in Dazaifu. I was very impressed by the management team of Daiichi Keizai University to house a traditional English rose garden on campus.

The Sprint in Spring
D67 Spring Convention Tote Bag (with Sprint in Spring logo) was handy when I traveled in Kyushu for nine days. I sewed "I'm a Toast Master" with blue dazzling paillettes at the other side of the tote bag. I'm proud of my walking identity and advertisement of toastmasters for my entire trip in Kyushu.

I left my heart in Kyushu
I like Kyushu for many reasons, even it is the first time I travel in Kyushu. Maybe because Taiwan was a part of Kyushu in the past, I felt at home when I was in Kyushu, the food, the people, the weather and the Kyushu accent of Japanese language. The more I see Kyushu, the more I am fond of it.

The Best is yet to Come
I didn't want to wake up from my Kyushu dream, but I have to move on to new adventures in front of me. Kyushu is the place I shall return to know more about it, to love it more. Have a look at photos of Day 9 in Dazaifu.

Day 8--The City of Fortune

Khaosan International Hostel Fukuoka
The third floor of Khaosan International Hostel Fukuoka was almost empty when I got up. It was eight thirty when I opened my eyes. I was happy that I could chat with a friendly roomate for a few minutes. She is from the Philippines. She came to Tokyo three days ago. She plans to stay at Khaosan for another two nights. She asked me what I thought of Beppu. I recommended her to visit Mount Aso and Nagasaki for two days. If she decides to stay for another day. Sarurajima is worth visiting, especially Tsubame Shinkansen is awesome. The rapidest train in Kyushu passes many tunnels in a swift. With a 21 days JR Pass, she will surely be exhausted by the time her JR Pass expires.

Having a late breakfast in the kitchen, I got a chance to talk with a young man from Germany. He is in Fukuoka on business for a week or so. While we were chatting, a young lady walked in and started working in the kitchen. She is from Venice, Italy. She will be working for Khaosan Fukuoka for eight months. I recommended her to visit Otaru in Hokkaido to see a Japanese city by the sea, famous for glass works. As she speaks English fluently, I hope she can become a member of Fukuoka Toastmasters Club.

One Week JR Pass
My JR Pass expired yesterday when I took the train from Imari to Hakata in the evening. I was lucky to get the hostel information in time before the Fukuoka Information Center closed for the day at 8PM. I checked in Khaosan at 8:40 and hopped on the 9PM bus for Haruyoshi. After taking a stroll along Nakagawa and had a big bowl of Ramen, a big bowl of Oden, a glass of plum wine, I hit the sack with a big satisfied smile face and my legs felt like two big rocks. I had a sweet dream, but I couldn't remember anything about it.

Yahoo Dome--The Biggest in Japan
I'm not a sports fan, to be honest. But after visiting the Sapporo Dome last November with a lady sports fan, I became interested in the interior and exterior designs of different domes in the world. And I make it a plan to visit all five domes in Japan. I left Khaosan at ten. Before I got on Bus 44, I tried a takeout box of Fried Chicken from Hotto Motto around the corner. It was yummy! I was full in stomach and I was ready to venture to Yahoo Dome in Fukuoka, the biggest dome among the five in Japan. After arriving at Yahoo Dome, I could only walk around the skirt, because I needed to rush to Hakata station before noon for my lunch rendezvous with D76 Division E Governor Mohri Yoshiko. Even though I had a brief stop at Yahoo Dome, I learned that people in Fukuoka have the reasons to be pround with both professional soccer and baseball teams, the Avispa and the Hawks. I will be a fan of the Hawks from now on, because of the Manager Sadaharu Oh (王貞治). He is a hero among Taiwanese.

Strangers became Friends
It didn't take me long to wait for the bus to Hakata Station. Actually all buses pass Yahoo Dome seemed to head for Hakata Station. As I was the last in the line, I saw two foreigners forget to take their numbered tickets. Out of my good will, we began our conversation on bus. They are a group of three, the leader is Korean, the other two are from Turkey. They are in Fukuoka for business. Kim san speaks Mandarin, Japanese, English and Arabic. The two Turkish spoke no English. We took photos of one another and changed our email addresses. Time flied on the bus back and Hakata station was at sight immediately!

Cafe' Veloce in Fukuoka
Division E Governor Yoshiko Mohri waited for me in front of the Information Center of Hakata Station. She was eager to take me for lunch, but I told her I perferred a cup of latte at Cafe' Veloce near the train station. Mohri told me that she would begin her work as the Secretary General of Interpreters association in Fukuoka for the coming two years, she would take a recess from the toastmasters, but still remained as a club member. But I am sure she will still find time to visit Taiwan as she promised she would come to the joint anniversary party of Success and Kumamoto Toastmasters clubs in October.

The City of Fortune and Happiness--Fukuoka
Chinese love Fuku. Chinese name their children, their servants, and their pets with the names of FUKU. On New Year Day, birthday parties, we paste "Fuku" in Red on the walls and doors to welcome the fortune and happiness to our homes. Fukuoka has fuku, too. In Fukuoka, you can also find fukuhama. After Governor Yoshiko Mohri walked me back to collect my luggage at Khaosan Fukuoka, she saw me off at the platform of Hakata station. I was ready to bring fortune and happiness from Fukuoka to my fellow toastmasters members in Dazaifu.

Dazaifu--City of Ancient Culture
From the name of Dazaifu, we can imagine how important it was in the past politically, economically, and culturally. The moment I saw it, I was besieged by the magnificent Dazaifu relics. It was not hard to imagine the grandeur of its past. From the feng shui point of view, it is a sacred site full of energy (qi) from the mother earth. Hiromi san encouraged me to enjoy a stone bath on a huge ancient rock. I felt so much recharged to see the treasures of Kyushu National Museum.

Kyushu National Museum
The Avant-garde architure of Kyushu National Museum was impressive. The streamlined blue roof is the logo of the museum, easy to identify and remember. When Hiromi and I entered the museum, Watari Masuo and Kishima Akiko from Dazaifu Toastmasters Club were already waiting for us. They greeted me with the museum pamphlets in Chinese and their lovely presents. I felt honored.

The Evolution of Emaki in Japan
Kyushu National Museum is showcasing the National Treasures EMAKI from Kyoto National Museum from March 22nd till June 1st. I was excited to see the special exhibition of many precious scrolls from Nara Era in the 8th century till Muromachi Era in the 16th century. The precious Emaki spanned a period of eight hundred years, from Chinese characters only in standard script in the 8th century, to mixtures of Japanese kana and kanji in cursive script in the 12th century, we could get a picture about the evolution of Emaki as well as the Japanese language. The exhibited Emaki are mainly about religious stories. One scroll of Muromachi Era caught my attention immediately, the love story of Anchin and Kyohime of Doujouji Temple.

