さよなら 2010

Meet Golden Lady Toastmaster Linda Tseng of Excellence Toastmasters Club. Linda has been learning Japanese dance for two years. She has calendar girl photos taken to share with Toastmasters her joy and happiness and to wish every Toastmaster a flowery and prosperous year of 2011.

New Year Eve 2010

It was the most exciting New Year Eve in my life. The evening agenda was filled with exciting celebration activities. My heart was filled with joy, gratitude, and hope. I listened to the 64th Handel’s Messiah Concert of YMCA Oratorio Choir's with seven Toastmasters at Zhongshan Hall, including Harry Fong, George Yen, and five golden ladies, upon the invitation of Toastmaster Lydia Lin.

The premiere night of Messiah Concert with the double pianos, percussion troupe and hand bells group was mesmerizing. I felt being transcended back to the times of George Frideric Handel in 1742, the moment the concert began. The composing talent of Dr. Wen-pin Hope Lee was outstanding. The performance of YMCA Oratorio Choir was impressive under the leadership of Conductor Sun ai-kuang. At the end of Part II, everybody was excited to stand up when the chorus sang Hallelujah! What a glorious moment it was at the new year eve of 2010.

After the concert, I rushed against the north wind on my scooter at a speech of 20 kilometers to the District 67 count down party of 70 toastmasters at a Chinese restaurant near Taipei 101. The traffic was so heavy with many motorcyclists heading for the Taipei 101. I arrived at the Toastmasters count down party late, but in time for birthday cake cutting and lucky draw. It was a touching moment when Toastmasters joined hands to sing Happy 100 to the Republic of China!

The spectacular pyrotechnics display at Taipei 101 at 12 midnight attracted one hundred thousands people near Hsin-yi Business Area. When the count down began, the Taipei 101 was like on fire in many colors for four minutes. People hugged and kissed one another on the streets to celebrate the happy moment. The New Year's Eve celebration parties and gatherings brought about the prosperous beginning of the New Year of 2011. Happy New Year!

Taipei Then and Now

Among all metropolitan cities in the world, I like Taipei the best. It is a city of rich histories, versatile cultures, and demanding and giving people. Taipei has a lot to offer, from the Palace Museum, the Yangmingshan National Park, Taipei 101, night markets, not to mention many big and small theaters.

I saw the Jewelry Pouch*, the last show of the Beijing Opera Theater of Fujian Province, with Toastmaster Kate Hsu and Gina Fu at Chung-shan Hall this evening. Before the show, three of us enjoyed wanton soups at a 50 year-old Wen-chou Wanton Shop on Tao-yuan Street. The shop was busy like a market, full of loyal patrons and new comes. What could be better off than having a good bowl of Wanton Soup before seeing an authentic Peking Opera at the Chung-san Hall?

Among the seven performances of Fukien Beijing Opera Theater, I was lucky to be able to see three of them. I sat at the 4th row number 30 on 12/25, at the 3rd row number 20 on 12/27, at the 3rd row number 2 on 12/30, as I sat closer to the stage, I could see better the hand gestures, eye contacts, and body movements of the performers. I sat between two gentlemen, one was a senior citizen originally from Tien-jin, the other was a young gentleman fan of Chinese oepra.

After the last show, Kate and I were honored to have a photo with the Principal of Fukien Beijing Opera Theater. Principal Liu was very pleased with the performance of 89 members of her Opera Theater on stage at the Chung-shan Hall. She was very impressed with the numbers and quality of Chinese Opera fans in Taipei. From the big smile on her face, I knew she was contented with their successful opera tour in 2010 in Taipei. She looked forward to meeting more Beijing opera fans in Taipei in the future.

Taipei then, during the second half of the 20th century, was fully charged with energies. Everybody was busy contributing to the fast growing economy of the Formosa. After work, people in Taipei would enjoy the night life at Hsin-men (West Gate) District, Chung-san Hall, Military Arts Center, Tri-services Club, big or small restaurants of various cuisines from all over China. Taipei then, was a city of delight and pleasure to the eyes, ears, and mouths.

Taipei now attracts more attention from the world. People across the strait are waiting in line to come see the Formosan Jewel. Some are eager to invest in the real estate of Taipei. The older I get, the more I enjoy meandering along the samll alleys in Taipei to reminisce the good days of Taipei then.

Remarks:
*The Jewelry Pouch tells a rich bride gave away her jewelry pouch to a poor bride who was crying at Spring Autumn Pavilion on a rainy wedding day. The rich bride heard the poor bride cry because of her lack of dowries, the rich bride gave the priceless jewelry pouch to the poor bride without leaving her name.

Six years late, the rich lady lost her family due to the flood in her hometown. She found a job as a servant to look after a rich man’s son. She cried when she found her jewelry pouch in the loft by accident. When the rich man's wife heard of the news, she was grateful for the jewelry pouch, help once rich bride reunite with her husband and son.

The Jewelry Pouch is an old popular story. It is to praise the altruistic behavior of human beings and the merit to reciprocate the good deeds from others.

Peking Opera Then and Now

Toastmaster Kate Hsu is a Peking Opera fan. Whenever she has the chance, she sees the Peking operas at the National Theater, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, and Chung-shan Hall. On weekends, she practices singing Peking opera with fans and instructors. With her fervent influence, many golden ladies have become Peking opera fans in the past few years.

Kate has good connections with the Peking opera circle in Taiwan. She follows the news of the most recent Peking opera events. She knows where to get the tickets, either at a good discount or free of charge. When Fukien Beijing Opera House arrived in Taipei, Kate was eager to give away free tickets to encourage friends to see their Peking operas at Chung-shan Hall during the Christmas holidays.

Saturday evening, December 25th, I saw their very first show of Chuncao Intrudes Court*. I was very much mesmerized by the new artistic form of Peking opera. When Fukien TV anchor asked me how I enjoyed the show from Fukien, I told her I enjoyed the Peking opera very much. The anchor corrected me I should have said Beijing Opera in stead of Peking opera. I asked her what the difference was between Beijing Opera and Peking opera. I thought they meant the same opera. In fact, Peking opera is a term obsolete in China.

Monday evening, December 27th, I saw Fukien Beijing Opera House's fourth show of When the North Wind Blows**. I was fascinated by their performance on stage and accompanying orchestra. After the show, I invited Toastmaster Kate and Uncle Hu for a cup of hot drink at the Rido Cafe' across the street from Chung-shan Hall. Kate commented that When the North Wind Blows was like a Model opera. Even though I heard of Model operas many times when I was young, I never knew what they meant. It was the first time I became curious about Model operas Monday evening.

Model operas were engineered during the first three years of Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) by Jiang Qing, the wife of Chairman Mao Zedong. They were considered "revolutionary" and modern in terms of thematic and musical features when compared with traditional operas. Model operas are sometimes accompanied by a piano, a cello, or an entire symphony of full Western orchestra. They were made to serve the interests of the workers, peasants, and soldiers.

Unlike European opera, model operas were a popular political art. During the cultural revolution, Eight model operas (1. The Legend of the Red Lantern, 2. Shajiabang, 3. Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy, 4. Sweeping the White Tiger Regiment, 5. Praise of Dragon River, 6. The Harbor, 7. The White Haired Girl, 8. Detachment of Women) were played on TV and Radio everyday. They remain popular even today, over thirty years after the Cultural Revolution. Many Chinese citizens were familiar with the arias in these model operas and would sing them at home or on the streets.

Peking operas in Taiwan preserve the old traditions in terms of thematic and musical features. There are set melodies for different emotions. There are set movements for various meanings. The accompanying orchestra is composed of Chinese music instruments only. Most Peking opera fans in Taiwan still prefer the traditional operas to the modern operas. It is about the taste, it is also about the familiarity.

With the constant exchanges of modern Beijing Operas in China and traditional Peking Operas in Taiwan, many new Chinese opera repertoires have been developed in recent years. Many young Chinese opera talents are excelling in the their performance on stage. Many Chinese opera fans are born in Taiwan and in China.

My father was born in Peking, my mother was a Peking opera fan, my grandfather from my mother's side was an amateur opera singer. With the Peking opera gene in me, I was brought up in an atmosphere of Peking opera. I was even on stage once to play a tongueless walk-on in a Peking opera two decades ago.

One of my new year resolutions for 2011 is to see the 8 model operas to understand their impact on modern Beijing operas in China for the past four decades. I want to thank Kate for connecting Peking opera with me again in year 2010.

Remarks:
* Chuncao Intrudes Court (春草闖堂) tells how a clever maid Chuncao intruded on the court to save a hero who had saved Chuncao's Lady, but was accused of murdering the villain. Chuncao lied to the magistrate of a marriage agreement between the hero and her lady, and the marriage between her lady and the hero was eventually appointed by the emperor.

Chuncao Intrudes Court, is originated as Puxian opera, one of the oldest forms of Chinese opera. Puxian opera features exquisite stylized movements. Puxian opera originated from puppet shows, performed in a local dialect, is popular in the southeastern Fukien Province.

** When the North Wind Blows (北風緊) tells a Chinese scholar Shih Yi-shen was caught between his native country and Jing Empire where he served as the Interior Minister in the 12th century. When young, Shih failed the examination to serve his home country. He wandered to the Northland, and was rescued by the daughter of Jing's National Defense Minister. Shih married the foreign girl, raised their family, got promoted in Jing Empire.

