June 2021

1. Hoof and Claw 人類之外

I wake up every morning surrounded by animals. Five cats, to be specific, all meowing at me and demanding breakfast.  I'm happy to feed them, but it's hard to walk down stairs when they're running between my feet.  每天早上都有動物迎接我起床.  確切地說, 是五隻喵喵叫的貓叫我準備牠們的早餐 .  餵牠們沒問題 , 可是牠們總跑到我雙腳中間, 讓下樓變得很困難 .

The other day my wife "rescued" two turtles that were crawling across the Mountainside Highway.  I'm not sure if she really rescued them or not.  There's a mango field on one side of the road, and another mango field on the other.  Where were they going?  Where were they coming from?  I have no idea. 一 , 兩天前我太太 "救了" 兩隻要過沿山公路的烏龜 .  我不是很確定她是真 "救了" 那兩隻烏龜 .  因為路的兩邊都是芒果園 .  牠們要去哪裡 ?  牠們從哪裡來的 ?  我完全不知道 .

I see crushed snakes on the road.  They're always smaller snakes, nothing big, and I often wonder where the larger snakes are. 我在馬路上看過被壓扁的蛇 .  牠們都是小蛇 .  不知道大隻的蛇都到哪裡去了 .

Above the village where I live is a herd of cows.  They live on the land owned by the Taisugar Corporation, grazing between trees planted there long ago.  They seem to have a good life.  When I walk around my village some of them watch me, chewing plants behind electrified fences.  我居住的村子上有一群牛 .  牠們住在台糖種植多年的樹林裡活動 .  牠們的生活好像過得很不錯 .  我在村子裡散步的時候, 牠們在通電的鐵絲欄裡邊吃草 , 並看著我 .

There are dogs everywhere.  I have to avoid some places because of them.  On a nearby road they breed profusely, and only the less sociable ones are chained in place.  They have a leader: a brown dog who always barks first.  到處都有狗 .  因為流浪狗的關係 , 有的地方沒辦法去 .  附近路上, 多出了許多剛出生的小狗 . 最兇的狗是被綁起來的,   牠們有一隻每次都先汪汪叫的棕色領導 .

Pigs?  I don't see them often.  I smell them, but I don't see them.  I think they raise most of the pigs further north.  豬呢 ?  我很少看到豬 .  有時候聞到牠們的味道 , 可是看不到他們 .  好像大部分的養豬場在比較北邊 .

Chickens and ducks are plentiful.  I pass chicken and duck farms everywhere I go.  The stench is overpowering.  I'm not sure if it's the birds themselves or the feed they eat.  雞跟鴨超多 .  我無論去哪裡都會經過雞場或鴨場 .  那種地方是最臭的 .  我不知道臭味是來自於鳥, 或是牠們的飼料 .

Fish are never easy to see, but you can find them if you have the right hook.  要看到魚不容易 .  你需要對的魚鉤才可以看到 .

Bugs.  Bugs are always around, especially if you live close to the mountains.  We have to keep the house clean or else the ants come in.  We have to keep the front door closed or else the mosquitoes come in.  We have to put the food away or else the roaches come in.  昆蟲 .  住山上的人都知道 , 昆蟲就在我們身邊 .  我們要把房子整理得很乾淨 , 要不然螞蟻會進來 .  我們要關上門 , 要不然蚊子會進來 .  我們要把食物收好 , 要不然蟑螂會進來 .

And have I mentioned the giant rats, which appear when they're harvesting the mangoes?  Those are some huge, fearsome beasts for sure.  They squeak at me when I ride my bike down the hill.  They are unafraid of people. 我說到大老鼠了沒? 芒果收成的時候有巨大的老鼠出現.   牠們真的很可怕 .  我騎單車下坡的時候牠們對著我叫 , 一點都不怕人 .

Birds are chirping in the tree outside my window.  Those, at least, are animals I can live with.  我旁邊的窗外有鳥唱歌 .  還好 , 那種動物我可以接受 .

2. Roaming Around Donggang Municipality 東港鎮遊記

Donggang is west of Linbian.  It has the largest fishing port in Pingtung County, the ferry to Xiaoliuqiu departs from there and Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area is also in the area. 東港位於林邊的西部 .  屏東縣最大的漁港在東港 , 小琉球的東琉線船聯營處跟大鵬灣也在東港 . (1)

Once a major trading port for goods moving between Taiwan and Ching Dynasty-era China, Donggang has since switched its focus to the local fishing industry, and the tuna caught there is very famous. 清代的時候 , 東港是臺灣本島與大陸間的一個重要貿易港 , 之後轉變為重視當地的漁業 .  那裡的金槍魚很有名 .

According to the last census, there are 46,638 people living in Donggang. 上次的人口統計顯示東港的人口是46,638人 .

This is where Dapeng Bay meets the ocean. 大鵬灣連接大海的地方.

And this is the famous bridge in the same spot. 同樣的地點 , 這是座有名的橋 .

A temple in central Donggang.  This temple is located on the Old Street discussed in another entry. 東港市區的一所廟 .  這所廟位在老街上, 我在另外一篇文章介紹過老街 .

The bridge spanning the Kaoping / Gaoping River.  That's Xinyuan Township on the other side. 橫跨高屏溪的橋 .  另外一邊是新園鄉 .

Central Donggang.  Compared to Fangliao, where I live, there are a lot more stores and restaurants here.  Donggang has a McDonald's, a Starbucks, a Domino's Pizza, a Pizza Hut, a Giordano and a Donutes Coffee.  跟我住的枋寮比起來, 東港市區的商店和餐廳比較多 .  東港有麥當勞 , 星巴克 , 達美樂 , 必勝客 , Giordano跟多那之咖啡.

Dapeng Bay, with the big bridge in the distance.大鵬灣 , 背景是那一座大橋 .

A lot of people fish in the bay, others harvest shellfish. 很多人來這邊釣魚 , 也有人來採收貝類 .

This is Dongloong / Donglong Temple in Central Donggang.  It is without a doubt the most important temple in this area.  The festival held here is an important part of the local economy. 東港市區的東隆宮 .  這所廟毫無疑問的是這一地區最重要的廟宇 .  在這裡舉辦的廟會也是地區經濟上的重要活動 .

Donggang Fishing Port.  The bigger boats are west of here. 東港漁港 .  比較大的船在西邊 .

3. Pingtung in the News 屏東的新聞 (North 北) 4

There are 29 townships, 3 municipalities and one city in Pingtung County.  It's exhausting to include news from every township, municipality and Pingtung City every time, so what I'll do instead is include news items from eleven different townships or municipalities in each entry.  This way I should be able to work my way through Pingtung County every three entries. 屏東縣包含了29個鄉, 3個鎮還有屏東市.  每次討論所有鄉鎮的新聞太累了, 所以我會每次討論11個鄉鎮的報告.  這樣子我每三篇新聞文章就會涵蓋到全縣內鄉鎮的新聞.

