April - May 2022
1. 台灣地名故事 Taiwanese Place Name Stories 5
The Chinese text below was taken from "Taiwan Place Name Stories" 台灣地名故事, published by Windmill 三暉圖書發行有限公司 in 2021. The Chinese text was written by Windmill and the English text was written by me.
I'm never exactly sure what to call them, but you know what I mean, right? The chain stores, something between the local hardware store and the Sogo. They're not fancy like Sogo, and they tend to be wide where Sogo is tall. You could call them department stores - they certainly have departments - but they're not upscale in the way department stores are upscale.
Hengchun Municipality is south of Checheng and Manzhou townships. 恆春鎮位於車城鄉 和 滿州鄉南部 。
The author of this blog, on his way to work one morning, was kidnapped by Dino, Danny, Owen, Niki and Irene from the Dino on the Go! textbook series. The four deranged children and their pet dinosaur placed the author in an aluminum shack adjacent to a pineapple field, where they interrogated him over the course of several days.
There are 38 districts in Kaohsiung City. The districts discussed here are all east of the Formosa Freeway (#3). They're much more rural that districts west of the Formosa Freeway, have a much lower population density, and are generally more scenic. 高雄市分為38個行政區 。 這裡文章討論的行政區都位在福爾摩沙高速公路以東 ， 這些行政區和高速公路以西的行政區比較起來: 較鄉下 、人口密度較低 、風景比較好。.
Do you ever feel lonely? It would be strange if you didn't. Most people think loneliness is part of the human condition, and never feeling lonely would indicate that you're very... unusual. 你曾經感到孤獨嗎 ? 如果沒有，那是件奇怪的事。 大部分的人認為寂寞是人的一部分，如果你從來不曾感到孤獨寂寞，那表示你是個非常不尋常的人。
The Chinese text below was taken from "Taiwanese Place Name Stories" 台灣地名故事, published by Windmill 三暉圖書發行有限公司 in 2021. The Chinese text was written by Windmill and the English text was written by me.
Let me start from the places I know and work outward from there. I live in Fangliao Township, Pingtung County, and I also have an apartment in Taitung City which I visit regularly. I get up to Kaohsiung a lot, so my perspective on chain restaurants is primarily coming from these three places.
I also explored Ciaotou District a while back. Provided I'm still living in the same area next year, I plan on delving deeper into Tainan and Kaohsiung then. 我很久以前也 "遊覽過" 橋頭區 。 如果我下學年還在南部的話 ， 就會寫更多關於高雄和台南的文章 。
Near the center of the district. All in all it seems like a good area to live in. It's close to everything, and there's plenty to do there. 靠近鹽埕區中心。我覺得住在這裡應該不錯 ， 應有盡有 ， 而且有很多好玩的地方 。
"Waaaaaaaaayyyy down inside...."
Kaohsiung City
高雄市
打狗 (高雄) Dagou (Kaohsiung)
這裡原始平埔族的打狗社所在 , 清朝康熙時 , 正式有漢人移居到現在的旗津 , 以捕魚為生 , 稱為 "旗後莊" . 日治時代將 "打狗" 改為 "高雄" , 沿用到現在 . This was originally the site of the plains-dwelling aborigines' Dagou Settlement. Han Chinese people didn't move into the area until the reign of Qing Emperor Kangxi, during which time fishermen founded a settlement by the name of Qihou Village where Qijin is now. During the Japanese Colonial Administration, the old name "Dagou" was changed to the present name, "Kaohsiung."
半路竹 (路竹) Ban ("Half") Luzhu ("Bamboo Road") (Luzhu)
因為以前此地位於大湖街 (今湖內) 與阿公店街 (今岡山) 之間的交通必經之地 , 又在半路上 , 並且有茂盛的竹林 , 所以稱為 "半路竹" . [It was called "Banluzhu"] because it was located along the road, halfway between Dahu Street (present day Hunei) and Agongdian (present day Gangshan). At this halfway point there was a lush bamboo forest, so people called it "Banluzhu." (1)
彌濃 (美濃) Minong (Meinong)
清朝永正13年 , 有林姓兄弟來此開墾 , 籌建土地伯公廟 , 開基碑文上有 "瀰濃" 等字樣 , 後定庄名為 "瀰濃" , 表示該地以水為源 , 汲用不息 . 甲午戰爭後 , 佔據台灣的日本人因懷念山明水秀的日本故鄉美濃 , 就將 "瀰濃" 改稱為 "美濃" . During the 13th year of Qing Emperor Yongzheng's reign, two brothers surnamed Lin founded a settlement in this area. They built a Tudigong temple in this place, and on the stone commemorating the temple's construction can be found the words "Minong." The village that grew around this temple took its name from these words on the stone, and "Minong" was taken to signify the plentiful waters that originated here. During the Sino-Japanese War, some of the Japanese soldiers stationed in Taiwan began calling the place "Meinong" (or "Mino" in Japanese) out of a sense of nostalgia for their hometown in Japan.
羅漢 (內門) Luohan (Neimen)
平埔族人稱此地為 "羅漢" , 分為 "羅漢內門" 和 "羅漢外門" . 漢人入墾時 , 平埔族人退往 "羅漢外門" . 民國九年 , 刪去 "羅漢" 改稱 "內門" . The plains-dwelling aborigines called this place "Luohan," and divided it into "Inner Luohan" and "Outer Luohan." Once Han Chinese began settling in the area, these plains-dwelling aborigines were pushed back toward "Outer Luohan." During the ninth year of the Republic of China the name "Luohan" was discontinued in favor of "Neimen." (2)
蕃薯寮 (旗山) Fanshu ("Sweet Potato") Liao ("Hut") (Qishan)
康熙年間 , 居住在鳳山地區的漳州人到這裡開墾 , 大都種植蕃薯為生 , 並在此築寮而居 , 所以稱為 "蕃薯寮" . 後來 , 因東北方有旗尾山 , 狀似清代蛟龍旗 , 所以改稱為 "旗山" . During the reign of Emperor Kangxi, migrants from Zhangzhou [in China] came from Fengshan to this area to farm. Most of them grew sweet potatoes, and lived in huts, so this place came to be called "Sweet Potato Hut." Later on it came to be called Qishan after Qiwei Mountain to the northeast, which resembles a Jiaolong banner from the Qing Dynasty. (3)
小店仔街 (橋頭) Xiaodiandze ("Little Shop") Street (Ciaotou)
先民來這裡開墾 , 建立村落 , 為了村民與過往商旅的需要 , 開了幾家店舖 , 因而得名 . 灌溉水圳開鑿後 , 建了一座叫作 "橋仔頭" 的橋 , 民國38年 , 正式成立 "橋頭鄉". The first settlers started farms and established villages here. To meet the needs of both villagers and traders passing through the area a few shops were opened, and this is where the [old] name comes from. After an irrigation canal was excavated through the area, a bridge named "Qiaodzetou" ["Bridgehead"] was constructed [over the canal]. In the 38th year of the Republic of China, this area officially became "Ciaotou Township."