Shih advocated peace between China and Jing to avoid the suffering of people during the war. Shih was dispatched by the Emperor of Jing to negotiate peace with China. When he found out he was deceived by his colleagues in Jing Empire, he unveiled the news of Jing's intention to invade China. In the end, Jing Empire was defeated. When Shih returned to Jing, he confessed to his betrayal, he was sentenced to death before China agreed to sign the peace deal with Jing.

When the North Wind Blows is a new historic opera about the life of Shih, his dilemma between his family and friends in his hometown and his family and career in a foreign country. It is considered as a model opera, because of the ideology of the story.

Year-End Party of Legacy Toastmasters Club

Thirty Toastmasters sang late Christmas carols at the annual year-end party of Legacy Toastmasters Club hosted by Toastmaster Harry Fong, Founder of Legacy and Past D67 Governor, at his grand mansion, Sunday evening.

George Yen, 2nd International Vice President, and Mike Yang, Incumbent D67 Governor, were the toastmasters guests of honor. Four golden ladies Toastmasters, Michelle, Pamela, Trini, and I, joined the year-end party upon the invitation of Lydia Lin, Harry's beloved better half every year.

I was full of excitements about my debut chamber recital a cappella in front of Toastmasters fellows. It was a surprise. Nobody knew that I would sing. In order to break my leg, I practiced Pie Jesu and O Mio Babbino Caro a few times before I dressed up and fetched a big bottle of red wine from the cellar.

The traffic was smooth Sunday evening. It took me less than thirty minutes to get to Harry's mansion from Hsin-tien. It was cold and dry on the street. Everybody seemed to stay home after the Christmas weekend, in order to get ready for work the following week.

The year-end party started at seven o'clock. Four golden ladies were early birds. We helped Harry set the table, we helped Harry entertain the guests, we helped Harry taste the delicious food he and Lydia prepared affectionately. We ate, drank, and sang like we were at home. In the middle of the party, Harry announced my recital excitedly, upon my request.

I attempted O Mio Babbino Caro first. I was out of tone at the beginning and I forgot the lyrics. Being in a positive and supportive learning environment, I was encouraged by toastmastes around me to give it another try with music notes in my hand. I finished the entire song non-stop. Harry was eager to give evaluation. Mike told me in private that it was a good try.

When Lydia arrived at the year-end party after her rehearsal of Messiah with YWCA Oratorio Choir, I invited her to sing Pie Jesu with me. Before we finished the song, Harry couldn't wait for us to do it again some time later when Lydia and I are much better prepared.

The Debut Concert Recital was a good begining. I was glad that I made it. In 365 days, I shall let toastmasters open their eyes and delight their ears at the annual year-end party of Legacy Toastmasters Club in 2011. It is going to be one of my new year resolutions!

It was after 11PM, when the Toastmasters were ready to call it a night. Every toastmaster who hung around till the last moment carried a bag of desserts to take home. On my way home, there was no traffic. I rode my motorcycle at the speed of 60 kilometers plus with all my nerves on alert. In a swift, I arrived home in one piece, took a hot shower, and snuggled in my warm bed.

Merry Christmas to Linda & Sharon

I saw the growth of Helen in Toastmasters, from a hardworking single lady, to a happy married woman, to a contented mother of twin daughters, Linda & Sharon, born in November 2010. Toastmaster Helen Lin was born in 1975, the year Grand
Toastmasters Club was founded.

Being excited to hold Linda & Sharon in my arms for the first time on Christmas Day 2010 like a proud grandmother, I looked at the cute fraternal twin girls and prayed that in 18 years, they will grow up to be two outstanding Toastmasters, like their mother and father. I look forward to seeing Linda & Sharon grow up in the positive and supportive learning environment in Toastmasters.

Toastmasters Helen Lin and Talun Sung joined Grand Toastmasters Club in 2003 respectively. Talun proposed to Helen in front of the Granders in 2004. They joined hands together to organize Grand’s glorious 30th anniversary party in 2005, when Helen was the Club President of Grand Toastmasters Club.

On Christmas Day 2010, six Granders paid a visit to newly born Linda & Sharon. Helen’s face was beamed with the pride of mother of two. She talked about stories about her pregnancy, her delivery, her breast feeding, the daily biological activities of Linda & Sharon. Jimmy talked about his grown-up twin sons. I was all ears, because I didn’t have children to talk about. Erin, Carrie, Judy, and Tiffany were waiting in line to have their baby Toastmasters in the future.

In the evening, Toastmaster Angela Huang and I saw a Peking Opera at Chung-shan Hall. I was mesmerized by the performance of Chuncao Intrudes Court by Fu-kien Opera House founded in 1948. They have the first class national directors, singing actors, actresses, and the percussion masters. After the show, I was interviewed by the Fukien Television by accident. I told the TV anchor that I enjoyed the repertoire, the performance, the singing, the accompanying orchestra. Chinese Opera will definitely become the major artistic genre with many outstanding young talents in China.

Christmas Party at Nursing Home 2010

Every year Hsin-tien Volunteers group is responsible for the birthday party and Christmas Party at the nursing home in December. I was happy that I could organize the entertaing program for the past three years. This year, I invited two groups to perform, one group was Falla Flamenco Family, the other was Hsin-yi Community Dance Troupe. I joined both groups to perform flamenco and indian dances on stage!

Toastmaster Pamela picked me and my flamenco dancer teacher Manzana in Hsin-tien at 12 noon. Three of us had lunch at a country style restaurant in the mountains near the nursing home. Manzana was so excited when she saw a cute pink pig. With the help of the restaurant owner, Pamela and I got hold of the little fellow in my arms. The poor cutie was so frightened and kept struggling and screaming. I told Pamela that I knew why it was painstaking to slaughter the pig and pull the hair (殺豬拔毛).

After lunch, we arrived at the Chung-hsin Hall one hour in advance to rehearse. Many elderly residents were already waiting in the hall. They were anxious to celebrate their birthdays. No sooner than later I arrived at the Chung-hsin Hall, I was busy putting on makeup and false eyelashes. Between the third program of flamenco dance and the six program of Indian dance, I had to change costumes and wigs. Times flied so fast.

After the Christmas Party, Pamela gave me a ride back from the nursing home to Hsin-tien. I was glad to make it to the last choral lesson in year 2010. I practiced with Hsin-tien Women Chorus for the second half of the class. Our chorus conductor was pleased with our progress in vocalization skills in 2010. She planned to convince us to join the chorus competition in Taipei in year 2011.

After the chorus practice, I was ready for the Christmas Party at the Hsin-yi Community Center. The pot luck dinner party started at 7 o’clock. I was the second dancer to arrive to set up my newly bought waffle maker and eggs beater to make the waffles. As more dancers arrived, the table was full of delicious home made dishes. One dancer brought the gas tank to make the Oden. Her condiment for Oden was so yummy, but she didn’t want to share her secret recipe. Another dancer brought four bottles of wines. Quality aside, the quantity of the Christmas dinner could feed an army of 100 soliders.

After dinner, the ladies members of the Hsin-yi Community Dance Troupe were divided into two groups to take turns showing off the dances of year 2010. Instructor Kuan played the CD and dancers were requested to dance to the music on the spot. It was like the final examination of 2010. It was fun and challenging! When the last group dance finished, it was ten minutes past ten. Everybody was contented with food, drink, and dance. Dancing is really fun, especially on Christmas Eve.

Hsin-tien Women Association Year End Party

Being the first timer to the yearend party of Hsin-tien Women Association, I was full of excitements to join the dinner party this evening.

I've lived in Hsin-tien for almost three decades, since I finished my graduate studies in the US in 1983. At first, I didn't participate in any community affairs till I changed my career as a part-time pharmacist. I had more free time. And I became interested in the volunteer group activities in Hsin-tien. I signed up singing and dancing classes when time allowed. It felt good to make acquaintance with the residents in the Hsin-tien area.

I joined the Hsin-tien Women Chorus in April this year. Immediately after I joined the chorus, I was notified that I needed to join Hsin-tien Women Association, because Hsin-tien Women Chorus is a subgroup of Hsin-tien Women Association. At first, I was reluctant, simply because I thought Hsin-tien Women Associationit was a political group. After I joined the women's association in Hsin-tien, to my surprise, I knew many old faces. After all, we all live in Hsin-tien. It is natural we bump into each other day in and day out.

The dinner party started at 6 o'clock this evening. Every lady member was happy to pay the membership fee of NT$500 dollars. The party venue was full of Christmas atmosphere. Each women group were invited to perform on stage. Hsin-tien Women Chorus sang two songs, 高山青 and 掌聲響起! What could be more blissful than having a good time with family and friends during Christmas season?

Debut Flamenco Dance

Life is a journey of unknown. You never know when you will come to the crossroad.

When my Japanese dance teacher told me that I needed to add more passion to interpret 桂銀淑’s Besamemucho, I thought it was time I learned an authentic Spanish dance to understand the feelings and love of Spanish people. That’s how I embarked upon my flamenco dance journey four months ago.