1. Ligang Township 里港鄉

1a. The Pingtung County Government opened a community screening station in Ligang recently.  The station is equipped to screen up to 200 people a day for COVID-19. 防疫布局  屏東里港社區篩檢站6/3開站

1b. A recent nighttime power outage caused a traffic light at a busy intersection to stop working.  Police rushed to the scene to direct traffic.  屏東縣里港鄉鬧區路口號誌停擺  警摸黑疏導交通

2. Gaoshu Township 高樹鄉

2a. Many parts of Pingtung experienced flooding during the recent typhoon.  Wutai Township was probably the worst, but there was flooding in Gaoshu as well. 大雷雨轟炸屏東縣多處積淹水  霧台山區累積雨量全國最多

2b. Recent irrigation work on the Kaoping (Gaoping) River between Kaohsiung City and Pingtung County triggered a heated argument between farmers on either side of the river.  Farmers in places like Gaoshu, in need of water, were angered at the uneven distribution of water between the two areas. 大樹區農民怒嗆高樹不給一滴水

2c. Be careful what you wish for?  Heavy rains recently damaged crops in Gaoshu and Ligang townships. 豪雨造成農損  屏東瓜果類泡水 , 一期稻作倒伏

3. Sandimen Township 三地門鄉

3a. A few tourists recently ignored a stay at home order to visit Sandimen Township.  They were chasing the "blood moon."  Local residents, as you might expect, were not happy about this. 遊客無視疫情闖三地門追血月  綠委籲禁入原鄉旅遊

3b. In response to a recent visitor testing positive for COVID, the Sandimen Township Office set up a checkpoint outside that area. 確診者足跡到屏東三地門鄉  公所部落入口設檢測站

3a. Again it was probably worst in Wutai, but heavy rains recently triggered landslides in Sandimen. 暴雨襲屏東霧台山區  鄉長 : 零星落石 , 部落物資維持2周

4. Wutai Township 霧台鄉

4a. All of the rain-related destruction mentioned above goes double for Wutai.  Aside from that, there is no recent news from that area.

5. Jiouru Township 九如鄉

5a. This article is promoting egg rolls (the cookie-like pastry, not the the fried roll served in Cantonese restaurants) made in Jiouru.  These egg rolls are made from eggs laid by free range chickens. 屏東九如貴妃雞蛋捲  盈餘作為社區福利金

5b. There was also flooding in Jiouru.

6. Yanpu Township 鹽埔鄉

6a. Police seized marijuana plants valued at over 5 million NT in Yanpu.  Migrant workers from Thailand were growing the plants near their dormitory. 警全套防護裝破門攻堅  查獲移工種大麻  市值五百多萬元 (1)

6b. There was also flooding in Yanpu.

7. Pingtung City 屏東市

7a. Heavy rains knocked over two enormous banyan trees in Pingtung City. 單日300豪米雨量  屏東市老榕樹倒了2棵

7b. Several recent local COVID cases have forced the Pingtung County Government to look more closely at the migrant workers living in the area.  The marijuana seizure above was related to this effort. 屏東連6例隔離期滿陰轉陽  移工快篩站9日啟動

7b. The Pingtung County Government has been working on cleaning and disinfecting traditional markets in Pingtung City.  It's also asking residents to observe social distancing guidelines while shopping in such markets, and is encouraging vendors to use QR codes for the sake of tracking shoppers. 傳統市場防疫 !  屏東縣府 : 鼓勵分流採買  攤商早做實名制

8. Chang Jr Township 長治鄉

8a. After a tree caught fire in Derong Village, a "founding plaque" from the 1800s was discovered near a local temple there.  Villagers recently moved the stone from its resting place, and plan to incorporate it into a new temple. 屏長治橫龍崗伯公祠  原始碑石重現榕樹下

8b. With far fewer people venturing out of doors, both the price of betel nut and the amount sold have gone down considerably.  Many farmers in Changjr are having difficulty because of this. 疫情影響生意  屏東檳榔跌價  農民喊苦 (1)

9. Linluo Township 麟洛鄉

9a. No recent news out of Linluo.

10. Jhutian Township 竹田鄉

10a. The Jhutian Township Office is doing its best to look out for disadvantaged residents during the epidemic.  Representatives from this office have been calling people to see what they need. 不因疫情阻斷  竹田鄉公所打電話關懷弱勢

11. Neipu Township 內埔鄉

11a. Public health officials and law enforcement personnel screened immigrant workers living in Neipu's industrial zone for COVID. 內埔工業區外籍移工採檢  警方警戒

4. Roaming Around Xinyuan Township 新園鄉遊記

Xinyuan Township is west of Donggang, and across the Kaoping River from Linyuan and Daliao Districts in Kaohsiung. 新園鄉位於東港的西部 , 也與高雄市的林園區和大寮區隔著高屏溪 . 

According to the last census, 33,698 people live in Xinyuan. 上次的人口統計顯示 , 新園有33,698人 .

There's a port at the southern end of Xinyuan, where the Donggang and Kaoping Rivers meet the Taiwan Strait.  Another ferry to Xiaoliuqiu departs from this port. 新園南部有一港口, 是東港溪 和 高屏溪連接台灣海峽的地方 . 可以從這裡坐船到小琉球 .

There are many fish farms west of the port, and a lot of trash is washed up on the nearby beach from the port and other areas. 港口西部有很多魚池 , 也有很多垃圾被沖到這裡 .

Kaohsiung's Petroleum Export Processing Zone on the other side of the river. 中油的石化廠品區在高屏溪的另外一邊 .

You can see Donggang from the other side of the port. 你可以從港口的另外一邊看到東港 .

Local fishermen can come here to receive blessings before leaving the port. 要出海的漁民可以來這邊祈求神明的保佑 .

Much further north is the village of Dingwufang. 更北邊有頂五房村 .

Not far from the Kaoping River. 靠近高屏溪 .

I have no idea what this is/was.  It's at the northern end of the township. 我不知道這是什麼地方 .  這個建築物在新園的北部 .

Xinyuan's Liyu Mountain, not far from Wandan.  There's a story that goes with this place, and you can read it here.  新園的鯉魚山靠近萬丹 .  這裡有它的故事 . (1)

Across the road from Liyu Mountain. 鯉魚山對面 .

Part of a temple complex, still under construction near Highway 27.  Will they ever finish this?  Who knows? 這棟廟宇在省道27附近 .  未來會完成嗎 ?  誰知道 ?

Field across from that same temple complex. 廟宇對面的農田 .

5. 屏東縣鄉土DNA (Pingtung County Hometown DNA) 2

The Chinese text below was taken from "Pingtung County Hometown DNA" 屏東縣鄉土 DNA.  The Chinese was written under the direction of the Pingtung County Government, and the English was written/translated by me.  This book was published by Jade Mountain 玉山社 in 2008.

This book was written by and for the use of local teachers.  It presents units of study with regard to local history and local products, with a curriculum for grades 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 and 7-8.  I'll be excerpting from the 7-8 grade curriculum for each of these entries.

There are nine units in this book.  This entry is the second.