A Snake or A Dragon
I didn't hesitate to purchase a handbook of the special Emaki exhibition with an aim to study the story of Doujouji in depth. As I plan to perform a Japanese dance solo Doujouji next year. There are many versions of Nihonbuyou Doujouji. My Japanese dance teacher uses a huge snake as a prop. But in the Emaki of Muromachi Era, Kyohime turned into a dragon of three claws. If snake is evil, dragon is power, is love a snake or a dragon?

In Chinese history, there are many romantic stories about monks and beautiful women. Lady White Snake is one of the four famous legends in China. As the Dragon Boat Festival is approaching, the 8th of June (the fifth day of fifth month of lunar calendar) in 2008, it is a good chance to share their love story taken place on Dragon Boat Festival.

Emaki, Blog, Manga
Emaki is about a story with paintings and words, like Ehon today. Books are more convenient than scrolls, because they could be read from the beginning, from the middle, or from the end. While sitting in front of my desk top blogging, I can't help scrolling the screen up and down. Isn't it another version of e-Emaki? In stead of shaking our head in a horizontal direction reading the emaki, I keep nodding my head scrolling the articles up and down. Reading Manga is another version of head movement? Can you tell what people are doing from their head movements, reading emaki, blogging, or reading manga?

Matsuya Tea House
After an easy stroll in Tenmangu in the sunset, Watari san escorted us to the Matsuya Tea House for the plum cakes--the most famous delicacies in Dazaifu. We were so contented that we began the haiku practice to share our feelings about the Japanese garden in lush green with Victorian garden furnitures. We didn't leave Matsuya until the closing time 6PM.

太宰府の旅の記念 平成二十年五月二十三日吉時

新緑の 松屋の縁で 梅ヶ枝の餅    李 向慈
楠の木の パワーをいだき 幸せだ    杵島 昭子
額紫陽花 梅雨の来ぬ間に 梅ヶ枝の餅    瀧川 浩美
シェリーさんと そぞろ歩きの 菖蒲園    渡 満寿男

Vegetarian Buffet Dinner at Ivy Hotel
Upon Hiromi san's recommendation, we walked in the Ivy Hotel for vegetarian buffet dinner. We were given a private room, Toastmaster Yumiko Nakano also joined us after work. At dinner, Masuo Watari san asked me about the marriage life in Taiwan. I replied that wives in Taiwan are in general a little happier than their counterparts in Japan. In stead of division of labor (intelligence)--men outside, women inside, cooperation of labor is more or less the common practice in Taiwan. Women and men share the family affairs and win respect from each other. Take myself for example, my husband encourages me to participate in community activities to lead a more positive life. The communication and leadership skills are applied at home at first in Toastmasters!

Jazz Factory Nishimura
When Hiromi came to D67 Spring Convention 2008 in Taipei in April, she praised Jazz Factory Nishimura in Dazaifu to the skies. That is one of the main reasons I reserved my last day in Kyushu for my favorite Jazz music. I didn't fall in love with Jazz at our first encounter. After four years graduate study in New Orleans, it is hard not to fall for Jazz being a regualr patron in French quarter on weekends.

Friday evening, after the sumptuous dinner, I joined Hiromi Takigawa, Masuo Watari, Yumiko Nakano, the three toastmasters members from Dazaifu Toastmasters Club, to enjoy a lovely evening at the famous Jazz Factory in town. It was the first night I walked into a Pub in Kyushu. The owner Nishimura san is a middle age Jazz connoisseur. His two-stories jazz factory was like a huge exhibition hall full of paintings of flowers and Jazz LPs (long playing microgroove records) and CDs. For the entire evening, the beautiful Jazz music he selected was awesome in a bluish dimly-lit jazz pub. I thank Hiromi for sharing with us her secret garden. Before we left the Jazz Factory, Nishimura san told me that I looked like Ou-Yang FeiFei. What a compliment! I felt much flattered!

In love with The Empress Yang Kuei-Fei
『天長地久有時盡，此恨綿綿無絕期』 ~長恨歌 唐 白居易
Only three Chinese characters are on the drink list of Jazz Factory Nishimura, all the rest are in kana. No time for deciphering カタカナ, I ordered Yang Kuei-Fei 楊貴妃 (Yokihi in Japanese pronunciation) for myself. When she was placed in front of me, I was amazed by her greenish transparent appearance, the champagne glass was like a precious jade. The first sip was sweet, sour, tempting, arousing, I was spellbound. After the second and third sips, I was captivated by her beauty, flavor, fragrance helplessly.

The Empress Yang Kuei-Fei is one of the four beauties in China. Her death is still a myth in Chinese history. Maybe she did flee to Japan in 756AD with the help of embassy to Tang Dynasty. Maybe one of her descents is now a toastmaster in District 76.

Haiku Practice at Jazz Factory Nishimura
I love haiku, be it in Japanese or in English. While drinking to the Jazz music, I solicited Dazaifu toastmasters members for a piece of their thoughts in Haiku.
A Friend from Taiwan, How happy we are all here, Surround by nice Jazz Yumiko Nakano
Talk and Listen, To spark our life, Toastmasters! Hiromi Takigawa
A lovely lady she's, Iris is in full bloom, On our way to the shrine Masuo Watari
Jazz Plays in the Air, Toastmasters in Dazaifu, Feeling blue tonight Sherry Li

Talents among Toastmasters
Incoming President Masuo Watari gave an impromptu Jazz guitar show at the Jazz Factory before we called it a night. While he played the guitar and sang All of Me, Hiromi recorded his awesome performance. I was so impressed that there are many talents in the big Toastmasters family. I hope one day we could have a chance to have a debut duet in Toastmasters either in Taiwan or in Japan. Masuo told me that he would work on the country music from now. I was thrilled to hear the good news. Just imagine seven golden ladies clogging toastmasters with Masuo Watari from Dazaifu and Masao Inuzaka from Nagoya on stage, what a splendid troupe we are, something to look forward to in the future. Have a look at photos of Day 8 in Fukuoka and Dazaifu with D76 Division E Governor Mohri and Dazaifu Toastmasters club members.

Day 7--The Big Amusement Park

Gina, Emily and Midori left Hotel Ikeda in Nagasaki at 6AM, while I was still snuggling in bed. After a week enjoyable and memorable trip in Kyushu in a group of four, I remained in Japan for another two days. What could be a better choice than spending a day at Huis Ten Bosch--one of the three theme parks in Kyushu, besides the Ocean Dome in Miyazaki and the Space World in KitaKyushu. I took the 9 o'clock Rapid Seaside Liner 3226D at Nagasaki and arrived at Huis Ten Bosch at 10:13.

Huis Ten Bosch
After Koxinga (1624-1662) defeated the Dutch and drove them away from Taiwan, they fed to Koxinga's birth place--Nagasaki. Three hundred plus years later, Huis Ten Bosh was built on the land of sea in Sasebo to mimic the Royal Palace of Queen of Holland.