援剿 (燕巢) Yuanjiao (Yanchao)
"援剿" 就是支援正規軍 , 剿平亂事的意思 . 鄭成功時代曾在這裡設置兩個援剿營 , 此地因此而得名 . 直到日治時代 , 改成諧音 "燕巢" . "Yuanjiao" means support for the army and the maintenance of public order. In the time of Koxinga two military outposts were set up here, and the [old] name comes from these camps. During the Japanese Colonial Administration, it was changed to "Yanchao" because this is what "Yuanjiao" sounded like to the Japanese.
梓官 Dzeguan
鄭成功時代 , 漳州人王梓和一群人來此開墾 , 其中以王梓家的勢力最大 . 當時對有權勢的人 , 都在其名字下面加個 "官" 字 , 王梓就被稱為 "梓官" , 此地地名即由此而來 . In the time of Koxinga, Wangdze and a group of settlers from Zhangzhou came to the area. Within this group of settlers Wangdze's family was the most powerful. At that time the character "guan" was added to the names of influential people, and thus Wangdze came to be called "Dzeguan." This is where the name of the place comes from.
六龜里 (六龜) Liouguei District (Liouguei)
因為前後山巖相對 , 成為六個山巖 , 狀似龜形 , 所以稱為 "六龜" . [It is named "Liouguei" ("Six Turtle")] because the mountains on either side of it face each other, forming six mountain ridges, which are shaped like a turtle. For this reason it is called "Liouguei."
2. Taiwan 101: The Superstores
When I was a little boy in Oregon we had a store called Coronet. It was about fifteen minutes from the other, smaller town where my grandma lived. My grandma often referred to this place as a "variety store," and maybe that's what it was. Maybe Carrefour, RT Mart and A.Mart are also variety stores. I'm not sure.
Coronet, by the way, was eventually killed off by Fred Meyer, Oregon's biggest retailer. In case you're not from the Pacific Northwest, Fred Meyer is an upmarket version of Walmart. Fred Meyers are more of an urban thing where I'm from, while Walmarts tend to be found outside of major cities.
Wikipedia says: "Fred Meyer is a chain of hypermarket superstores." In the Walmart entry it goes on to say: "Walmart Inc. is an American multinational retail corporation that operates a chain of hypermarkets (also called supercenters), discount department stores, or other businesses."
OK then, hypermarkets. Or superstores. Or supercenters. Whatever they're called, Carrefour, RT Mart and A.Mart are the Taiwanese version of Walmart. Or Fred Meyer. Or the Great Canadian Superstore. Anyway, you get the picture.
Those living in Taiwan for any length of time will at some point visit an RT Mart, a Carrefour or an A.Mart. They're big, multi-level stores (sorry, superstores) that sell everything from broccoli to floor mats for your car. A lot of what they sell is made in Mainland China, and a lot of what they sell is of relatively low quality. Every city has several of these stores (sorry, superstores), and they're always in (or adjacent to) an area with high population density.
In Pingtung there are two Carrefours, both located in Pingtung City. These two Carrefours, both about an hour away from where I live, are the closest superstores to my house. There are of course other superstores in Kaohsiung City, which is just a little further west.
Superstores (or hypermarkets, or supercenters) are a fact of city life. If you live anywhere near Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung City, Hualien City or Taitung City you're bound to wind up inside of one eventually. In Taitung City we did about 50% of our grocery shopping in either Carrefour or RT Mart, with the other 50% done in various local markets. When we lived in Taichung and Hsinchu we spent an even greater percentage of time shopping in superstores. In Pingtung County I find myself far away from any superstore, but I do visit the Carrefour south of Pingtung Train Station occasionally.
Carrefour, by the way, is up for sale. I read somewhere that the Fubon Investment Group was going to buy it, but then heard from a friend that whoever owns PX Mart was the purchaser. Does the Fubon Investment Group own PX Mart? I do know that PX Mart recently absorbed the Jason supermarket chain. Would PX Mart even want to buy Carrefour?
I could probably research these things, but it's Thursday, I'm kinda busy, and I'm honestly not that interested. One company gobbles up another, and is in turn gobbled up by another company, which was perhaps part of the first company, or is an entirely different company altogether. Who knows? I take nothing in the world of corporations at face value.
And in case you're curious, I looked up some more facts. Don't worry, I didn't strain myself doing so. There are 68 Carrefour hypermarkets (not counting their smaller supermarkets) in Taiwan. New Taipei City has the most, at 12. There are 22 RT Marts in Taiwan, and New Taipei City also has the most of those, at 5. There are 15 A.Marts (formerly known as Geant, even more formerly known as Hyper) in Taiwan, with New Taipei City and Taichung tied at three apiece.
Which one do I favor? It depends on what I'm buying, and where I am. In Pingtung I go to Carrefour because that's all there is. In Taitung I divide my time between Carrefour and RT Mart. It's more of a hassle to drive to the Taitung City Carrefour from our apartment near the Taitung Train Station, but Carrefour usually has more things that we'd consider buying. Conversely, it's much easier to drive to the Taitung RT Mart from our apartment, but they usually have fewer things we'd consider buying.
A.Mart? I haven't been to one in ages. I went there a lot when we lived in Taichung and Hsinchu, but I haven't lived that far north since 2006.
It's funny to think about it now, but I can still remember my first visit to a superstore in Taiwan, more than 22 years ago. I was beyond tired, I'd gotten off the plane from the States hours before, and my soon-to-be coworker was dragging me through one of the Taichung Hypers, grilling me over daily essentials I might need. At the end of that excursion I only bought a bottle of shampoo and a T-shirt. I then begged her to take me home, where I fell into a fitful sleep soon after.