I surfed on the internet and found a free trial flamenco lesson at Falla Flamenco FamilyTuesday afternoon, July 20th. Five visitors showed up, including four ladies and one gentleman. Our flamenco dance teacher Manzana Lee is a young and sweet lady. She founded the Falla Flamenco Family with her husband Joseleon, an outstanding flamenco guitar player, in 2004.

In order to know more about the Falla Flamenco Family, I invited Toastmaster Irene Chen and her sister to see their live performance at Barcelona Restaurant Saturday evening, July 24th. The one hour live show featured a singer (Manzana), a guitar player (Joseleon), and many young and beautiful flamenco dancers on stage. I liked their romantic and authentic way to present the flamenco dance to the audience. At the end of the performance, five guests were invited to dancer with Falla Flamenco Family members and each was presented with a small gift as the token of appreciation. I signed up my first flamenco dance class with Falla Flamenco Family in early August.

Four ladies at the trial dance started the first term of 8 lessons to learn the popular dance from Seville (Andalusia). After learning the first part for two months, one student dropped out, Fiona joined our class as a returned student in October.

The sevillana is an old folk dance, composing of 4 parts with the rhythm of 3/4 or better 6/8. Each part is divided into 3 coplas, and with each copla made up of 6 movements. It is a very vivid dance, full of turns. The sevillanas is danced by couples of all ages and genders during celebrations. This is why learning flamenco usually starts with the sevillana.

I was glad to have Fiona as my dancing partner. At the first sight of her, I knew Fiona was a born flamenco dancer. She had it all, tall, slim, dark hair, big eyes, sexy lips. She gave people a strong impression of her personality, likes and dislikes. Fiona began the flamenco dance three years ago, and took a recess for a long time.

In order to break our legs at Falla's Christmas Party, Fiona and I practiced very hard for the past two weeks. We practiced everywhere in Taipei, in front of an office building, in front of a temple, at the park, at the coffeehouse. We were the first couple to arrive at the Christmas party venue to rehearse.

When the party began, Toastmaster Irene and her sister showed up just in time. I was grateful for their support and help taking photos and videoclips of my debut flamenco dance on stage. As the beginners of flamenco dance, we were the second group to dance on stage. When it was our turn, Fiona and I walked tall with big and confident smiles on our faces. Four of us danced with the same hand gestures, turned at the same time at the perfect timing. In the end, we wowed the audience and won a big applause from the floor.

Falla Flamenco Family has a tradition to host two big flamenco events every year. I was contented to have my Debut Flamenco Dance at Chirstmas party 2010. By the time, I finish all four parts of the sevillana dance at Falla Flamenco Family, I shall be ready to perform my second flamenco dance in public at the Summer Flamenco Festival 2011 in Taipei.

It's my plan to visit Seville in April 2012 to participate in their annual La Feria de Sevilla. When I told Fiona about my plan, she asked if she could come along. "Of course, with great pleasure", I told Fiona, "we shall be the most attractive and charming sevillana dancers from Taiwan.

PS: The mnemonic chant rhyme, Part I includes Copla 1:基本步 X 5 + ending turn, Copla 2: 基本步 + 劃輪 X 4 + ending turn, Copla 3 基本步 + a half turn X 4 + pose turn; Part II includes Copla 1:基本步 + 踏踏踏 + 踏鉤踩 X 3 + ending turn, , Copla 2: 基本步+ 踏踏踏 + 踏扭扭 X 6 + ending turn, Copla 3 基本步+ 踏踏踏 + 轉時鐘 + pose turn.

Peace Finale 2010

It was the third consecutive busy Saturday in December. I got up early to write the captions of the photos I took of the Toastmasters from District 76 yesterday evening. Then I rushed to Taipei Leechi to buy eight boxes of pineapples cakes as souvenirs for my friends from afar.

At one o'clock in the afternoon, I arrived at the meeting venue to chat with long-time-no-see members of Pacific and Peace Toastmasters Clubs. At 1:30PM, I volunteered to serve the Sergeant-at-Arms to announce the start of the meeting and to invite President Wang of Peace Toastmasters Club to preside the last meeting in 2010.

As usual, the meeting started with the variety session. Upon the request of the session master Professor Wang, we were divided into two groups, members group and guests group. I was appointed as the leader of the guests group to compete with the members group to see which group between the two can answer more quizzes prepared by Professor Wang. In the end, the guests group won, Japanese no doubt knew more about their language and culture.

Three prepared speeches aroused a great amount of emotions in the audience. Toastmaster Abiko Katsuhiro talked about the indispensable book in his life. When he was in college, his father passed away all of a sudden. As the eldest son, he had to return home to shoulder the family responsibilities. The indispensable book of his, How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie, helped him go through the difficult and challenging times. Toastmaster Iwashita Etsuko talked about the family members of suicide victims. Being one family member of the suicide victim, she delivered the speech with tears in her eyes throughout her speech. Toastmaster Sue Wun talked about her experience to search for her family history. With the internet, she collected a great deal amount of information about her grandmother who she barely had any memories.

During the intermission, we enjoyed three boxes of delicious cookies and chocolate candies from Japanese Toastmasters. Peace club officers also prepared eight cups of Tapioca Pearls Milk Tea for our dear fellow members from District 67 to reciprocate their generosity and kindness.

After the intermission, Keynote speaker Abe Masafumi talked about the Japanese and jokes. He commented that people of different nationalities appreciated jokes in many different ways. He grouped jokes into five categories, and told one joke from each category. He also told four jokes about Japanese people. One of them went like this. The Japanese usually laugh about the jokes for three times. The first time, they laugh for the purpose of laughing. The second time, they laugh because they understand the meaning of the joke. The third time, they laugh because they get hold of the punch line.

The tabletopics session was conducted by Immediate Past President Hong. She prepared questions about gratitude, harvest, reflection, planning in December. I was called upon to review my new year resolutions of 2010. I stood up and announced that I should have written more articles on my blog, and I tried to catch up in December to finish a total of 100 articles as planned. I should have spent more time with my loving husband for his support of me traveling abroad often. In the meantime, I needed to attend many Toastmasters functions to enrich my blog and my life.

Even the Peace Finale Meeting 2010 started ten minutes late, and the variety session was five minutes overtime, we ended our last meeting on time, at 4PM sharp. The end is well, all is well. Year 2010 was concluded with a perfect ending with the witnesses of 8 Toastmasters from District 76.


Dinner party, also the year end party, was held at the King-en Chinese Restaurant. Three tables of members and guests from Japan gathered together to enjoy a good meal and a happy moment to bid farewell to one another, and to the year of 2010. We sang, we danced, we ate, we drank, we talked, we strengthened the friendship between Taiwanese and Japanese. We consolidated the relationships between the Toastmasters members of Districts 67 & 76.

Toastmasters from District 76

Seven toastmasters arrived in Taipei this evening, including 安部雅文 ABE MASAFUMI(武蔵小杉クラブ), 酒井こずゑ SAKAI KOZUE(輝クラブ), 酒井愛里 SAKAI AIRI, 渡辺吉人 WATANABE YOSHIHITO(神楽阪クラブ), 安孫子勝広 ABIKO KATSUHIRO(神楽阪クラブ), 宮本文江 MIYAMOTO FUMIE(神楽阪クラブ), 小堀則之 KOBORI NORIYUKI(築波クラブ). After the direct flight between Taipei and Tokyo resumed, the distance between two metropolitan cities became shorter. More and more Japanese Toastmasters are learning Mandarin. I'm planning to take the direct flight to the charter ceremony of the first Mandarin Toastmasters Club in Japan in 2011.

Three Taiwanese Toastmasters, Lydia, Mei-miao, and I, joined the dinner party to make it a perfect ten. In the middle of the dinner, Toastmaster Watanabe proposed each member gave a short self-introduction. Sakai Airi was the first lady to break the ice, she attempted to speak in Mandarin, I volunteered to be her interpreter. Followed by Kobori Noriyuki, he also introduced himself in Mandarin. When it was my turn to convert his message into Japanese, to my surprise, I translated Kobori's words into Mandarin. I spoke Mandarin like a foreigner, as if Mandarin were not my mother tongue. Weather it was due to the few glasses of beer or not, I was amazed at my feeling about the Japanese language. I felt Japanese was my mother tongue for the first time.

Toastmaster Watanabe is a Taiwan fan. He comes to Taipei twice a year to enjoy the Chinese cuisine, the Toastmasters meetings, and the Taipei marathon. He doesn’t come alone. He brings old members and first timers with him every time. He is the Toastmaster Ambassador of D76 in Taiwan. His wife gave birth of their first child in October this year. Toastmaster Watanabe is excited to bring the little son to Taiwan when he is three. I look forward to teaching him the Mandarin language.

I love Chinese food very much, the Chinese food tastes twice good among Japanese Toastmasters members. I never miss the chance to enjoy the Peking duck with Japanese Toastmasters, especially at "The Dragon" Restaurant where my father used to take us to have the authentic Peking cuision in my childhood.

My father was born in Peking. He came to Taiwan in 1949. I am his eldest child. From my childhood, my father talked about the delicious Peking food. Whenever we came to Taipei from Chia-yi, we were eager to taste the best Peking food at "The Dragon" in Taipei. After the good meal, we would take the train back to Chia-yi for four hours. The Peking duck tastes thrice good with my father looking over me in the heaven.

