February - April 2022
1. Air Quality in South Taiwan 台灣南部的空氣品質
Google, O Google, how many 7-11s are there in Taiwan? Tell me, O Wise Oracle, that I may bask in your wisdom!
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 starting with the entry for Tainan at the back of the book.
There are 37 Districts in Tainan City. These districts are divided into North Tainan and South Tainan, or those "north of the [Dzengwen] river" and those "south of the [Dzengwen] river." The districts of North Tainan are further grouped into the Xinying Area, the Beimen Area and the Dzengwen Area. The districts of South Tainan are further grouped into the Fucheng Area, the Xinfeng Area and the Xinhua Area. 台南市分為37個區 ， 這37個地區分成曾文溪北部的北台南跟曾文溪南部的南台南 。 北台南又分為新營地區 、北門地區跟曾文地區 ； 南台南又分為府城地區 、 新豐地區跟新化地區 。
I used to get my hair cut at a place in Taitung City, down the road from Tunghai Elementary School. The older woman who cut my hair was a member of the Amis tribe. While cutting my hair she often talked about "life in the mountains," and how it was different from life in the city. 我以前常去台東市東海國小附近的理髮店理髮 ， 幫我剪髮的理髮師是阿美族人 ， 她在理髮的時候常會說到山上的生活跟市區生活的差別 。
Air quality in Taiwan is measured according to the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI measures for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone and other particulates (PM10 and PM2.5). 台灣空氣品質是用空氣品質指標 (AQI)來測量。 空氣品質指標測量的內容是二氧化硫、二氧化氮、 二氧化碳、臭氧還有PM10跟PM2.5.
An AQI of 0-50 is seen as "good," 51-100 is "moderate," 101-150 is "unhealthy for sensitive groups," 151-200 is "unhealthy" and 201-250 is "very unhealthy." When the AQI reading approaches 300, governments start telling people to stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise outdoors. 0-50AQI是 "優"， 51-100是 "良"， 101-150是 "輕度污染"， 151-200是 "中度污染"， 201-250是 "重度污染"。 AQI超過300的時候， 政府會叫民眾留在家裡不要到戶外運動。
In Tainan there are monitoring stations in downtown Tainan, Annan, Shanhua, Madou, Xuejia and Xinying. In Kaohsiung there are monitoring stations in Linyuan, Daliao, Xiaogang, Qianjhen, Fuxing, Fengshan, Qianjin, Zuoying, Renwu, Nandze, Qiaotou, Hunei and Meinong. In Pingtung there are monitoring stations in Hengchun, Fangliao, Xiaoliuqiu, Chaozhou and Pingtung City. 台南在台南市區 、 安南 、 善化 、 麻豆 、 學甲跟新營 有環境監測站。 高雄的環境監測站在林園 、 大寮 、 小港 、 前鎮 、 復興 、 鳳山 、前金 、 左營 、 仁武 、楠梓 、橋頭 、 湖內跟美濃 。 屏東的環境監測站在恆春 、 枋寮 、 小琉球、潮州跟屏東市 。
I'm using the readings for February 11, 2022 in this entry. The prevailing wind was from the east, and there was a convection cell off the west coast. The worst air in Taiwan was in central Kaohsiung, and the best was in Taitung. 下列是二月十一日的空氣品質指數 ， 風向從東到西 ， 本島西部也有個對流 ， 這一天本島高雄市區的空氣品質最差， 台東的空氣品質最好 。
The worst AQI reading in the world was in Dhaka, Bangladesh at 294.世界上空氣品質最差的地方就是孟加拉國的達卡市 ， 那邊的空氣品質是294AQI。
Tainan 台南
Xinying 新營 - 7 am: 104, 12 noon: 138, 7 pm: 104
Xuejia 學甲 - 7 am: 79, 12 noon: 102, 7 pm: 75
Madou 麻豆 - 7 am: 100, 12 noon: 122, 7 pm: 94
Shanhua 善化 - 7 am: 105, 12 noon: 134, 7 pm: 106
Annan 安南 - 7 am: 102, 12 noon: 135, 7 pm: 103
Tainan 台南市區 - 7 am: 111, 12 noon: 144, 7 pm: 111
Most of Tainan's industry is located in and around downtown Tainan, but there are a lot of livestock and food processing operations northeast of there. Tainan has a smaller population, less industry and less traffic than Kaohsiung, so of course their air is better. 台南大部分的工廠在市區或市區附近 ， 可是它的東北部有很多畜牧業跟食品加工業 。 台南的人口 、工業 、 交通流量都比高雄少 ，所以空氣品質相對地比較好 。
Kaohsiung 高雄
Meinong 美濃 - 7 am: 70, 12 noon: 81, 7 pm: 104
Hunei 湖內 - 7 am: 100, 12 noon: 132, 7 pm: 102
Qiaotou 橋頭 - 7 am: 146, 12 noon: 156, 7 pm: 146
Nandze 楠梓 - 7 am: 117, 12 noon: 135, 7 pm: 121
Renwu 仁武 - 7 am: 132, 12 noon: 151, 7 pm: 141
Zuoying 左營 - 7 am: 115, 12 noon: 142, 7 pm: 110
Qianjin 前金 - 7 am: 128, 12 noon: 152, 7 pm: 121
Fengshan 鳳山 - 7 am: 149, 12 noon: 155, 7 pm: 136
Fuxing 復興 - 7 am: 117, 12 noon: 145, 7 pm: 121
Qianjhen 前鎮 - 7 am: 121, 12 noon: 142, 7 pm: 130
Xiaogang 小港 - 7 am: 116, 12 noon: 133, 7 pm: 128
Daliao 大寮 - 7 am: 139, 12 noon: 153, 7 pm: 155
Linyuan 林園 - 7 am: 126, 12 noon: 152, 7 pm: 142
It's hard to tell whether Kaohsiung's air quality has more to do with traffic or with factory emissions. Both are obvious problems in a city this size, and the distribution of industrial areas throughout the city make it harder to trace air pollution to its source. One thing's for sure, the air around Meinong, located near the mountains, is much cleaner. 高雄的空氣品質很難說是受到交通的影響比較大或是工廠排放的廢氣。 這兩個問題在那麼大的城市裡 顯而易見 ，只是高雄到處都有工廠 ， 有時候真難知道空氣污染的源頭在哪裡。 但有一件事是確定的， 靠近山區的美濃空氣品質比較良好 。
Pingtung 屏東
Pingtung City 屏東市 - 7 am: 95, 12 noon: 120, 7 pm: 138
Chaozhou 潮州 - 7 am: 85, 12 noon: 94, 7 pm: 141
Xiaoliuqiu 小琉球 - 7 am: 93, 12 noon: 128, 7 pm: 124
Fangliao 枋寮 - 7 am: 79, 12 noon: 86, 7 pm: 120
Hengchun 恆春 - 7 am: 33, 12 noon: 31, 7 pm: 44
Pingtung's air quality was discussed a year ago in the the Air Quality in Pingtung entry. Pingtung's air is on average better than Kaohsiung and Tainan's. It has a smaller population, less traffic overall, and fewer factories. Pingtung City and Xiaoliuqiu, which are both closer to Kaohsiung, usually have the worst air, but as you move south toward Hengchun the air gets considerably better. 屏東的空氣品質在一年前的屏東的空氣品質討論過。 屏東的空氣品質平均比高雄跟台南好 ， 人口 、 車輛 、 工廠都比較少 。 屏東市跟小琉球都比較靠近高雄 ， 所以空氣品質常常比較差 。 往恆春的方向走， 空氣品質也越來越好 。
As said before, assigning a single number (or color) to Pingtung's air quality is very misleading. The areas south of Fangliao are shielded by the mountains, and the wind rarely blows southeast toward that part of the county. Everything from Fangliao to Pingtung City lies on a vast agricultural plain, and this plain stretches all the way north to the air monitoring stations in Tainan. 給全屏東縣空氣品質一個指數 (或是一個顏色) 是不對的資訊 。 枋寮到最南端的部分被山脈擋住 ， 風向也很少從西北吹向東南。 枋寮到屏東市中間主要都是農業平原 ， 這個平原也往北包含了台南的監測站 。
We'll see if the government's "green energy plan" brings about a change in local air quality. I'm a bit skeptical given the seeming lack of oversight and the number of private companies involved, but it's encouraging that the government realizes this is a problem and is taking steps to fix it. 我們一起看政府的 "綠色能源計畫" 能否改善當地的空氣品質。 我覺得政府的監督不夠 ，也有太多私人公司利益混在政策內 。 但往好的一面看， 政府也看到了這個問題並採取行動改善。
After all, which is more dangerous in the long term - viruses, or the air many of us are breathing? 話說回來 , 疫情或是我們吸的空氣，長遠來看哪一個比較危險 ?
