Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir

這幾天看冬奧時發現冰上舞蹈的冠軍Tessa Virtue和Scott Moir on將冰上舞蹈完全帶入另一個層級, 近乎完美的表演讓人印象深刻.

I saw the amazing ice dances performed by Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir on TV in these days because of Vancouver 2010. This couple won the 2010 Olympic champions and for sure levered the ice dance to another level.

下面是YouTube上的影片.

There are some videos available on YouTube.

- Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir 2010 Canadian Championships Gala Performance
- 2010 Canadian Nationals Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir OD
- 2010 Canadian Nationals Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir FD

蕭邦 Chopin

1810年2月22日偉大的音樂家蕭邦誕生, 因此今年有非常多的活動慶祝他200歲生日. H和我去的這場音樂會正好是在他生日的前一天, 主辦人就是為了幫蕭邦慶生的, 而典雅的國家音樂廳也為這場音樂會加分不少.

音樂會後和R到盧卡咖啡用餐, 非關蕭邦~ :-)

Chopin was born on Feb 22nd, 1810. Therefore this year there are many celebrations for this great musician's 200-years-old birthday. The concert H and I went to was one day before Chopin's birthday. The host meant to celebrate it for Chopin, and the elegant National Concert Hall made the concert even more amazing.

After the concert, R and I had a joyful dinner at Luccano. It's not Chopin related. :-)

農曆年 Chinese New Year

過年前照例活動聚會一堆, 讓我在還沒忘記前把還沒記的記一下吧~

1/2 參加H的婚宴
1/17 老友A來林口拜訪
1/23 和H去聽蕭邦啟蒙講座
2/6 和外公吃飯
2/7 參加P的婚宴, 然後和一些研究所的同學和兩位斯洛維尼亞的朋友聚餐

至於過年本身, 今年我只放五天假, 雖然短, 但還是有機會跟朋友敘舊以及和家人在一起, 很幸福ㄋㄟ~ 慘的是初一和朋友聚完餐再和剛回來的小外甥很high的玩了一天後, 我感冒的喉嚨痛瞬間變成嚴重的失聲, 讓我大過年病了幾天~ 不過ㄚ~ 所謂否極泰來, 沒事沒事~

There are many gatherings and events right before the Chinese New Year. Let me shortly record what I remembered for now.

1/2 Joined H's wedding banquet
1/17 Had my old friend A to visit my place
1/23 Joined a lecture about Chopin
2/6 Had the dinner with Grand Father
2/7 Joined P's wedding banquet and then had the gathering with some RSM colleagues and two Slovenia friends

This year the Chinese New Year holiday was only 5 days for me, but I still had enough time to catch up with my friends at Tainan and to spend time with my family. Unfortunately I got a cold resulting in losing my voice for few days. Well, in Chinese there is an idiom saying that "when misfortune reaches the limit, good fortune is at hand". I always choose to believe it. :-p

苗栗 MiaoLi

這是一趟輕鬆愉快的家庭旅行, 成員包括我爸媽, 姊姊, 姊夫, 弟弟, 弟妹, 以及兩個小外甥, 和家人在一起最讚了! :-)

It's an outing with my family, including my parents, my sisiter, my brother-in-law, my brother, my sister-in-law, and my two nephews. It's always very relax and joyful to go out with the family! :-)

Day 1

三義勝興火車站 Sanyi - Shengsing Railroad Station --> 龍藤斷橋 Longteng broken bridge --> 三義丫箱寶 --> 泰安 Tai-an - Sunrise Spring Hotel 日出溫泉度假飯店

這張照片是我姊夫在三義勝興火車站拍的, 我和小外甥正在玩, 據說這張照片式姊夫此行程中最滿意的一張照片了. ;-p

This photo was taken by my brother-in-law at Sanyi Railroad Station. He caught the moment that I was playing with my second nephew. This is my brother-in-law's favorite photo in this trip. ;-P


三義ㄚ箱寶蠻適合小朋友的, 可以隨意塗鴉. 我們離開時是帶著一隻賀春節的黑面米老鼠及一隻非常有過年氣氛的彩色豬, 好玩!

三義ㄚ箱寶 is a place for kids' to paint their own wooden arts. Therefore when we left the shop, we had one black-face Mickey Mouse with a New Year's Chinese character on the back and one very colorful pig.