"It is such a pleasure to have friends coming from afar", said Confucius two thousands and five hundred years ago. Many thanks go to Toastmasters from District 76 for bringing back my sweet childhood memories. The Peking duck tastes more delicious as I grow older and wiser in Toastmasters!

Grand Finale 2010

Nothing could be more exciting than exchanging gifts on Christmas Seasons. After the intermission, President Erin announced the lucky draw and gift exchanging rules. No. 1 got the chance to choose any gift displayed on the table. No. 2 followed No. 1 to pick up the gift left on the table. In addition, No. 2 had the right to claim the gift of No. 1. No. 3 could decide to keep the gift or took the gift of No. 2, and so on. The game went on till everyone had the gift in hand. No. 1 had the right to exchange any gift among the members.

Toastmaster Tina won the lucky draw. She was No. 1. She picked up a cute photo frame in the beginning. Steve was No. 2. He picked up a box of books and CDs on health. He didn’t want to exchange the gift with Tina. At last, our guest speaker Bill from CECI Toastmasters Club picked up a box of two cups of bon china. Tina decided to swap her gift with Bill’s. Bill gave me Tina's photo frame. I gave him the gift from Eric Chou, six packs of hot spring powders. Everybody was happy!

Despite the chilly and rainy evening, Toastmaster Jimmy Wu arrived at the meeting venue 30 minutes in advance as always. He shouldered the responsibility of Sergeant-at-Arms to set the tables. He magnified the Christmas Carol on his mobile phone through the speakers. Everybody was lifted up when entering the warm meeting hall filled with Christmas atmosphere.

The Joke session was lined up with eager joke tellers. Six members volunteered to tell jokes, not to mention Joke Master James O’Sullivan’s funny tale. The Tabletopics Master Sally Wang asked questions about gratitude and relationships.

Being one of the prepared speakers, I was at ease to deliver my speech on Strengthen Your Intuition for a period of 7 minutes and 25 seconds. My individual evaluator Tina won the best evaluator award. She praised a lot of my prepared speech, she commented my speech would be more effective if I could use more vocal variety telling the true stories of the unbelievable intuitions I had with me.

The intermission of Grand's Finale 2010 was the happy hour. Toastmaster Helen Lin donated a big chocolate cake to share her joy and happiness delivering twin daughters, Linda and Sharon, in November. We were invited to her home to see the lovely twins on Christmas Day as Mr. And Mrs. Santa Claus.

After the meeting, we had the second party at MOS Burger till 10:30PM. Erin was so pleased with the cotton mask she bought in Canada to keep her warm in the cold rainy winter evening. Victor was proud to show his IT gadget he brought at a cost of NT$25,000. We took turns trying Erin's mask and learning the functions of Victor's multiple functions mobile phone with a big LCD screen, which is very user friendly to the eyes of senior citizens like me.

Strengthen Your Intuition

It was late at night. I stood in front of a huge parking lot of Disney World in Orlando, Florida. After one day of excitements at various theme parks, I was ready to go back to the hotel for a good rest. But I forgot where I parked my rental car. On top of that, I couldn't recall the license plate number.

Just about when I began feeling panic, I saw an open-air park shuttle truck coming my way. Without a second thought, I hopped on the truck, rode on it for a few minutes, got off the truck, found my small white rental car. Just as I knew where it was all along. It was unbelievable, the inborn intuition I had with me. That was during my last visit to the US on a governoment grant from April 22nd till June 15th, 1989.

The intuition of human beings is an inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli. It's an inherent aptitude and energies underlying all psychic activity. The intuition, also called feeling, instinct, gut reaction, sixth sense, is natural and can be stimulated to behave or react in a particular way, without thinking and without having been taught.

Intuition, as opposed to reflex, is more complex. It involves a degree of interaction with learning processes to fine tune the neurological wiring. Reflexes are controlled by spinal or other peripheral nerves. Intuitions are the province of the brain. Like the five senses, sight, hearing, taste, touch, smell, the six sense can also be developed and strengthen, so long as we immerse ourselves in an unfamiliar surrounding.

After D76 Fall Conference 2010 in Kumamoto, I had a full day course of Kumamoto city tour by myself Monday, November 22nd. When the sun began to set, I was in a hurry to get to the Concert Hall for the evening concert at 6:30PM. I asked the lady at the information center of the Kumamoto Library how to get to the Concert Hall, she told me there was a bus stop three blocks away next to the 7-11 store, but the bus didn't run often.

I followed my intuition to 7-11 without knowing if I was heading for the right direction or not. I asked the staff at 7-11, he told me there was no bus to the Concert Hall. I didn't give up and walked toward the bus stop at far. I asked a policeman on the way, he told me there was no bus to the Concert Hall. I didn't give up. Just about when I arrived at the bus stop to check the time schedule, the bus to the Concert Hall arrived in front of me. It was unbelievable, the inborn intuition I had with me to get to the bus stop just in time. I made it to the Concert Hall at 6:15PM.

Just think about the spawning instinct in salmon, human beings have the instincts in finding their soul mates. My husband told me that I looked like his wife on our second date. Now I realize my instinct worked to my advantage finding my husband who has been supportive about my constant traveling abroad for the past two decades.

Being a regular solo traveler, I'm always on alert with five senses in a new environment. I'm often intrigued with the inborn intuition I have with me. That's one of the reasons I'm obsessed in traveling alone to an unknown territory every year, to let my intuition take over me.

Have you ever been intrigues by your intuition? Give yourself a chance! Do something unusual for your brain. Follow your impulse, recharge your intuitive power! If you don't have time to travel abroad alone, how about trying to put on a blindfold on your eyes, crossing a busy street of a lot of traffic. You will be amazed at the inborn intuition you have with you.

PS:I've been thinking what to talk about at the last Toastmasters meeting in 2010 at Grand Toastmasters Club to wrap up my Toastmasters activities in 2010 this evening. I thought about talking about my icebreaking trip in Mongolia in January. I thought about talking about my World Expo trip in Shanghai in September. I thought about talking about my Toastmasters adventure to D76 Fall Conference trip in Kumamoto in November.

I found my topic when I received a phone call from the Artistic Director Hong Chyi-lin of Earth Choir, inviting me to help her with the Regensburger Domspatzen Tour Concert in Taiwan 4/28--5/9, 2011. This morning, I picked up the Guide to the City of Regensburg I bought when I was in Regensburg 15 years ago, to my surprise, the back cover of the guide features the world-famous Regensburg Domspatzen choir.

Coincidentally, my idol Jane Austen was born today, December 16th, 225 years ago. Jane earned her a place as one of the most widely read writers in English literature. I also wish to leave something written for the posterity. It is the dream imbued in my brain.

Leith Farm Residents Gathering

The landlady Bi-Hua of Leith Farm returned to Taiwan with her family on business and vacation. Winter in Taiwan is a better time for the settlers on Leith Farm, Dunedin, New Zealand. Bi-Hua immigrated to NZ more than a decade ago and operated the Leith Farm successfully ever since. I visited Leith farm in January 2007. It was summer in NZ, but the temperature of South Island was lower than that in Taiwan, because of the high latitude of Dunedin in southern hemisphere.

Bi-Hua and I made acquaintance with each other at the Department of Health twenty years ago, when she was a student fellow on CDC epidemic project and I was the section chief of Biological Preparations, Bureau of Pharmaceutical Affairs. I often joined CDC training seminars, because of my microbiological background.

Bi-Hua and I liked outdoor activities. We used to go hiking in the mountains in Taipei on weekends with my husband. We even invited my brother-in-law to attempt a remote coastal trail in southern Taiwan on Chinese New Year Holidays once.

Bi-hua ia a proactive doer. After she moved to NZ, she got her second master degree in education. In addition to Leith Farm, she opened a Taiwanese Restaurant near Otago University two years ago, after I left Dunedin. Bi-hua was proud that she had a record of serving 60 customers in one hour. With the expansion of her restaurant business, Bi-Hua interviewed and recruited one chef and one waitress in Taiwan to work for her in Dunedin from 2011.

The Leith Farm residents were invited for lunch at Formosa Chang by gracious Bi-Hua at 12:30 Sunday, December 12th. Being one of the residents, I was pleased to meet up with two gentlemen patrons of Leith Farm. Toastmaster Daphne Chen of Grand Toastmasters Club was invited as a resident-to-be on Leith Farm in January 2011.

Mr. Currin Cooley and Professor Chih-Pin Shih stayed on Leith Fram after me for a much longer period of time. Bi-Hua took the oppotunity when Currin came from Hong Kong to Taipei to attend the third Asia AEE (Association for Experiential Education) Conference during the weekend, she arranged the gathering for Leith Farm residents.

After lunch, Bi-Hwa invited us to her sister’s mansion for afternoon tea to celebrate Currin’s birthday. When Bi-Hua took out a traditional wedding pie as the birthday cake, we congratulated Currin for his good fortune in finding his soul mate soon in the future. Currin cut the wedding pie carefully into 8 equal parts and joked about the usefulness of geometry he learned at high school.