2. Roaming Around Manzhou Township 滿州鄉遊記
Manzhou Township is south of Mudan. Most of this township is inside the boundaries of Kenting National Park. It's far from everywhere, but it's well worth going to if you have the time. 滿洲鄉位於牡丹鄉南部 。它大部分的面積屬於墾丁國家公園 。 滿州離所有的地方很遠 ，可是如果你有時間的話，那是個值得去的地方。
Near Kentington Resort again, but further north. There's a road into Checheng that starts here, and provided your car's in good condition it's a beautiful drive. Nanren Lake is also nearby, but you need a permit to enter that area as well. 這個地方也在小墾丁渡假村附近 ， 比較北邊一點。 這附近有一條路往車城 ， 如果你的車性能不錯， 那可以來這裡看漂亮的風景。 附近也有南仁湖 ，可是進入那個生態區前要先申請 。
According to the last census, there are 7,346 people living in Manzhou. 上次的人口統計表示 , 滿州的人口是7346人 .
This bridge is at the southern end of the township, on the way to Jialeshui from Hengchun. If you can get there early it's a nice place to stop. 這個吊橋位在滿州鄉的南端，是在恆春到佳樂水的那條路上 。 如果你早到的話 ， 這裡是個不錯的休息地點 。
Jialeshuit's famous waterfall. Most people board one of the tour buses from the entrance, but if you're not interested in hearing the tour guide describe various rocks the falls are within walking distance. 佳樂水有名的瀑布 。 大部分的遊客在入口處上小導覽車 ， 如果你不想聽導覽員介紹石頭， 那可以自己步行進去 .
Many, many rocks... 石頭天堂 .
Further north, along County Road 200, up the hill from Jioupeng Village. 比較北邊 ，在九棚村上面的省道200上 。
Jungshan Port. Not an easy area to get to, but worth the drive. 中山漁港 。 開車到這裡很累，可是很值得。
The other side of the township, near Kentington Resort. 滿州鄉的另外一邊 ， 靠近小墾丁渡假村。
Jioupeng Village. The fence is for cows. 九棚村。 . 柵欄是養牛用的 .
The road south of Jioupeng, about as far from everything as you can get. 往南， 經過九棚的那條路 ， 最偏僻的地區 。
Nanren Port. 南仁漁港 .
The end of the road, just south of Nanren Port. Further on is a protected area, and you need a permit to go further down the coast. 那條路的終點 ，也就是 南仁漁港的南邊 。 更南邊是一個生態區 ，需要申請才能進入。
3. Pingtung in the News 屏東的新聞 (South 南) 6
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. Linbian Township 林邊鄉
1a. The Linbian Fire Department conducted a rescue drill at the PX Mart. 林邊鄉全聯超市消防組合演練
2. Jiadong Township 佳冬鄉
2a. The Director of the Jiadong Township Office passed away recently. He'd been ill for some time. At the time of his death he was under investigation for taking bribes. 屏東佳冬鄉長龔日光官司纏身 元宵節病逝亨壽66歲
3. Fangliao Township 枋寮鄉
3a. Before the Chinese New Year holiday there was a car accident involving three vehicles on Fangliao's stretch of Highway 1. Thankfully no one was killed. 小年夜台1線枋寮段3車車禍 千萬超跑麥拉倫車頭撞毀
3b. Local mango farmers - not just in Fangliao but also in surrounding townships - have been dealing with a loss of crops due to changing weather conditions. A lack of stable weather causes the petals of mango flowers to fall off too early, thus making it difficult to fertilize the trees so that they can bear fruit. Local officials disagree over how to best handle the situation, more specifically from the standpoint of agricultural insurance claims. 枋寮芒果酥花成屏東縣長初選交鋒陣地 (1)
3c. They want to build an "outer ring road" through Shuidiliao. The earliest it would be completed is 2025. 改善交通瓶頸 水底寮將建外環道 (2)
4. Chun Rh Township 春日鄉
4a. Not long ago a child in Chunrh was killed by a neighbor's pitbull. After public outcry, the pitbull was put up for adoption. Those wishing to adopt the dog must submit a plan to the county government. "比特犬索爾" 開放認養申請方式曝光 ! 翻肚討摸摸等一個家 (3)
5. Fangshan Township 枋山鄉
5a. The Director of the Fangshan Township Office was cheating on his wife with an employee. His wife, suspecting his infidelity, hired a private investigator who obtained video of the couple having sex. The wife then attempted to extort her husband for 6 million NT. Instead of paying the sum, the Township Office Director turned the matter over to the authorities, and the matter is still under investigation. With police officers and civil servants as far away as Kaohsiung involved (and implicated in related crimes), this investigation will probably take some time. 枋山鄉長偷情全都錄 遭勒索600萬 (4)
5b. As you might expect, some of those COVID-positive cases in Kaohsiung have also passed through Pingtung. Some of these cases stopped in Fangshan for coffee. 情侶屏東14處足跡 網驚 : 下次去 (5)
6. Shrdze Township 獅子鄉
6a. A man from Taipei got lost in the mountains while looking for a waterfall. While searching for the waterfall his car got stuck on a local road and blew a tire. He was assisted out of his predicament by a local man and a police officer. 靠導航探獅子秘境 迷路爆胎受困山中 ! 警民出動怪手救援
This article introduces the Liloong Mountain Trail. If you're clicking on the link to view the pictures, be aware that the first photo is misleading. That photo, looking north up the coast, was taken from Turtle Mountain in Checheng Township, nowhere near the Liloong Mountain Trail. 五星級防護措施步道 ! "里龍山" 安心爬 天氣好還能探訪溪谷秘境
7. Checheng Township 車城鄉
7a. Pingtung County Magistrate Pan Meng-an volunteered some of his time at Fu-an Temple during Chinese New Year. He's been doing so for around 30 years. 潘孟安過年車城福安宮當志工 30多年不變的傳統 (6)
7b. Really? It takes some people an hour? This article introduces the Turtle Mountain Trail. The view from the top, by the way, is great. 車城龜山賞海看遺址 1小時療癒身心 (7)
7c. A public art exhibition was held at Haikou recently, and ATVs were barred from entering the exhibition area. Some did, however, and authorities were called in to inspect the situation. 屏東落山風藝術季 遊客竟騎沙灘車穿梭展場 (8)
8. Mudan Township 牡丹鄉
8a. A farmer in Mudan won an award for the seasoning she makes, which incorporates local mushrooms. The Pingtung County Government convened a press conference to celebrate the achievement. 空姐轉種雨來菇 製成調味料獲比利時美味大獎
8b. This article introduces the Alangyi Trail between Mudan and Taitung County. I haven't been down the trail (you need join a group to do so), but I've been to both ends of the trail and it is indeed a beautiful view. 攻略阿郎壹古道懶人包 台灣最美海景在這裡 ! 登山新手想去阿郎壹不是夢 , 路線甲請 , 必拍景點一文看懂 (9)
9. Manzhou Township 滿洲鄉
9a. No recent news out of Manzhou.