Day 2

汶水老街 Wen-shui old street --> 採草莓 Strawberry farm --> 雪壩國家公園遊客中心 Shei-Pa Natinal Park Wenshui Visitor Center

汶水老街最裡面有間賣薑糖的小販, 老闆一直不厭其煩地述說他的材料與他的用心, 最可愛的是他會一直說"不要客氣, 來讓我請", 然後一面不斷補充他面前給大家試吃的超大塊薑糖, 用心實在加上大方, 果然贏得顧客的青睞. 另外, 在老弟和文君的努力排隊下, 我們吃到了傳說中的竹炭黑色臭豆腐, 其實和一般的臭豆腐差不多, 想去嚐鮮的朋友們請記得避開用餐時間, 會輕鬆舒服很多.

從汶水老街往雪壩國家公園遊客中心的路邊就會看到一大片草莓園, 所以我們並沒有進到大湖, 草莓照起來蠻美的, 吃到了特殊的草莓香腸, 也帶一些現採草莓回去, 大人小孩都開心~

There are lots local food stands along the wen-shui old street. One enthusiastic store-owner kept introducing his product and saying "please be my guest and have my treat". He served big portion for customers to taste, and he did earn lots of business. Besides, we tried the famous stinking tofu in black color because of artificial bamboo coke.

On the way to the Shei-Pa Natinal Park Wenshui Visitor Center, there are many strawberry fields. Of course we picked some delicious strawberries by ourselves and took them back home. By the way, the strawberry sausage is not bad at all, although the combination is still sounded weird a bit.

note.

以後可以用的苗栗官網.

There is an official website for MiaoLi.

騎馬 Horse riding

第一次真正騎馬, 是在澳洲. 依著當地旅遊資訊上騎馬活動的廣告, 一個人租了台腳踏車前往馬場. 出發前教練就口頭交代幾樣, 比如往左拉韁繩是左轉, 反之右轉, 停往後拉, 要走就輕踢馬的小肚肚, 要跑就用力踢, 然後, 一群人就各自騎著馬一隻跟著一隻地在灌木叢裡漫步, 然後抵達一個無人沙灘後就隨意讓馬狂奔了! 現在回頭想其實蠻危險的, 畢竟即使是很有經驗的人都有可能墜馬, 何況是一無所知的初學者. 但是, 我就是這樣愛上騎馬的. :-)

之後陸陸續續在不同的地方騎過, 在台灣的台南, 埔心和龜山的馬場分別騎過一次, 在印尼峇里島曾騎到鄉下去看鄉村風光, 在美國德州頗為乾枯的灌木叢中騎過, 在喬治亞州騎美國家庭自己養的馬, 也曾騎下大峽谷在懸崖邊與綠色的河流之上享受午餐餐盒(這次其實是騎騾). 都是讓人回味無窮的經驗.

終於, 我從上個月開始正式學騎馬, 教練說騎馬要放鬆, 平衡, 跟隨, 目前練習從最基本的慢步和快步 (分為壓浪和打浪)開始, 還沒練到跑步. 每一次去都有新的體悟, 其中感覺最大的差異是在第一次無蹬騎馬, 雙手雙腳完全放空, 隨著馬的節奏快步卻只能用身體保持平衡, 才知道原來以前靠馬蹬施力是錯的. 不過知道跟真的做對還有段距離, 我還有很長的路要走, 教練說的沒錯, 每個人學習的快慢不同, 但在馬上的時間就是一定要夠. 已經開始期待下次的練習了!

The first time I really ride a horse was in Australia. I saw an advertisement about the horse riding for tourists, then rented a bike to look for the horse field. Before the riding, the coach only taught us few things such as the signals for the horses to turn right, turn left, stop, walk, and run. Right after the instruction, we ride in the bush, reached a beach, and run! Now when I thought of the experience, I have to admit that it's a bit dangerous. However that's how I started to love horse riding. :-)

After that experience, I ride few times in other places. I ride three times in Taiwan, once in the villages at Bali island in Indonesia, once in the dried-up bushes in Texas in US, once with the US family's horse in Georgia, once with mules down to a river valley in the Grand Canyon National Park to enjoy the lunch on cliffs above a green river. Each experience was unique to me.

Finally I have started to learn horse riding officially since last month. The coach said that relax, balance, and follow are important. Now I am learning trot and posting trot. Each time I learned something and felt differently. The first time I ride without hands on the halter and feet in the stirrups was really amazing. I could only rely on my body to keep balance, and I realized that forcing on stirrups is wrong. However, knowing the theory doesn't mean doing it right. I still have a long way to go. Every one's progress might be different, but it's for sure that significant hours spent on horses are required. I am looking forward to the next practice already!