In order to convert two gentlemen into toastmasters, Daphne and I proposed we showcase a tabletopics session to demo the learning by doing spirit of toastmasters at a positive and friendly learning environment to hone our communication and leadership skills. As Currin and Professor Shih are Asia AEE members, I volunteered to serve as the tabletopics master and proposed ADVENTURE to be the theme of demo tabletopics session. I won an unaminous consensus.

Five tabletopics were addressed upon five participants, including 1. What was the most adventuous thing you did when you were a 8th grader; 2. Tell us your most adventurous dating experience in high school; 3. What was the most adventurous thing in your life; 4. If you were given another chance, would you take a different route in your life adventure; 5. What role adventures play in human development. All participants answered the tabletopics within the time limit of one to two mintues. What an educational and entertaining Toastmasters adventure we had!

After tabletopics session, Daphne left early for her family gathering. Currin, Chih-Pin and I said goodbye to Bi-Hua and took the same metro. We decided to have a drink at a pub near Shida. Upon my suggestion, we walked into kgb (kiwi gourmet burger) on a small alley of Shida Road. Three of us ordered three kinds of Kiwi beer. I was all ears to the men's talk between Currin and Chih-pin as a curious listener.

The third party at kgb was refreshing. Chih-Pin signed me when he saw Currin foot the bill at the counter, I proposed a dinner for three for the evening. We followed Dr. Shih's step to his favorite Casa della Pasta on Jin-san South Road. Being the first timers, Currin and I had to depend on Dr. Shih to order for us. In the end, we had a full table of chicken Caesar salad, fried squid, mushroom and anchovy pizza, asparagus and shrimp penne, tomato source spaghetti. The 4th party of quality and quantity at Casa della Pasta marked our unprecedented day of cross cultural adventures with a perfect ending.

Everyday is an adventure. On 12/12 when the month and day coincided, I had a marvelous day with two top adventure educators from Leith Farm. Don't know when the next Leith Farm residents gathering will take place, but it will certainly be another adventure of nature, culture, and literature on experiential education in life. I'm looking forward to it!

Regensburger Domspatzen

I was invited by Artistic Director Hong, Chyi-lin of Earth Choir to help her with the Regensburger Domspatzen Tour Concert in Taiwan 4/28--5/10, 2011. It would be an opportunity for me to see how musicians are brought up at a close distance. It is time I grabbed the chance to study the German language for the second time in order to get along with the kids from the world's oldest boys' choir.


The Regensburger Domspatzen, the cathedral choir has been in existence for more than a thousand years. Bishop Wolfgang founded a separate school for the cathedral, which besides general education attached great importance to musical education. The pupils had to sing liturgy in the church of the bishop.

In the thirties of the twentieth century, Dr. Theobald Schrems made the cathedral choir world famous. In less than forty years, from 1924 to 1963, the Headmaster and conductor Schrems extended the concert activities of the choir without disregarding his liturgy duties in the cathedral. The choir consists exclusively of boys and young men.

From 1964 - 1994, Georg Ratzinger was the leader of the "world's oldest boys' choir". Each year he went on a long tour with his choir around Germany. In 1984 and 1987, the Domspatzen went on an extended tour abroad to visit the USA, and one year later Hungary and Japan. Connections with Eastern-Asia were strengthened in 1991 and 1994.

The choir was hosted in Japan, Hongkong and Korea. Tours to Hungary, the Czech Republic and Poland followed. After his brother Joseph had been elected as pope, Georg Ratzinger told people about their common childhood in Upper Bavaria, their family life during the past decades.

Since the summer of 1994, the direction of the Regensburger Domspatzen has been in the hands of Roland Blichner. The choir has already given three concerts in Japan (1998, 2000 and 2004). Further tours abroad led them to Italy, Hungary, Scotland, the Philippines and to France.

The combination of the choir with a music high school makes it easier to coordinate the musical issues. 240 of the 500 students who attend the Domspatzen high school live in the adjoining boarding school, and 130 of them make use of the daycare centre. The boarding school is managed by a Catholic priest. The primary boarding school Pielenhofen of the Regensburger Domspatzen is situated in the scenically attractive valley of the river Naab. Musically gifted pupils from grade 1 -4 are taught there.

The extensive musical repertory of the Regensburger Domspatzen contains the oldest songs of the church, the Gregorian Choral(e), vocal music of the 16th century with works by Palestrina, Lasso and Hassler, and baroque music, music of romanticism, folk-songs and works of contemporary composers. All over the world, the Domspatzen can be heard when they are on concert tours. The Domspatzen also appear regularly on the radio and on television.

The main task of the Regensburger Domspatzen is the arrangement of the liturgy during holy service at the cathedral of Regensburg. Each Sunday, during high mass they sing the Gregorian Choral(e) as well as holy masses arranged for several voices and motets.

It will take my life time to know the Regensburger Domspatzen. I have only four months to get myself prepared before I make the first encounter with them in Taiwan, I am full of excitements to devote myself to the Regensburger Domspatzen to be best of my ability while they are in Taiwan.

Japanese Dance of Kazan School 2010

Hakka Association in Taipei County

December is the election time. The three-in-one municipal elections 2010 was just over last Saturday, November 27th. I was invited to attend the Assembly of Hakka Association in Taipei County, to help them with the ballots counting, Sunday noon, December 5th.

I was invited along with ten other members of Hsin-tien Women Chorus by one Hakka member to the festive gathering, to help her with the ballots counting procedures at the annual election day.

Being a first timer in the ballot counting procedures of a political arena, I felt the ballot counting fun at the beginning, but I got bored chanting the same names over and over again. Nevertheless it was worthwhile to see an election process in a huge association. In Toastmasters, the ballots counting is much simpler and easier.

The extravagant banquet after the election deserved all the trivial ballot counting efforts. On stage, the passionate Hakka people sang authentic folk songs to the Hakka orchestra. The eye catching Hakka dancers dressed in traditional flowery costumes danced merrily on stage. I was contented to sit with Hakka members and guests eating and drinking. The party started from 12 noon and it didn't end till two thirty in the afternoon. I walked home with a satisfying smile and many joyous Hakka mountain songs lingering in my mind.

****** 祝福大家虎年福虎生風 ******

*** 山歌唱來鬧洋洋　客家文化要發揚 ***
*** 飲水思源情意重　落葉歸根切莫忘 ***

Back to Routines

December is going to be a busy and glorious month. Three golden ladies toastmasters were born in December, including Irene, Pamela, and Linda. They plan to hold a three-in-one birthday party at Pamela's home Saturday afternoon, December 11th.

In December, there are countless Christmas parties, at the nursing home, at Hsin-tien community center, at the flamenco dance school, not to mention many chorus recitals lined up in December, and many sudden activities.

The daily routines were resumed the moment I returned to Taipei, including the weekly class of Japanese dance, flamenco dance, chorus practice, plus a part-time job as a pharmacist at a local pharmacy in the neighborhood.

Soon year 2010 will be over. Before I write the new year resolutions for yeare 2011, I need to fill up the calendar of December with many activities, to accomplish as much as I can in 2010, including to deliver a prepared speech at the last meeting of Grand Toastmasters Club to wrap up the toastmasters activities in 2010.

Time and tide wait for nobody. How can we let Year 2010 be gone with our hands empty?Seize the moment! Ganbare!

Toastmasters Cooking Gathering

I received a surprise phone call from Toastmaster Linda Chiu When I was at Mongolian National Day Party at Hyatt Hotel yesterday evening. Linda invited me for afternoon tea at her place, I accepted her invitation immediately.

Just think about it! It must have been more than six years since I last saw Linda at a Toastmasters event. I was eager to know how Linda has been doing recently and I wondered what the occasion might be for a sudden afternoon gathering on the three-in-one election day.

Linda prepared a full table of food, including steamed meatballs, stir fried green bean noodles, vegetables, oats buns, when I arrived at her cozy home on the 12th floor at two Sunday afternoon. We sat by the window in the sun, looked over the beautiful mountain view of Taipei city, Linda kept making more and more varieties of food, yummy icecream, mouth-watering chicken porridge, just to name a couple, with her Vorwerk, a multifunctional kitchen appliance with cooking function. She was so fond of her new kitchen toy and she was so eager to share with her family and friends the new recipes she developed.

Linda looked at me with a big smile on her face and tole me that she invited me for the afternoon cooking gathering was because that I was interested in cooking and eating. How flattered I felt! Who would mind to be complimented as a gourmet? I don't!

There is a Chinese saying, "a workman must first sharpen his tools if he is to do his work well." I am really happy for Linda to find a career she enjoys. I am really happy for me to have another chef friend. As Linda is an active representative of the Vorwerk group, I'm obliged to provide contructive and valuable evaluations to the creative and innovative dishes she makes. I won't turn down any party of hers as her toastmaster friend. Linda grabs my heart by sastifying my stomach!

PS: Linda invited me to her kitchen again Friday evening, December 3rd, to help her take a few photos of her newly developed Almond Oats Cookies and Chocolate Pie to compete at the Vorwerk Cooking Contest 2010.

National Day of Mongolia

I was still planning my itinerary in Japan when I received the invitation to the Mongolian National Day in Taipei by Mr. Choidorj, the Representative of Ulaanbaatar Office in Taipei, Monday morning, November 1st.