10. Hengchun Municipality 恆春鎮
10a. Some of the recent COVID-positive cases in Kaohsiung visited Hengchun recently. This has happened many times before, and will happen many times again. The usual local "footprint" for these cases seems to be Chaozhou, followed by the oceanside coffee in Fangshan, followed by a trip to Fu-an Temple in Checheng, and finishing up with a visit to Hengchun. 高雄確診情侶追加遊屏東足跡 到恆春鎮啖海產喝咖啡 (10)
10b. This article introduces the Stone Tablet Park in central Hengchun. I've been there several times. It's not worth driving out of your way for, but it is significant in terms of local history. 全台唯一珊瑚礁岩山 恆春鎮石牌公園 !
10c. As with the mangoes grown further north, changing weather conditions are also affecting the onion crop in and around Hengchun. Days of rain have triggered various forms of rot. 恆春半島洋蔥災情慘 農民 : 報告總統故鄉洋蔥快死光 (11)
11. Liuqiu Township 琉球鄉
11a. The owner of a homestay was penalized for engaging in age discrimination, a violation of the Employment Service Law. In a job posting for the position of housekeeper he stipulated an age requirement of between 25 and 32 years of age. 小琉球民宿業者徵才要25歲房務員 違反就服法30萬元
4. Roads More or Less Traveled
Next year? We've narrowed it down to four areas. Let me know what you think.
1. Pingtung County
Population of Pingtung City: 195,568 people
Size of Pingtung City: 65.07 square kilometers
Population Density: about 3006 people per square kilometer
Today's AQI: 58 (average)
Population of Checheng and Hengchun: 37,852
Size of this Area: 186.61 square kilometers
Population Density: About 203 people per square kilometer
Today's AQI: 40 (good)
Where in that Area We Might Live:
I told the director of the local FET program that I'd consider Pingtung City or anywhere south of Checheng Township for next school year. There are, however, rules about where they can place MOE FETs (Ministry of Education Foreign English Teachers) like me. If I was working directly for the Pingtung County Government I could go just about anywhere, but unfortunately (?) the restrictions on which schools can employ me limit my options considerably.
What We Like About This/Those Place(s):
I'm not a huge fan of Pingtung City, but it's just a few train stops away from Kaohsiung Main Station. Living in Pingtung City is like living and not living in Kaohsiung at the same time, in both good and bad ways. Real estate in Pingtung City is slightly cheaper, and I'd most likely be working in a larger school there.
I like the area south of Checheng (the southern tip of Taiwan) because it's scenic, has better air, and has more stuff going on. The largest urban area in that part of Pingtung is central Hengchun, which is perhaps big enough to offer me more varied work opportunities in the future. I like the idea of having unfettered access to Kenting National Park, and even though buying a property down there isn't cheap it's still possible.
My wife would consider this area because living there allows her to keep her job. She works in Shrdze Township now, and Checheng isn't far from there.
What We Don't Like About This/Those Place(s):
Pingtung City doesn't have the best air quality. The traffic in some areas is bad. There also isn't much to do in Pingtung City, probably because it's so close to Kaohsiung.
With areas south of Checheng the only problem is traffic. We'd be bottled up down there on the weekends. I'm used to the "tourist wave" from years of living in Taitung, but having half of Taiwan drive down every weekend might get old.
In some ways south Pingtung also isn't what it used to be. If you visit Kenting's "Big Street" you'll notice a lot of For Rent signs. I've also had friends tell me that it's surprisingly boring there on the weekends.
Likelihood of Moving There, According to the Online Magic 8 Ball:
For Pingtung City the 8 Ball says "Signs point to yes." For Checheng south it says "Don't count on it."
2. Kaohsiung City
Population of Districts Between Qianjin and Ciaotou: 1,160,253 people
Size of this Area: 119.1 square kilometers
Population Density: About 9,742 people per square kilometer
Today's AQI: 46 (good)
Where in that Area We Might Live:
Anywhere between the Sanduo Shopping District and Ciaotou.
What We Like About This/These Place(s):
One of our daughters is a student at Kaohsiung Hospitality University (the high school program), and the other is attending Wenzao University. My mother-in-law lives in Ciaotou District, and moving to this part of Kaohsiung would put us near all three people.
I miss living in a big city sometimes. I lived in Taichung for four years, and Hsinchu for one, and the bars, restaurants and department stores of those two cities were places I enjoyed. There's also something of a geographic advantage to that area, in that it would allow me to explore Tainan and north Pingtung County relatively easily.
Work opportunities would be more abundant in Kaohsiung. It would take some time to meet the people who make those things happen, but in Kaohsiung there's always another job around the corner.
What We Don't Like About This/Those Place(s):
Buying property in most of Kaohsiung is almost prohibitively expensive. There's also the air quality, which is on average worse than what you'd find in Pingtung City. Not to mention traffic, not to mention crowds, not to mention the other sources of stress that living in a city that size brings with it.
Likelihood of Moving There, According to the Online Magic 8 Ball:
For Kaohsiung City the 8 Ball says "Better not tell you now."
3. Downtown Tainan
Population of Downtown Tainan: 811,378 people
Size of Downtown Tainan: 108.67 square kilometers
Population Density: About 7,466 people per square kilometer
Today's AQI: 29 (good)
Where in that Area We Might Live:
I would only live downtown. Moving to any other part of Tainan from Fangliao doesn't make sense. Greater Tainan is just Fangliao writ large.
What We Like About This/Those Place(s):
My wife is NOT a fan of Tainan. She thinks it's old and uninteresting. Part of the reason for this is the fact that she went to high school there, and also that her mom lived in Yongkang District for many years. My wife and I were married in Tainan.
I, however, have always liked that city. It always seemed the right size for a city, even though it's less than convenient to walk around. The air quality is slightly better than what you'll find in Kaohsiung, and it has a lot more history to boot.
What We Don't Like About This/Those Place(s):
My wife's opinion has been outlined above. For my part I will say it's a bit rundown. Tainan always seemed like a city where nothing ever gets fixed to anyone's satisfaction, and where those looking for "modern" would be better off moving to Kaohsiung.
Likelihood of Moving There, According to the Online Magic 8 Ball:
For downtown Tainan the 8 Ball says "You may rely on it."
4. Hualien County
Population of Arean Between Guangfu and Fuli: 55,866 people
Size of this Area: 721.44 square kilometers
Population Density: About 77 people per square kilometer
Today's AQI: 37 (good)
Where in that Area We Might Live:
In the East Rift Valley, from Guangfu south.
What We Like About This/Those Place(s):
It's slightly less rainy than places further north. I've driven around the area a lot, and I'm very familiar with it. When the sun is out it's beautiful. I like Yuli the most, given its nearness to Jade Mountain National Park, Antong Hot Springs and the east coast. Yuli also has a major train station and a relatively large population.
Having Yuli as our backyard would be great. The bicycling and running possibilities are endless. Hiking in the mountains would be EASY.
What We Don't Like About This/Those Place(s):
It's even more rural than where we live now. In a place like that working for the government is the only steady gig, and everything else is extremely temporary. Another downside is the Hualien County Government's slowness, and their tendency towards placing people in Hualien City, an area I'm not fond of. I almost transferred to Hualien two years ago, but balked when they tried to put me in the city.
Likelihood of Moving There, According to the Online Magic 8 Ball:
For Hualien County the 8 Ball says "Without a doubt."
5. Taitung City
Population of Taitung City: 103,943 people
Size of Taitung City: 109.77 square kilometers
Population Density: About 947 people per square kilometer
Today's AQI: 34 (good)
Where in that Area We Might Live:
Downtown Taitung. We already own an apartment there.
What We Like About This/Those Place(s):
I still have a lot of friends in Taitung, and I miss them often. There's also the familiarity of the place. Just start at the entries in this blog from July 2020 and work backward. You'll see what I mean.
Taitung and Hualien both have great air quality. Taitung has (on average) better weather than Hualien, so outdoor stuff is feasible year round. This, and with our apartment there we'd be saving more money.
What We Don't Like About This/Those Place(s):
In some ways the idea of going back to Taitung bores me. I lived there for 13 years - almost a third of my life so far - and the idea of going back to Taitung City - an undeniably comfortable place - and doing the same things in the same places seems like going backward. I like the relative unfamiliarity of South Taiwan. The air quality isn't great, but there's still a lot left of it to explore. There's also the fact that I've never lived in Kaohsiung or Tainan, and I'd like to give those places a try.
