Red Envelope Shows

Hongbaochang (Red Envelope Shows) only exist in Taipei. Since the KMT as well as the Chinese refugees retreated to Taiwan during the 50's, this type of shows has been the place providing people with the atmosphere of nostalgia. Singers sang old Chinese songs, which made the audience feel like going back to their hometowns in the Mainland. They rewarded the singers with red envolopes, which was originally the money of gift given during the New Year, wedding or childbirth in China. Red Envelope shows were popular but has been declining recently. The Chinese migrants have been aging: some of them have passed away, and some of them have chosen to go back to China after Taiwan and Chna opened the door to each other during the 80's. I visited one of the Red Envelope Shows last week. The singers went to the stages in turns, and each of them presented 3 songs. Most of the songs are still old Chinese songs, but from time to time I can hear local Taiwanese songs and new pop songs. There were not many people in the audience, maximum 20. I was the youngest among them, and a lot of singers came to me and chatted. I gave off a couple of red envolopes while listening to the music. To me, Red Envelope Shows demonstrate the political changes in Taiwan. People might be sad about what they have lost, but at the same time are trying to create something new for the future.

More Amazing Buildings in Taichung

I posted some photos of the amazing designs of restaurants, tea houses and boutiques in Taichung when I was in Taiwan last year. Last week I visited my families in Taichung, and found more interesting buildings. To be honest, compared to Taipei the infrastructure and superstructure of Taichung is far "backward." However, it's always a lot of fun to get together with my grandmom, other families, and my old friends. These buildings seem to remind me of the "personality" of Taichung which I cannot find in other cities.

The exterior of a restaurant.

The balcony of the restaurant

A hot pot place

Want to learn the Chinese calligraphy traced back to the Oracle period?
This is a restaurant which serves healthy "nourishing" food.

Super Hot Pot

The first day I arrived in Taipei, Andy took me to a hot pot place for lunch. The style of this hot pot place is just like Little Fat Sheep in Montreal, which means you can pick as much meat, seafood, vegetable, beverages and dessert as you want. Meanwhile, the pot is divided into two parts: hot and spicy (for people like Andy), and regular stock (for people like me).

Andy told me this hot pot place is famous for its wine-marinated chicken, and it's really good! We kept eating and talking, and had a lot of free Häagen-Dazs ice cream after the meal. I looked at people around us, men and women all dressed-up and talking about makeup, money and trips to China and Japan, which are typical scenes we can see in Taipei. This was my first day in Taiwan, and the lunch was a fun welcome party!

A Nice Lunch

Last week Amanda invited me and another friend of her for a lunch in the SOGO Department Store. The French-style restaurant is located among a lot of boutiques on the third floor. It's quiet, spacious, and has a lot of light.

I had pasta and creamy latte, and it was a nice lunch hour!

The Deaflympics in Taiwan

The Deaflympics games are taking place in Taipei (Sep 5-15), and I can see a lot of international visitors, including athletes and journalists, in the streets. In the neighbourhood where I stay a lot of people communicate with each other in sign language. It seems that tourists suddenly show up, and Taipei looks different.

People in Taiwan are quite excited about the games, too. This is a great opportunity for people to know about the special feelings and needs of others, and at the same time to organize an international-scale event for them. TV news talk about the results of the games, and in addition, how restaurants and stores prepare for entertaining these guests from other countries.

I hope these international visitors can know Taiwan better, too. A couple days ago I went to observe a Taoist ritual, which took place in the area close to the Deaflympics stadium. While the priests were dancing and chanting, a tall journalist with the ID hung on his neck passed by, and he kept gazing at the ritual. That’s part of the culture of Taiwan, and I wish he will mention it in his report.

The sign and art installation of the Deaflympics with its mascot, the Taipei tree frog, in front of the SOGO Department Store.

The fireworks on the top of Taipei 101 tower celebrating the opening ceremony of the Games.

Haha, I’m Back!

For another stage of my fieldwork I’ve been back to Taiwan since the beginning of September. Taipei is hot, humid but at the same time full of interesting events (and food). As usual, I’ll try to take as many as photos to share with you!

Show girls promoting new Sony digital cameras in front of the New York New York department store. Compared to my generation, these active show girls represent the new generation of girl power in Taiwan!