In 2022 I still visit those places, and while I'm there I either stand dolefully behind my wife as she compares laundry detergent prices, or I wait for my daughters to work their way through the book section. Occasionally - very occasionally - I even get to drag a new arrival into one of the superstores - someone as fresh off the plane as I was in 1999 - and I can't help but get a kick out of their reaction to both the similarities and the differences between their country's superstores and those in Taiwan.
3. Hengchun Municipality, Pingtung County 屏東縣恆春鎮遊記
Many people equate Hengchun with "Kenting," but the two places aren't the same. A lot of Kenting National Park is in Hengchun, but the national park boundaries also encompass parts of Checheng and Manzhou townships. Kenting Village (墾丁里), where you'll find Kenting's famous night market, is in Hengchun, but this is a small part of the larger municipality. 很多人以為恆春跟墾丁是同一個地方 ， 其實不然 。 墾丁國家公園大部分位在恆春 ， 可是它還有部分面積位於車城鄉跟滿州鄉 。 有名的墾丁大街觀光夜市在恆春鎮墾丁里 , 而這個里只是恆春的一小部分。
Hengchun has an interesting history. It's too much to go into here, but the Rover Incident, the construction of Hengchun's old city, and other other bits of local history are worth investigating. 恆春的歷史很有趣 ， 只是沒辦法在這裡介紹完這麼長久的歷史。 當地的羅發號事件 及 恆春古城的歷史都值得探索瞭解。
According to the last census, there are 30,049 people living in Hengchun Municipality. 上次的人口統計顯示 ， 恆春鎮的人口是30,049人 。
This is Banana Bay, between Kenting's night market area and the Uluanbi Lighthouse. 這是位於墾丁大街 和 鵝鑾鼻燈塔間的香蕉灣 .
Maobitou, or "Cat's Nose Head." And yes, they do have some cats there. 貓鼻頭 . 這裡確實也有些貓 .
"Lords of the Three Mountains" temple in central Hengchun. There's a trail along the coral behind it. 恆春市區中的三山國王廟 。 廟宇後面的珊瑚礁上有條步道 .
Near the Shaniao ("Sand Bird") Ecological Conservation Area. 在砂鳥生態保護區附近 。
Longpan Park, past the Uluanbi Lighthouse. That's Jialeshui in Manzhou on the other side of the bay. 鵝鑾鼻燈塔另外一邊的龍磐公園 。 海灣的另外一邊是滿州鄉的佳樂水 。
Same area, but a little further north. 同一個地方，往北一點點 。
Same spot, just further down toward the ocean. 同一個地方 , 比較靠近下面的沙灘 .
Wanlitong, on the other side of the municipality. It's a famous diving destination. 恆春的另外一邊的萬里桐 ，它是個有名的潛水景點。
East of Houbihu Port, on the way to Nanwan, is the Sisal Industrial History Exhibition Area. Sisal is a plant brought to Taiwan from Mexico. It was used to make rope. 從後壁湖開車往南灣會經過瓊麻工業歷史展示館 。 瓊麻是一種從墨西哥引進來的植物 ， 早期是用來做繩子的。
This place is very close to the Longluan Lake Nature Center. 這裡也很靠近龍鑾潭自然中心 。
Nanwan, possibly Taiwan's most famous beach. I avoid this place during big holiday weekends, but at other times it's OK. 南灣可能是全臺灣最有名的海灘 . 我會避免連假的時候來這裡， 其他的時間來還ok。
The Yoho Beach Resort. It's getting pretty old now, but it's still a good destination if you have kids. 悠活度假村 。 部分地方顯得老舊， 可是很適合帶孩子來這裡玩 。
Stone lion across from the Yoho. Next to this temple is the Axin Chocolate Farm. 悠活對面的獅象 。 這所廟隔壁是阿信巧克力農場 。
Turtle Rock, which can be found atop Guan Mountain. Most people only visit this place on New Year's Eve, but the view from the top is great on any clear day. 關山上的福靈龜 。 很多觀光客來這裡跨年。 這裡天氣好時風景很漂亮 。
Hengchun's East Gate. Hengchun's old city wall is the best preserved in Taiwan. 恆春的東門 。 恆春古城牆是臺灣保存最完整的古城遺跡 。
Sheding Nature Park is on the hill above "Kenting Village." The views from this park are great, but be prepared for HEAT in the summer. 墾丁里後面的山丘上有社頂自然公園 。 那裏風景很好 ，只是夏天的時候很熱 。
4. Dino, But Not Going Anywhere
Day One, 7:35 A.M.
1. Where were you yesterday?
It depends on what time of day we're discussing. In the early morning I was in our apartment in Taitung. After that I was at one of the Taitung McDonald's eating breakfast. After that I was in the Taitung immigration office, renewing my ARC, and after that I was at the Danti Hot Spring in Jinluen. After that I was in the house we're renting in Fangliao. It was a busy day.
2. What did you do yesterday?
As I just said I ate breakfast, renewed my ARC and drove around a lot. Why are you so confrontational, Danny? Is it because most of the third graders spell your name wrong? Oh, and I also read part of a novel, 2312, before going to bed.
3. What's your favorite season?
I don't think I have a favorite season in Taiwan. Spring? Not really. Summer? Not really. I like that 1-2 month period when the weather turns warmer, but not the months that are truly hot. I like sunshine for sure. I get depressed on cloudy days.
If we're talking about Seattle, where I'm from, I'd definitely go with summer. Getting through winter and spring in that part of North America can be a struggle. When the sun finally does come out there it feels glorious.
4. How much is the T-shirt?
Niki, please get that T-shirt out of my face. I don't know. I get all of my T-shirts from either schools where I work or half marathons I join. I haven't bought a T-shirt in a long time.
Day Two, 10:34 P.M.
Can you loosen the ropes, please? I'm losing the feeling in my arms.
5. Where are you from?
I'm from Seattle, Washington, in the U.S.A. I also spent a lot of my childhood in Bay City, Oregon, where my grandma lived until her death in the early 90s.
I think if you asked my mother where she's from she'd say Montana. Maybe Illinois? My dad's from Seattle, and aside from a trip he took to the U.K. in the 1970s I don't think he's lived anywhere else.
6. How do you go to school?
It depends on the day. On Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays I ride a bike to either Fangliao or Yuguang elementary school. On Wednesdays I ride a scooter to Fangliao in the morning, ride it Yuguang for my English club after lunch, and at 4 o'clock I ride home. It's too far between my house and the two schools for a bike ride to be practical that day.