Thursday morning, I spent a pleasant couple of hours walking in the outskirt of Huis Ten Bosch by myself. I was amazed by the big Dutch fairy park on the well-designed city of canals. It is worth staying for at least two days. It would be an ideal place for District 76 conference, if the price is okay. I would love to come back to learn more about the interaction between Taiwan and the rest of the world between the 17th to 19th centuries. I took Huis Ten Bosch 14 departure at 12:13 and arrived at Arita at 12:34.

Ceramic Shangri-la--Nabeshima Kiln
After arriving at Arita, I changed to Matsuura Train from Arita at 1:03PM to Imari at 1:25PM, I was so tired that I fell asleep immediately on the train. Fortunately my destination is the terminal station and I was waken up by the passengers. After a short stroll at Imari for twenty minutes, I got on a bus at 2PM to Okawachiyama, a small ceramic shangri-la in the mountains, at 2:15PM. I can't forget the small paradise, because that's where I spent most of my fortune on the exquisite porcelain and ceramics works. I got on 4:28PM bus back to Imari at 4:47PM, hopped on Matsuura train departure at 5:07PM, arrived at Arita at 5:32PM, spent another hour in Arita purchasing more ceramics works, and finally got on the Midori 26 departure at Arita at 6:35PM and arrived at Hakata at 7:53PM.

Nakagawa River Food Square
I arrived at JR Hakata Station just in time before the Information Center closed for the day at 8PM. I was lucky to get the flyer of Khaosan International Hostel Fukuoka, made a reservation call, and checked in before nine. After I deposited the luggage in my dorm room, I got on the city bus bound for Haruyoshi to stroll along the Nakagawa River for night snack.

I'm not bragging about the bustling night markets in Taipei. The Nakagawa River Food Square pales in comparison. But I didn't want to get back to Khaosan empty handed. I ended up spending ¥1,500 at one single food vendor with ramen, oden, and plum wine all together. A young Japanese sat next to me, Oh my god, he spoke Mandarin fluently. He just came back from Shanghai. The world seemed shrinking. Everywhere I went in Japan, I met people who spoke Mandarin, not only in Toastmasters.

After I had a full stomach, I was contented with my evening adventure. And I couldn't wait to rush back to enjoy free blogging on the internet at Khaosan. Have a look at photos of Day 7 in Huis Ten Bosch, Imari, Arita, and Fukuoka.

Day 6--The Powerhouse of Japan

With a JR Pass, I traveled by railway as often as I could. In Kyushu, I saw the construction of shinkasen here and there. People can move in a swift from the west to the south and from the north to the south. Time can be converted to memory and experience in a more effective and efficient way.

An Old Way to Venture into Nagasaki
We decided to give up the free train ride from Kumamoto to Nagasaki and attempted our voyage in the most primitive and traditional way, the waterway. After hunting for our breakfast at a convenient store near JR Kumamoto Station, we got on the bus for Kumamoto Harbor at 7:40, took the 8:30 ferry, arrived at Shimabara at 9:40. We waited for departure of the round island bus at 10:40 and arrived at Isahaya at 11:50, changed to Kamome (Sea Gull) train to Nagasaki at 12:30. It's indeed a long way, but we experienced all facilities of travel possible in Japan. Dear Madame Butterfly, I'm finally coming to Nagasaki to see you!

Cio-Cio-san in Nagasaki
Among Giacomo Puccini's numerous Opera libretti, I like Madame Butterfly the most, simply because it was based upon a love story in the east, in the city of Nagasaki in early 1890s. Ten years ago, after my studies of Japanese language in Okazaki for three months, I performed Madame Butterfly with Toastmasters Steve Weaver at Grand Toastmasters Club's Installation Ceremony on July the 4th, 1998. I changed the story to make it a happy ending, Cio-Cio-san and Lieutenant Benjamin Franklin Pinkerton lived happily ever after.

Streetcar in Nagasaki
I like the streetcar in Nagasaki. It runs very often, and the fare is only 100 yens one trip. For one day pass, it is 500 yens. Since the operation of Nagasaki Electric Tramway in 1915, many tourists have benefited from the most convenient transportation vehicle to see the beauty of Nagasaki. After an easy and relaxing lunch at Royal Host at Nagasaki Train Station, Gina and Midori got off the streetcar in front of the University Hospital to shop for baseball gloves for Midori's boss, while Emily and I went on to visit the Urakami Cathedral.

11:02AM
Without prior warning, the Fat Man was exploded 500 meters above Nagasaki and burned 74 thousand people to death at an instance Thursday morning, August 9th, 1945. When Emily and I saw the remains of the old Urakami Cathedral, we were speechless. After a short tour of Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, Gina and Midori joined us at Nagasaki Museum of History and Folklore and headed for the other direction to visit Oura Catholic Church and Glover Garden.

Funny and Humorous Tiger Nagasaki
Tiger Nagasaki was born in Nagasaki, in the year of Tiger. He reminded me of a Japanese dandy on the movie poster in the 60's. When he approached us and offered his helping hands to take photos of us in front of Glover Garden, we decided to practice the negotiation skills we learned in Toastmasters. Tiger Nagasaki agreed upon a special deal to guide us around Nagasaki for two hours.

Being a charter taxi guide, Tiger Nagasaki didn't know he would have to entertain Japanese speaking toastmasters from Taiwan. His face turned red when we insisted he speak his local dialect in front of our video camera. It was a big challenge for him. He switched to standard Japanese automatically and apologized he couldn't speak his local dialect in front of a group of young and beautiful foreign ladies. I hope Nagasaki Toastmasters Club can be chartered soon so that many local residents can attempt the speeches in Nagasaki Ben soon in the future.

Tiger Nagasaki is indeed a friendly taxi driver, he showed us many scenic places in Nagasaki, took us to the best Castella shop, sang us many Enka on the way, and drove us to the best Chinese restaurant in China town. Thanks to Tiger Nagasaki, we had a memorable and enjoyable day in Nagasaki. We were happy it didn't rain in Nagasaki we were there, even though we sang loudly the popular folk song "it also rained in Nagasaki tonight"!

Spectacular Night View of Nagasaki
When Tiger Nagasaki drove us to the observatory on the top of Mt. Inasa (333 meters above sea level), we were on cloud nine to see the panoramic night view of Nagasaki from 6:30 till 7:30PM. Tiger Nagasaki protested when I mentioned that the top three spectacular night views in the world are Hakodate, Hong Kong and Naples. He insisted the best night view in Japan is Nagasaki, also quoted the Oriental Naples. No matter what I was contented I have seen them all, three most beautiful night views in Japan and in the world, be it Hakodate or Nagasaki. But I agreed with Tiger Nagasaki that the night view was awesome. Our tears flooded when we saw the light-up at the epicenter of the Atomic bomb blast, right in the center of Nagasaki.