Likelihood of Moving There, According to the Online Magic 8 Ball:
For Taitung City the 8 Ball says "Cannot predict now."
So, according to the Magic 8 Ball, We'll be living in downtown Tainan, Hualien County or Pingtung City next year. Hopefully not all three. That sounds traumatic. BUT, as I've already discussed with friends and family members, whether or not we go back to the States this summer is a complicating factor. There are also the response times of two government organizations to consider. Will the Pingtung County Government or the Ministry of Education get back to me first? And will I choose to transfer, or leave the Foreign Teacher Program behind? Right now there's no telling. I'll just have to see what happens.
5. Taiwan 101: Our Friend, 7-11
"6,072"
So, according to Google at least, there are over six thousand 7-11s in Taiwan. Given that there are 23,451,837 people living on this island, that means there's one 7-11 for every 3,862 people.
Or, given that Taiwan's total land area is 36,197 square kilometers, this also means that there's approximately one 7-11 for every 6 square kilometers. This is of course assuming that the 7-11s are distributed evenly, which is far from the case. In the cities one often finds 7-11s across the street from one another, each franchise engaged in an endless round of Mortal Kombat, intent on becoming the one, true 7-11 which has consumed all others. One 7-11 to rule them all, until Taiwan itself is nothing more than one giant 7-11, in which we all work, and in which we are all customers.
One day I'll be teaching English in that vast, future 7-11. I'll have an apartment near the beer section, and my job will be somewhere near the frozen foods. In the summers I'll take my 7-11 passport to the 7-11 International Airport, I'll board a 7-11 plane bound for another 7-11 International Airport, and from there I'll visit my parents in a still more distant 7-11, far across the sea.
Or not. And anyway I think that number's wrong. There are at least two new 7-11s that I know of - one in Pingtung and one in Kaohsiung - and these two probably aren't included in the number Google gave me. So 6,074 at least. But then again there are undoubtedly other new 7-11s, in other parts of Taiwan, that Google has yet to learn of.
Taiwan has A LOT of 7-11s. Alongside these 7-11s you'll also find Family Marts, OK Marts and Hi-Lifes, though 7-11 is undoubtedly king of this particular Formosan castle. Off the top of my head there are five 7-11s in Fangliao Township, three in Fangshan, and around the same number in nearby Jiadong and Xinpi. My bit of central Pingtung County is a little bit behind the national average, but we're still doing well in terms of coverage.
Are there parts of Taiwan that don't have 7-11s? Yes, I'm happy to say there are. I can think of several sparsely populated townships that don't have any, all located near the mountains. If you want to get away from 7-11s, heading toward the mountains, far away from urban areas and major roads, is your best bet. Many of the townships with a higher than average number of aboriginal residents are entirely free of 7-11s and other convenience store chains, provided they're not located near a major tourist attraction. If they are near something famous you can forget it, they have at least one 7-11 there for sure.
Taiwan even has an unofficial 7-11 Day. When is 7-11 Day? You guessed it - July 11. This date stands in opposition to Australia's 7-11 Day, which falls on November 7 due to the reprehensible manner in which Australians write dates.
All of the 7-11s in Taiwan are owned by (or franchised through) the President Chain Store Corporation. The President Chain Store Corporation has a history stretching back to 1978, when it inked a deal with an American conglomerate to operate 7-11s in Taiwan. This corporation also offers franchise rights to Starbucks, Cosmed, Mr. Donut, Muji, Carrefour and Takkyubin. It operates Kaohsiung's Dream Mall and the Uni-President Department Store. The President Chain Store Corporation is in turn a subdivision of the Uni-President Enterprises Corporation, an even more fearsome corporate behemoth that produces much of the food that 7-11 sells.
So, even if you "own" a 7-11, you still have to stock it with the products the company that franchised it to you makes, and then you need to stock it with yourself, which the Uni-President Enterprises Corporation may or may not also own. Capitalism is fun, isn't it?
Needless to say, all of the goods and services provided so graciously by the Uni-President Enterprises Corporation, through its subsidiary the President Chain Store Corporation, flow downward to us, the consumers. And do we love these goods and services? Of course we do! 7-11 has coffee, beer, condoms, Doritos, juice, towels, raincoats, magazines, microwaveable hamburgers, marginally edible fruit, pens and a lot of other stuff I'm forgetting now because I've been sitting in this office all day and I'm tired. You can pay your bills at 7-11, you can collect train tickets at 7-11, you can make copies at 7-11, and you can even take a shit at 7-11 if the mood strikes you. At some 7-11s, that is. Not all of them have bathrooms.
If you're visiting Taiwan for the first time you'll probably see a 7-11 once you've left Customs. Then, like all visitors - moths to the flame that we are - you'll visit said 7-11, perhaps to buy a hot dog so that you can fulfill your quota of nitrates for the year. Hey, you'll get no judgement from me on this score. I've done it many times myself.
But maybe, maybe, maybe you could go a bit easy on the 7-11s while you're here? Don't give them ALL your money, after all. Visit Family Mart once in a while, or do something shameful like buying a beer at Hi-Life. Play the field, there's no need to get monogamous right away. You'll have time to enjoy a bit of freedom first, and then, when you're ready, you can settle into the loving arms of "Open Jiang" along with the rest of humanity.
There to sleep, perchance to dream, until we wake again, and from that state of wakefulness stumble onward through a series of 7-11s, all of which are pale reflections of that final, ultimate 7-11 which resides in a world yet to come. Mortals that we are, let us bow our heads in prayer, in the hope that in this Seventh Eleven, lying beyond the mortal plane, we will all find conveniences yet to be imagined.
6. 台灣地名故事Taiwanese Place Name Stories 4
台南市
Tainan City
台灣府 , 府城 (台南) Taiwan Prefecture, Government City (Tainan)
台南市有許多名稱 , 此地原是平埔族的赤嵌社 , 所以稱為 "赤嵌" ; 荷蘭時代稱 "紅毛城" ; 鄭成功時稱 "承天府" ; 清朝康熙時改為 "台灣府" ; 光緒時又改為 "台南府" . 由於它在台灣的南邊 , 最後稱為 "台南" . Tainan has had many names. This area was known as "Chrkan Settlement" to the plains-dwelling aboriginal people who lived there first, and for this reason it was called "Chrkan." During the Dutch colonial period it was called "City of the Red Haired [Barbarians]." In Koxinga's time it was called "Chengtian Province." During the reign of Qing Emperor Kangxi it was called "Taiwan Prefecture," and during the reign of Emperor Guangxu it was called "Tainan Prefecture." It was ultimately known as "Tainan" because it's in south Taiwan. (1)
灣裡社 (善化) Wanli Settlement (Shanhua)
在荷治時代 , 此地住著被教化的原住民部落 , 稱為 "善化堡" . 清朝時 , 因在灣裡溪的南岸 , 稱為 "灣裡社" , 後來改成 "善化" . During the Dutch colonial period there was a civilized aboriginal village in this area by the name of "Shanhuabao." During the Qing Dynasty it was known as "Wanli Settlement," because it was on the south bank of the Wanli River. It eventually came to be known as "Shanhua." (2)
店仔口街 (白河) Diandzekou Street (Baihe)
白河在清朝嘉慶年間 , 成為一個繁榮的貨物集散地 , 建有許多店舖 , 所以成為 "店仔口街" , 後來 , 地方人士以 "店仔口" 地名不雅 , 而境內有白水溪從東繞南而西 , 環村而流 , 就以 "白河" 為名 . During the reign of Qing Emperor Jiaqing, Baihe became an important trading center, and many shops were built there. [For this reason] it came to be called "Diandzekou ["Shopfront"] Street." Later on the people there decided that "Diandzekou" was an unacceptable name, and because the Baishui ["White Water"] River encircled the town from east to west they changed the name to "Baihe" ["White River"]."