Sometimes I have a class at Nanzhou Junior High School on Saturday morning. When I have that class I drive a car. Riding a scooter between Fangliao and Nanzhou is exhausting.
7. What do you do after school?
On Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays I read a book. I also go running on Tuesday and Thursday evening. On Wednesdays I watch a movie. This semester all the movies I've seen have been from the 1970s. On Fridays I drink beer in combination with whatever else I'm doing.
8. What time do you get up?
I think you know what time I get up, Owen. The five of you were here, waiting for me, while I was on my way to work.
I usually get up at 6:30. I sometimes hate this about myself, but my body is like an alarm clock, and it always wakes me up if I have something to do the next day. You could tell me that I have somewhere I need to be at 5 A.M. the following day, and I'd probably wake up at 4:30 the following morning without meaning to.
Day Three, 11:22 A.M.
9. What day is today?
Please turn the hose off, Irene. I'll answer any questions. Just no more hose.
Today is... Today is... I dunno, I've been in here for too long. I think it's Thursday?
10. What do you want for dinner?
If you let me go, we're having dinner in Chaozhou tonight. I'm not sure what I want to eat up there. I'm tired of the hot pot, and also tired of the pizza. Ditto for McDonald's, which is never that good anyway. If I had to pick right now I'd pick steak.
11. Do you have PE class on Monday?
No, I'm an English teacher. Come on, guys! You know that! That's how we know each other, remember? Dino on the Go? Grades 4 to 6? We've known each other for so many years already! Why are you pretending?
12. Whose cap is this?
It's my cap. I wear it to school every day. It keeps the sun out of my eyes when I'm riding down the hill from my house.
Day Four, 3:14 P.M.
13. How's the weather?
It's cloudy today. We're at that turning point between spring and summer. The weather can't decide if it wants to be hot with clear skies or hot/humid with occasional rain. My eyes often feel dry and itchy. I can't tell if it's an allergy or just the weather. I had the same feeling this time last year, but it was much worse then.
14. Where are you going?
I'm not going anywhere. You guys have tied me to a chair! Can I go, please?
15. How many lions are there?
I don't see any lions. All I see is several deranged children and a dinosaur. I might be hallucinating.
16. What's wrong?
I've been stuck in this shack for four days answering questions from the English textbooks. I can't get the feeling back in my arms. Dino looks very hungry, and during the past four days he may have developed an appetite for human flesh. I just want to go teach my English classes. Don't worry, while I'm doing so I'll namedrop you guys as much as possible.
Day Five, 3:00 A.M.
17. What time is it?
I'm trying... I don't know. It's dark outside. It might be night or early morning. I really don't know. What's the gun for, Niki? Please, let me go.
18. What are you doing?
I'm not doing anything. I swear, I don't know why you brought me here. Is it because I sometimes also use the Follow Me and Here We Go textbooks? That really wasn't my decision. It was the school's. You guys are the best, really. Please let me go. We can switch the third graders back to Dino on the Go next year. I promise.
19. Where are you?
I'm in Jiadong. I know I'm in Jiadong. I can hear the highway. I can hear those dogs that live in the cemetery on the other side of the field. Niki--- I swear, please put the gun away. I won't tell anyone. I'll be good, I'll be so good. You'll see.
20. Where's my kite?
I don't know about any kite. I---
Wait a second, do you hear that? The police are here! They found me! WHERE'S YOUR CELL PHONE, Danny? Did you lose track of it somewhere? Ha ha ha, you guys are in for it, now! We're here! We're here! We're here!
We're---
5. Kaohsiung in the News 高雄的新聞 (East 東) 1
1a. The ASE Environmental Sustainability Foundation has been planting trees (reforesting) Tianliao and other areas in south Taiwan. 日月光認養18.23公頃國有林地 捐款600萬種樹3.2萬顆 (1)
2a. The Taiwan Water Corporation had to cut off the water supply to Qishan for eight hours as part of a pipeline replacement project. Residents of several villages were encouraged to conserve water in advance. 快儲水 ! 旗山多里下周一連續4天停水8小時 影響6千多戶
2b. A police officer was injured after a suspected drug dealer rammed her with a car. The suspect was later apprehended, and the police officer suffered minor fractures. 拒檢撞傷女警 ! 高雄旗山毒蟲逃亡1天落網
3a. A female nurse managed to eat 3.3 kg of meat in 20 minutes during the first annual "Big Stomach King" competition in Neimen. 內門封肉大胃王 正妹護理師輕鬆狂嗑3.3公斤
3b. A former village chief was sent to jail two years ago after driving his car into a group of people collecting signatures for the recall of former Kaohsiung City Mayor Han Guo-yu. Recently his appeal was denied. 楊言衝撞罷韓團體 內門石頭里長二審仍判有罪 (2)
4a. Meinong hosted Taiwan's first dual language Hakka/English storytelling competition. As a teacher I have to wonder whether or not this was just a stunt to get in the newspaper. 全國首創客英雙語說故事比賽 , 高雄市美濃區熱鬧展開
4b. They stopped doing the "COVID footprints" thing, but this didn't stop residents of Meinong from freaking out when they discovered that several COVID-positive cases passed through their area. Many people rushed out to buy COVID testing kits but found they were sold out. 高雄美濃連日有確診足跡 民眾快篩1劑難求
5a. Parts of Shanlin also went without water recently. 記得儲水 ! 高雄旗山 , 杉林區4/13停水 影響12967戶