佳冬蕭家古厝

Jiadong's Old Xiao Family Residence

一 , 地理環境 One: Geography

1. 氣候 Weather

佳冬屬於熱帶季風氣候 , 年均溫度攝氏二十四 , 四度 , 每年5 - 9月間降雨量最多 , 冬季吹東北季風 , 夏季則吹西南季風 .  本鄉面積為三十 , 九八四二平方公里 , 農業耕地面積為一萬四千四百四十五公頃 , 佔全鄉面積的百分之四十六 , 熱帶植物茂盛 , 林木長年碧綠 , 花卉四季開放 , 稻米二穫 , 適宜農作物生長 . Jiadong has a tropical monsoon climate, with an average temperature of 24 Celsius.  The most rainfall occurs between May and September of every year.  The monsoon rains come from the northeast in the winter and from the south in the summer.  The township covers an area 30,984 square kilometres, with 14,445 square kilometres under cultivation - or about 40% of the area.  There are lush tropical plants [native to] the township, trees are green year round, flowers open during all seasons, and rice is harvested twice a year. (1)

2. 林邊溪地下伏流水工程 Projects Harnessing Underground Water from the Linbian River

在日治時代 , 台灣總督府極力想開發來義附近的林邊溪流域 , 但是洪水季節常常淹水 , 而且在急需用水的季節又缺水 , 1912年防止林邊溪下游潮州 , 萬巒一帶的耕地和村落遭受洪水侵襲 , 在平原的最上部建造大石堤工程 , 是二峰圳地下堰工程的前身 .  因國際糖價利潤好 , 1923年及1925年分別在林邊溪及力里溪上游各設置集水廊道一座 , 二峰圳就是其中之一 , 作用是收集林邊溪的地下水 , 再經由圳道的導引 , 輪送到農田及各戶人家 , 以供應灌溉及民生用水 , 稱為 "二峰圳" 地下堰堤 . The Japanese Colonial Administration did its utmost to utilize water [resources] in the area where the Linbian River flows through Laiyi, but the area was often flooded during monsoon season, and water was scarce [at other times], when they really needed it.  In 1912, to prevent parts of Chaozhou and Wanluan from being flooded by the lower reaches of the Linbian River, a stone embankment project was begun on the upper reaches of [Pingtung's] western agricultural plain.  This project was the predecessor of the Erfeng Underground Weir Project [in the same area].

Because the price of sugar was rising worldwide, in 1923 and 1925 embankments for the collection of water were built on both the Linbian and Lili rivers.  The Erfeng Weir was part of this project.  The purpose of these embankments was the collection of underground water from the Linbian River, its channelization into nearby canals, and its delivery to local farmers and households.  The entire system was referred to as the "Erfeng Underground Weir." (2)

二 , 歷史背景 Two: Historical Background

1. 佳冬的大家族 The Great Families of Jiadong

佳冬大家族的祠堂 , 主要有蕭家古厝 , 羅家豫章堂 , 楊氏關西堂 , 曾家三省堂和張家清河堂 .  The important ancestral halls of Jiadong include the Old Xiao Family Residence, the Luo Family Hall, the Yang Household Hall, the Dzeng Family Provincial Hall and the Zhang Family Qinghe Hall. (3)

2. 佳冬左堆在六堆歷史中的重要性 The Significance of Jiadong as the "Left Dui" in the History of the Luidui Settlements

佳冬 , 新埤的客家先民 , 由今萬丹四維村沿河而下開庄 , 到現在南州附近的南埔 , 和閩南人一同居住 , 後來因為文化和語言的差異 , 於是沿著當時的北岸河到了現在的新埤鄉南豐村落地生根 , 由南岸庄陸續拓展了打鐵庄 , 建功庄 , 昌隆庄 , 石光徑 , 半徑庄 , 茄苳腳庄 , 下埔頭庄 , 葫蘆葦尾庄 , 新埤頭庄 , 餉潭庄 , 糞箕湖庄和千三庄等 , 這是 "南岸十三庄" 的由來 ; 開墾的良田沃土高達數千公頃 , 居民數萬 , 後來受到新埤溪的阻隔 , 就形成了現在佳冬鄉和新埤鄉的各村概況 . The Hakka people who settled Jiadong and Xinpi came from what is now Ssewei Village in Wandan.  They settled areas south of the river, their villages extending to what is now Nanpu in Nanzhou.  They lived among Hokkien-speaking people in the beginning, but later relocated due to linguistic and cultural differences.  They followed what was then the north shore of the river to what is now Nanfeng Village in Xinpi Township.  From villages on the south bank of the river they went on to found Datie Village, Jiangong Village, Changloong Village, Shrguangjing, Banjing Village, Jiadongjiao Village, Xiaputou Village, Huluweiwei Village, Xinpitou Village, Xiangtan Village, Fenjihu Village and Chiansan Village.  This is where the phrase "13 villages south of the river" comes from.  This area encompassed over a thousand hectares of fertile land, and was home to tens of thousands of people.  [This area] was later blocked off by the Xinpi River, which necessitated the present distribution of villages in Jiadong and Xinpi. (4)

3. 客家族群遷移史 A History of Hakka Migration

明末清初 , 閩粵居民開始大規模遷移台灣 , 客家人也隨之進入 , 早期大都在打狗港 , 下淡水溪或東港登陸 , 然後沿著下淡水溪入據屏東竹田 , 萬巒 , 高樹 , 高雄美濃一帶 , 稍晚之後墾拓的路線如下 : During the late Ming and early Ching dynasties, people began to migrate from Guangdong and Fujian on a large scale.  The Hakka settlers were among them.  In those early days most settlers arrived in Taiwan at Dagou Port [in Kaohsiung], at [the mouth of the] Lower Danshui [Kaoping] River or Donggang.  After that point they followed the Lower Danshui River to Jhutian, Wanluan, Kaoshu or Meinong in Kaohsiung.  Later routes of settlement were as follows:

     (1) 從鹿港 , 草港登陸 , 墾拓彰化 , 雲林及南投 . Arriving at Lugang or Tsaogang, and settling in Changhua, Yunlin or Nantou.

     (2) 從崩山港 , 大安港登陸 , 入墾大甲 , 豐原 , 東勢 . Arriving at Bengshan Port or Daan Port, and settling in Dajia, Fengyuan or Dongshr.

     (3) 從房裡溪 , 吞霄溪上岸 , 墾拓房裡 , 通霄 , 白沙 . Arriving at [the mouth of the] Fangli River or Tunxiao River, and settling in Fangli, Tongxiao or Baisha.

     (4) 從中港 , 後龍港登岸 , 散居在苗栗一帶 . Arriving at Junggang [in Taichung] or Houloong Port, and settling around Miaoli.

     (5) 從竹塹港 , 紅毛港登陸 , 開發新竹地區 . Arriving at Jhuchian Port or Hongmao Port and developing the Hsinchu area.

     (6) 從南港 , 觀音登陸 , 成為桃園的客家人 . Arriving at Nangang or Kuanyin, and becoming the Hakka people of Taoyuan.

4. 刻苦耐勞的客家族群 The Hardworking Hakka

客家先民千百年來墾拓遷移 , 無論所遷移環境如何驗惡 , 語言與文化依舊傳承 .  為了尋求生活環境的安定 , 客家族群不斷地從中原向南遷徒 , 長期下來 , 鍛鍊出堅忍毅力與硬頸精神 . The ancestors of the Hakka people have settled new lands for thousands of years.  Regardless of the hardships they suffered in their adopted lands, they continued to pass on their language and culture.  In order to find a stable living environment they continued to migrate south from the center of Taiwan's western agricultural plain.  They have demonstrated perseverance and strength of character over a very long time period.

