20/7/2013
Today is the official end for the 2013 BACT program. In the afternoon, we all gather at meeting room for group presentation. This group project can really make us more familiar with other group members and learn how to cooperate with people from other countries and majors. All groups did a great job and we had our closing ceremony.
We finish this program with a very nice farewell dinner. We had a buffet dinner in an Italian restaurant. I take photos with all the people in this program, which make remember our time in Taiwan. It is really a nice program for me to meet people from other countries and know more about Taiwan. I like this program very much.
After the dinner, we went to Karaoke in mid night. It's the last activity we can gather around and play. We all fully participated in the karaoke room. It's a prefect ending for our program. I hope that I can see them again!!!
Wednesday, 24 July 2013
Zoo visit and project
19/7/2013
Today, we went to Taipei City Zoo. In the morning, we had a lecture about how this zoo involve in conservation job and learn from other zoo. After that, we went to a reptile and amphibian center to look at some endangered species. This center collect the endangered species from smuggling, so we can really find some extremely rare and beautiful reptile from this center.
After looking at the endangered animals, we can have our free time to visit in this zoo. This is a really huge zoo that we can see different kinds of animals, including animals from all around the world. But my most favorite animals is the Formosan Black Bear. However, I cannot see the white bend near the neck part of its body. Then, we went to the area to see animals from Africa. Since I have visited South Africa in the previous winter, I see almost 90% of the animals in that area. We finally take the train to left the zoo. We back to dorm to finish the project, then have a great dinner before our presentation!
Today, we went to Taipei City Zoo. In the morning, we had a lecture about how this zoo involve in conservation job and learn from other zoo. After that, we went to a reptile and amphibian center to look at some endangered species. This center collect the endangered species from smuggling, so we can really find some extremely rare and beautiful reptile from this center.
After looking at the endangered animals, we can have our free time to visit in this zoo. This is a really huge zoo that we can see different kinds of animals, including animals from all around the world. But my most favorite animals is the Formosan Black Bear. However, I cannot see the white bend near the neck part of its body. Then, we went to the area to see animals from Africa. Since I have visited South Africa in the previous winter, I see almost 90% of the animals in that area. We finally take the train to left the zoo. We back to dorm to finish the project, then have a great dinner before our presentation!
Seedling transplanting
18/7/2013
In the morning, we went to the farm in NTU for seedling transplanting. It's really a tough job to transplant the seedlings under sun. We need to put our leg onto the mud and the feeling is very creepy.
At lunch, we have a rice meal, including sticky rice, rice noodling, rice dumpling etc. It all taste very nice! After lunch we had a long rice movie watching, it is quite long to me because I want more time on my project and travel around in the last few days in Taiwan. We gather around for the discussion of the project. Every group mates are very helpful and we finish about all the project within a short time. We are just waiting for the soil sample and practicing our presentation.
In the morning, we went to the farm in NTU for seedling transplanting. It's really a tough job to transplant the seedlings under sun. We need to put our leg onto the mud and the feeling is very creepy.
At lunch, we have a rice meal, including sticky rice, rice noodling, rice dumpling etc. It all taste very nice! After lunch we had a long rice movie watching, it is quite long to me because I want more time on my project and travel around in the last few days in Taiwan. We gather around for the discussion of the project. Every group mates are very helpful and we finish about all the project within a short time. We are just waiting for the soil sample and practicing our presentation.
Wednesday, 17 July 2013
【I am Vico】Not written by ME!!!!
I am Vico. I came to Taiwan for a B~A~C~T~ program!
I think my Mandarin is getting better now. I am very happy. However, I still can not distinguish between “洗澡” and “洗脚” in Mandarin. They sounds same to me. Am I stupid? Yes, I think so.
I think my Mandarin is getting better now. I am very happy. However, I still can not distinguish between “洗澡” and “洗脚” in Mandarin. They sounds same to me. Am I stupid? Yes, I think so.
Back to Taipei!