5b. A man renting a property in Shanlin was illegally cutting down trees, believing his rental agreement gave him the right to do so. Police are still investigating the matter, but they've confirmed that the man cut down a lot of trees, several tons' worth in fact. 好囂張 ! 住林班地工寮砍樹換現金 半年盜伐得手逾9噸
6a. Several river valleys in Liouguei will likely experience landslides in the near future. For this reason the Kaohsiung Water Conservation Bureau is working to improve disaster response measures in that area. 高雄新增3條土石流潛勢溪流 六龜區34條六都最多
6b. Members of Kaohsiung's Civil Affairs Committee visited Liouguei and Meinong for the purpose of investigating sites for religious tourism. 高市議會關切地方宗教觀光發展 民政委員會前往六龜 , 美濃實地考察
7a. This article introduces Maolin. I visited the area not long ago, and it is indeed worth visiting. 鬼斧神工 茂林尋原始風光
7b. Heavy rains triggered a landslide which obstructed Highway 132 in Maolin. 高雄茂林高132線因雨土石崩落 現場管制清理中
8a. There was a minor earthquake in Jiaxian (4.8). It caused no serious damage. 規模4.8震央在高雄甲仙 雙鐵 , 捷運未受影響
8b. About a third of Jiaxian District's population is ethnically Hakka, but few there speak the language. This is a problem for those in local government trying to emphasize the area's Hakka heritage, and steps are being taken to address the issue. 甲仙公所無人通過客認證 補助受限盼解套
9a. Sales of plums grown in and around Qingmei are down. People wary of COVID aren't visiting to buy plums from local farmers, and stores aren't buying as many either. Unable to sell his plums, one farmer is even offering them for free. 疫情讓青梅滯銷 高雄桃源區代會主席開放果園任人採
9b. An unemployed man from Taoyuan tried to steal a bucket full of screws from a construction site in nearby Liouguei. He planned on selling the screws for cash. He was observed mid-theft and arrested on the spot. 無業男缺錢偷桃源區橋梁維修用螺絲 遭警撞見當場被逮
10a. It's firefly season in remote Namaxia District. This article introduces the fireflies and other attractions in the area. 高雄那瑪夏火金姑秘境 賞螢還可體驗原住民文化
10b. Namaxia's peach crop was hurt by a recent cold spell, driving the cost up to 800 NT for a box of 6. This is the highest price ever recorded for peaches grown there. 高雄那瑪夏水蜜桃 減產價高坡紀錄
6. Loneliness 寂寞
I feel lonely sometimes, and the fact that I sometimes feel lonely doesn't mean that there's something wrong with me. Loneliness is a part of life. Of course we don't like to talk about it, but sometimes talking about loneliness is a way of making that feeling go away. 我有時候會感到孤獨 ，但那不表示這種心情下的我有問題 。寂寞是生活的一部分 。 當然， 我們不喜歡談論這件事 ，可是有時候說了， 孤獨感會慢慢消失 。
When do I feel lonely? I feel lonely when I'm excluded from something. Even if the reasons for my exclusion are completely reasonable, I still feel lonely when I'm left out. No, I don't get invited to every party, dinner or informal get-together. Sometimes I'm out of town, sometimes people think I'm out of town, and sometimes people know (or at least think) that I won't like an event, so they don't invite me. 我什麼時候會覺得寂寞 ? 朋友聚會沒請我去。 可能他們有不請我去的理由，可是我一樣覺得寂寞 。 我沒有被邀請參加所有的晚餐和聚會活動， 有時候是因為我在外縣市 ， 有時候是朋友認為我不在，有時候是朋友認為我不會喜歡那個活動，所以他們沒有邀我一起。.
I also feel lonely when I'm in a group of people, and they're excited about something that I'm not interested in. I'll feel their sense of enthusiasm, and I'll want to share it, but I just can't for whatever reason. This makes me feel like an outsider, and this in turn makes me feel lonely. 當我在一個群體中，發現他們感興趣的事物是我沒興趣的，我也會覺得寂寞。 我感覺到他們很興奮 ， 可是我卻因為某些原因沒辦法分享他們的情緒 ， 那讓我覺得自己是局外人， 這也讓我感到寂寞。
I feel lonely when I miss someone, when I reach out to them, and when it's obvious that they don't miss me the way I miss them. I'll want to make that connection, but it's not there. Sometimes we think we're important to other people, and this turns out to not be the case. 想念一個人並跟他聯絡時發現， 他並不像我想念他那樣的想念我，我覺得孤獨 。 我想與他們有連結 ， 可是那種感情已經不在了 。 有時候我們覺得自己對於他人很重要， 後來發現根本不是這樣子 。
Of course to be a foreigner living in Taiwan can be its own kind of loneliness. I'm not immune to this feeling. In some cases it's even worse for me because I've been here so long. I get tired of people speaking to me (and explaining things to me) as if I just arrived in the country. I get tired of people assuming - without attempting to talk to me - that I don't speak Chinese. I get tired of people treating me differently, and asking me the same cross-cultural questions I've been answering for years. Many people would refer to this kind of loneliness as culture shock, but the "shock" part of that term seems to imply that the culture encountered is new to the person being shocked. The culture I'm encountering in Taiwan isn't new to me. I've been living in it for over two decades. 當然，在台灣當外國人有一種獨特的孤獨 。我住在台灣那麼久也沒辦法對這種寂寞免疫， 有時候甚至更嚴重 。 我厭煩別人跟我說話(解釋事情)的態度像我才剛來到台灣 ；厭煩別人自認為我不會講中文(沒有嘗試跟我說話) ；厭煩別人對待我的態度不同於其他人；厭煩多年來問我一樣的文化差異的那種問題。 很多人會稱這種煩惱為 "文化衝擊" ， 可是我對"衝擊"我的文化已經有20多年的經驗了 ， 我覺得這種煩惱也算是一種孤獨 。
Not that Taiwanese people don't get lonely. There's plenty of loneliness on that side as well. Just think of the formerly independent woman who married into a traditional family. Think of the guy past 40 trying to find a wife to please his parents. Think of the kid bullied in the local school, whom everyone views as the crooked nail to be pounded down. There's plenty of loneliness in Taiwanese society, and if people don't show it or express it it's because they find doing so demeaning, or - in some instances - it's a feeling they don't even recognize in themselves. 當然台灣人也會覺得孤獨。 試想獨立自主的女人嫁入傳統的家庭 ； 40多歲的單身漢努力的找讓他父母滿意的新娘 ； 在學校因為與眾不同而被欺凌的小孩 。 台灣社會充斥著寂寞 ， 很多人沒有表現出來， 可能是因為他們覺得很丟臉，或是他們自己的心沒認出來這種情緒。