Tainan and Nagasaki
Tiger Nagasaki is like a walking dictionary of Nagasaki. During our two hours encounter, he sang many old popular songs of Nagasaki. "The Lady in Red Shoes" about a pretty girl went away with a foreigner caught my attention. The lyrics reminded me of Song of An-ping reminisce, the love story between a local girl and a foreigner man in Tainan, the ancient capital of Taiwan. Tainan and Nagasaki shared many common traits. They are both ancient cities full of historical places, Dutch relics, temples. Surprisingly, both cities are famous for local delicacies. In my opinion, Tainan Toastmasters Club members have every reason to attend the charter ceremony of Nagasaki Toastmasters Club.

The Last Supper
Before he said sayonara, Tiger Nagasaki drove us to his favorite Chinese restaurant, the final destination for today. Upon his recommendations, we ordered Chanpon (Seafood Noodles), Seafood with Crispy Noodles at Kouzanrou Restaurant, we didn't order Dongpo Pork Stew, because the best is at the Shanghai Country House in Taipei and we ordered Fried rice instead. I promised Tiger Nagasaki if he could come visit Taipei, I would show him around to reciprocate his hospitality and kindness to let us know Nagasaki in such a short time.

Litter China in Nagasaki
For Chinese, Nagasaki means home, especially for Southern Chinese, like us from Taiwan. From the layout of the city (inner circle full of Chinese temples and outer circle full of cathedrals and churches), the delicacies of the city (Tongpo Pork Stew), and the culture of the city (Confucius Temple), everything reminded us of Southern China. Were I given a chance to choose one city in Japan to spend the rest of my life, Nagasaki is it. Have a look at photos of Day 6 in Kumamoto, Shimabara, and Nagasaki.

Day 5--The Touching Moment

From Kumamoto to Ibusuki to Kagoshima in the morning, to Hakata in the evening, back to Kumamoto at midnight, I made a round trip from the north to the south of Kyushu Tuesday, the 20th of May. It was record breaking. It was fulfilling.

Satsuma
My first Japanese friend is from Satsuma. I made acquaintance with him when he was a GMP instructor for Taiwan-Japan GMP (good manufacturing practice) seminar in Taipei 25 years ago. He talked a lot about Kagoshima and he was proud of his birthplace--the birth place of Meiji Restoration. Tuesday morning, when Kyushu shinkansen passed tunnels of tunnels with the fastest speed like the swallow flying in the air, I saw Kagoshima at last with my own eyes.

Kyushu Shinkansen--Tsubame
Kyushu Shinkansen began operation in March 2004 between ShinYasshiro and Kagoshima Central Station. We took the Tsubame relay from Kumamoto to Shinyasshio and changed to Tsubame at the same platform in less than two minutes. It was the first time I stepped on a relay train, I was impressed. And I look forward to taking Shinkansen between Hakata and Kagoshima Central in Spring 2011.

Hibiscus--Flower of Ibusuki City
We changed to the local train to Ibusuki at Kagoshima Central Station, I was amazed by the changing of the plants, flowers, and weather during the one and a half hours train ride. As we approached south, it was getting warmer and warmer, we were getting closer and closer to Taiwan. The tropical flowers were in full blossom everywhere. Even the rapid train between Ibusuki and Kagoshima is named Nanohana. "It's home", was my first impression about Ibusuki. The red hibiscus were wearing big smiles to welcome us to the famous hot spring sand bath in Ibusuki.

Hot Spring Sand Bath at Suraku Bath Center
When the first shovel of sand dropped on me, I saw my future, alone, under the earth. Family and friends watched me from above and wished me the best to the heaven. With more shovels, I felt the weight and heat of the sand. I was quite excited that I was about to explore a new dimension of sensation in my life. My heart beat faster, I felt the pulse on my wrists, on my tummy, and on my ankles. The noon light passed through the bamboo weaved roof, I felt my belly shrinking, the fat deposit started dissolving. I started counting from 1 to 100. I've come all the way, I wanted to get the most of the ultimate endeavor. When ten minutes was up, I was relieved. I could regain my freedome in the air, I could wave my hands, I could walk my feet.

An Hour Taxi Tour in Kagoshima
We took the rapid train at Ibusuki at 12:35, arrived at Kagoshima Central Station at 1:30. With less than two hours at disposable, we hopped on a taxi to see the Sakurajima from Togo Heihachiro cemetery. We were very lucky to have a super friendly taxi driver who explained in detailed about the history of Kagoshima with his satsuma accent. He took us to see the famous statue of Saigo Takamori in military uniform in Kagoshima's Central Park before we headed for the Kagoshima Central Station.

Toastmaster Rio Imamura, DTM
No one would object if I shall say Toastmaster Rio Imamura is the best English writer in District 76. His writing in English is more than impeccable, even no second to a native writer. He must have put a lot of efforts when young, in addition to his in-born talents. I knew Rio when I served as the Charter President of Kyoto Toastmasters Club in 2001. He was District 76 Lieutenant Governor Education and Training at that time. I was deeply inspired by his knowledge and enthusiasm about Toastmasters. Throughout the years, we have been communicating with each other via emails. I've learned a lot from him. He is my role model.

When President Fujino greeted James and me at Akasaka Subway Station at 5:30PM, I was thrilled to see Rio and Toastmaster Masaki Oshiumi from Kitakyushu Toastmasters Club. I was extremly happy I could have a great photo taken with Rio in front of the club meeting building. Don't you agree that the street seemed to be decorated for Rio and me on purpose?

Contest Judges Training Workshop
Jorie Wu, DTM, D67 Governor 2000-2001 is famous for her judges training workshop. I joined hers once in Taipei many years ago. I was happy that I had the opportunity to work with five Japanese toastmasters at Fukuoka Toastmasters Club's special meeting Tuesday evening, the 20th. We were a group of six, Hiroshi Nishiyama, Noriko Tsutsui, Junko Mukai, Nonaka Seiji and Kazuko Matsumoto. We had a heated discussion for 15 minutes in our group. Toastmaster Nishiyama didn't say a word. When our group was called upon to give our conclusion, Nishiyama san stood up and spoke up. He impressed us with his wits, gave the right answer which we missed during our lengthy discussion, won a big round of applause from the house. Toastmaster Nishiyama, thank you for your decisive answer and we are proud of you!

The Touching Moment
No matter how rich our family could be, no matter how many friends we could have, we often receive help from total strangers when we are desperate in a place of no where, like Tenjin labyrinth in Fukuoka. After toasting to fellow toastmasters at the second party in an Izakaya for fifteen minutes, Hiromi walked me to Tenji subway station. Without any prior knowledge of how complex Tenji was, I told Hiromi I could find my way to the entrance, but I failed. As time passed, I became restless. Haste makes waste. I kept heading for the wrong directions. The lady whom I asked for guidance followed me all the way till I made it. I couldn't thank her enough for being around even I didn't know her name. I was lucky I put on the red dots dress that evening. The subway conductor saw me stepping down from the stairs and waited for me for 10 seconds. I got on the train back to Kumamoto on time.