新營 Xinying
鄭成功治理台灣期間 , 為了防止清兵來襲 , 把軍營設在鹽水附近 . 不久 , 又在此地設立新營地 , 所以稱為 "新營" . When Koxinga ruled Taiwan he set up a military outpost in Yanshui to guard against attacks by Qing troops. Not long after this place came to be called "Xinying" ["New Camp"] for this reason.
查畝營 (柳營) Chamuying (Liuying)
鄭成功曾在此屯墾 , 查測田畝 , 因而稱為 "查畝營" . 又因當地大姓 "劉" 的諧音 "柳" , 又稱為 "柳營" , 一直沿用至今 . Koxinga once set up camp in this place, and from this location he inspected local fields. Afterward it came to be known as "Chamu ["Field Inspection"] Camp." Later on, because many people in the area were surnamed Liu (劉), which sounded like Liu (柳), it came to be known as "Liuying, ["Liu Camp"]." It has been known by this name to the present day.
月津 (鹽水) Yuejin (Yanshui)
清朝永正九年 , 此地被開闢為島內貿易港 . 漲潮時海水可及 , 所以與稍北的淡水港對稱為鹽水港 . 因為以前港道環繞街區 , 形成彎曲狀 , 有如半月 , 所以鹽水港又稱作 "月津港" 或 "月港" . Durng the ninth year of Qing Emperor Yongjeng's reign, this area was opened up as a trading port for trade within Taiwan. When the tide was high it was accessible by boat from the sea, and so it was called the "saltwater ("yanshui") port," in contrast to the "freshwater ("danshui") port" further north. Long ago a road encircled the port area, giving it the shape of a half moon. For this reason Yanshui was also referred to as "Yuejin Port" or "Yue ["Moon"] Port."
哆囉嘓 (東山) Duoluoguo (Dongshan)
原是平埔族的哆囉嘓社所在 , 清朝時稱作 "番社街" , 由於名稱不雅 , 又因它位處在台南的東方 , 因此取名為 "東山" . This was the original site of the plains-dwelling aborigines' Duoluoguo Settlement. During the Qing Dynasty it was called Fanshe Street. This name was later deemed inappropriate, and because this area is located in east Tainan it was later renamed "Dongshan." (4)
將軍港 (將軍) Jiangjun Port (Jiangjun)
施琅率領大軍登陸鹿耳門後 , 鄭克塽在此地迎接 . 施琅非常善待鄭克塽和當地百姓 , 深得民心 , 為了紀念施琅 , 改名為 "將軍港" . After Shr Lang oversaw the military landing at Luermen, Jeng Ke-shuang was there to receive the troops. Shr Lang was very kind to Jeng Ke-shuang and the people living there. He really captured their hearts. They renamed the area "Jiangjun [General's] Port" as a way of remembering him.
官佃 (官田) Guandian (Guantian)
是荷治時期王田的所在地 , 到了明鄭時期改為官田 , 招募移民來開墾 , 耕者稱為官佃 , 所以用 "官佃" 為地名 . 民國九年改名為 "官田" 沿用至今 . During the Dutch colonial period this area was known as Wangtian. After the arrival of Koxinga its name was changed to Guantian. People newly arrived on the island were sent to that area to reclaim it, and these immigrants were known as "Guandian [official tenants]," which became the name of the place. During the 9th year of the Republic of China [1910] it was [officially] changed to "Guantian," which it has remained until the present day.
7. Roaming Around Wanluan Township 萬巒鄉遊記
Wanluan Township is north of Xinpi Township and Chaozhou Municipality. It's east of Jhutian Township. 萬巒鄉位於新埤鄉 、 潮州鎮北部 , 竹田鄉的東部 。
At the entrance to the township from Chaozhou. Many betel nut and banana trees are grown around here. 靠近潮州的入口附近 ， 農田裡都種檳榔樹跟香蕉樹 。
Long ago it was one of the Hakka Liudui settlements. During that time it was referred to as the "Xianfeng Dui." 很久以前萬巒是客家六堆中的先鋒堆 。
According to the last census, 20,186 people live in Wanluan. 上次的人口統計顯示 萬巒的人口是20,186人 。
This is the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, one of the most historic churches in Taiwan. It's in the eastern half of Wanluan, toward Taiwu Township in the mountains. 這座萬金聖母聖殿是臺灣歷史最長久的教堂之一 。 這棟聖殿在萬巒的東部 ，靠近山區的泰武鄉 .
I'm not entirely sure what's going on with this tree. Let's just say that Catholicism is often "adapted" to suit local cultures. 我不太清楚這棵樹是做什麼的 ， 有時候天主教會"融合"當地的文化。
Mural on the side of a building near the basilica. Even aside from the church, this area has an interesting history. Hokkien-speaking, Hakka-speaking and aboriginal peoples converged in this area, and the result is an interesting mix of cultures. 聖殿附近的壁畫 。除了聖殿之外 ，這個地區的歷史很有趣 ， 閩南人 、客家人和原住民在這個地區交流 , 這裡因此孕育出豐富的文化 。
Wanluan has more trees than townships further west. This land belongs to the Taisugar Corporation, and is maintained as a "green corridor" along the Mountainside Highway. 萬巒擁有比西邊的鄉鎮更多的樹林 。 這塊地屬於台糖 ，是沿山公路旁的環保林園大道 。
West of the basilica is Wugoushui, a Hakka village with its own unique history. 聖殿西部有五溝水 . 這個客家村也有很特別的歷史 。
This lion is one of two which guard the house above. 保護古厝的獅子 。
Even further west is Wanluan's famous painted suspension bridge. The paint job isn't as vivid as it used to be, but this area is still the most scenic part of Wanluan. 繼續往西走會到有名的彩繪吊橋 。 雖然現在吊橋的顏色沒有那麼鮮豔了 , 但是這個地區還是萬巒風景最好的 。
The bridge spans the Donggang River. The river reaches the Taiwan Strait west of Donggang. 這座橋跨越東港溪 ， 這條河流會流到東港西部的台灣海峽 。
The water here is very clean. 溪的水很乾淨 。
The new Life Memorial Park is up the river from the suspension bridge. There's a walking trail that connects the two places. The big pyramid is a temple, and the smaller pyramid is a church. 從吊橋往上游走就是生命紀念公園 。 吊橋和公園中間有步道相連， 大的金字塔當廟宇 ，小的金字塔當教堂 。
These are pineapple fields around Old Tenglin, near the southern end of the township. 萬巒鄉的南部 ，老藤林附近的鳳梨田 。
Same area, but much earlier in the morning. 同一個地方 ， 很早的時候 。
The same area again, around noon. I bike through this area often. 同一個地方 ，中午的時候 。我常常騎單車經過 。
Another Catholic church. This one was recently restored. It's located inside the Pingtung Cocoa Park, which serves as an exhibition area for locally produced cocoa products. 另外一座天主教堂。 這棟最近被整修過 ， 它在屏東可可園區裡面 。 可可園區的功能是展出當地的可可產品 。
The famous Pork Knuckle Street at around 7 AM, before anything is open. I've eaten at three of the restaurants serving pork knuckle here, and I still have no idea which one is the best. 早上七點 ， 客人還沒來的豬腳街 。 我吃過其中的三家餐廳 ， 但我還不知道哪一家最好吃 。
8. Industrial Areas in South Taiwan
I. Pingtung has three industrial areas. They are:
A. The Pingnan Industrial Area 屏南工業區
The Pingnan Industrial Area is in Fangliao Township, not far from where Highway 1 and Highway 17 come together.
There are around 110 companies present in the Pingnan Industrial Area. In this industrial area you'll find 旭濃實業(股)公司 Xunong Industrial Co. Ltd., which makes carbonized rice husks for agricultural use, 帝興樹脂(股)公司 Dixing Resin Co. Ltd., which makes solvent-free powder coating, 樂聯工業(股)公司 Lelian Industrial Co. Ltd., which makes office furniture, 燁興企業(股)公司屏南線材廠 Yexing Enterprise Co. Ltd., which makes stainless steel wire rods, carbon steel wire rods and other processed steel products, and 三新實業股份有限公司 Sanxin Industrial Co. Ltd., which engages in "basic chemical manufacturing."