I met Mr. Choidorj for the first time in early January, one day before I departured for Ulaanbaatar to charter a Toastmasters club. Mr. Choidorj was kind to see me in his office and spent one hour introducing his country to me. With his help and advice, I felt more confident about my Toastmasters mission in Mongolia. And I felt less scary flying alone to a country where I knew nobody in person.

I was very excited when Mr. Choidorj invited me to attend his National Day Dinner Banquet. How could I miss the chance to meet with his beautiful wife and many Mongolians and their Taiwanese friends at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on November 26th? I flew back from Japan on the Thanksgiving Day, one day before the National Day of Mongolia.

The banquet reception started at 6:30PM. Mr. and Mrs. Choidorj stood at the door to greet all guests, including foreign diplomats, government officials, Taiwanese business elites, and Mongolian students and employees in Taiwan. It was a warm and glorious party.

At 7PM, Mr. Choidorj delivered a heartfelt welcome message on stage to thank Taiwanese people to help him achieve many important missions in Taiwan. My toastmaster friend Mayumi Hu was impressed with Mr. Choidorj's outstanding presentation skills. Mayumi told me that she attended many National days in Taipei, Mr. Choidorj was one the best speakers.

On the huge screen, a video of Mongolia was played to introduce the Mongolian cultural and people to the audience. A talent Mongolian singer and student performed a couple of songs in Mongolia and Mandarin on stage. He won a big round of applause from the floor. He reminded me of the happy time in January in Ulaanbaatar for three weeks with Mongolian friends.

Mr. Choidorj is interested in seeing a toastmasters club soon be chartered in Mongolia. He agrees to visit a Toastmasters club in Taipei where I deliver a speech about his country. It is my sincere hope that Mongolia will be the 104th country to have the Toastmasters clubs where people can learn the communication and leadership skills in a friendly and positive environment.

Thanksgiving Day 2010

Toastmaster Kiminari Azuma's mother was waiting for me when I arrived at the Information Center of Hakata Station at 8 o'clock in the morning. At the first sight of me with my luggage and backpack, Azuma's mother teased me about my appearance. She told me that she expected to see an elegant lady in fashion, in stead of a sturdy woman from the mountains.

What a compliment indeed it was for a hardworking traveling toastmaster like me, of versatility, flexibility, and agility! We took the subway from Hakata station to Fukuoka Airport, had a cup of coffee at the airport cafe’ and chitchatted for one hour before I rushed to catch my flight back to Taipei.

Toastmaster Azuma’s mother and I shared many interests and hobbies together. We could talk day and night exchanging crazy ideas about singing, dancing, and toastmastering with a sudden spark in our minds. It's a pity that the bilingual Toastmasters club in Fukuoka is in recess and there is no Japanese speaking toastmasters club in Fukuoka. Just imagine how skillful and enthusiastic Azuma's mother is by looking at her Toastmaster son. There is a Chinese saying, "A tiger father does not have a puppy for a son". In another word, like mother, like son!

It was raining when the shuttle bus arrived at Taipei Train Station at one o'clock. I walked across the street in the rain to get to the metro station and arrived home before two o'clock.

I couldn't express more thanks to my fellow Toastmasters friends and their relatives in Japan for their friendship and camaraderie on the Thanksgiving Day in 2010. I won't be able to see, to experience, to enjoy, so much with a tight budget of fifteen thousand Japanese yens.

One Chance in a Lifetime

I saw Toastmaster Kyoko Kawano's parents at Amakusa this afternoon. Kyoko's mother wore a big smile to invite us to join the tea ceremony held at her living room. Kyoko's father gave us a warm welcome after his siesta. I was so happy to see them again that I gave them a big hug.

It was the day of departure. I got up early to pack before I had breakfast at the lobby. It was the sixth consecutive day staying at Room 1021 since last Friday. I was kind of used to the layout and facilities of the room. It was a pleasant home away from home at Toyoko Inn Kumamoto Station.

At 8:30, I finished the check out procedures and left my luggage behind the counter. Toastmaster Kyoko Kawano and Teiko Uemura came to pick me up at 8:45 and we went straight to Amakusa.

Amakusa is a remote city, at the far west region of Kyushu. Amakusa was one of the areas where Christian settlers arrived in Japan. Amakusa is famous for cathedral, it is also famous for sea food. Kyoko was eager to invite us to the most delicious sashimi shop, but we were too early before the shop opened. We settled at a restaurant of shrimp specialty for lunch. We sat by the window, looking over the blue sea against the blue sky in the sun.

After lunch, we first drove to Shimoda hot spring, then to see the cathedral. There was almost no sight of people on the streets, except an old man and his dog.

When we approached the Amakusa city, there was more traffic. We were 30 minutes late for our appointment with Kyoko’s mother, because Kyoko was lost at her hometown. We needed to stop the car to ask for directions from local people from time to time.

Long Live the 8th Dorm

ちょちょけ飛んで來い
江津湖の岸に
なにか夢見る中の島
ソレ、熊本火の國祭り
サアサ手拍子
踴る手拍子、足拍子

Wrote Teiko the lyrics in her book 八寮バンザイ about her childhood memories. The little Teiko sang loudly and cheerfully the Kumamoto folklore of the Land of Fire Festival on the small fishing boat drifting upon Lake Ezu one summer afternoon with her family in one chapter on River Excursion.

Toastmaster Teiko Uemura was sweet and kind to keep my company today! She arrived at Toyoko Inn at ten to nine. I told her I changed my mind not to visit Miyazaki brothers Museum in Arao. In stead, I preferred a city tour in Kumamoto. It would be more meaningful if I could pay a homage to Miyazaki brothers in Arao next year (the 100th anniversary of Republic of China) for their support to Dr. Sun Yat-sen to found the ROC in 1911.

I told Teiko that I'd like to see the special exhibtion of Hosokawa Yuusai's collections at the Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art. I became interested in the artistic achievements of Hosokawa Fujitaki after I saw the Heritage Classroom (古今伝授の間) in Suizenji after D76 Fall Conference Sunday afternoon.

It was a sunny, but windy day today. Teiko and I left Toyoko Inn at nine. Before we arrived at the Tram stop in front of the train station, I had to return to the hotel to fetch a scarf to keep me warm.

Teiko and I got off the tram in front of the City Hall. We walked to the museum. The big yellow Ginko tree with falling leaves dancing in the air caught our attention on our way to the museum. We were excited to feel the power of the falling leaves on us. I asked Tieko to jump up and down in the air, to mediate beneath the Ginko tree. Teiko turned out to be a supermodel at her age of 70!

After seeing the special exhibition of Fujitaka, I couldn't help but falling in love with the interesting and versatile scholar. His handwriting of the Tale of Genji on the framed wooden partition was playful and heartwarming. I like his name of Yuusai (幽斎) particularly. He could indulged himself in the literary activities in his quiet study and devoted himself in preserving the heritage of civilization in Japan..

On our way to lunch, we passed the Kumamoto Traditional Craft Center. Teiko told me that she used to serve tea when working there. I was curious if they still served tea for visitors. Even no tea was served, Teiko and I were treated as VIP. I bought two handmade round fans of ink painting, one with Amakusa Bridge, the other with Kumamoto Castle. Upon my request, Teiko composed a Waka (Japanese poem 5 7 5 7 7) and wrote it on the back of the round fan of Kumamoto Castle.

熊本城前にて

紅葉せる
故里の城
訪ねたり
吾と外つ國の友
よく語り
上村禎子
平成二十二年十一月二十三日

Teiko insisted to buy a pair of Ginko Leave chopsticks stands for me for souvenirs at the craft center. When I arranged them to make a brooch for my winter coat to remember the beautiful autumn of Kumamoto, a city of Ginko trees, the designer told me that many young people used Ginko leaves stands as a pair of earrings. That was an awesome idea, so I thought and thanked him for sharing.

Teiko took me to the original store of Komurasaki for a bowl of authentic Kumamoto noodles. The store was full of loyal patrons even at 2 o’clock in the afternoon. Three cooks behind the counter prepared all kinds of toppings for the noodles. A bus boy was busy taking orders and cleaning tables. The lady owner was smiling collecting the money at the door. Everybody was uplifted at the store of a nostalgic atmosphere.

Honestly speaking, I couldn’t tell the difference between Hakata and Kumamoto noodles, but I liked both of them, just the same. I love noodles, Kanto Noodles, Kansai Noodles, Korean Kinchi Noodles, Taiwanese Beef Noodles, I always drink the soup till the last drop to show my gratitude to the delicious artifact of the heart by the revered chef.

After lunch, we took the bus to Tatsuda Nature Park to visit the tomb of Hosokawa Yuusai. When we passed the campus of Kumamoto University, Teiko told me that she graduated from English Teaching Department. During college days, Teiko joined the tea ceremony circle and participated in annual tea ceremony event at the Hosokawa resident at the foot of Mt. Tatsuda. Tea ceremony has been a heritage in Kumamoto since Hosakawa times.

Mt. Tatsuda formerly known as Mt. Kurokami, is a large hill reaching 152 meters above sea level. With my bus pass, I got the free entrance to visit the tombs of Hosokawa clan located in the beautiful moss garden of 495 square meters. The autumn foliage at the garden was a must see. At the four tombs of Yotsugobyo, I saw a large chozubachi in front of Lady Garcia's tomb. It was her favorite. Just before she committed suicide, she meditated while gazing at her reflection in the water.