三 , 社會發展 Three: Societal Development

1. 佳冬鄉養殖漁業 Fish Farming / Aquaculture in Jiadong Township

佳冬鄉箱網養殖 , 成功地打開海鱺魚 , 石斑魚等的外銷市場 .  屏東生技園區太源基地 , 不僅有豐水源 , 電力供應更不虞匱乏 , 加上地勢平坦 , 面積廣闊 , 所提供試驗的技術 , 經驗和資源 , 為地方帶來無限希望 . Those engaged in box net aquaculture have successfully created an export market for "sea carp," grouper and other kinds of fish.  The Pingtung Biotechnology Park based in Taiyuan has not only abundant water resources, but also an ample reserve of electricity.  It's located on flat terrain, is large in area, and the technology developed there - in addition to the experience and resources [found in that place] - promises a bright future. (5)

2. 佳冬鄉產業 Products of Jiadong Township

台灣在加入WTO之後 , 鄉民透過合作社 , 產銷班功能 , 加強用藥觀念的宣導 , 運用科技增進栽培技術 , 提高農產品的產值 , 已順利取得外銷管道 , 可見危機就是轉機 , 剛好可以調整農業經營的體質 , 促進產業升級 . After Taiwan joined the WTO, residents of the township worked together to improve their ability to market local agricultural goods, to use fertilizers and pesticides effectively, and to use technology to both improve cultivation techniques and increase the value of local products.  Means of exporting local goods have been realized, and through these developments it has become clear that a turning point has been reached, in which agricultural operations have been refined and industrial output has increased. (6)

3. 族群的和解與融合 Reconciliation and Integration of Ethnic Groups

佳冬鄉閩客人口各佔一半 , 目前已看不到純然的閩客習俗與生活方式 , 在族群方面更展現不同風貌 , 從客家鄉親每人都能說一口流利的河洛語 , 足見閩客交流互動的頻繁 . Jiadong Township is evenly divided between Hokkien and Hakka speakers.  There is no single, monolithic Hokkien or Hakka culture, and customs vary between different groups. Everyone in each Hakka village speaks a mixture of the two languages, and this pidgin tongue is evidence of the frequent interaction between the two groups. 

四 , 藝術與人文 Four: Arts and Culture

1. 外來文化對蕭家古厝建築的影響 The Influence of Imported Cultures on the Old Xiao Family Residence

蕭家古厝正面於日治時期因颱風受損而整修 , 所以上頭有具有日本風味的石獅與花草圖樣 , 建築也融入歐洲巴洛克風格 .  空間安排屬回字形圍龍式格局 , 有五進堂屋和四個內程 , 左右對稱 , 宅內第一至第四堂有百年以上歷史 , 第五堂則為日治時期整建 .  屋頂由前而後逐漸加高 , 以第四堂最高 , 充分反映傳統倫理尊卑次序的觀念 .  庭院有第一落起逐漸減縮 , 到第四落時 , 已是一個幾乎全部封閉的空間 , 使庭院具有隱私廊 , 而書卷窗 , 甕窗 , 八卦門等古拙雕飾造型 , 也是一大特色 . The front of the Old Xiao Family Residence was renovated during the Japanese Imperial Administration after it was damaged in a typhoon.  For this reason there are Japanese stone lions and flower carvings near the top of the structure, and elements of the building are borrowed from the "European Baroque" style [popular at the time].  The secondary wings enclose a central courtyard, and there are five symmetrical outer halls surrounding four symmetrical inner courtyards.  The first four of the outer halls are more than 100 years old, and the fifth was renovated during the Japanese occupation.  From the front of the building the roof gradually rises to the rear, with the roof of the fourth hall being the highest.  The building reflects the Confucian social hierarchy.  The courtyards grow smaller [as you enter the building], and by the time you enter the fourth hall you're in an almost completely enclosed space, making the nearby [inner] courtyard more of a privacy corridor.  The scroll windows, "urn windows," "bagua doors" and carvings are other important features of the structure.

2. 台灣傳統民宅空間結構 The Layout of Traditional Taiwanese Houses

台灣傳統民宅結構 : The layout of traditional houses:

     (1) 蕭宅的平面左右對稱 , 並且有一個明顯的軸線與核心 ; 第四堂屋頂中央木板上的 "和合" 兩字 , 正揭示了中對稱的調和作用 .  屋面則隨著地形升高起伏而變化 , 屋頂的高度從第一堂逐次向後拉高 , 到第四堂最高 , 因此整個空間顯得層次分期 , 使人們的視線隨屋面變化而漸入高潮 , 也是潮汕民宅屋面組合上的 "步步高升法" .  空間組合上採內親外疏的手法 , 從第一堂對外門廳 , 提供家族事務會客空間 , 到第二堂對內供奉蕭家祖先 , 一直升到第三堂最尊貴的主堂 , 祭祀天地君親師 , 將重心凝聚在整組宅群的核心 , 最後漸漸收緩到第四堂花堂 , 以及最後第五堂的居家的空間 .  堂屋前後門的貫穿 , 使中軸線上的每個空間具有 "公眾性" , 是正式的空間 , 同時也形成區分各進活動的管制口 .  五進堂屋和四個內埕 , 其空間為對應組成 , 主從親疏的倫理關係 , 在配置軸線上依次展開 , 符合機能需求 , 也具有像徵作用 . The Xiao Residence was laid out symmetrically, with an obvious central point from which the rest of the house extends.  On a wooden board in the middle of the ceiling of the fourth hall are inscribed the words "peaceful cooperation," and starting from this point the symmetry of the structure becomes apparent.  The building undulates with the rise and fall of the terrain, with the roof gradually rising from the first hall to the fourth.  The entire structure unfolds in stages, leading the onlooker's line of sight onward to the highest part.  This is the "ascending steps method" seen in Chaoshan folk houses.  

The layout puts the interior of the house at a distance from its exterior.  The space from the front entrance to the first hall was used for family affairs, the second hall was dedicated to the ancestors of the Xiao family, and this leads to the third and most important hall, where offerings were made to gods and other spirits.  This hall acts as the center of the entire house, in turn leading to the fourth or "flower hall," and then to the fifth hall which served as a living space.  The front and back of the main hall are open to make it accessible to all.  It is a formal space, and allows residents to distinguish visitors easily.  The five halls and four inner courtyards share many spaces, with the Confucian hierarchy between those above and those below unfolding from the main hall outward.  This makes the house more functional, but also has a symbolic effect.

     (2) 蕭屋空間使用上最大的特色 , 為室內外交互滲透 , 且不失空間住宅的私密性 .  五堂雖各自獨立 , 但籍由上上下下許多門的聯繫 , 堂屋與左右橫屋四通八達 ; 內埕運用植栽綠化 , 或漏明窗 , 八卦門轉化空間的區隔方式 , 豐富不同空間層的組合 .  室內外空間緊密接合 , 全部朝向中央內埕 , 左右兩條前後貫通的天井 , 堤供前後堂次要路徑 , 往來於堂屋 , 內埕 , 橫屋間相當方便 . The most important feature of the Xiao residence is how the inner and outer spaces interact without a loss of privacy.  Although the five halls are independent of one another, they are connected by many doors throughout.  The halls extend in all directions, and the inner courtyards incorporate greenery, open windows and "bagua doors" to layer or enrich the interior of the structure.  The indoor and outdoor spaces are closely connected, all face the inner courtyards, and the walkways to the right and left of the house are both connected to the open spaces before and behind the structure.  Walking around the house is very convenient.