Videos about Taiwan

收到轉寄的信, 好像是在捷克的台灣交換學生為了National Evening的活動而製作介紹台灣的影片, 值得推薦!

There are few videos created by some Taiwanese exchange students in Czech Republic for the event National Evening. They are quite recommendable.


Part 1：Taiwan History
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ir83dKyhl_0&feature=related

Part 2：Traditional Culture
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxR_FgjnxeY&feature=related

Part 3：Delicacy, Celebrities & IT
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hld2VMaWuwM&feature=related

Part 4：Something More about Taiwan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLlNCEjt1vg&feature=related

Part 5：Game Time!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vSAWvYbyXU&feature=related

海地大地震 The earthquake at Haiti

海地大地震, 災情令全球震驚, 大家一起來, 捐多少算多少! (台灣世界展望會, 慈濟 和 紅十字會)

Stevie Wonder在美國一個Hope For Haiti Now的募款活動中演唱經典老歌Bridge Over Troubled Water, 帶著懷念的心情上網找了這首歌的歌詞, 很美.

Another tragedy happened at Haiti, and the condition of the disaster shocked the world. Let's donate whatever we can! (World Version, TzuChi and Redcross)

Stevie Wonder sang Bridge Over Troubled Water in the event Hope For Haiti Now in US, reminding me of the beautiful song. I found the lyrics below from the Internet.

---------------------------------

Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkel

When you're weary
Feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I will dry them all

I'm on your side
When times get rough
And friends just can't be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

When you're down and out
When you're on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you

I'll take your part
When darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

Sail on Silver Girl,
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way

See how they shine
If you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
---------------------------------

同時收到我斯里蘭卡小朋友的來信, 感觸特別深. 其實我的小朋友年紀太小還不會寫字, 都是他媽媽寫信和我保持聯絡. (也有可能是媽媽口述義工代筆) 忘了從什麼時候開始, 某種程度上我們早已將彼此視為家人, 很讓人珍惜的緣分.

Meanwhile, I received the letter from my sponsored little girl in Sri Lanka. In fact she is still too little to write, but her mom has kept in touch with me. Somehow we are kind of family, and I appreciate it.

極限震撼 Fuerzabruta

極限震撼是一場來自紐約, 結合音樂, 戲劇, 舞蹈, 性感水舞等多重元素的表演, 觀眾隨時隨著舞台移動, 在與舞台與表演者的互動中, 觀眾也成為表演的重要一環, 整場show更像一場精心策劃的突破性大party!

對這場show的評價很兩極, 有人說他們那場觀眾冷冷的, 不怎麼樣, 也有人說他們那場high到衣服都快脫掉了. 所以說, 是一場蠻值得去體驗一下的表演. 結束時我們一群人都有點意猶未盡的感覺, 我想這場party成功了. 網路上的影片可以看一下內容, 但現場震撼感受還是不ㄧ樣喔~

Fuerzabruta is a show from New York, combining the elements of music, drama, dance, sexy dance above the water, and etc. The audiences are also part of the show, moving and dancing along with the stages and the performers. It's like a well designed big party with remarkable breakthroughs!

The opinions about this show are quite different. Some people said that the atmosphere was calm in the show he/she joined. Some people said that the audiences were so high that they almost took off their tops. When the show was over, we felt like to have more, more music, more dance, more show, and etc. That was a successful party. The videos on the Internet can show the content of the show, but the live show has much more shock~

烏來 Wulia

今天和K, J和S到烏來玩, 天公作美沒有下雨, 先來到陰離子含量高居全台森林遊樂區之冠的內洞森林遊樂區. 我們從新店捷運站開車過去不到一小時就到烏來了, 出乎意料的自然景觀與原始的森林步道都讓我大為驚艷.

K, J, S and I met met at a Taipei Metro station and it took less than one hour to arrive Neidong National Forest Recreation Area. The natural and trail in the forest is amazing.

內洞瀑布很美, 那一泉清池讓人想要跳下去玩水. 沿路鳥聲相伴, 賞鳥大師Simon不時指引我們認識各種鳥類. 我們一直往內走到步道盡頭才沿原路回來, 我真有點依依不捨, 心想夏天躺在涼亭裡聽瀑布聲一定很讚吧!

The Neidong waterfall is beautiful! It's a pity that swimming is not allowed over there. Lying in the pavilion in summer must be a great joy. All the way, many birds flied around and accompanied us. S used to observe birds a lot, so he was able to recognize most of the birds. It's quite educational.