PS: It's the third encounter of Teiko and me. When Teiko gave me a package of two books of hers upon my arrival in Kumamoto, I didn't open them till I got home. Long live the 8th Dorm was like Teiko's autobiography form her early childhood in Taiwan till her graduation from Kumamoto University and worked as a high school teacher.

Action Speaks Louder

It was raining in the morning! Just about when I was thinking about taking a day off, dozing off at the hotel, watching TV, and drinking coffee. I read an email from Virginia, inviting me to see the photoalubm of her recent trip to China. What a wake-up call it was, I decided on the spot that I couldn't afford to take a break. I should go out to take as many photos of Kumamoto as possible while in town, rain or shine. I had no reason to be lazy being away from home!

It seemed to me that young people in Kumamoto didn't know their city well. When I was at the information center of JR Kumamoto station, I asked a young lady on duty how to get to Musashi's grave, she didn't know where it was and had to check with her colleagues.

Miyamoto Miyoko 宮本美代子

Miyamoto Miyoko is my pen name in Japanese. There are three reasons behind the pen name. First, the pen name means Lady of Leisure when it is pronounced in Taiwanese. Second, Miyamoto Musashi is a famous Japanese swordsman in Taiwan. He won every duel. Third, I admire the spirit of the sword master Miyamoto Musashi and his philosophy. He is an action taker. He left the world with his Book of Five Rings.

Nothing could be in my way, when I made up my mind to go to Musashi's grave. In the rain, I saw the statue of Musashi Miyamoto and I prayed in front of his grave. I felt contented I was able to join him for a few moments during my journey in Japan.

After a short rendezvous with Musashi, I took the train back to Kumamoto, returned to Toyoko Inn to recharge my camera battery. When I asked the staff for information about Kumamoto, they had no ideas where to visit in Kumamoto. I asked them about the Kikuchi Valley, they told me it was too far. I wouldn't be able to get there without a car. When I asked them about the Goddess of Mercy, they told me that they had no ideas. Fortunately, I could use the free internet for on-line information by myself.

I bought a bus pass at 500 Japanese yen at JR Kumamoto Station Information Center, got on the tram from the train station to the Bus Center. Kumamoto Bus Station is huge, local buses as well as buses from all over Japan stop here. I was told by a lady at the information center that a bus was about to leave for Takahira on Lane 33, the next bus would leave in an hour. I rushed to get on the bus on lane 33 without paying much attention on the sign. In the end, I was on the wrong bus.

When the bus arrived at the bus terminal, every passenger got off. I was still on the bus. The bus driver looked at me and asked me where I planned to go. I told him that I wanted to go to Takahira. He shook his head and told me to remain on the same bus back to the Bus Center. He dropped me off at Tsuboibashi and told me to wait for the next bus to Takahira.

I knew Tsuboibashi, because Teiko and I walked across the bridge to visit the old residence of Natsumeisouseki. As I had one hour before the next bus, I decided to visit Natsumesouseki even though I knew the residence would be closed on Monday. In the rain, I visited the residence for the second time by myself. I always took it easy to walk around in the neighborhood till the time I got on the bus to see the Goddess of Mercy in Takahira.

When I saw the Goddess of Mercy* of Kisaburo Matsumoto at the Joukokuji, I felt blissful with tears in my eyes that I was able to worship her in person. The smiling face of Goddess of Mercy reminded me of the Goddesses of Mercy at revered Mount Putuo, southeast of Shanghai I visited in September this year.

I felt the blessing from the Goddess of Mercy when I knelt down to pray and to recite a sutra on the stand. It was the peaceful moment. When I told the monk I was from Taiwan, he gave me a pamphlet of Joukokuji in Japanese and a flier of Zazen in English.

Before I got on the next bus back to Kumamoto, I had about 45 minutes of free time. I took a walk to the nearby You You Kumamoto Vegetables and Livestock Market to see if I could hunt for something for my stomach. On the shelves, there were many fresh vegetables. In the refrigerators, there were all kinds of raw meat. I bought a chocolate pudding and a box of sweetened chestnuts for lunch.

I took the bus back to the city hall, hopped on the tram, got off at Hatcho-baba stop, went to Park Ezuko. It was a pleasant stroll along the river of springs. I saw many plants, animals, and joggers on the protective land of nature and literature. Many stones engraved with Japanese poems by many famous writers were displayed along the trail. Lake Ezu was big, composed of two areas, Kami Ezu and Shimo Ezu. There was a toilette at the entrance. I was regretful I didn't take advantage of it timely.

Just about I decided to find a private place to take care of my biological need, I saw Kumamoto Prefectural Library in front of me. What a relief! When I saw a classic coffee shop in the library, how I wish I could read a book at ease, sipping a cup of freshly brewed hot coffee at the sophisticated and elegant place, looking at the sunset at Lake Ezu from the window wall, but I knew I didn't have the time of leisure, if I wanted to make it to the evening concert of Musashino Music School at Kumamoto Prefectural Music Hall in the evening.

I changed my mind when I saw the entrance to Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Modern Literature across the library lobby, I couldn't contain my curiosity to see what the museum had to offer. I didn't know that many heavyweight Japanese writers were born or used to live in Kumamoto. I liked the display in the museum, and I liked the paper sculptures of famous literati. I could stay in the museum for hours if I had had the time.

After a quick tour of the museum, I asked the lady at the information center how to get to Kumamoto Prefectural Theater, she told me there was a bus stop three blocks away next to the 7-11 store, but the bus didn't run often. I rushed to the 7-11 without knowing if I was heading for the right direction. I asked the staff at 7-11, he told me there was no bus to the theater. I didn't give up and walked toward the bus stop at far. I asked a policeman on the way, he told me there was no bus to the theater. I didn't give up. When I arrived at the bus stop to check the schedule, the bus to the theater arrived in front of me. It's my luck day!

It was the first concert of Musashino Music School Kumamoto Branch and I happened to be one of their supporters by accident. The concert started at 6:30PM, featuring three splendid soprano singers in the first half of the concert. The second half was the orchestra performance. I liked the evening concert in Kumamoto and I liked the huge and old fashion concert hall.

After the concert, I couldn't find the bus back to the train station. Two ladies on the street helped me find the right bus station and decided to give me a lift back to Toyoko Inn. It's another fruitful day in Kumamoto. The longer I stay in Kumamoto, the more I like this historic city with a lot of natural beauties.

*Goddess of Mercy plays a very important role in the hearts of people in South East Asia and Kyushu Island. Mount Putuo is one of the four sacred mountains in Chinese Buddhism, the others are Mount Wutai, Mount Jiuhua, and Mount Emei.

D76 Fall Conference 2010

Being an early bird to the conference this morning, I invited all ladies toastmasters to join me to take a photo with IP Pat Johnson. Then I picked up a front seat next to Toastmaster Masaki Oshiumi. I saw Toastmaster Oshiumi mumble looking at a slip of paper in his hand. Toastmaster Oshiumi was determined to advocate a Toastmaster song for all Toastmasters in the world at the Q&A with International President. He stood up tall to read the slip of paper in his hand, explaining why a Toastmasters song would be beneficial to the Toastmasters International. It has become a big mission of his in Toastmasters.

Following Toastmaster Oshiumi's request for a Toastmasters song, I also stood up to ask Pat about the possibilities of a joint D67 & D76 Speech Contest in Japanese in the future. I was told that it would be aginst the Toastmasters Bylaws to have a speech contest among Districts, but I was contented to voice out on behalf of Japanese speaking toastmasters in Taiwan.

During the intermission after the conference symposium on Vision of D76, Toastmaster Mayumi Shimamura told me that Toastmasters in Taiwan and Japan could always enjoy joint meetings together to exchange the communication and leadership skills in Japanese. I agreed with her comments.

After the break, it was the English humorous speech contest, the highlight of D76 Fall Confrence. It was a full house of laughter. I enjoyed all six contestants. Language might be a barrier, but it is also a bridge of gaps among people of different nationalities. Toastmaster Kazuhiko Kawashima from Division E was the first speaker. He talked about how to evaluate his boss in office in a Toastmasters way. He won the championship. After the hard hearing lesson from the humorous speech contest in Japanese yesterday afternoon, I made a smart move this morning by sitting in the front. I was contented that I could observe the performance of six contestants in details within a short distance.

I skipped the Hall of Fame and District 76 Council Meeting after the lunch break. Toastmaster Teiko Uemura took me to the old residences of Natsume Souseki and Koizumi Yakumo in Kumamoto. When I rushed all the way back to the conference hall before 3:50PM only to find many toastmasters come out of the PAREA Hall. I was told that the closing ceremony was adanced for 20 minutes.

Oh, I missed the closing ceremony! What a pity! I missed the chance to be called upon the District 76 Governor to say a few farewell words. When I arrived on the 9th floor, the organzing committe members were packing. At least, I could provide my helping hands to take a few photos of the hardworking members of Nakakyushu and Kumamoto Toastmasters Clubs.

As it was still early, I decided to visit Suizenji. At the Water Pipe tram station, I asked two high school students if I could walk to Suizenji. They told me I'd better take the street car, because Suizenji was far away. On the street car, I struck a conversation with the girls. I told them that I just visited Natsume Souseki and Koizumi Yakumo's residences, they replied they knew nothing about them, to my surprise.