     (3) 位居佳冬村的市中心 , 為聚落中的防禦要角 , 擔負客庄六堆義軍裡的重要防禦功能 , 其南側外原有一排建築物 , 由西而東提供了 佳冬村的一道防禦圍牆 , 連結四周密植莿竹的缺口 .  這些依附在蕭屋的服務性空間 , 依序分別有花園 , 學堂 , 文老師宅 , 步月樓等 .  步月樓的設計 , 則為此防衛配置提供一個東向的出入口 , 與南邊的西柵門分守兩方 , 成為佳冬重要的出入管制口 . [The Old Xiao Family Residence] is located in the middle of Jiadong Village, and has a defensive function related to the villages of the Hakka Luidui settlements.  Originally there was a row of defensive buildings to the south of this structure, which protected Jiadong Village from the east to the west.  The gaps between these buildings were fortified with densely planted bamboo.  Between these auxiliary buildings and the Xiao residence there was a garden, a school, a house for the resident scholar and a defensive gate.  This defensive gate faced east, and was separate from the gate that used to be on the south side [of the Xiao residence].  This gate was an important point from which to control access to Jiadong Village. (7)

五 , 古蹟維護保存與再利用 Five: Preservation of Historic Site and New Uses of Site

1. 蕭家古厝修繕過程與工法 Methods Used in the Repair and Construction of the Old Xiao Family Residence

蕭家古厝於1985年經內政部核定為國家古蹟 , 由於年久失修 , 導致屋脊陷落 , 屋頂破漏 , 牆壁龜裂等 , 在各界人士爭取下 , 獲得行政院文建會補助的新台幣八千多萬元整修 .  因具有客家傳統建築的特色 , 蕭家古厝整修過程 , 除損壞嚴重必須抽換更新的以外 , 都盡量以回復舊觀為原則 , 以保留傳統建築的風貌 .  其工法 : (1) 整棟建築不用釘子 , 柱子 , 樑柱之間皆以卡榫的方式接合 (2) 牆角下的小洞 , 在台灣的傳統建築上常見 , 即屋主故意在牆角下留個大約十五公分見方的小洞 , 不是為了排水 , 通風之用 , 而是讓貓能在晚上經由小洞進入房裡捕捉老鼠 . The Old Xiao Family Residence was declared a national historic site by the Ministry of the Interior in 1985.  Due to many years of neglect the roof collapsed, [other parts of] the roof developed leaks, and the walls cracked.  Everyone in Jiadong worked to receive a subsidy [to repair the site] from the Executive Yuan's Architectural Heritage Council, which amounted to 80 million NT.  Due to the unique characteristics of Hakka architecture, only those parts of the structure  that were badly damaged could be replaced.  All other parts of the structure were restored to their original appearance.  The renovation method was: (1) The building could not use nails, and the pillars and beams had to be locked into place. (2) Openings in the corners of rooms were common to Taiwanese buildings [of the period], and were left there intentionally.  These holes were not left for drainage or ventilation, but rather for cats to enter and exit during their nighttime hunts for mice. (8)

2. 古蹟維護的溝通與協調 Communication and Coordination with Regard to Maintaining the Historic Site

在修護之前 , 蕭家古厝的損壞情形已日益嚴重 , 如不及時搶修 , 將增加維護困難度 , 但蕭家子弟散居在外 , 對於維修的大要和細節 , 族內竟見和各方看法也不太一致 , 最後基於愛鄉回饋的情懷 , 在政府 , 蕭家代表和各界熱心人士的積極協調下 , 古蹟維護方案 , 終於拍板定案 , 難能可貴 . Prior to the renovation, the damage to the Old Xiao Family Residence had grown very serious.  If it was not completed in time, maintenance of the structure would have become very difficult.  [Unfortunately] the members of the Xiao family were widely dispersed, and their opinions on the [proposed] renovation varied widely.  In the end the concerned residents of this township, the government, representatives of the Xiao family, and enthusiastic people from all walks of life came to an agreement on a plan for historical preservation.  This was a great thing.

3. 營造佳冬文化生活園區 Creation of the Jiadong Living Culture Park

蕭家古厝以 "活古蹟民營化" 的形式對外開放 , 古厝內有蕭家以前釀酒 , 染布 , 碾米起家時的建築空間 , 可以重現昔日生活原貌 , 在周邊道路整建及公共設施改善之後 , 結合附近古蹟及舊有生活空間 , 期待逐步達成佳東文化生活園區的理念 . The Old Xiao Family Residence was opened to the public as a "Living Cultural Site."  Inside the old residence you can see where the Xiao family made wine, dyed cloth, and where they milled rice.  [In this place] the past comes alive.  Once the surrounding roads are rebuilt and facilities are improved, it is hoped that the Jiadong Living Culture Park will be gradually realized through the combination of roads, facilities, historical sites and old living spaces. (9)

6. Of Blue Mountains and Cities of Rocks

I'm waking up inside a humid tent, with the morning sun casting beams through the trees around me.  It's cold, and I put on my wool shirt before unzipping the tent flap and stepping outside.  My breath comes out in a white cloud as I do so.

I slip on my shoes and stomp my legs back into life as my family continues to doze inside the tent.  I walk around a bit, maybe use the bathroom, and begin boiling water over a camp stove.  Coffee, I think, soon I can have my coffee.

And as I sit there, waiting for the water to boil, the birds begin chirping in the trees above.  Nearby a river or stream gurgles over gray stones.  I fumble with my plastic container full of instant coffee.  The beams of sunlight slowly converge into a clear, blue sky that promises a good day.

I think about what the rest of the day might hold.  Maybe a car trip to another destination. Maybe a trip into some seaside town, where my daughters will fuss over knickknacks.  Maybe another day in the forest, a hike up a nearby trail, and a dinner cooked slowly over a roaring fire.  In my imagination the mountains rise up, and I see forests passing beyond the windows of my car. 

So many memories of camping.  In the beginning it was a solitary activity, conducted outside campgrounds, in places where sleeping in a tent was better than sleeping in my car.  I'd find some place off the road to hide out, and I'd eat my dinner from cans, dipping pieces of stale bread into chili, baked beans or beef stew.  Before the sun went down I'd read, and when the sun went to bed so did I, both of us sleeping through the nighttime sounds of cars and lonely creatures.

Later still it was my wife and I.  I can't remember the first place I took her camping, but she never minded being out of doors.  She loves the outdoors as much as I do, and this is definitely one of the reasons we're still together.  A woman who can drive across two states and make a good Chinese meal over a campfire?  What's not to love about that?

A few years later we were bringing our kids along.  So many beautiful places and so many memories.  Spring Canyon when the weather's hot, jumping from a dune into a lake.  Olympic National Park when the sky has cleared, and you can hear the Pacific pounding the shoreline.  Glacier or Yellowstone: always a difficult decision.  Do we want to lie down in that cool river, or stare into that icy lake?  Mountains?  Desert?  Ocean?  Grassland or cave?  Near a town or far, far away?