17/7/2013
Today was the last day we stay at Sitou. In the morning, we left Sitou and went to 921 earthquake museum. I think earthquake is the most terrible disaster. It is not possible to predict an earthquake and it can be started at every time. Also, earthquake comes very fast and it is difficult to prevent. Although there are average 2000 earthquake per year in Taiwan, I still haven't experience any at all. I'm glad I am born in Hong Kong and there is no such terrible disaster.
After lunch, we went to agriculture institute. We visit how local researcher carry out the crop experiments on isolated greenhouse. This agriculture institute involve a lot of technique like genetic engineering, transporter induced gene expression, genetic modification etc. This is really a good place for doing experiments on crops.
Today was the last day we stay at Sitou. In the morning, we left Sitou and went to 921 earthquake museum. I think earthquake is the most terrible disaster. It is not possible to predict an earthquake and it can be started at every time. Also, earthquake comes very fast and it is difficult to prevent. Although there are average 2000 earthquake per year in Taiwan, I still haven't experience any at all. I'm glad I am born in Hong Kong and there is no such terrible disaster.
After lunch, we went to agriculture institute. We visit how local researcher carry out the crop experiments on isolated greenhouse. This agriculture institute involve a lot of technique like genetic engineering, transporter induced gene expression, genetic modification etc. This is really a good place for doing experiments on crops.
Project in the forest
16/7/2013
In the morning, we go back to the selected place for research. We first put marks on every point. Secondly, we collect the soil sample, plant species and different parameter. Fortunately, that was a sunny day and we can do all the works within 3 hours. After lunch, we started our project powerpoint. However, it take a lots of time for us to identify the plant species. Luckily, there was a good taxonomist and he help us for the identification work. At night, we went to ghost village. There was a Japanese style village and I took a lot of photo about that beautiful and interesting village.
In the morning, we go back to the selected place for research. We first put marks on every point. Secondly, we collect the soil sample, plant species and different parameter. Fortunately, that was a sunny day and we can do all the works within 3 hours. After lunch, we started our project powerpoint. However, it take a lots of time for us to identify the plant species. Luckily, there was a good taxonomist and he help us for the identification work. At night, we went to ghost village. There was a Japanese style village and I took a lot of photo about that beautiful and interesting village.
Begining of our project
15/7/2013
Today
was the first day for us to do our own research. Our group is going to study
about the plants diversity along the stream. Since the water content of the
soil near the stream will be higher, it would reduce the oxygen content inside
the soil. Therefore, it would cause easy damage to the root of the plant. Therefore,
we are looking for the plants that can grow well near the river and its
adaptation. In the afternoon, we went out to do the survey. At first, we are
going to collect some soil sample from the site. Unfortunately, it suddently
rain and it would directly affect our sample. Therefore, we can only take some
plant sample back to our room for identification. Today is a tough hiking date.
Start to think about the project
14/7/2013
We are
still influenced by the Typhoon. In the morning, we had a lecture about the
biodiversity of soils. The lecture given by Dr. Lin let me think more about the
bad point of chemical insecticide of weed killers. We should look soil,
including the worms, insects, protozoa and bacteria as a holistic system. This
is the best method to produce good quantity of food. In the afternoon, we further think our project and make a proposal. As resources and time are limited, we think that doing a observation investigation is better than design complicated experiments. Therefore, we sent the title as studying the effect of rivers on the plantation characteristics.
Typhoon!!!
13/7/2013
Today is
Typhoon day. Due to the inference of the typhoon, we are not allowed to go
outside, our electricity supply was cut off by typhoon. We can just stay in our
room and think about our projects. However, the internet service is not very
good and it’s boring to stay inside. At night, the electricity supply seems to
be repaired. Dr. Lin come and discuss with us about the project, however, the
electricity supply was run off again! In this year winter, I went to South Africa and stay in a place without electricity supply. Therefore, I am not very surprised by the stop service of electricity supply. However, the weather in this place is much colder and I don't want to have a too cold bath. I hope that the electricity supply can retain soon so that we can search for more information about our project from the internet.