Achieving Greatness Together

I didn't sleep tight with a full head of curls on me last night. I woke up early this morning to blow my hair. It was a big day for me as the sole representative from District 67 to D76 Fall Conference 2010. I left the hotel at eight o'clock and arrived at the Conference venue at Parea at 8:30. An old toastmaster friend from Higo Toastmasters Club greeted me with a big hug at the entrance of the building. It felt really good to see old friends in Toastmasters.

You raise me up as I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up ... to more than I can be.

International President Pat Johnson opened her keynote speech by singing an inspiring song to acknowledge the people who helped her become who she was today. She encouraged us to take every opportunity to help others to achieve the greatness together. I heard Pat sing the song the first time at D67 Spring Conference 2010 in April. I was more touched to listen to her speech once again and to know the Toastmasters who assisted her as the first timer in Japan.

I knew the level of my Japanese language proficiency was dropping, when I listened to the six contestants (from six divisions of D76) at the Humorous Speech Contest in Japanese Saturday afternoon. Honestly speaking, I could hardly understand them all, even I knew five out of six contestants in person. One of the reason, I couldn't comprehend the speeches as much as I could before, maybe because I sat at the far end of the conference hall. But, it felt just fine to be immersed in a full house of laughter while dozing off in my daydream!

I was really happy when Toastmaster Mayumi Shimamura received the plaque of championship of Humorous Speech in Japanese from IP Pat Johnson. Mayumi joked about how conscious and sensitive women were in terms of the volume of the food intake in her hilarious speech. She gave me a bottle of Kumamoto soy sause as a souvenir to take home with me.

I changed to red chipao at Toastmaster Kawano Kyoko's room and arrived at the gala dinner party full of excitements. The banquet was full of local dishes. Among them, I liked Karashi Renkon the most. Unlike the sweet lotus root cuision in Taiwan, Karashi Renkon was stuffed with mustard. The dish was invented by Mori Heigoro to cure Hosokawa Tadatoshi, the appointed Lord of Kumamoto Castle by Tokugawa Ieyasu, after the battle of Seki-ga-hara.

Toastmasters are invincible. Two years ago, at the Joint Anniversary of Success & Kumamoto Toastmasters Club in Taoyuan Saturday evening, October 11th, three toastmasters sang Ode to Joy at the dinner party, including Oshiumi (tenor), Lydia (alto) and me (alto). To our joy, a small Toastmasters chorus of three transformed into a big Toastmasters chorus of twenty plus singers in four parts at D76 Fall Conference 2010 dinner party. It was indeed a giant leap to showcase the Toastmasters spirit to achieve greatness together. Many thanks go to Kitakyushu Toastmasters Club and Kumamoto Toastmasters Club for their full support. Special thanks go to Toastmaster Kazuo Yamaguchi of Hiroshima Toastmasters CLub for taking the conductor role at the last minute.

Freude, schöner Götterfunken, Tochter aus Elysium,
Wir betreten feuertrunken, Himmlische, dein Heiligtum!
Deine Zauber binden wieder, Was die Mode streng geteilt;
Alle Menschen werden Brüder, Wo dein sanfter Flügel weilt.

Toastmaster Oshiumi burst into tears of joy after the performance. He thanked all the participants in singing Ode to Joy on stage. As the toastmaster who took the initiatives to organize the Toastmasters chorus, Toastmaster Oshiumi has been advocating a Toastmasters song for toastmasters all over the world earnestly and persistently.

At the dinner party, the organizing committee members distributed the fliers of D76 Spring Conference 2011 in Tokyo. I was very impressed by the efficiencies of Japanese Toastmasters. Toastmaster Takimoto announced that D76 Spring Conference in Tokyo will take place at National Olympic Memorial Youth Center, May 13th till 15th, 2011. The conference theme is "Build up Your Confidence".

After the banquet, Toastmaster Masuo Watari from Dazaifu Toastmasters Club invited me to join the 2nd party at Kentucky Colonel Charlie Nagatani's country music club a few blocks walk from the party venue. Four of us, including Hiroshi Nishiyama from Iizuka Toastmaters Club, Jonathan Borock from Kyushu University Toastmasters Club, had a crazy and boisterous night with Charlie and his band The Cannon Balls. It was eyeopening to see many Japanese fans of country music in Kumamoto. Charlie has sung country music sine 1956 and has organized the Internatioanl Country Music Festival (Country Gold) in Kumamoto since 1989. In my hand, showed the 22nd Country Gold Festival 2010 at the Kumamoto Open Air Theater in ASPECTA, Sunday October 17th.

I was so uplifted when I saw the full house of country music lovers up on the feet dancing, including a few kindergarten kids and a bunch of salary men. As a dancing queen, I wouldn't give up the rare opportunity to dance all night to the country music in Kumamoto. It's hard to believe, wasn't it? It was after midnight when I took a taxi back to the hotel. What a fruitful and joyful Toastmasters day and night in Kumamoto!

Venture to Kumamoto

Just about when you felt frustrated you missed the train, it turned out to be the wrong train. I almost got on the train to Nagasaki if I arrived at the Hakata station one minute ealier this morning. Fortunately the right train to Kumamoto was waiting for me at the next platform! And I made it in time.

I got on the rapid train at Hakata Station to Omuda at 9:28. There were not many passaengers on the train. Before the train took off, I saw a fashionable senior lady across the aisle. I became interested in her when she took up a file of music notes. She started glancing the songs in various languages. I gathered my courage to say hello to her and invited her to sit next to me. That's how I got to know Shimoshiro san. She is a soprano teacher and has many singers friends in Taiwan. She left me her home address before she got off at Kiyama for her music class. I was happy to make acquaintance with another singer in Japan.

The train arrived at Omuda at 10:27. I had 30 minutes break to buy the ticket to Kumamoto, bought two freshly baked breads from Trandor, got on a regular train at Omuda at 10:58 and arrived at Kumamoto at 11:45. After checking in the hotel, I got on the Kumamoto City Tram. To my surprise, Toastmaster Tamura Minoru got on the same tram one step ahead of me. Now I had someone to rely upon to get to the next destination.

The moment I walked into the lobby of Kumamoto City Internatioal Center at 2PM, I saw Toastmasters Takashi Suzuki and Hiroyasu Tezuka, I joined them for an afternoon coffee. Then Toastmasters Rio Imamura, Setsuko Noda and many toastmasters showed up. We had a cheerful Toastmasters round-table discussion till 2:30PM, the meet up time to visit the Kumomoto Castle.

D76 Fall Conference 2010 organizing committe invited a senior interpreter to accompany us in Kumamoto Castle. He not only informed us of the history of Kumamoto Castle, but also guided us to see important historic documents and architectures. We also saw the differences of castle walls between Kyomasa and Hosokawa.

Kumamoto Castle is considered as one of the three premier castles in Japan, along with Himeji Castle and Matsumoto Castle. It celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2007. In 1607, Katou Kyomasa completed the present Kumamoto Castle as a large and extremely well fortified castle. In 1632, Hosokawa clan took over the castle and ruled Kumamoto for 240 years. It was besieged in 1877 during the Satsuma Rebellion, and the castle keep and other parts were burned down.

On our way to visit the newly renovated Lord's Inner Palace, I invited Toastmaster Rio Imamura to take a photo with me behind the historic figures. I didn't know who Lady Garcia was till I visited her cemetery at Mt. Tatsuda Park in the northeasern party of Kumamoto City.

Lady Garcia was the wife of Takaoki. Her real name was Tamako Akechi. When she was baptized, she was given the Christian name Lady Garcia. "Garcia" means gratitude in Latin. Lady Garcia married Takaoki Hosokawa through the go-between Nobunaga. When Lady Garcia was 38, she committed suicide as the hostage of Mitsunari Ishida. Lady Garcia wrote the following poem before her death.

"As blossoms fall
I see my fate
In this world
Blossoms pass away
And so must we"

In order to recharge myself before the welcome party in honor of IP Pat Johnson, I found an udon chain store in the shopping mall, I ordered a big chunk of fried burdocka along with a big bowl of plain udon from the counter. I added a big spoon of tanuki on top of my udon. Coincidentally, I found Toastmaster Rio Imamura at the same shop. We sat together to enjoy the most popular plebeian cuisine among Japanese people. Rio told me that he liked Kitsune Udon from childhood.

At the welcome dinner party, International President Pat Johnson delivered an educational speech. She talked about her story of knowing Toastmasters club in 1983, her first encounter of Toastmasters, and she grew with other toastmasters in the past two decades.

After listening to Pat’s inspiring story, the luxurious dinner was served, to my surprise. I was not informed of the dinner. With a full stomach of udon, I still gobbled a big quantity of the delicious dinner without reservation, sashimi, basashi, fried chicken rolls, spaghetti, sushi, cakes.

Toastmaster Taruaki Fujii sat next to me. When he told me that he sang the bass part of No. 9 at Kumamoto Freude Chrous, I found him an angel from the heaven. I recruited him to Joint D67 & D76 Toastmasters chorus immediately. What a lucky Toastmasters day I had from the morning till the evening!