Ibusuki Burning Mark
I didn't know what happened to me till I had a bath at the Matsutsuru Hotel after I returned to Kumamoto. "Ouch, it hurts", I yelled in the bathroom. Emily rushed to me and asked if I was okay. I asked her to take a look what happened at my back. She looked at me and told me I had a burning mark. How nice it is to leave a memorable scar on me after the sand bath at Ibusuki!
Precautions: Please put on an extra underwear to avoid the burning of the sensitive hips in the hot spring sand bath for a long time.

Slumber Party at Midnight
I was full charged from Fukuoka Toastmasters Club. After a hot bath, I convinced all girls to have a midnight slumber party for our last night in Kumamoto. Being sleepy and exhausted, they posed well for my camera. We practised kungfu fighting, triple somersault like school girls on an overnight trip far from home. We didn't hit the sack till we were collapsed. Please have a look at photos of Day 5 in Ibusuki, Kagoshima, and Fukuoka.

Day 4--A Point to Start

On Way to Kumamoto
The close relationship between D67 and D76 began from Kumamoto in 1999. Ten delegates from Taiwan attended the Spring Conference of Japan Council in Kumamoto in 1999. Toastmaster Chen from Success Toastmasters Club won the second runner up of speech contest in Japanese, to our surprise.

Trans-Kyushu Limited Express
After a sound sleep at Beppu Hot Spring Hotel, we took Trans-Kyushu Limited Express to the famous Mount Aso. The red Trans-Kyushu Limited Express is one of the most comfortable coaches in Japan, its all-wooden interior, friendly stewardess and conductor, even the coffee cups were specially designed for the voyage from the east to the west.

Mount Aso
After depositing our luggage at the coin-lockers near the JR Aso Station, we hopped on the bus at 10:40 for Mount Aso. I was so excited that I was about to see Mount Aso in Kyushu. I like Volcanoes, and I'm a volunteer interpreter of Yangmingshan National Park. Yangmingshan is also famous for volcano. When I saw the big crater of Mount Aso, I was stunned by its size, the biggest I've ever seen in my life.

After lunch at the rope way station, James started his solo journey to the Aso Volcano Museum, while four of us remained to take photos of the wild mountain azalea. As we still had plenty of time before the next bus departure at 3:45PM, we decided to follow James' steps to walk to the Museum. On the one kilometer trail from the rope way station to Museum, we passed Aso Ski Station. In the rain, we walked for one hour. Gina and Emily were freezed to death, they lost their confidence in me to guide them to the Museum. As a veteran interpreter of Yangmingshan National Park, I believe firmly that Aso National Park also offers many hiking trails for nature lovers to see the mother earth.

When the Aso Volcano Museum was at sight, I was happy to regain the confidence from my team members. We had a refreshing afternoon coffee at the Museum Cafe' before we headed back for Aso JR Station at 4:18PM. We got on Trans-Kyushu Limited Express 5 departure at JR Aso Station at 4:41PM and arrived at Kumamoto at 5:49PM.

Remarks:For those who wish to hike on all the trails of Mount Aso, it is convenient to stay at the Aso Youth Hostel. It would probably take at least a week to cover all the major trails of Mount Aso. I highly recommend a week stay at Mount Aso if you have the time. I would do it if I had the chance to return to Kumamoto.

Happy Hours with Toastmasters in Kumamoto
Six toastmasters from Kumamoto and us got togher at Hotel New Otani near JR Kumamoto Station from eight to ten. They are Incoming Division E Governor Toshiaki Kishikawa, Incumbent Area Governor Mayumi Shimamura, Incoming President of Kumamoto Toastmasters Club Ayumi Miyagawa, and three toastmasters members, Kunihiko Kurita, Chiya Minoda, and Azusa Noritomi.

Happy time always flies in a flash. The eleven of us were excited to come to a conclusion at the end of the evening gathering, to have a joint anniversary party between Kumamoto Toastmasters Club's 20th anniversary and Success Toastmasters Club's 10th anniversary in Taoyuan. It is my belief that it will be the biggest event ever between D76 and D67. Let's make it enjoyable and merorable together. Hopefully more than 20 toastmasters from D76 can come join our happy joint anniversary in October, 2008. Have a look at photos of Day 4 in Mount Aso and Mumamoto.

Day 3--I Have A Dream

Congratulations Toastmaster Kiminari Azuma
Toastmaster Azuma won the championship of D76 Speech Contest 2008 in Hiroshima today, Sunday, May 18th. I knew the news from James as soon as we saw him waiting for us at Beppu JR Station. I was happy for Kiminari, I was happy for Kiminari's mother.

Before the contest, I received an email from Kiminari to my surprise. He told me how much he rehearsed for the speech contest during the golden week and he asked for my advice about his speech draft. I couldn't offer anything but my best wishes. I told him that Toastmaster Sammy Su won the championship of D67 Speech Contest 2008 in Taipei. Sammy is a powerful communicator and leader among toastmasters in Taiwan. I hope both of them can excel at the interdistrict speech contests and appear on stage at Toastmaster International Convention 2008 in Calgary, Canada, to claim the Championship of Public Speaking 2008. I'm sure that either Kiminari or Sammy will place at International Speech Contest 2008, if not both of them. I pray for them and I wish them luck.

A Clan of Four
Give Me Five Taiwan became a clan of four this morning. James Hwang stayed in Hiroshima to attend the D76 Speech Contest in English. The clan of four began our trip in Kyuchu early this morning. We ran into Incumbent President Nivon of Kyoto Toastmasters Club at Hiroshima JR Station by accident. He was on his way back to Kyoto to conduct a wedding ceremony before noon. How nice it was that we could say good bye to toastmasters in Japan before we left Hiroshima. We got on Hikari at Hiroshima at 7:39, arrived at Hakata at 8:54, changed to Yufuin No Mori at Hakata at 9:16, and arrived at Yufuin at 11:28.

The Electric Bicycles
I fell in love with the electric bicycle immediately when I got on one. We rented electric bikes at Yufuin Station for two hours at a rate of 300 yens with our JR passes. When we arrived at the picturesque Lake Kinrin-ko, we were astounded by the secluded tranquil garden of verdure with traditional Japanese teahouses and western style restaurants along the river where the yellow irises are in full bloom.

After a splendid bike trip around Yufuin--the Karuizawa in Kyushu, we thought about taking the Toroko train round trip to see the beautiful scenery between Yufuin to Minamiyufu, but we were afraid that we might miss our train from Yufuin to Beppu. After a quick lunch, when we saw the Torokko arriving at the station in time for Yufu 3 departure at Yufuin at 2:41. We realized how efficient the JR was to connect people. We arrived at Beppu at 3:42PM. Surprisingly, James was already waiting for us at the Beppu train station. He told us that Toastmaster Azuma won the champion of D76 Speech Contest 2008. Gina and Emily were in tears when James talked about Azuma san's moving speech.