享受自然享受到忘了時間, 我們一路叫餓地來到烏來老街, 看到第一攤"山豬肉"就二話不說地先來四串, 接著烤香腸, 炸地瓜等等, 以為這樣就結束了? 錯, 當然還要來個正餐啊! 咱們又到餐廳裡吃了一桌新鮮美味的菜倄, 然後一路叫飽地在烏來老街散步.

印象最深的就屬那間把山豬整隻攤在店們口的店, 油油亮亮的山豬好無辜, 結能減炭, 還是少吃一點肉.

We enjoyed the forest too much and forgot the time. When we arrived the Wulia old street, we were all starving. We bought some BBQ at the first food stall we saw, and other delicious local food followed. It's the end? of course not... we went into a restaurant for the real meal. On the way to the Wulia old street, we were yelling that we were too hungry. When we walked out the restaurant, we were yelling that we were too full...

A aborigine put a whole shining pig in front of his stall. We stopped by to take photos, but for sure it's not a successful way to attract customers to buy it. People tend to eat less meat when they see the poor pig. Well, it's good for the earth.

稍微消化一下後我們到烏來強羅溫泉會館泡湯, 這兒的地理位置很好, 居高臨下, 湯也不錯, 尤其女生相同的票卻有裸湯可選擇, 男生就只能去泡大眾池嚕~

一天結束, 心理滴咕著明天, 一定要上班嗎? 2010年的第一個上班日... 好像也該期待一下...

After taking a walked to digest a bit in the old street, we went to a hot spring hotel to enjoy the famous hot spring at Wulia. The mountain view with clouds and fogs was peaceful.

At the end of the day, I was murmuring to myself... Do I have to work tomorrow? The first working day in 2010... I should look forward to it...

Earthings 地球上的生靈

"Earthings" is a multi-award-winning documentary about speciesism. If you haven't watched it before, you should do it! (Note. Be ware that some content is violence or bloody.)

"地球上的生靈"是一個探討物種歧視的紀錄片, 已經榮獲多項大獎, 如果你還沒看過, 一定要看! (注意. 有些內容涉及暴力血腥)

Earthlings 地球上的生靈(1)Begin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQGYeWWINqk

Earthlings 地球上的生靈 (2)Pets (寵物) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40cpTvvt-LM&feature

Earthlings 地球上的生靈 (3)Food食物(1) http://hk.youtube.com/watch?v=-6wp6lORdcg

Earthlings 地球上的生靈 (4)Food食物(2) http://hk.youtube.com/watch?v=aMDNsXSA2rg

Earthlings 地球上的生靈 (5)Food食物-(禽畜) Part 2a http://hk.youtube.com/watch?v=2L5ulKM9SKM

Earthlings 地球上的生靈 (6)Food食物-(捕鯨) Part 2b http://hk.youtube.com/watch?v=mPW7wQwkq58

Earthlings 地球上的生靈 (7)休閒-(皮草) Part 2c http://hk.youtube.com/watch?v=VeZdI-uJgv4

Earthlings 地球上的生靈 (8)休閒-(馬戲團) Part 3a http://hk.youtube.com/watch?v=GiDV6ZmeM5A

Earthlings 地球上的生靈 (9)vivisection(科學研究)-Part 3b http://hk.youtube.com/watch?v=XX9LjPoWhCY

Earthlings(地球上的生靈)-Part 3c (總結) http://hk.youtube.com/watch?v=CsXrklOZ-uE

2010新年快樂! Happy New Year 2010!

去年跨年煙火看了, 元旦升旗也參加了, 今年實在有點懶, 只是沒想到國旗圍巾還是把我乖乖拐去參加元旦升旗, 還把L拖下水. 原本想說這條圍巾可不便宜, 專程從林口坐計程車去的呢~ 結果到頭來傳說中的9999條國旗圍巾沒看到幾條, 更別說要拿到一條... 後來看新聞知道有人等四小時都沒拿到, 我們5:30AM到沒拿到好像也沒什麼大不了了. 沒拿到就算了, 但還是希望這些辦活動的人下次可以貼心地安排得專業一點, 新聞上那樣的混亂實在不是很文明~

看啊~ 咱們馬總統脖子上那條就是我想要的啦~ anyway, 整體表演蠻酷的, 還是值得~

Originally I only planned to go to Cai Guo-Qiang's exhibition with L as the first even in year 2010. However since the scarf with the designed national flag is too attractive to let it go, I left home at 4:50AM to join the flag-raising ceremony in front of the presidential palace. The government prepared 9999 scarfs, but we didn't see any when we arrived at 5:30AM. Later I saw the news on TV saying that some people waited 4 hours and didn't get it. Wow... I knew why I didn't get any... :-P

The scarf on the president Ma's neck is the one I wanted! The shows presented by the army afterward still made it worthy.