Up and down through coastal Oregon and California.  Over and around the Olympic Peninsula.  Deep into North Cascades National Park, and driving onward to Spokane, Couer d' Alene, Missoula and the Continental Divide.  I wish we were at Flathead Lake right now, even if it would still be too cold to swim.

Maybe you know the feeling.  I sure hope so.  I have friends who despise camping, and I have other friends who despise anything out of doors.  But for me those are the best places, and for me, trapped inside as I now am, those are the places I long for most.

7. My School Year in Review 我的學年回顧

What a year it's been.  Quite the rollercoaster ride if I may say so.  The agony and the ecstasy, the sound and the fury, the being and nothingness... all compressed into 11 short months.  Of course I can't share ALL the details - some matters are better kept private - but what follows is what, in most general terms, happened to me during this school year.當然!我沒辦法分享所有的生活細節, 以下是我這一學年來生活的大概.

August 八月

We moved into the house we're renting in Xinkai Village, Fangliao Township.  The landlord took FOREVER to get the house ready for habitation.  It had been sitting empty for a long time.  We were happy about the parking space, the yard and the view of the mountains, but the house has - and continues to have - some problems for sure. 我們在八月的時候搬進枋寮新開的房子, 這間房子空了很長的一段時間, 所以房東花了很久的時間才準備好讓我們入住. 我們很高興這裡有自己的停車空間和院子, 以及山間景色, 只是房子一直陸續有一些小問題.

My younger daughter was also moving into the dormitory at Kaohsiung Hospitality University.  Because of this we spent a lot of time driving back and forth between Pingtung and Kaohsiung.  I know Linyuan, Xiaogang and Daliao much better now. 我小女兒搬到高餐大的學校宿舍, 因為我們經常開車往返高雄及屏東, 我現在也比較了解林邊,小港和大寮了

September 九月

I started work at Fangliao and Yuguang elementary schools.  Fangliao is of course in Fangliao Township, and Yuguang is in nearby Jiadong.  Bicycling to work that first month was WEIRD.  I'd been bicycling between my apartment and my old school in Taitung City for 13 years, and going to different schools, on the other side of Taiwan, felt surreal.  I bike a lot farther to work now, but I don't mind it. 開始在枋寮國小及玉光國小上班, 枋寮國小當然就在枋寮鄉內, 而玉光國小則是在佳冬鄉. 第一個月騎腳踏車去上班時感覺很奇怪, 我之前在台東騎腳踏車往返自家與學校13年, 現在則是在臺灣的另外一邊, 並且去二所不同的學校, 感覺超不現實的. 我現在騎腳踏車去上班的路程比較遠, 但我一點都不在意.

Fangliao Elementary School, my main school, was easy from the beginning.  The kids were very eager to learn and interact with me.  Yuguang was more of an uphill battle, but a year later I think I can say I've made a lot of headway.枋寮國小是我的主聘學校, 學生很積極學習跟與我互動,  玉光國小就比較具挑戰性, 經過了一年, 我認為自己能力也增強了.

October 十月

I grew a little frustrated with Yuguang, my second school during this month.  The communication there was not great.  In the beginning I thought it might be racial, and related to me being "the foreigner," but I later realized that many of my coworkers were having the same problem.  In Pingtung this is a common occurrence.  Most teachers don't teach very long in any one school, administrative positions are constantly changing hands, and the communication between schools, the county government and the central government can be an obstacle.  This is an issue in any rural place, and most of Pingtung is VERY rural. 這個月我對玉光國小有點失望, 那裏的溝通不是很順暢, 剛開始我以為是因為族群的關係, 因為我是外籍老師, 但最後了解不只我有這問題, 在屏東這是常發生的事. 很多老師在一個學校的任職時間不長, 行政職務常換人, 造成學校, 縣政府及中央之間的溝通有困難, 這是鄉下地方會遇到的問題, 而大部分的屏東非常鄉下.

Our younger daughter bombed her first semester test at Kaohsiung Hospitality University, but I'm happy to say she's doing much better now. 我小女兒第一次在高餐的期中考考得不好, 但我很高興她現在進步了.

We also took a trip to Tainan and had a great time. 我們去台南玩得很開心.

November 十一月

I started to feel more confident about what I was teaching and why.  In the beginning I wasn't sure if what I was doing in Taitung would work in Pingtung, but by November I was feeling at ease with the kids. 我開始對我教學的內容與原因更有信心. 剛開始時我不確定我在台東的方式是否適合屏東, 直到11月, 我與學生之間更自在了.

We must have visited Taitung because I have many pictures of it on my phone.  Sam's Burger, the roof of our apartment building and the ocean. 我們應該回過台東, 因為我手機上有台東的照片, 有餐廳的, 我們公寓頂樓的和海邊. 

In November the Pingtung FETs (Foreign English Teachers) attended a press conference at the Pingtung County Government building.  After the press conference an odd, disjointed meeting was held, during which many of couldn't figure out who was talking, or why.  It was a jarring introduction to other local FETs, and I can't say it left me with the best feeling.這個月屏東的外籍美語教師在屏東縣政府大樓參加了一場記者會, 記者會之後是一場奇怪的會議, 很多人搞不清楚誰在台上說話, 或者是為什麼, 是一場吵雜的外籍美語教師介紹會, 感受不是很舒服.

Visited Xiaoliuqiu with my wife, and we walked around the island.  I still don't think renting scooters is necessary there, but those hauling diving equipment around would probably disagree with me.  It was a fun trip. 我和我太太到小琉球沿島步行一圈, 我覺得在那裏租機車不是必要的, 但那些帶著潛水用具的人應該不會贊同我的看法. 這次的經驗很有趣.

Around the end of November BOTH my schools had all-day sports days on different Saturdays.  Those two weeks were exhausting. 我任教的二所學校都在這個月的不同的星期六舉辦戶外教學, 那二個星期很累.

December 十二月

Found two kittens in a Jiadong cemetery.  They were so tiny they could both fit in the palm of my hand.  Mango and Milky are both happy and healthy now, and probably breaking something in my house as I type this. 在佳冬公墓撿到二隻小貓, 牠們小到可以一起待在我的一個掌心.  Mango 和 Milky 現在很健康快樂, 當我寫到這裡的時候, 牠們應該在屋裡的一角破壞東西吧!

Went to a three-day orientation (I know!  December, right?) in Chaozhou for the local FETs.  We'd had other seminars in Wandan and Pingtung City before that.  The logistics of getting teachers from places as far apart as Pingtung City and Hengchun poses problems.  I sometimes think it might be better if they just separated the county into three zones, and just conducted FET meetings that way. 到潮州參加三天的外籍教師研習, 在這之前曾在萬丹和屏東市參加其他的研習, 要各地的老師們一起參加同一場會議是製造問題, 我認為屏東縣分成三個區域舉辦外籍教師研習會議會比較好, 畢竟恆春與屏東市間的距離不短.

Took my brother-in-law and his wife to Kenting, Manzhou and Mudan.  Got a lot of great pictures out of that trip. 帶我妻弟和他的太太去墾丁, 滿州和牡丹. 我們拍了許多很棒的照片.