The Spirit of Cameraderie
Even though golden ladies couldn't come along with me in Kyushu this time, I enjoyed the opportunity to make friends with members from Japanese speaking toastmasters clubs in Taiwan. Honestly speaking, it was super convenient to travel with Japanese speakers, because we could achieve things collectively, such as booking the hotels, reserving the train tickets. All can be taken care of simultanousely by our team members. I treasured the spirit of Toastmasters cameraderie, our kizuna, during the trip in Kyushu. Have a look at photos of Day 3 in Yufuin and Beppu.

Day 3-A Clan of Four

The clan of four began the trip in Kyuchu early this morning. We ran into President Nivon of Kyoto Toastmasters Club by accident at the Hiroshima JR station. He was on his way back to Kyoto to preside a Catholic wedding ceremony.

We got on shinkansen from Hiroshima at 7:39, arrived in Hakata at 8:54, changed train from Hakata at 9:16 and arrived at Yufuin at 11:28. We rented the electric bikes to tour the small town in the mountains for two hours.

Day 2--Speak for the World to Hear

8:15AM
What do you usually do at eight fifteen in the morning? On your way to school, on your way to office, or are you still in bed? It was at 8:15 Monday, August 6th,1945, the first atomic bomb went off in Hiroshima without any previous notification. No matter when they were, the citizens in Hiroshima experienced the cruelest tragedy in human history.

The Friendly Victim of Atomic Bomb
She was waiting for bus to the hospital when we saw her at the bus stop in front of Hiroshima Youth Hostel Saturday morning, the 17th of May. She has two caners, but she was determined to live on. When we told her that we were from Taiwan, she was happy to tell us she had been to Taiwan twice and she would like to see Taiwan again. The first atomic bomb went off 63 years ago, but there are still many victims in Hiroshima. I wish they all have positive attitudes toward life like the lady we met. We were so much charged after we exchanged our addresses and said goodbye to the friendly lady victim of atomic bomb in Hiroshima.

Speak for the World to Hear
After visiting Hiroshima castle and Hiroshima Peace Memorial, we arrived at the conference venue at 11:30 this morning. Toastmaster Bunzo Suzuki greeted us and guided us to register as the early birds. We felt immediately welcome by Toastmasters of District 76. In addition to the orderly conference, I was impressed by the theme of the conference--Speak for the World to Hear. Three hundred toastmasters got together to enjoy the great conference hosted by Hiroshima Toastmasters Club. I wish more toastmasters were with us. No matter the keynote speakers or the speech contestants, they all echoed the importance of voicing out in their speeches. I was overwhelmed by the voice for peace at D76 Spring Conference 2008 in Hiroshima.

The Success of Peace
Many thanks go to the organizing committee of D76 Spring Conference 2008 in Hiroshima to bring together toastmasters from all over Japan to be in memory of the victims of the atomic bombing during the second world war and to stress the peace for all in the world. As Toastmasters members of Success and Peace Toastmasters clubs in District 67 (Gina Lin, President; Emily Yu, EVP; Midori Lee of Success Toastmasters Club and James Hwang, IPP of Peace Toastmasters Club), we felt proud that we could witness the success of D76 Spring Conference in Hiroshima and we could share the moment of success of peace with our Japanese fellow toastmasters.

Congratulations Kumiko Tanimoto
Kumiko Tanimoto is the Incumbent President of Hiroshima Toastmasters Club. I made acquaintance with her last October when she accompanied me to visit Miyajima. As we were so excited to talk about D76 Spring Conference 2008 that we forgot the time and didn't say good bye till nine in the evening.

Before the Spring Conference took place, Kumiko wrote me emails everyday to inform me of the latest conference information of the organizing commitee. She arranged the accommodations for Taiwanese toastmasters in Hiroshima. She registered for us as early birds. She made sure that we would be well taken care of during the conference. She arranged a chance for us to get on stage to deliver a show at the conference welcome party. I was impressed by her dedication to District 76. I was happy to know that Kumiko will be the incoming area governor of District 76. I am sure she will do a great job and many toastmasters will prosper under her jurisdiction. Have a look at photos of Day 2 in Hiroshima.

Day 1—Why the Wide Island—Hiroshima?

Being born ten years after the Second World War was ended, I didn't know what it was like during the war. I only learn about the World War II from the history book. Japanese gave in after the US threw two atomic bombs in the south of Japan, Hiroshima and Nagasaki. But why the Wide Island (Hiroshima) the first and the Long Cape (Nagasaki) the second three days later in August 1945?

My curiosity was aroused after my first visit to Hiroshima last October. I began reading books on the Second World War. Traveling prompts me to read in width and in depth. Fortunately there are tons of books on this subject and I become interested in knowing more about Hiroshima and Kyushu Island—the arsenal of Japanese Military forces in the early 20th century.

Fantastic Fukuoka
I didn't know that Toastmaster Kiminari Azuma's mother would be waiting for us at the arrival gate of Fukuoka International Airport. She told me she was not sure she could recognize us at the first, but she thought it wouldn't be a bad idea to come visit the Fukuoka international airport for herself for the first time. She is a woman I admire a lot, a woman with positive attitude. With her around with us, we felt extremely easy not having to find our own way to Hakata station by ourselves. After taking care our JR passes, we got on Hikari 464 at Hakata at 1:39PM and arrived in Hiroshima at 2:49PM.

Toastmasters in Hiroshima
When we got off the shinkansen at Hiroshima JR station, we met Toastmaster Rio Imamura of KitaKyushu Toastmasters Club and his wife Tamiko. What a coincidence that we were on the same train. I am sure many toastmasters from all over Japan are coming to D76 Spring Conference 2008 in Hiroshima today and tomorrow. Many toastmasers will pay homage to the victims of the Little Boy at Atomic Bomb Dome (Gembaku Domu in Japanese) in Hiroshima. Many toastmasters will reflect upon the cruelty of wars, the hope of peace, and the spirit of humanity.

Gas Manufacturing Plant on Okunoshima
In stead of going to the sacred Miyajima with my Taiwanese toastmastes friends, I changed to Kodama 650 and arrived at Mihara at 3:38PM. I changed a local train from Mihara to Tadanoumi. The scenery along Seto Inland Sea was captivating. I was happy that I made it to Okunoshima to visit the gas manufacturing plant this year.

I had no idea about Okunoshima when I came to Hiroshima for the first time last October. After my trip in Japan, I came across "Wages of Guilt" by Ian Buruma in Taipei City Library early this year. It was an interesting book about Japanese and Germans before and after the Second World War, and the racism from Japanese perspective toward Americans. The story about Okunoshima near Hiroshima caught a lot of my attention, because I am a pharmacist in profession and I am interested in chemicals by nature.