Semi-interesting Facts about the above products/services:
Carbonized rice husks are used to adjust the PH balance of soil, provide better soil for seedlings, and increase crop yield. Carbonized rice husks (or hulls) usually contain phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and micronutrients.
The solvent-free powder coating produced and sold by Dixing Resin Co. is used on metal cookware. The metal cookware thus coated is more resistant to heat.
The steel wire rods made by Yexing Enterprise Co. are used in many industries. This company, according to its website, makes a fortune.
"Basic chemical manufacturing" could mean just about anything. There is a list of basic chemicals here, divided into organic and inorganic types. Most of these chemicals are very toxic.
B. The Neipu Industrial Area 內埔工業區
The Neipu Industrial Area is in Neipu Township, not far from where Highway 1 and the Formosa Freeway (#3) come together.
There are around 70 companies present in the Neipu Industrial Area. In this industrial area you'll find 正興科技開發股份有限公司 Jhengxing Technology Development Co. Ltd., which makes a whole spectrum of manufactured foods for both human and animal consumption, 晟園生物科技有限公司內埔食品廠 Chengyuan (Shengyuan) Biotechnology Co. Ltd. (Neipu Food Plant), which makes lemon enzyme, 德京有限公司 Dejing Co. Ltd., which engages in waste disposal, waste removal and the refining of petroleum products, 綠茂環保有限公司 Lumao Environmental Protection Co. Ltd., which engages in recycling and waste removal, and 東糖能源服務股份有限公司 East Sugar Energy Services Co. Ltd. (part of the Taisugar Corporation), which uses food waste to create biogas.
Semi-interesting facts about the above products/services:
Jhengxing Technology Development Co. works in close collaboration with several other companies in the same industrial area. These companies manufacture various foods together.
Drinking too much lemon enzyme has negative health effects. Its good in moderate amounts. Too much damages your teeth and causes other health problems.
Kerosene, home heating oil, diesel fuel and gasoline are all petroleum products.
Biogas is a mixture of gases, primarily consisting of methane and carbone dioxide. It can be produced from agricultural waste, sewage, plant waste, municipal waste, food waste, green waste and manure.
C. The Pingtung Industrial Area 屏東工業區
The Pingtung Industrial Area is in Pingtung City, just south of downtown and also near the intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 27. It's across the river from Kaohsiung City.
There are around 150 companies present in the Pingtung Industrial Area. In this industrial area you'll find 葳龍生技貿易有限公司 Weilong Biotechnology Trading Co. Ltd., which makes hairdressing and other beauty products, 德岦鈞有限公司 Delijun Co. Ltd., which seems to be a trading house involved in the wholesale of various goods, 南王化工有限公司 Nanwang Chemicals Co. Ltd., which makes cleaning products and air fresheners, 東發生物科技製藥股份有限公司 Dongfa Biotechnology Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., which makes 30 types of medicine, and 台灣糖業股份有限公司 Taiwan Sugar Co. Ltd. (Taisugar), which is a HUGE company/corporation that makes everything from potato chips to gasoline.
Semi-interesting facts about the above products/services:
Dongfa Biotech is affiliated with another company that makes cooking wine.
The Taiwan Sugar Corporation (Taisugar) owns 550 square kilometers of land in Taiwan, or about 2% of the main island's total area. It was formed in 1946, after the Nationalist government took over Taiwan from the Japanese Colonial Administration. Taisugar owes much of its present wealth to both sugar refineries and land holdings previously owned by Japanese companies and individuals.
II. Kaohsiung has six industrial areas. They are:
A. Linyuan Industrial Area 林園工業區
The Linyuan Industrial Area is in Linyuan District, at the southern end of Kaohsiung City. It's located along Highway 17.
There are only 29 companies present in the Linyuan Industrial Area, but some of these companies, which include facilities for processing petroleum, are very large. In this industrial area you'll find 亞洲聚合股份有限公司林園廠 Asia Aggregate Co. Ltd. (Asia Polymer Corp.), which produces foam for sports equipment, injection molding, extrusion coating and photovoltaic film, 台灣苯乙烯工業股份有限公司高雄廠 Taiwan Styrene Industry Co., which makes styrene, 聯華氣體工業股份有限公司林園工廠 Lienhua Gas Industry Co. Ltd., which produces basic chemicals, 台灣塑膠工業股份有限公司 林園聚丙烯廠二廠 Taiwan Plastic Industry Co. Ltd., which primarily makes PVC powder, and 台塑德山精密化學股份有限公司 Formosa Plastics Deshan Precision Chemical Co. Ltd. (Tokuyama Corp.), which also produces basic chemicals.
Semi-interesting facts about the above products/services:
Photovoltaic film is used in the production of solar panels.
Styrene is an organic compound (petroleum-derived) used in the production of latex, rubber and polystyrene resins. Many of the steps in the industrial styrene production process are incredibly dangerous.
The Lienhua Gas Industry Co. is often fined by the EPA for a variety of infractions. I suppose they consider it the cost of doing business.
B. Fengshan Industrial Area 鳳山工業區
The Fengshan Industrial Area is in Fengshan District. It's next to the Jungshan (#1) Freeway, but far from any freeway exits or entrances.
There are about 100 companies present in the Fengshan Industrial Area. In this industrial area you'll find 德興汽車企業有限公司 Dexing Automobile Enterprise Co. Ltd., which repairs cars, 銘鋼企業有限公司 Ming Steel Enterprise Co. Ltd., which is a steel product wholesaler, 股份有限公司 三五橡膠廠股份有限公司 Sanwu Rubber Factory Co. Ltd., which manufactures rubber belts for car engines, 鴻遠企業有限公司 Hongyuan Enterprise Co. Ltd., which is an automotive part wholesaler, and 景春實業有限公司 Jingchun Industrial Co. Ltd., which makes paint, tiles and decorative stone (bricks).
Semi-interesting facts about the above products/services:
Can't think of any!
C. Kaohsiung Seaside Industrial Area 高雄臨海工業區
The Kaohsiung Seaside Industrial Area is in Xiaogang District. It lies between Highway 17 and the Taiwan Strait. It's adjacent to Kaohsiung Port.
There are about 370 companies present in the Kaohsiung Seaside Industrial Area. In this industrial area you'll find 怡誠興業股份有限公司小港廠 Yicheng Industrial Co. Ltd., which makes machine parts, 鋼堡科技股份有限公司 Gangbao Technology Co. Ltd., which offers engineering, training and equipment trading services, 全美手套工業股份有限公司 Quanmei Glove Industry Co. Ltd., which makes gloves, 美商倍拿得有限公司 Benetech Taiwan L.L.C., which makes chemicals and pollution control equipment, and 山隆通運股份有限公司高雄汽車修理廠 Shanlong Express Co. Ltd., which repairs cars.
Semi-interesting facts about the above products/services:
This branch of the Shanlong Express Co. seems to be for sale. At the time of writing no one has bid on the property.
D. Dafa Industrial Area 大發工業區
The Dafa Industrial Area is in Daliao District, south of the 88 expressway and between Highway 25 and Highway 29. It's just north of the Linyuan Industrial Area.
There are about 580 companies present in the Dafa Industrial Area. In this industrial area you'll find 長賡股份有限公司興業廠 Zhanggeng Co. Ltd., which makes golf equipment, 台灣弼奧股份有限公司 Taiwan Biao Co. Ltd., which makes overhead wire clips and protection strips for telecommunications, 京磊實業有限公司 Jinglei Industrial Co. Ltd., which makes machinery related to coal and petroleum production, 永豐盛企業有限公司 Youngfengsheng Enterprise Co. Ltd., which is a scrap/recycling business, and 鈺竑金屬企業有限公司 Yuhong Metal Enterprise Co. Ltd., which is another scrap/recycling business focused on metal scrap.
Semi-interesting facts about the above products/services:
The Taiwan Biao Co. is part of a Japanese corporation manufacturing goods in Taiwan.