January 一月

Must have been in Taitung for at least part of Chinese New Year.  I'm seeing a lot of pictures of Taitung and Hualien on my phone.  At some point during that time we drove back to Pingtung City, where several school principals and I presented an English education plan to the Pingtung County Government.  Our plan was approved, and this went a long way toward securing me another year's employment in Fangliao. 一部分的農曆年假期我們應該是在台東, 我在手機上看到很多台東和花蓮的照片, 假期間我們也回來過屏東, 幾所學校校長和我一起在屏東縣政府介紹美語教學計畫, 我們的計畫獲得認可, 也給了我下一學年在枋寮服務的機會.

February 二月

Chinese New Year vacation was extended so that they could disinfect the schools.  I doubt that anyone was very sad about this.  I must have also gone to Taitung in February, because there are pictures of my cats lying on the furniture in our apartment. 新年假期延長了, 因為疫情的關係要消毒. 我懷疑有人會不喜歡放假. 我應該也在二月回去台東了, 因為我看到我們的貓咪在我們公寓家具上的照片. 

March 三月

I began to obsess over the quality of the air in Fangliao.  To be fair it was bad, but it has improved considerably since.  Lately it's been as good as the air in Taitung.  When the wind blows south from Kaohsiung the air here is not great; when it blows north from Kenting it's good. 我開始在意枋寮的空氣品質. 說真的, 之前的空氣品質不好, 但一直以來都在改善中. 最近的空氣品質跟台東的差不多, 當風從高雄往南吹時, 空氣品質不好; 當風從墾丁往北吹, 空氣品質是好的.

I believe this month was when the DRAMA started.  During March the MOE announced - innocently enough - that we needed to register online for the next school year.  Some teachers took this to mean that the MOE was "cleaning house," and that many of us would lose our jobs next year.  To be sure, the implications were scary, and the online form was less than forgiving, but things seem to have calmed down since. 我相信事情是從四月份開始變得戲劇化的.   三月份MOE通知外籍教師, 為了下一學年的準備, 外籍教師要上網登錄學經歷, 有些老師覺得這是不是表示有的人會得不到下一學年的聘約, 是要藉機辭退某些人嗎?  這隱含的意義很嚇人, 而且線上表格填錯了是無法修改的, 但是這件事現在似乎平息了.

The part I hated most was the health check.  I hate hospitals. 表格中最討厭的是健康檢查, 因為我痛恨醫院.

April 四月

My wife started part time jobs in Laiyi Township, and a kindergarten job in Chaozhou.  She now knows the streets in Chaozhou better than I do.我太太開始在來義鄉及潮州兼職, 她現在比我清楚潮州的街道.

We took a trip up to Guandzeling Hot Spring Area in Tainan.  That was a surprisingly long drive, and the hot spring area, which we'd visited once before, was disappointing.  On the way back we visited Qishan District in Kaohsiung, and that part of the trip was surprisingly interesting. 我們去了台南的關子嶺溫泉區, 到那裏的路程比我想像中的長, 我對那個我們多年前去過的溫泉區有點失望, 回程的路上我們順道去高雄的旗山, 那裏比我想像中的有趣.

My sister Julia had her baby in April.  This fact continues to make me happy. 我妹妹在四月份生產了, 這個消息讓我很開心.

May 五月

Visited Taitung briefly, but didn't see many of the usual suspects.  We went to one of the hot springs in Jerben on the way back. 回了台東一趟, 短暫的停留, 沒有和平常會連絡的朋友碰面, 在回程中去了知本的溫泉.

Wandered around downtown Kaohsiung with my younger daughter, while my wife took the TOEFL test.  We went to Cijin / Qijin and Dream Mall.  A temple festival was underway in Cijin, and this event was unpleasantly loud. 我太太去高雄參加多益考試時, 我和我小女兒在高雄市區蹓躂.我們去了旗津和夢時代, 旗津正在辦廟會非常吵.

And oh yeah, COVID.  The coronavirus, realizing that the people of Taiwan felt left out of the global pandemic, decided to visit Taiwan during this month.  Cue widespread panic over schedules, distance learning, masks and hand washing... and it ain't over yet! 喔! 新冠病毒突然發現臺灣沒有趕上世界的傳染的潮流, 所以決定在這個月到台灣觀光.  讓大家原訂的計畫都亂了套, 遠距教學, 口罩和洗手......這還沒完呢!

June 六月

The end of the semester approaches.  I've been teaching online classes for weeks.  What are our plans for summer vacation?  When will life become normal?  Will the world end tomorrow?  Will my neighbors ever learn to turn down the volume on their KTV?  The answer to this and other questions will come, we hope, soon. 來到學期的尾聲, 我也上了幾個星期的線上教學, 我們在暑假有什麼計畫? 什麼時候生活才能回復正常? 明天是世界末日嗎? 我的鄰居們會學會調低他們的KTV音量嗎? 我們會有答案嗎? 我們都希望有, 並且很快地.

8. Pingtung in the News 屏東的新聞 (Central 中) 4

There are 29 townships, 3 municipalities and one city in Pingtung County.  It's exhausting to include news from every township, municipality and Pingtung City every time, so what I'll do instead is include news items from eleven different townships or municipalities in each entry.  This way I should be able to work my way through Pingtung County every three entries. 屏東縣包含了29個鄉, 3個鎮還有屏東市.  每次討論所有鄉鎮的新聞太累了, 所以我會每次討論11個鄉鎮的報告.  這樣子我每三篇新聞文章就會涵蓋到全縣內鄉鎮的新聞.

1. Majia Township 瑪家鄉

1a. Despite travel restrictions, people still went camping in Majia during the three-day Dragon Boat Festival weekend.  As you might expect, the villagers there were not happy about this. 防疫警戒卻到山區露營  屏東瑪家族人批 : 不尊重部落

1b. A husband and wife were hiking up the Liding Mountain Trail when it began to rain.  Realizing that conditions were dangerous, they turned back toward the parking lot.  The wife heard a shout from behind her, and failing to locate her husband she notified emergency services.  The rescue team brought the man back down the mountain, though he later died from his injuries.  The cause of his death remains to be determined. 屏東夫妻攀瑪家笠頂山遇大雨  提早折返他走前面竟離奇失蹤亡

1c. Majia has seen a lot of rain recently. 傍晚後雨勢趨緩  屏東2天累積雨量453毫米全台最多

2. Wandan Township 萬丹鄉

2a. Shoppers purchasing the "organic produce epidemic prevention box" online complained that the produce they received was both expensive and not fresh.  A farmer from Wandan blamed the lack of freshness on the distribution network, and the time it takes to transport items to customers' homes. "防疫有機蔬菜箱"  被指貴又不新鮮  萬丹鄉農場業者出面澄清

2b. Heavy rains recently flooded Sse Wei East Road in Wandan.  The flooding was exacerbated by residents dumping garbage and other debris into a nearby drainage ditch.  萬丹鄉四維東路淹水  兇手找到了

2c. The "mud volcano" in Wandan erupted recently.  A local village chief encouraged those visiting this event to wear masks. 屏東萬丹泥火山噴發  村長提醒防疫勿群聚要戴口罩 (1)

3. Wanluan Township 萬巒鄉

3a. Citing lung-related health benefits, farmers in Wanluan are looking at selling locally grown honeysuckle on a larger scale. 金銀花益肺  屏東萬巒有機專區看俏