找間店吃了頓悠閒又豐盛的美式早餐後, 我們才開始今天的正規的行程, 台北市立美術館蔡國強的"泡美術館"展覽!

提到蔡國強, 最為台灣人所知的就是就是"負責北京奧運煙火的爆破藝術家"以及"馬總統女兒的教授", 今天看了他的展覽, 才知道他的藝術的多元性, 除了知名的爆破作畫, 還有更多具有各種意義的創新表達性作品. (關於蔡國強爆破作畫的影片可參考這裡.)

After an easy and great American breakfast, we went for the event as planned originally, Cai Guo-Qiang's exhibition "Hanging Out in the Museum" at Taipei Fine Arts Museum.

Mr. Tsai is known as the artist of the firework for Beijing Olympics, and in Taiwan also known as the professor of the president Ma's daughter in New York. He uses various material and formats to present his art and to reflect the society phenomenon. He creatively paints by explosions. (Click here to see Mr. Tsai's arts, including how to paint by explosions.)

(this photo was copied from here.)

"撞牆"是最讓我感動的一件作品. 99隻真實大小的狼以前仆後繼無人可檔的氣勢往前衝, 直到撞到一面無形的牆的作品. 群體的力量和信仰可以產生極大的感動並達成任何事情, 但忠誠與盲目只是一線之隔, 人類因此造成多少不可挽回的歷史悲劇. 義無反顧地往前跑, 但看清前方是什麼了嗎? 有形的牆看得見, 無形的牆是無法看見, 還是我們不願看見? 旁邊悉悉落落幾隻未跟隨的狼在團體的氣勢相較下略顯孤獨, 但應該是智者吧~

Among the works, I was deeply impressed by the "Head On", consisting of 99 wolves running and jumping toward an invisible wall. While the determination of the following wolves was touched, the shock of the followed wolves heading on the wall was helpless. There is only a gleam of separation between loyalty and blindness, and that's why in the history there have been so many tragedies caused by blindness. Why do people follow blindly? We can see a physical wall, but how about an invisible wall? Can't we see it, or aren't we willing to see it? Few wolves didn't follow, although a bit lonely comparing with the group's momentum. They must be the wise ones.

台北出租院是個蠻有趣的專題, 人物的表情和動作維妙維俏.

There was an outdoor area with many fine sculptures of the characters in a novel. The movements and facial expressions were very lively with interesting details.

最後我們不知不覺在這個展覽待了4個小時, 真是個有意義的新年起頭啊~

Eventually we spent 4 hours in the exhibition. It's a meaningful event for starting the new year. :-)

Amanda的家庭感恩禮拜 Amanda's family appreciation ceremony

參加Amanda的家庭感恩禮拜, 非常溫馨的聚會. 尤其是Amanda獻花給她高齡的阿媽時, 那其中對阿媽滿滿的感恩與愛, 讓我又羨慕又感動. 憑著Amanda的信仰與對人生的正面態度, 我相信她一定會堅持幸福的. :-)

I was invited to Amanda's family appreciation ceremony. It's a sweet banquet. The moment when Amanda handed her grandmonther a bouquet of flowers was very touching. I could feel the deep appreciation and love from Amanda. Based on her belife and positive attitude toward the lives, I believe that she will keep the happiness around her.

China - Wuxi - Business Trip 中國無錫出差 2009/12/13~2009/12/18

沒啥新鮮事... 住高級飯店無錫凱賓斯基飯店, 便宜的按摩(但沒有遇到特別棒的手技), 吃的從在地蘭州拉麵, 日本料理, 到每天飯店的高級早餐... 沒有去那兒玩... 就是出差. 倒是遇到一些人喜歡跟我聊天, 像是一位司機大哥和一位按摩的妹妹, 聽到很多在地的聲音, 以及小人物的甘苦與夢想.

There is nothing really special, but just a business trip. I stayed at a great hotel Kempinski Hotel Wuxi, went to the office everyday, had massages, and ate various food such as the local noddles, the Japanese food, and the daily breakfast buffet. I didn't have any tourist schedule. However I met few people, who like to chat, such as a driver and a massage girl. I heard lots local voice and stories, including the joys and sorrows, and also the dreams.