E. Renda Industrial Area (formerly known as Dashe 大社 and Renwu 仁武 industrial areas) 仁大工業區
The Renda Industrial Area is Dashe District, east of the Jungshan (#1) Freeway.
There are about 44 companies in the Renda Industrial Area. In this industrial area you'll find 台灣朗盛添加劑股份有限公司 Taiwan Langsheng Additives Co. Ltd. (LANXESS), which makes chemicals (additives) which are added to rubber, 暉華工業股份有限公司 Huihua Industrial Co. Ltd., which engages in aluminum die casting, 鴻順印刷股份有限公司 Hongshun (Hope Son) Printing Co. Ltd., which does industrial level print production, 達宇股份有限公司 Dayu Co. Ltd., which manufactures screws, nuts, nails and nail tools, and 三雄油脂有限公司仁武廠 Sanxiung Oil Co. Ltd., which makes lab tables and other lab equipment.
Semi-interesting facts about the above products/services:
The chemicals made at Langsheng Additives Co. are all shipped to China and used there by foreign-owned companies.
Aluminum die casting involves aluminum ingots heated to a very high temperature which are then injected into a steel die/mold. The process lends itself well to the creation of complex shapes, such as those used in auto parts.
F. Yongan Industrial Area 永安工業區
The Yongan Industrial Area is Yongan District. It's west of Highway 17.
There are about 60 companies present in the Yongan Industrial Area. In this industrial area you'll find 台灣卜蜂企業股份有限公司高 雄廠 Taiwan Bofeng Enterprise Co. Ltd., which makes animal feed, 信元鋁業股份有限公司 Xinyuan Aluminum Co. Ltd., which makes parts for aluminum window frames, 王冠鋁業股份有限公司第二廠 Wangguan Aluminum Co. Ltd., which makes casts in aluminum alloys, 有益鋼鐵股份有限公司 Youyi Steel Co. Ltd., which makes stainless steel plate, and 樺興加油站有限公司 Huaxing Gas Station Co. Ltd., which operates a chain of gas stations.
Semi-interesting facts about the above products/services:
Animal feeds come in three types: roughages, concentrates and mixed feeds.
Aluminum alloys typically alloy aluminum with copper, magnesium, manganese, silicon, tin or zinc.
III. Tainan has five industrial areas. They are:
A. Yongkang Industrial Area 永康工業區
The Yongkang Industrial Area is Yongkang District, east of the Jungshan (#1) Freeway. It's between Highway 1 and Highway 20.
There are about 140 companies in the Yongkang Industrial Area. In this industrial area you'll find 生春堂製藥工業股份有限公司 Shengchuntang Pharmaceutical Industry Co. Ltd, which makes Chinese herbal medicine and beauty products, 順興永工業股份有限公司 Shunxingyong Industrial Co. Ltd., which makes basic steel parts from steel alloy, 興宜雷射精機股份有限公司 Xingyi (SEEI) Laser Precision Co. Ltd., which manufactures steel products with the aid of lasers, 穎霖機械工業股份有限公司永康廠 Yinglin Machinery Industrial Co. Ltd., which makes pipe bending machines, and 龍星顯示科技股份有限公司永康廠 Longxing Display Technology (Agile Display Solutions) Co. Ltd., which provides touch display and flat panel ODM services.
Semi-interesting facts about the above products/services:
You can buy products made by Shengchuntang Pharmaceutical at the Litang Chinese Herbal Medicine Industry Museum in the same area.
ODM means "original design manufacture." The manufacturer (in this case Longxing Display Technology) offers an existing product design to other companies, which they then modify and label as their own.
B. Tainan Technology Industrial Area 台南科技工業區
The Tainan Technology Industrial Area is in Annan District. It's west of Highway 17. The other side of the industrial area is a protected wetland area.
There are about 270 companies in the Tainan Technology Industrial Area. In this industrial area you'll find 堤維西交通工業股份有限公司科工三廠 Tiweixi Transportation Co. Ltd., which develops lighting fixtures for vehicles, 大舜鈑金股份有限公司 Dashun Sheet Metal Co. Ltd., which makes things out of sheet metal, 宇光企業股份有限公司 Yuguang Enterprise Co. Ltd., which makes lights and other auto parts, 南祐企業股份有限公司 Nanyo Enterprise Co. Ltd., which makes electrical wiring, and 統旺科技工業股份有限公司台南廠 Tongwang Technology Industrial Co. Ltd., which makes robots for industrial use.
Semi-interesting facts about the above products/services:
Tongwang Technology Industrial Co. is part of a Japanese corporation.
C. Anping Industrial Area 安平工業區
The Anping Industrial Area is in South District. It's west of Highway 17.
There are about 500 companies in the Anping Industrial Area. In this industrial area you'll find 儒億科技股份有限公司台南廠 Ruyi Technology Co. Ltd., which makes automotive lamps, lightbulbs and other other electronic products, 冠榮機械工業股份有限公司 Guanrong Machinery Industry Co. Ltd., which makes machines for recycling plastic, 高虹企業股份有限公司 Gaohong Enterprise Co. Ltd., which makes sunglasses, safety goggles and reading classes, 華霖塑膠實業股份有限公司 Hualin Plastic Industry Co. Ltd, which also makes automotive lamps, and 育智鋼鐵有限公司 Yuzhr Steel Co. Ltd., which primarily makes iron frames, doors and windows.
Semi-interesting facts about the above products/services:
Only about 9% of all plastic waste produced has ever been recycled. 12% has been incinerated. The rest is sitting in either landfills or your local environment.
D. Guantian Industrial Area 官田工業區
The Guantian Industrial Area is in Guantian District. It's between the Jungshan (#1) Freeway and the Formosa Freeway. It's east of Highway 1.
There are about 180 companies in the Guantian Industrial Area. In this industrial area you'll find 甄隆實業股份有限公司 Jhenlong Industrial Co. Ltd., which makes blankets and pillows, 台暉鋁業股份有限公司官田二廠 Taihui Aluminum Co. Ltd., which makes aluminum sheets and aluminum coils, 怡華實業股份有限公司 Yihua (Ihwa) Industrial Co. Ltd., which is a construction firm involved in the construction of apartment buildings, 大目機械工業股份有限公司 Damu Machinery Industrial Co. Ltd., which makes valves and other hydraulic machinery-related products, and 福發實業股份有限公司 Fufa Industrial (Lucky Unique Enterprise) Co. Ltd., which makes cloth.
Semi-interesting facts about the above products/services:
Yihua Industrial Co. has projects underway all over Taiwan.
E. Xinying Industrial Area 新營工業區
The Xinying Industrial Area is in Xinying District. It's between the Jungshan (#1) Freeway and the Formosa Freeway. It's east of Highway 1.
There are about 160 companies in the Xinying Industrial Area. In this industrial area you'll find 南亞畜牧股份有限公司 Nanya Animal Husbandry (South Asia Chemicals and Feeds) Co. Ltd., which primarily makes pharmaceuticals for livestock, 新永和製皮廠股份有限公司 Xinyonghe Leather Factory Co. Ltd., which makes leather products, 台灣銅業科技股份有限公司新營廠 Taiwan Copper Technology Co. Ltd., which makes various kinds of wire, 瑞一企業有限公司新營廠 Rueiyi Enterprise Co. Ltd., which makes plastic products, and 光翔特殊金屬有限公司 Guangxiang Special Metal Co. Ltd., which makes metal beams and rods.
Semi-interesting facts about the above products/services:
In 2017 the WHO strongly recommended a reduction in antibiotic use in animals in the food industry. Their worry was antibiotic resistant bacteria. To some extent the World Organization for Animal Health argued against the WHO's position, warning of a "drastic reduction in protein supply in some parts of the world" if the use of antibiotics was either reduced too much or banned entirely.