Much is made of the individualism present in Western culture, but when I look at the Taiwanese people around me I don't see them as any less individual than myself. In my opinion they just don't feel the need to flaunt their individuality, and they're happy to mute this individuality for the sake of a larger group. I think rigidly individualistic, rigidly Western sorts of people could learn something from this attitude, and could draw strength from it. 很多西方人很重視西方文化的個人主義 ，可是我覺得台灣文化一樣有個人主義 ，差別是台灣人不一定每次都把個人表現出來 ， 他們願意為了團隊退讓一步 。 我覺得重視個人主義的西方人可以學這種態度 ， 進而得到力量加強自己的文化 。
But of course at the end of every day we're alone with ourselves, and that selfhood can be a source of loneliness. We can't always be like everybody else, we can't always like the things they like, and we can't always be liked by them. These facts are often a source of loneliness, even while being, in other instances, a source of joy. 我們每天最後面對的就是自己，"面對"這件事就是孤獨的來源 。 我們不能總是跟他人一樣， 不能總是喜歡他們喜歡的事物，也不能總是被他們喜愛。 這些事實常是讓人覺得孤獨的源頭，另一方面，卻也是讓人喜悅的源頭。
Do you ever feel lonely? If you do, please don't think there's something wrong with you. It's a normal feeling. It's part of being alive. And if you feel too lonely you can always do what I do, you can find someone to talk to or, failing that, you can find someone to help. 你有時候會覺得孤獨嗎 ? 如果是的話 ，你應該知道感到寂寞是很正常的。 這是生命的部分， 如果覺得孤獨 ， 可以找人跟你聊天 ， 也可以試著找需要你幫助的人 。
7. 台灣地名故事 Taiwanese Place Name Stories 6
屏東縣
Pingtung County
阿猴 (屏東) Ahou (Pingtung)
這裡原是平埔族的阿猴社所在 , 又因全市地形像一隻坐著的猴子 , 所以稱為 "阿猴" . 民國九年 , 日本人認為名字不雅 , 又因它位在高雄的半屏山之南 , 因此改名為 "屏東" . This place was originally the site of the plains-dwelling aborigines' Ahou Settlement. It was called "Ahou" because the terrain resembled a monkey sitting. During the ninth year of the Republic of China the Japanese deemed the name unsuitable, and because the area was located south of Kaohsiung's Banping Mountain, they changed the name to "Pingtung." (1)
琅嶠 (恆春) Langjiao (Hengchun)
排灣族人稱一種蘭科植物為 "琅嶠" , 因此地盛產 "琅嶠" 而得名 . 光緒元年在此建縣城和四座們 , 是至今台灣保存最完整的古城遺跡 . 清朝同治13年 , "牡丹社事件" 發生後 , 沈葆楨到此巡視 , 見此地氣候涼爽 , 四季如春 , 奏准設縣 , 取名 "恆春" . The Paiwan Tribe refers to a type of orchid as "langjiao," and this place was once named for this locally abundant flower. During the first year of Qing emperor Guangxu's reign, the local government was housed within a walled city here, and this wallled city remains the best-preserved example of a walled city in Taiwan. During the 13th year of the Qing administration the "Mudan Incident" occurred, and after that Shen Bao-zhen arrived [in Taiwan] for an inspection. He noticed that the climate here was cool, as if it was spring year-round. This inspired the name he gave the area: "Hengchun" ["forever spring"].
頓物 (竹田) Dunwu (Zhutian)
"頓物" 是客家話 "丟東西" 的意思 . 漢人在附近建築村落時 , 把不要的東西丟在這裡 , 因此稱為 "頓物" , 後來改名為 "竹田" . "Dunwu" is Hakka for "throw things away." When Chinese people were building villages in the area, they would throw away the things they didn't need here. [For this reason] it came to be called "Dunwu." Later on the name was changed to "Zhutian."
蚊蟀 (滿州) Wenshuai ["Mosquito"] (Manzhou)
此地原是排灣族的蚊蟀山頂社所在 . 因為原住民打獵收獲很多 , 吃不完只好丟棄在原野上 , 久而久之造成臭氣難聞 , 排灣族語的 "臭氣" 譯音即為 "蚊蟀" , 因而得名 . 後來因字義不雅而改為 "滿州" . This area was originally home to the Paiwan Wenshuai Mountaintop Settlement. The aboriginal people found hunting in this area very easy, so much so that they weren't able to eat all the meat they caught, and had to leave the partially eaten animals where they had caught them. After a while this created a great stench, which led to the Paiwan people calling it "Stench," which sounded like "mosquito" to the Han Chinese. Later still this name was deemed unsuitable and changed to "Manzhou." (2)
車城 Checheng
有一次 , 先民路經此地 , 突遭原住民襲擊 , 大家用牛車圍成城堡來抵坑 , 戰勝後 , 為了紀念此事 , 所以稱此地為 "車城" . One time [our] ancestors passed by this place and were attacked by aboriginal people. Everyone drew their oxcarts together in a circle for protection, and after they emerged victorious they called this place "Checheng" ["cart fortification"] to commemorate the event. (3)
麟落 (麟洛) Linluo (Linluo)
清朝康熙年間 , 嘉應州的徐俊良先賢來此開墾 , 在開設水圳時發現大烏龜 , 地理師說 : "出現大龜的地方一定有麒麟 , 這裡是麒趾呈祥的好地方 ." 於是將地名叫作 "麟落庄 " , 後來改為 "麟洛" . During the reign of Qing emperor Kangxi, the sage Xu Jun-liang came from Jiaying Prefecture and settled in this place. As he was digging a ditch he discovered a large turtle, and a man versed in local geography said, "The appearance of a big turtle must mean that a Kirin ["qilin"] lives in this place. It brings good fortune here." From this point on the place was called "Linluo Village," which was later changed to "Linluo." (4)
鹽埔 Yanpu
此地是介於山地與平原間的草原 , 原是平埔族的居住地 , 明朝時 , 福建的葉唐山來到此地 , 用十輛車的鹽 , 外加一車煙 , 酒 , 火柴交換這片土地 . 又因為當時介於平地之間的草原地帶常被稱為 "埔" , 所以命名為 "鹽埔" . This place was [originally] a grassland between the mountains and the [western agricultural] plains. The plains-dwelling aborigines lived here first. During the Ming Dynasty Ye Tang-shan arrived here from Fujian Province, and purchased a piece of land here for 10 carts of salt ["yan" 鹽 in Chinese] and 1 cart of cigarettes, wine and matches. Because this grassland between the mountains and the plains was often referred to as "pu," eventually its name became "Yanpu."
新保將 (牡丹) Xinbaojiang (Mudan)
"新保將" 本來是原住民語的譯音 , 因為此地盛產野牡丹 , 夏天花開時 , 花朵滿山遍野綻放 , 因此改名為 "牡丹" . The name "Xinbaojiang" comes from one of the aboriginal languages, and refers to the fact that this place is full of wild peonies. When the flowers open in the summer you can see them all over the mountainsides, and for this reason the area was later renamed "Mudan" ["peony"].