啊~ 想到一件事. 每天飯店清潔人員都會在我的床上放一些東西, 其中包含一個寫著孔夫子名言的書籤, 一面中文, 一面英文翻譯. 由於翻得非常無厘頭看不太懂, 還蠻有娛樂效果的.比如說 "學而時習之, 不亦悅乎? 有朋自遠方來, 不亦樂乎? 人不知而不慍, 不亦君子乎?" 翻成 "To learn and to practice what is learned time and again is pleasure, is it not? To have friends from afar is happiness, is it not? To be unperturbed when not appreciated by others is gentlemanly, is it no?" "學而不思則罔, 思而不學則殆" 則翻成 "He who learns but does not think, is lost. He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger."

oh.. I remembered one interesting thing. Everyday the cleaning lady would put something nicely on my bed, including a bookmark. On each bookmark, a Confucius' proverbial saying was printed, both in Chinese and English. I found that the translation is not understandable but amusing.

此外, 大陸的計程車司機都會用鐵條把自己圍起來防搶. 有的只圍司機的座位, 有的前後隔離, 這次有機會就照了張相片. 有位司機跟我說他已經想好遇到搶劫要怎麼辦, 他的座位下有一把刀子, 遇到就拼了, 命一條. 當我們被教導說沒有什麼比生命重要時, 有些人卻在為一家人的生計煩惱, 沒有什麼比錢重要. 突然覺得很沉重, 想起馬斯洛的需求層次理論.

In China, every taxi driver is blocked by iron sticks to prevent from robberies. One driver used to tell me that he already knew what to do if he encountered any robbery. He had a knife under his seat and he for sure will fight for it. When we were taught that nothing is more important than our lives, some people struggling with earning money for their families insisted that money is the thing to keep their lives and there is no way to take it away. Suddenly I felt heavy, and thought of Maslow's hierarchy of human needs.

Restaurants at Taoyua 桃園餐廳 - 風車的故鄉, 尼尼義大利餐廳 and 鐵木真麻辣鴛鴦火鍋店

- 風車的故鄉 -

03-2123233
桃園縣蘆竹鄉中正北路326號

Note. 空間很棒的一間餐廳, 坐在沙發式的椅子上抱著抱枕和朋友聊天非常舒適. 價位稍高, 但有特色還算值得.


- 尼尼香辣餐廳 Nini Spicy -

03-2221370

桃園南崁台茂Shopping Mall

Note. 這是逛台茂時隨興吃到一家好餐廳. 我和姊帶著兩個小外甥去, 服務人員非常貼心地安排適當的座位, 不論義大利麵或披薩都很好吃, 價格也平易近人.

- 尼尼義大利庭園餐廳 Nini Garden -
03-3138498
桃園縣蘆竹鄉南竹路二段313-1號

Note. 基於上次在台茂Nini愉快的用餐經驗, 我和姊這次決定去試這家Nini新開的店, 我也剛好幫老姊慶生. 和台茂的Nini比起來, 這間Nini場地較優, 後面還有一片草地, 夏天在外面曬太陽應該很舒服; 食物品質大同小異; 可惜大概是因為當天生意太好, 服務人員有點忙不過來, 貼心度就略遜一籌了.

- 桃園鐵木真麻辣鴛鴦火鍋店 -

03-3555288

桃園市中正路849號1樓　

Note. 湯頭很棒, 免費加的湯底料很闊氣也很實在, 食材新鮮, 有些菜還是老闆自己種的. 我個人最喜歡的就是那用竹杓盛的魚漿嚕~

Early Christmas Parties

It's a Christmas party arranged at Whye-choy's home. We prepared and exchanged gifts. At the beginning I drew a 8G USB memory card, but exchanged with Simon to a cup on which a beautiful picture would show when hot water is filled.

到Whye-choy家提早過聖誕~ 當然包含交換禮物嚕~ 我抽到USB 8G記憶卡, 但後來和Simon換成蔡國強的杯子, 注入熱水杯子表面就會浮出一幅很美的畫喔~ :-)

Since not all the colleagues could join the party at Whye-choy's place, we arranged another gathering at a restaurant Hugo at Linkou. We found this restaurant via the comments on the Internet, and the food didn't disappoint us! :-)

因為很多同事無法參加Whye-choy家的party, 我們另外安排了在林口的聚會. 雨果西餐是在網路上看到評價頗高的餐廳, 沒讓我們失望, 好吃!