9. Tainan in the News 台南的新聞 (North 北 ) 1
The Tainan City Government will screen residents of Xinying and Liouying for COVID due to an uptick in local cases. This uptick has been blamed on tour groups. The city government's goal is COVID-Zero in that area. 台南新營 , 柳營設篩檢站 盼社區清零 (1)
An older, unvaccinated woman in Yanshui contracted COVID recently, but she was - as far as anyone knows - the only one in her area to do so. 台南 + 1 鹽水區案50多婦未打過疫苗
The Liouying District Office, in cooperation with both a local biotechnology company and the residents of Taikang Village, planted trees in that area. They did this with an eye toward reducing the area's carbon footprint and developing the area for tourism. 柳營區公所結合企業與太康有機農業專區植樹打造綠意新秘徑
Residents of Houbi have been complaining about the smell emanating from nearby livestock farms. One such farm was fined NT 100,000 by the Tainan City Government for excessive odor. 台南後壁畜牧場異味濃度超標 開罰10萬元 (2)
Two more confirmed cases in Baihe. They don't know who the two people caught it from. 南市新增4例本土確診 二例白河感染源不明 (3)
Some of the COVID people visited the big corn maze in Dongshan! Burn the corn! Burn it all now! Anyone inside the maze is on their own! 台南 + 4足跡 確診者曾赴東山區最大 " 玉米迷宮 " (4)
A junior high school in Jiali suspended classes due to a suspected COVID-positive case. 台南佳里某校突停課引恐慌 衛生局 : 擴大匡列採檢陰性
The Shuejia Hollyhock Flower Culture Festival has been postponed due to low temperatures and heavy rainfall. The Shuejia District Office will host a "Hollyhock Flower Arts Party" in its place. " 2022學甲獨葵花文化節 " 3/19開跑 黃韋哲邀大家到學甲徜徉花海體驗農有趣
COVID and low temperatures have complicated the upcoming election of Tainan City councilmembers. The DPP candidate for Beimen, Jiang Qi-jun, took to the streets to drum up support. 台南大北門區議員參選人不畏低溫站街頭爭取支持
The cost of asparagus grown in Jiangjun has reached a 7 year high. 將軍綠蘆筍 飆7年新高
The Qigu District Office is partnering with food processing and manufacturing businesses to help local shallot farmers find a market for their crops. 台南紅蔥頭盛產 七股區公所認購行銷
The trees in Xigang's Jinsha Village are blooming, and the Xigang District Office is encouraging tourists to visit the area before the end of the season. 台南花旗木進入花季 西港區公所 , 江南渡假村行銷紛紅美景
There was a huge fire at a shipping company in Madou. 台南麻豆貨運公司倉庫火警濃煙猛竄 消防20車30人搶救
Dalongtian Ecological Culture Park is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination, but visitors complain about the lack of public toilets. The Guantian District Chief is seeking funds to build them. 大隆田園區沒公廁 民怨不方便
A worker fractured his arm as the result of an industrial accident at the Lioujia District Landfill. He is the second person to be injured using the same machine. 台南六甲垃圾掩埋場 工人右手捲入機器
In response to a COVID-positive case in Danei and other areas, the government announced that its mask wearing policy will not be loosened. Additional screening measures were also implemented. 南市新增4名本土病例 黃韋哲 : 台南口罩政策不鬆綁 , 請醫療院所及市民加強防疫警覺
The Xiaying District Office recently held a "kiln roasting activity" to promote local delicacies offered by leisure farms in the area. Samples of kiln-roasted turkey, black beans, goose and pizza were available at the activity. 下營號召休閒農場交流 推應窯烤美食文化 (5)
10. "The Foreigners in the Mountains" 山上的外國人
On one occasion she talked about all the foreigners who'd married aboriginal women, and how the mountains west of Taitung City were teeming with these foreigners, their aboriginal wives, and their half-aboriginal children. "There are SO many," she assured me, "They're everywhere." 有一次她說到外國男子跟原住民女子結婚這件事 。 她說台東市西部的山區有很多外國人和他們的原住民妻子及混血的孩子。 她強調 "非常多 " 、 "到處都有 "。
She was exaggerating of course. But to be fair to her, I have met several foreign men married to aboriginal women in Taitung and Pingtung, and the number of these cross-cultural couples has always seemed unusually high. 當然，她可能說得太誇張了。可是我也認識幾對這樣的夫婦 ， 我也很好奇這些跨文化的家庭的比例。
Not long after my Amis barber closed down her shop and moved back into the mountains, I was sitting in a foreign friend's house in a Paiwan village. We were drinking beer with several other people. Aside from myself, my friend and the two other expats are all married to aboriginal women. Joining us in our drinking were a few villagers, ranging in age from very young to very old. 我的阿美族理髮師搬回去山上不再營業後， 有一次我去朋友家喝酒， 他的房子在排灣族部落裡 ， 除了我們兩個外，還有另外兩個外國人 ， 他們三個都跟排灣族女子結婚 。 在場一起喝酒的還有部落裡不同年齡層的排灣族人 。
The foreign guys, apart from me, all speak Chinese with an aboriginal accent. While we sat there they talked about weekends spent drinking, and barbecues in the mountains. They shared anecdotes from idyllic-sounding lives, and they seemed vert happy with how and where they live. They never seemed uncertain or self-conscious about it. 除了我之外 ，坐在那裏的外國居民都用原住民的口音講中文 。 他們談論周末時在山上烤肉和喝酒，也分享田園生活中的軼事。 他們的生活好像很快樂 ; 他們對居住的地方很滿意 ; 他們從來沒有表現出不滿或疑惑。
As I listened to them talk, I often wondered if the people in that village would all agree with their assessments of village life. I wanted to ask one of the aboriginal people sitting with us what they thought, but I couldn't think of a way to do so without sounding rude. Do they see the lives they lead as being so free and easy? Do they even want to live in that village? Do they feel that their lives are as good as they could be? 當我聽著他們的談話 ， 我常想部落裡的人會不會同意他們形容的部落的生活方式 。 我也想問坐我旁邊的排灣族人的意見 ， 只是我不知道如何不失禮的問這些問題。 他們覺得自己的生活那麼地輕鬆自由嗎 ? 他們都想住在部落裡嗎 ? 他們覺得部落裡的生活方式無可挑剔嗎 ?
I really have no idea. I'm still waiting for the chance to ask. Something always seems to come between me and asking those kinds of questions, regardless of time, location or people present. 我真的不知道 。 我還在等機會問 。 我找不到適合的地點、時機或人來問這些問題。
What I do know is that their lives are very different from those of my family. Their kids run around doing semi-secret kid things, their wives seem proud and somewhat distant, and their men carry on, as men everywhere do. But how are they, really? I haven't a clue. 我知道的是他們的生活方式跟我家人的生活方式差很多 。 他們的孩子跑來跑去 ， 玩只有他們自己知道的遊戲， 他們的妻子似乎驕傲且有距離感， 他們的男人忙著男人的事， 可是他們過得如何 ? 我真不知道 。
I just hope the aboriginal people (and their foreigners) really are happy in the mountains, because sometimes I suspect otherwise. People are always glad to show you the good side of mountain life - especially foreigners who've married into it - but it can't all be singing songs and weekend barbecues. Sometimes you see signs of domestic abuse, sometimes you see signs of alcoholism, and sometimes you see poverty. Of course these things are also present in any Chinese village, but when I sit in an aboriginal village, stranger that I am, I can't help but wonder how deep these problems go. 我希望原住民(還有他們的外國人)在山裡真的快樂 ，因為我有時候覺得他們的生活不是都這樣子的 。 人們都很高興給你看山上生活的好處 ， 特別是山上的外國人 。 可是山上的生活不可能是每天唱歌和每個周末烤肉的 。 有時候在部落裡會看到家庭暴力、酗酒和貧窮的跡象 。 當然漢人的村落也有這些問題 ，但當我坐在部落裡，我不禁猜想這些問題在部落的嚴重性。
"The foreigners in the mountains?" They are indeed there, though they're not as numerous as my Amis barber would have had me believe. They're living their way, I'm living mine, and occasionally our paths cross, to the amusement of both parties. 山上的外國人 ? 他們確實在那裡， 只是沒有我阿美族理髮師講的那麼多而已。 他們有他們的生活方式 ， 我有自己的生活方式 ， 有時候生活中有交集時，彼此分享生活中的樂趣 。
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