I didn't think I would have set my foot on Okunoshima. I was lucky to get on the local train and change to the ferry back and forth smoothly. I saw the ruins of the gas manufacturing plant and I played with the rabbits on the island. Even though I missed the Poison Gas Museum (closed at 4:30PM), I was not regretful. I returned to Hiroshima JR Station at 19:09PM in time for my first dinner with Taiwan Toastmasters in Hiroshima.

Okonomiyaki--Hiroshima fu
Taiwanese like Okonomiyaki (vegetable and meat pancake). At the major night markets, we can enjoy the delicious Oknonomiyaki. It is Okonomiyaki Osaka fu. After my first bite of Okonomiyaki in Hiroshima last year for the first time, I just couldn't forget its mouth watering taste. In stead of mixing the flour, vegetable and meat together, Okonomiyaki in Hiroshima is prepared by adding ingredients one after another. The customer can choose noodles or udon for the filling.

The Okonomiyaki Reichan on the second floor of Hiroshima Station Food Court was packed with customers Friday evening. While we were waiting outside next to a gentleman, he began chatting with us. He told us that he used to work for Taiwan High Speed Rail for two years in Tainan. We were amazed by his pronunciation in Taiwanese, "Faster, Faster". I guess while he was in Taiwan, he must have heard of the order words day in and day out. We thanked him for constructing a wonderful and fast rail for us between Taipei and Kaohsiung when he said goodbye to us and wished us a pleasant trip in Japan. Have a look at photos of Day 1 in Fukuoka, Hiroshima and Okunoshima.

Day 0--Tales of a Small Town Before D76 Spring Conference 2008 in Hiroshima

Prelude
Were it not for Toastmaster Kumiko Tanimoto, the Incumbent President of Hiroshima Toastmasters Club, I wouldn't go to D76 Spring Conference 2008 in Hiroshima Saturday, the May 17th. I met Kumiko last October during my one month solo travel in Japan. Thanks to Toastmaster Rio Imamura who arranged Kumiko and me to meet with each other for one day excursion in Miyajima.

Kumiko waited for me at Hiroshima JR Station with a current issue of Toastmaster Magazine. From the moment I saw her, she was excited to talk about the plan of the first D76 Conference in Hiroshima. No matter where we went, be it visiting the holy Miyajima temple, or savoring the delicious Hiroshimayaki, she and I kept talking about the only subject--the Spring Conference. Kumiko's enthusiasm was so contagious that I made up my mind to return to Hiroshima to attend the conference when the coffeehouse at Hiroshima JR station was ready to close for the day.

Give Me Five Taiwan
I didn't have any idea how many toastmasters would be interested in attending D76 Conference 2008 in Hiroshima. Nevertheless, I expressed my intention in joining the conference and extended my invitation to all toastmasters I met in Taiwan. The first time I heard the good news was after I delivered a speech at Success Toastmasters Club's regular meeting in March this year.

President Chiu-Lien Lin and EVP Emily Yu approached me and expressed their interest in attending the conference after the meeting. Wow, finally I wouldn't have to be alone in Japan. I could travel in a group. Good things happened one after another. James Hwang, IPP of Peace Toastmasters Club wrote me an email to announce his intent to come along. Then I received a phone call from Daphne Wang that she could also make it to the conference. Then Ko-Pi-Nu Lee of Success Toastmasters Club and Amy Chen of Pacific Toastmasters Club also announced their eagerness to join the pack. I was so happy that lucky "Taiwan 7" would be assembled to sail to Hiroshima, the wide island in Japan.

Immediately after the Joint D67 & D76 Toastmasters Party Sunday April 27th, I received a call from Daphne early in the morning that she couldn't make it because she needed to be get ready for her oral examination of her master degree in early June. Two days later, I received another early morning call from Amy that she couldn't make it at the last minute, because of her family affairs. Before long, I began feeling an acute abdomen pain for a couple of days. I prayed very hard that I didn't suffer Appendicitis and needed an instant surgery to remove the inflamed appendix.

Taiwan Seven has shrunk to "Give me Five Taiwan". They are 林秋蓮 Chiu-Lien Lin, President, Success Toastmasters Club; 游碧森 Emily Yu, EVP, Success Toastmasters Club; 李柯碧女 Ko-Pi-Nu Lee, Success Toastmasters Club; 黃俊嘉 James Hwang, ACB, IPP, Peace Toastmasters Club; and me, 李向慈 Sherry Li, ATM-B, Club Mentor, Peace Toastmasters Club.

Tales of a Small Town
Upon Kumiko's passionate invitation, "Give me Five Taiwan" managed to present a Taiwanese Show at the Conference Welcome Party. Originally I was hoping that I could convince a few golden ladies cloggers into performing a clogging dance on stage at the welcome party. But I was the only clogger who could make it. At last, Emily volunteered to play the Chinese bamboo flute and we all could sing along a popular song "Tales of a Small Town" of Teresa Teng in Mandarin together. Toastmaster Alex Hsiao, the founder of Success Toastmasters Club, burned the midnight oil to translate the lyrics from Chinese to Japanese. I followed his step to translate the lyrics into English to the best of my ability.

小城故事(Xiǎochéng gùshi)　作詞:莊奴　作曲:湯尼　原唱：鄧麗君
小城故事多(Xiǎochéng gùshi duo)，充滿喜和樂(chongmǎn xǐ hé lè)，
若是你到小城來(ruòshi nǐ dào xiǎochéng lái)，收獲特別多(shouhuò tèbie duo)
看似一幅畫(Kàn sì yì fú huà).，聽像一首歌(ting xiàng yì shǒu ge)，
人生境界真善美(rén sheng jìn jiàn zhen shàn mei)，這裡已包括(zhèlǐ ǐ baokuò)。
談的談，說的說(Tán di tán, shuo di shuo)，
小城故事真不錯(xiǎochéng gùshi zhen bú cuò)，
請你的朋友一起來(qǐng nǐ di péngyou yìqǐ lái)，
小城來做客(xiǎochéng lái zuò kè)。

この町にいらっしゃい
日本語訳：蕭阿全 サクセス日本語クラブ創立会長
喜びの溢れる、楽しみに満ちた町です
先祖様が残して行きました、伝説の数々は、
今でも口から口へと伝えられています。
ここはまるで天国の世界で、
人々は楽しい生活を送り、
見るもの、聞く事は、一生忘られない物ばかりです。
貴方は是非とも
友達とご一緒にいらっしゃいね！
是非ともいらっしゃいね！

Tales of a Small Town
English Translation: Sherry Li, Charter President of Kyoto Toastmasters Club
There are many tales about a small town.
It is a place of joy and happiness.
If you come visit the small town,
you will have a good time.
The small town looks like a painting.
The small town sounds like a song.
People are honest, friendly, and beautiful
in the small town.
Everybody talks about
the tales of the small town.
Welcome you and your friends
to our small town and be our guests of honor.

Dress Rehearsal
On Mother's Day, Chiu-Lien, Emily and I had the dress rehearsal at Chiu-Lien's home in Taoyuan for a couple of hours. Then we went shopping for more elegant and more gorgeous Chinese costumes for our performance at D76 Spring Conference in order to leave a strong impression to Japanese toastmasters as well as to make a sweet memory for ourselves.