Hugo 雨果西餐
桃園縣龜山鄉文化村復興北路23號
(03)3288059

草嶺古道 Caoling Historic Trail

今天和壽星麗紋到草領古道一遊, 一早先從台北坐火車到福隆火車站, 然後搭接駁車到草領古道入口, 芒草, 我們來啦~

I went to the Caoling Historic Trail with Li-wen, the birthday girl today. We took the train from Taipei to Fulong, and took the bus to the entrance of the histoic trail.



一路上的風景相當美, 雖然已經到的芒草季的尾端, 啞口滿山滿谷的芒草還是很壯觀, 一路上各段又都有不同的景觀, 我特別喜歡在小溪聽水聲休息的時刻.

"The Story of Silver Grass and the Historic Trail" is a very famous annual autumn event of the Northeast Coast in Taiwan. The silver grass covers the mountains along the trail in autumn. The views change along the trail. I like the momnet we took a rest next to the stream, hearing the voice of the natural.


巧遇一群不知做啥法事的宗教活動, 我並沒有特別詢問, 倒是覺得令旗配國旗的畫面別有一番風味. 今天也遇到一些有趣的人, 從國光號的司機到客棧遺址的店小二都超級熱情可愛, 幫這趟旅程增添不少樂趣. 最後還在大里天公廟遇到RSM的學長, 太巧了.

當然啦~ 福隆便當怎麼能錯過?! 看那豐富的菜色, 划算又好吃~ :-)

We saw a local religious activity. I didn't ask the detail, but thought that the combination of the religious flag and national falg is interesting on the photo. On the way we met some enthusiastic and lovely people, such as the bus driver and the tea steward in the simulated old-style tea house, making the trip even more fun. At the end of the trip, I even met a RSM alumnus. How a coincidence!

The meal box at Fulong is very famous. How can we miss it?! We bought them when the train stopped by the train station and enjoyed them on the way back home. They are really delicious~ :-)

恭禧姿樺&鈞元結婚嚕~ Wedding banquets of Tzu-hua and Jun-yuan

- 2009/11/21 台南結婚 Wedding banquet at Tainan -


一大早從八九點眾伴娘們陸續抵達新娘家梳妝打扮, 一路忙忙忙... 最後回到家時已經是晚上十點多了, 天啊~ 我才知道原來結婚是朋友比家人還忙... 我弟結婚時好像也是他的眾多朋友們最忙... 感恩ㄋㄟ... :-)

今天我們的主要任務就是陪新娘, 設計新郎來迎娶時的闖關, 幫忙宴會各項事宜等等. 難得我們姊妹這樣一整天在一起, 盡情聊天, 歡笑不斷, 六個人明明穿得漂漂亮亮卻總要照幾張鬼臉照片, 兩位攝影師也樂此不疲, 哈哈, 相信鈞元和姿樺會很幸福地過一輩子的!

Tzu-hua and Jun-yuan got married today! Besides our congratulations, we six bridesmaids accompanied the bride whole day. I arrived Tzu-hua's home at 9:00AM. When I went back home, it was 22:00PM already. After the graduation from the high school, it's the first time that six of us were all together for the whole day. Therefore although we were exhausted, we appreciated the time being together very much. :-)

Our main tasks were to accompany the bride, to design and execut the little games to challenge the groom, and to help in the banquet. Not only the nice photos but also the funny photos with the wry faces were taken. It's a day with lots of laugh. Hope Tzu-hua and Jun-yuan would have happiness together and forever!

- 2009/11/24 林口補請 Wedding banquet at Linkou -


今天姿樺在林口補請, 我第一次當主持人呢~ 自己覺得口條還有待加強, 但能順利完成任務已經相當欣慰~ 姿樺一家人一直感謝我讓我很不好意思, 但也很窩心~ 有機會能幫到好友的忙非常開心呢~

Since Tzu-hua has lots colleagues and friends at Linkou, she arranged another banquet at Linkou. I was the host and it was my first time of being a host on the stage. I was gratified by the completion of the mission, and was happy that I can help my good friend. :-)

Restaurant at Tainan 台南餐廳 - 醉月樓 Shanghai Pavilion

趁著回台南的機會幫媽咪慶生. 我列了幾間餐廳給老媽選, 結果台南遠東飯店38樓的醉月樓獲得壽星的青睞. 用餐後的心得是景色, 菜色以及服務都很好, 下次可以再來, 不論是看夜景或帶小外甥來坐電梯應該都蠻好玩的. :-)

Taking the chance of going back to Tainan, I celebrated my mom's birthday with my parents in the tallest restaurant in Tainan. The overall quality of the food and the service is good. I would like to go there again next time, maybe for the view at night or to take my little nephews for the cool elevators.