4. Taiwu Township 泰武鄉

4a. There's another heavy rain warning in effect this week.  It's been raining a lot in Pingtung.  Taiwu, located in the mountains, was of course included in the warning. 大雷雨強襲高雄市 , 屏東縣 !  氣象局發布災防告警訊息

5. Chaozhou Municipality 潮州鎮

5a. It rained a lot in Chaozhou as well.  During a three hour period Chaozhou received more rainfall than almost any other place in Taiwan. 豪雨特報屏東潮州鎮3小時降雨量全台第二  積水退得快 (2)

5b. The Chaozhou Municipality Office recently held a blood drive in which residents were given shrimp in exchange for blood donations. 捐血送泰國蝦  潮州鎮解血荒也為蝦農找出路

6. Xinyuan Township 新園鄉

6a. An elderly man was robbed after setting out on his electric scooter.  The thieves were later apprehended. 屏東新園老翁騎電動車外出  竟遭強搶背包  警悍破門逮人

6b. A large truck carrying a pigeon enclosure struck power lines and knocked several utility poles down. 扯 !  大貨車刷斷整排電桿  竟是所載鴿舍勾電線扯斷 (3)

7. Kanding Township 崁頂鄉

7a. No recent news out of Kanding.

8. Laiyi Township 來義鄉

8a. Township office support for a quarantine station employing several residents was ended last week.  The primary reason was a lack of resources.  The Laiyi Township Office is hoping that volunteers can continue this work if necessary. 來義鄉防疫消毒一條龍鄉長掛帥領軍齊抗議

8b. Su Ching-chuan, honorary dean of Antai Hospital, presented residents of Laiyi with 2000 face masks to strengthen epidemic prevention efforts there. 蘇清泉贈來義鄉2千片防疫口罩  鄉親滿滿感動

8c. After recent heavy rains a landslide alert is in effect for Laiyi. 5縣市11鄉32村103條土石流黃色警戒  屏東來義大規模崩塌黃色警戒

9. Donggang Municipality 東港鎮

9a. A large truck ran over a man riding a bicycle in Donggang. 屏東東港大橋大車右轉輾斃單車男路人驚叫  "壓到人了 !" (4)

9b. COVID screenings were conducted in both Donggang and Ligang around the beginning of the month.  The results were overwhelmingly positive (or should I say negative?) and reflect a lack of recent cases in Pingtung as a whole. 屏東東港篩檢站全過關  里港篩檢站236人也皆陰

10. Nanzhou Township 南州鄉

10a. No recent news out of Nanzhou.

11. Xinpi Township 新埤鄉

11a. Dacheng Elementary School will become an experimental art school next year. 新埤大成國小  轉型藝術實驗學校

9. You Should Like, Learn Python Man...

...you're not getting any younger, you know.  Time marches on.  And aren't you sick of teaching?  Couldn't you like, learn to program?  It's the new thing, man.  You could make all these apps, and if you got good enough you could go back home and work in IT.  Or you could be a network administrator.  That'd be cool.  Big money.  You'd never have to teach again.

And then, when you're like, learning Python, you could start investing in Bitcoin, or like, other online currencies.  You could be a trillionaire dude, like, overnight.  You could start small bro, like 1000 a month, and just do it that way.  Here, let me send you the link to this YouTube video...  This guy has it all figured out, man.  He doesn't even need to be making these videos.  He just does it to help people.

Or what about opening a restaurant?  You could like, rent a little place in town, and then start selling barbecue, or sandwiches, or like, Mexican food.  And then if your business gets, like, good enough you could franchise the shit, man.  People all over Taiwan would like, owe you money just to use the name.  Or if that was too big you could start out at the night market.  I know this guy that sells calzones or something at the night market.  He does really well on weekends.

A bar would be cool too.  That'd be like, Friday night all the time.  You could tell all your buddies about it, and it could be a real thing.  Just ask that one dude who works at the kindergarten.  He has a little place.  We fuckin'.... we fuckin' go there every weekend dude.  Everybody loves that guy.

I even met this one guy who was a prostitute, dude.  Seriously, sellin' himself.  Russian dude, built.  He was doing it for a while, lonely housewives and all that.  What?  No, he's not around anymore man.  He got deported.  We used to buy weed off that guy, but then one day he wasn't around anymore and they said he got deported.  But you know a lot of those dudes don't get deported forever, right?  Sometimes they come back.

Growing?  Naw, I ain't growing anymore man.  The police seized everything.  And my ex-girlfriend emptied out my bank account.  And our dog died.  Could I borrow some money off you, man?  I'm a little light, and I wanna buy another beer.  You should totally study Python though, dude.  And take a look at that YouTube video.  Life is too short to teach English.

We're gonna be rich!  You and me bro!  Hey, you want another beer too?  Could you float me another hundred?

10. Roaming Around Kanding Township 崁頂鄉遊記

Kanding Township is north of Nanzhou and east of Xinyuan.  It's very flat, and the most famous (?) thing there is the garbage incinerator in the center of the township. 崁頂鄉位於南州以北與新園以東 .  崁頂鄉地形非常的平坦 , 最有名的地方應該是位於鄉鎮中心的焚化爐 .

According the last census, there are 15,267 people living in Kanding. 上次的人口統計顯示 崁頂有15,267人 .

This is just north of Nanzhou.  The Jung Shan (#3) Freeway is in the background.  You pass through Kanding on your way to Dapeng Bay and Kenting. 靠近南州北部的地區 . 遠處背景有中山高 .  前往大鵬灣 和 墾丁的時候會經過崁頂 .

Those mountains in the distance are in Laiyi Township. 後面的山脈在來義鄉 .

The Kanding Train Station is very small.  The Chaozhou Train Station, the next stop going north, is much larger. 崁頂車站很小 .  往北走的鄰站潮州車站比較大 .

Looking west into Kanding Village. 往西看往崁頂村 .

I've been curious about this junior high school for a while.  It has a reputation for strictness, and parents of "problem children" in Kanding and nearby townships often put their kids in this school to "correct their behavior."  It's near the Kanding Train Station. 我對這個國中很好奇 .  有人說這是一所比較重視規矩的學校 .  崁頂附近的家長會把孩子送到這邊來加強行為規範 .  這所學校靠近崁頂車站.

North of Kanding Village, on the way to Lishe. 崁頂村北邊 , 往力社的方向 .

Very cute (and very old-looking) temple near Lishe Elementary School. 力社國小附近的一所廟 .  我覺得這所廟很可愛 .  好像很舊的樣子 .

Just across the bridge from Kanding, in Xinyuan Township.  You can't see it in the picture, but the Donggang River divides the two places. 在新園鄉隔橋看崁頂 .  在照片中看不到分隔著新園鄉和崁頂鄉的東港溪 .

The Kanding side of the Donggang River, not far away. 在崁頂的東港溪河岸 .

Further south levees collect water from the Donggang River.  This water is used for local agriculture.  This "lake" is not far from Old Gangdong, 比較南邊的河堤引導東港溪的水流到水池供給農地用水 .   這個水池靠近舊港東 .

The "famous" garbage incinerator.  You can see it from almost every part of Kanding. 最聞名的焚化爐 .  從崁頂的任何地方都可以看到它 .