衙門口 (崁頂) Yamenkou (Kanding)
先民來臺以後 , 在此處建了二十個村落 , 以崁頂村人口最多 , 做為行政中心 , 所以稱此處為 "衙門口" . "崁" 是隆起的土地 , "崁頂" 是地勢最高的地方 , 不會淹水 . After [our] ancestors arrived in Taiwan, they built 20 villages in this area, of which Kanding Village had the largest population. It served as an administrative center, and was referred to as "Yamenkou" [literally "administrative center"]. "Kan" means land at an elevation, and "Kanding" means a piece of land higher than its surroundings, i.e. an area that won't be flooded. (5)
東港 Donggang
明末清初 , 渡海而來的先民漸漸增多 , 和福建生意往來興盛 , 而當時帆船停靠的港區就在百姓定居地的東邊 , 故稱 "東港" . Between the end of the Ming and the beginning of the Qing Dynasty, the number of people coming from overseas to settle this area gradually increased. At the same time the trade between Donggang and Fujian Province grew more prosperous. At the time the junks visited a port east of where everyone lived, [and for this reason] it was called "Donggang" ["East Port"]. (6)
8. Taiwan 101: Chain Restaurants
Fangliao is very rural. All of the chain restaurants in this area are near the Fangliao Train Station, and all are located on the same road. As you're walking away from the train station, you'll see a 6 Inch Plate brunch restaurant on your right. After that, on the other side of the big intersection, is a Bafang Dumplings restaurant, followed by an 85 coffee shop not far away from the ocean. That's about it for Fangliao. I'm not counting convenience stores of course, or lunchbox chains which operate in the area.
There's a Japanese restaurant near Fangliao Fishing Port that might be a chain. I'm not sure. It feels like a chain, but maybe the owner is just more organized than other restaurant owners in Fangliao.
Now that I think about it, there are also a few breakfast restaurant chains operating in Fangliao, but it's hard to tell which ones are real franchises and which ones were formerly operated as franchises. The new LaMorning near Bafang Dumplings is definitely a chain restaurant, but there are other places like it around town.
Taitung City has a much larger number of chain restaurants, which makes sense given its size and the fact that it's a major transit point in that area. Taitung City also sees a lot more tourists, and moreover tourists hungry for the kind of fast, easy food that chain restaurants provide.
In Taitung City there are two McDonald's, two Starbucks, Louisa Coffee, Dante Coffee, a Mos Burger, a KFC, a Suen Dong Bao steak restaurant, Jungxian sushi, Yujhuandinghuang hot pot, Ju hot pot, Pintian japanese restaurant, Mister Donut, Pizza Hut, Domino's and an Wuhuama dumpling restaurant. Taitung City also has everything that central Fangliao has. I think that's all the chain restaurants in Taitung City, but there might be others.
Kaohsiung City has more chain restaurants than Fangliao and Taitung City put together. If you like pizza, Kaohsiung also has Pizza Rock. If you like burgers, Kaohsiung also has Burger King and T.G.I. Friday's. Kaohsiung City has so many chain restaurants, in fact, that attempting to list them here would be a futile endeavor. Just walk around Dream Mall if you don't believe me. Listing all the chain restaurants in Dream Mall would take up a lot of space.
Which chain restaurants do I favor? I'm not a fan of McDonald's lunch and dinner, but I do like their breakfast. I tend to visit Starbucks when I'm in a big city, just because it's a more pleasant place to sit. I like Mos Burger a lot, even though they're very slow. Pizza Hut is, in my opinion, much better than Domino's. I probably visit Jungxian sushi more than any other chain restaurant, simply because it's the only restaurant I, my wife and our two daughters can always agree on.
I have friends who won't eat at chain restaurants, and while I understand their reasoning I can't follow through on it. Avoiding processed food in this day and age is extremely difficult, and as anyone who's delved into this subject knows, it's hard to know what we're eating, where it (really) came from, and what's in it. I try to eat healthy, I exercise more than most people, and I figure that's the best I can do.
What about you? What chain restaurants do you like? Which ones are, in your opinion, terrible? And are there any important chain restaurants that were left out of this entry?
9. Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City 高雄市鹽埕區遊記
Yancheng District is on the Love River, not far from the 85 Skytower. Many people visit Yancheng during Lantern Festival, and its Pier 1 Arts Center is very popular with tourists. 鹽埕區在愛河上 ， 位於85大樓附近 。很多人在元宵節期間來到鹽埕區觀光 ，駁二藝術特區也吸引了很多人 。
Yancheng was once a center of local salt production. The "yan" in Yancheng means salt (鹽), and the "cheng" (埕) is taken from the Taiwanese word for "courtyard" or "plaza" (庭), which sounds like the character 埕 in Mandarin. 鹽埕區曾經是當地鹽業的中心。
According to the last census, 22,692 people live in Yancheng. 鹽埕區上次的人口統計的人口數是22,692人 。
I walked from the Yenchengpu MRT stop to the Pier 1 Arts Center. This is the pedestrian bridge leading to Holo Park, a newer shopping area on the pier. 我從鹽埕埔捷運站走到駁二藝術特區 ， 這座行人通行的橋通往碼頭上的Holo Park廣場 。
From the other side of Dayi Park there's a good view of the city skyline. That's the 85 Skytower on the far right. 在大義公園可以看到城市的天際線， 最右邊的大樓是85大樓。
The Kaohsiung Music Center is next to Dayi Park. It's an ambitious piece of architecture. 高雄流行音樂中心在大義公園旁邊 ， 是個很現代化的建築物 。
The view from the pedestrian bridge. You can see Shou Mountain the background, where the zoo is located. 人行橋上的風景 。 背景中有壽山 ，動物園在那邊 。
The view from the pier. That's Qijin District across the water. 碼頭的風景 ， 另外一邊是旗津區 。
It's a very Instagram-worthy spot. Visiting this place on the weekend means dodging around a lot of people posing for pictures. 這裡常在IG上出現 ， 周末的時候到處都有人拍照 。
Further west, near the southwest corner of the district, you'll find the Hamaxing Railway Culture Park. 往西邊一點 ， 在這一區的西南部你會看到哈瑪星鐵道文化園區 .