All on Board
All members of "Give me Five Taiwan" are excited to embark upon our journey to Hiroshima to strengthen the relationship among toastmasters in Taiwan and in Japan since our first encounter in Kumamoto in 1999. We are thrilled that we can contribute our humble share in another page of the glory history of Toastmasters between Taiwan and Japan.

We welcome you to travel with "Give me Five Taiwan" in spirit. Read our travelogue along the way from Day 0 till Day 9 while we shall try our best to get access to internet on daily basis. Hope you can have as much fun as we do in Japan. Following is our tentative itinerary. If you can do a little homework one day in advance, you probably will enjoy more with us. Why not give it a try for the first couple of days to see if you like it or not? Ciao, ciao!

The Tentative Itinerary
Day One May 16th Friday, fly from Taipei to Fukuoka, take Shikanshan from Hakata to Hiroshima, see the sunset of Miyajima, enjoy Hiroshimayaki at JR Hiroshima station, stay at Hiroshima Youth Hostel (Sherry travels to Okunoshima on her own to visit the Poison Musuem.)
Day Two May 17th Saturday, visit Hiroshima Castle, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in the morning, attend the opening ceremony and Japanese Speech Contest of D76 Spring Conference in Hiroshima in the afternoon, Attend D76 Welcome Party in the evening, stay at Hiroshima Youth Hostel
Day Three May 18th Sunday, take Shikansen from Hiroshima to Hakata, change to Yufuin no Mori from Hakata to Beppu via Yufuin, stay at Beppu Hot Spring Hotel
Day Four May 19th Monday, Take the local train from Oida to Kumamoto, via Mount Aso, visit Kumamoto Toastmasters Club, stay at Kumamoto
Day Five May 20th Tuesday, take Kyushu Shinkansen from Kumamoto to Ibusuki, stay at Sakurajima (James Hwang visits Nagasaki by himself, delivers his advanced manual speech at Fukuoka Toastmasters Club, and returns to Taipei the following day.)
Day Six May 21st Wednesday, one day tour in Nagasaki, stay in Nagasaki
Day Seven May 22nd Thursday, One day tour in Sasebo, stay in Fukuoka (Success TMC members move from Nagasaki to Hakata and return to Taipei)
Day Eight May 23rd Friday, visit Fukuoka Dome, have lunch with Division E Governor, visit Dazaifu Museum, listen to Jazz Band with Dazaifu Toastmasters club members, stay in Dazaifu
Day Nine May24th Saturday, visit Dazaifu Tenmengu, return to Taipei

The Humor and Laugher in Life

Reader's Digest is my main resource of jokes before I attend the Toastmasters meetings. When time allows, I will leaf the current issue of Reader's Digest and collect a couple of jokes in my pocket just in case no member volunteers in the joke session. Reader's Digest is also my resource of topics for my prepared speeches. I enjoy reading the touching stories in the monthly and get connected with the people around the world.

Talking about Reader's Digest, everyone in Taiwan knows Lin Tai-Yi, the general editor of Chinese Reader's Digest from 1965 until her retirement in 1988. Lin Tai-Yi wears Chi-pao in her everyday life. She is the second daughter of Lin Yutang (October 10, 1895 – March 26, 1976), the Master of Humor in China.

Tuesday noon, Virginia, Lydia, Grace and I had lunch at the old residence of Lin Yutang after an early morning stroll in Yangmingshan National Park. The Lins' old residence is now a museum where the original household life of Lin Yutang displays. The living room is converted into a cafe' with a panoramic view of the big Taipei city. A huge photo of young and handsome Lin Yutang in Chinese costume covers half of the wall along with his famous writing, 『兩腳踏東西文化，一心評宇宙文章，熱愛故國不泥古，樂享生活不流俗』.

Lin Yutang won his fame as the Master of Humor in China. He devoted his entire life in attempting to bridge the cultural gap between the East and the West. He wrote many books, novels and dictionaries. I like his "Moment in Peking"(1939) the most, and I keep a hardcopy of it on the shelf. I guess maybe because my father was born in Peking, I enjoy reading books about lives in the capital of China.

In order to create an atmosphere of China in early 20th century, I changed from a white Vietnamese dress to a blue Chinese Chi-pao before lunch. After lunch, the only two tables at the cafe' began a flow of energy. We started a conversation with one another, and we had many photos taken together with Lin-Yutang at the back smiling at the naughty and fun loving strangers on Tuesday noon. I can't ask for more after a splendid day of humor and laugher with my fair golden ladies toastmasters.

The Burden of the Golden Cangue

Upon Kate Hsu's invitation, I saw a modern Peking opera "The Golden Cangue" with a dozen of toastmasters at the Metropolitan Hall Saturday evening, the 3rd of May.

It was the third time the National Guoguang Opera Company adapted Eileen Chang's classic novella "Jinsuo Ji", one of the most important fictions of Chang's about everyday life in early 20th century China. "The Golden Cangue" is a story of Cao Chi-chiao, a woman of a poor family, married an ill man of a rich extended family. She grew mad after years of suffering, but eventually obtained wealth and independence after the death of her husband. She then sought redemption from everyone near her, even from her own children.

Eileen Chang has become a household name in Taiwan since "Lust and Caution" was adapted on the big screen by Ang Lee last year. Eileen's stories of women in loveless marriages caught tears from the readers. Her books have been reprinted copies after copies recently. The older I get, the more I admire Eileen for her talents in writing. And I salute her for documenting the tragic ironies of human experience in early 20th century in China. Eileen published "Jinsuo Ji" in Chinese in 1943 when she was 23 years old. She translated it into "The Golden Cangue" in English by herself in the 50's.

The opera virtuoso Wei Hai-min, the leading female performer of the Golden Cangue, won a full house of applause at the end of the show. She portrayed Cao Chi-chiao from youth till old age with superb singing and graceful body movements. Her eyes talked, her hands talked, her feet talked, her body talked. Her interpretation of a wicked woman was second to none.

For an avant-garde Chinese opera, the costumes design, the stage design, and the lighting effect were very impressive, especially the play mahjong and smoke opium scenes transcended the audience to the old and decadent Chinese society successfully. The music was arranged to reflect the mental states of protagonists. A cello was incorporated wisely to create a gloomy state, in addition to the traditional Chinese music instruments.

After the show, most toastmasters stayed for the second party at a tea shop in the neighborhood. Everyone felt grateful that Kate introduced to us a great modern Chinese opera. Most female toastmasters felt fortunate not being born in ancient China. We shared our thoughts about how to free ourselves from the invisible golden cangue which keeps us from being happy and independent. The one and a half hours tabletopics session was extremely soothing after seeing a heartbreaking destiny of a poor woman in a golden cangue in an old Chinese society.