- 醉月樓 Shanghai Pavilion -

台南市大學路西段89號 (遠東大飯店香格里拉)38F
(06) 7028878

Restaurants at Linkou 林口餐廳 - 聖馬汀咖啡工坊 and 丹提咖啡

帶本書, 悠閒地享用早餐, 幸福的早晨~ :-)

It's always nice to enjoy the morning with a great breakfast and a book. :-)

聖馬汀咖啡工坊

03-3979260
桃園縣龜山鄉文化三路146-1號

Note. 一份早餐100元, 一杯拿鐵130元, 總共230元.



丹提咖啡 Dante Coffee

02-2602-4502
台北縣林口鄉仁愛路二段29號

Note. 一份美式早餐含拿鐵115元.

新竹出差 Business trip to Hsinchu 2009/10/19 ~ 2009/10/23

這個禮拜到新竹出差, 入住煙波大飯店都會一館, 雖然沒有湖畔主館的景色, 但有離市區較近的地利之變. 這次一起來的還有香港和荷蘭的同事.

I went for a business at Hsinchu for one week, staying at the Lakeshore Hotel. Three colleagues from Hongkong and the Netherlands also participated in this trip.

星期一 Monday

新竹同事帶我們去吃活蝦, 也帶老外去嘗試鮮芋鮮.

The colleagues in the Hsinchu office took us to the restaurant with all kinds of shrimp dishes, and later to a store for local desserts.

- 易鼎活蝦餐廳 -
03-656-5223
新竹縣竹北市光明六路91號

星期二 Tuesday

今天安排和我的好友也是我的大學室友佩真見面, 只是因為有外國同事在我們沒有真的好好聊聊, 只好之後網路補聊嚕~ 那天我指定去民歌西餐廳, 之所以想去民歌西餐廳只是因為有一天突然想到n年前去聽歌的感覺, 於是上網查到火車站前的這間餐廳. 我們聽了兩個歌手, 還不賴, 食物也不錯.

荷蘭同事指名要吃Cold Stone的冰淇淋, 我超愛冰淇淋的, 當然一定要排到行程裡啦~ :-P

I scheduled the dinner with Fareh, my good friend and roommate at the university, at a restaurant with live folk songs. My colleagues also joined us. Upon one of the colleagues' request, we went to Cold Stone for ice cream. (Since I also love ice cream, of course we needed to put it in our schedule. :-P)

- 吉普塞民歌西餐廳 -
03-5257115
新竹市信義街30號2樓

- Cold Stone -
03-5241685
新竹市北區民族路14號1樓

星期三 Wednesday

任維廉教授是我的恩師之一, 在交大時就跟著老師做國科會的案子, 不只在專業知識上, 老師的身教和言教也都讓我受益良多. 畢業後只有一次和老師見面, 之後幾次到新竹都很匆忙, 這次終於又能和老師聚聚實在很開心. 當然, 還有特別從台北下來的靖媛和俊廷, 以及在新竹開戰鬥機的曉榮, 大家好像都變了, 也好像都沒有變. :-)

Professor Jen has been one of my highly respected teachers. In the university he guided me for some National Science Council's projects. I also learned from the way he behaved and talked. Therefore it's always nice to be able to meet him. To join this dinner, Lucy and Jun-ting took the high speed train from Taipei. Leo is an aviator of battleplanes at Hsinchu, so he also joined the gathering. It seems that everyone has changed, but sometimes it seems that everyone hasn't changed. :-)

- 川流日本料理 KAWANAGALE -
03-5589-393
新竹縣竹北市文田街15號
note. 算是價格品質蠻實惠的日本料理~

星期四 Thursday

高中好友玫玲結婚時我在荷蘭錯過了, 現在寶寶剛出來幾個月, 趕快去抱抱~ 本來就很溫柔的玫玲現在更多了母愛的圍繞喔~

今天還有第二ㄊㄨㄚ. 雖然隔天就要去老姊家住, 但兩個小外甥還是吵著要來找阿姨, 當阿姨的當然是很高興啦~ 每次和他們玩完都睡得超好~ 小朋友的體力真的很好ㄟ... :-P

I missed Mei-lin's wedding because I was in the Netherlands. Now she just got the first baby born, so of course I wanted to visit her. After the gathering at Mei-lin's apartment, my nephews asked my sister to take them to my hotel, although I will see them the next day. I always have extremely great sleep after playing with them, the super energetic little guys. :-P