The Circular Light Rail (LRT) passes through this area. From here the tracks follow the western edge of Yancheng. 輕軌經過這個地區 ， 順著鹽埕區的區界 。
Most of the buildings around here are very old, but the Kaohsiung City Government is working on making them more aesthetically pleasing. 這附近的建築大多很舊了 ， 但是高雄市府努力的讓他們更有看頭。
This alley is near the northwest corner of the district, not far from the Love River. 這個小巷子在這一區的西北部 ， 靠近愛河 。
There's a nice trail along the river that passes by this temple. 愛河岸邊有一條很好的人行道經過這所廟 。
After the temple you'll pass by the Kaohsiung City History Museum, housed in a building dating back to the Japanese Colonial Administration. I've been inside it, but on this particular day it was closed. 過了那所廟，你會經過高雄市立歷史博物館 。 這棟建築是日治時候蓋的 。 我進去過， 只是這一天是博物館的休館日。
View from the Love River. That's Qianjin District on the other side. 愛河的風景 。 愛河的另外一邊: 前金區 。
I'd never seen this place before. Is it still open? I hope so. 我以前沒見過這家啤酒屋 ， 還在營業嗎 ? 我希望是。
A closer look at the Kaohsiung Music Center. 近看流行音樂中心 。
Near the center of the district. All in all it seems like a good area to live in. It's close to everything, and there's plenty to do there. 靠近鹽埕區中心。我覺得住在這裡應該不錯 ， 應有盡有 ， 而且有很多好玩的地方 。
10. Driving, a Saturday in May
It's early in the morning, and the wind is blowing from the north. It picks up sand from the river valleys as it moves south down the western agricultural plain, and the dust in the air obscures my view of the the mountains beyond the village.
Apart from the sound of the wind the village is quiet. An old dog sleeps soundly on the road in front of our house. A funeral tent has been set up on the empty lot across the way. Last night the people occupying the funeral tent filled the night with the sound of chanting, but they've since either gone to bed or departed altogether. Nothing stirs, no one besides myself is outside, and the absence of the old man that once lived in the house next door broods over everything.
My wife and I get in the car, the sound of our movements breaking the silence. It's a good day to be away from this place. The mood here is heavy.
"If I see you again, I will call you my friend..."
Down the road from the village we turn right onto the Mountainside Highway. To either side is land owned by the Taisugar Corporation, some of it rented to farmers growing pineapples, and some of it home to trees planted there long ago. As I glance left and right I can see workers in the trees, clearing brush.
I'm complaining about the weather. I was hoping for a sunny day. I'm planning on going swimming tomorrow.
We turn right onto Highway 1. It's a long, wide stretch of road between rapidly emptying villages and indifferently grown crops. To the south I can see the Pingnan Industrial Area, a group of buildings from which worrying smoke pours into the sky.
I turn right onto the freeway ramp. Someone is building a gas station on the left side of the entrance, and to the right of the entrance is a patch of red beans stretching all the way to Chaozhou.
My wife talks about a seminar she attended last Wednesday. Something about aboriginal culture. Everyone there was so bored, she says. A red Tiida identical to our own cuts us off as we approach the ramp.
In the distance I see fields bisected by betel nut trees, betel nut trees crowded between narrow roads, and narrow roads coursing back and forth between Nanzhou and Laiyi.
"I have always, always grown my own before, oh schools are stray-ay-ange..."
Zhutian passes by below. If I raise my eyes a bit I can glimpse the mountains to the east, hidden behind drifts of dust. Ahead the freeway stretches onward to the mountainous parts of Kaohsiung. I'm going about 90, slowing down for the exit to the expressway.
We're going to have lunch with our daughters at 11. Reservations have already been made. We're going to a Malaysian restaurant near the Aodzedi MRT station. As the car curves around a flyover I think of a trip to Malaysia we took long ago. My wife, pregnant with our first daughter, was balancing herself on a speedboat on our way back from an island. Looking down into that water was like looking into an aquarium. Thousands upon thousands of fish.
I can see the factories and apartment buildings of Kaohsiung on the horizon, but we aren't there yet. We still have a bit further to go before we cross the Gaoping River and enter into the city.
"It's too late... it's too late... it's too late..."
We follow the expressway to the Jungshan Freeway. We reach a point very high up, and from this point I can see the city spreading out in every direction, teeming with activity The traffic grows thicker here, and I remind myself to keep my eyes on the road. More cars cut me off from the left. A few other cars pass illegally on the right. I'd be angry at the other drivers, but I know what it's like to drive in Kaohsiung. In Kaohsiung you must choose: either follow some of the traffic rules all of the time, or follow all of the traffic rules some of the time.
The choice, in other words, is not yours to make.
I hear my younger daughter's voice through my wife's phone. She's leaving her school. She's on the way to take the bus to the nearest MRT station, and from there she'll ride the MRT to Aodzedi, where the restaurant is. I know that when I see her she'll be wearing that Metallica T-shirt. Every time I see that T-shirt I have to smile.
To merge onto the Jongjeng Road exit is always a little dangerous. A truck barrels by on my left, driving unconscionably fast. A silver SUV on my right won't let me in, and as a result I have to wait behind a black Toyota until it's almost too late to change lanes. I sneak into a small opening between the silver SUV and a city bus. I guide the car down to the overpass, glad the drive is almost over.
Ahead of me another ramp leads back to the freeway. To my left is the overpass, and to my right is the wide road into Fengshan District, one of the least interesting parts of Taiwan. Why do I sometimes have the feeling that I'll be living in Fengshan one day?
"Easy as A-B-C, 1-2-3, A-B-C baby you and me girl..."
The tricky part is getting over into the far right lane after turning left under the overpass. Today I manage to do it, deftly swinging into the desired lane just before the light changes on the opposite side.
Downtown Kaohsiung stretches into the distance. I turn right just after the yellowing Martial Arts Stadium, gratefully gliding into the parking lot behind it. I've had enough driving for a while. It's only been an hour, but in my mind I'm adding this hour to a total number of hours extending back to the previous weekend.
The gate to the parking lot lifts up and I find a space next to the stadium. I'm looking forward to stretching my legs on the walk to the MRT station, I'm looking forward to Malaysian food, and I'm looking forward to seeing my daughters again.
As I step out of the car I hear the roar of the city around me: scooters, cars, people talking, road construction, the underground hum of the MRT, and even the sound of a convenience store's automatic doors opening, somewhere out of view. So many people, moving here and there, only ever coming to rest temporarily. The city is alive and I'm glad to be in it. I'm happy to be part of the commotion.
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