Phoenix tea garden
12/7/2013
Today,
we had a guided tour in the phoenix tea garden. We tasted about the wonderful
tea at the Tea lecture; therefore, I am interested in the tea garden in this
place. The guide show us the Tea plant, coffee plant and also the Sakula .
After that, we prepared the tea by ourselves. I think the correct procedure for
making the Chinese tea is very complicated. The cups must be warmed and the
time for making the tea is important. Normally, I just make the tea inside my
cup without having any complicated steps. However, I think tea making is a good
and relax way to understand more about Chinese culture.
We know that typhoon is coming and it will be an unforgettable experience in Taiwan. I hope that this typhoon will not bring too much inconvenient for us since we still have project to do.
We know that typhoon is coming and it will be an unforgettable experience in Taiwan. I hope that this typhoon will not bring too much inconvenient for us since we still have project to do.
Endemic Specimen Research Institide
11/7/2013
Today, I went to the
Endemic Specimen Research Institute to understand more about the biodiversity
of Taiwan. Because of the current earthquake, the specimen room was under maintenance.
Therefore, we had a lecture about the specimen production in Taiwan. In Taiwan,
there is lots of animal die due to road kill. Therefore, this institute
collects the samples from road kill so it can utilize the dead body of animals
for scientific research. I think this is creative idea to prevent killing for
making specimen.
After
lunch, I had a lecture about the bats in Taiwan. We learnt about the endemic
species of Taiwan. Actually, I think that bats are very interesting creatures. It’s
because its behavior is different from another animals. It is the only mammal
that can fly and hang on the roof reversely. Also, the morphology of the bat is
quite diverse, with long ears, leaf nose etc.
Wednesday, 10 July 2013
Shueili Wood Utilization Center
10/7/2013
Today, we had a chance to do the tissue paper box DIY. Actually, making a handmade wood product is not as simple as I imagined. The steps of making a wood product including sanding, assemble, and two times of coating. 3 hours are required for us to finish the tissue paper box.We need to pay a lot of patient for sanding the wood to have a beautiful end product. However, I am not a patient person especially when I am doing art. Therefore the tissue paper I made is not very good :(
In the afternoon,we had a guided tour in Wood Utilization Center. The wood processing from log to woods in fixed size was shown to us. Although this information is not very useful for me, it also let me to think about a meaningful fact. Even a simple thing like wood, which is very cheap and easy to get, a lot of steps are also included during wood processing. That make me appreciate the efforts made by both the scientist and workers to make our live become more comfortable.
Today, we had a chance to do the tissue paper box DIY. Actually, making a handmade wood product is not as simple as I imagined. The steps of making a wood product including sanding, assemble, and two times of coating. 3 hours are required for us to finish the tissue paper box.We need to pay a lot of patient for sanding the wood to have a beautiful end product. However, I am not a patient person especially when I am doing art. Therefore the tissue paper I made is not very good :(
In the afternoon,we had a guided tour in Wood Utilization Center. The wood processing from log to woods in fixed size was shown to us. Although this information is not very useful for me, it also let me to think about a meaningful fact. Even a simple thing like wood, which is very cheap and easy to get, a lot of steps are also included during wood processing. That make me appreciate the efforts made by both the scientist and workers to make our live become more comfortable.
Tuesday, 9 July 2013
Introduction to Seediq and Rubin Lock
9/7/2013
In the morning, I had the chance to meet with the offspring of Seediq in Meifung farm. After visiting the Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines, I am interested in the aborigines in Taiwan. I watched whole movie of Seediq Bale and it is very interesting. The offspring of Seediq shown us the traditional clothes of Seediq. Some people wore on the red clothes and the aborigines said that in the past, only the man who kill the enemy can wear this. After that, the aborigine people show us how their ancestor making traps. They show us different traps for rats, warthogs, birds, and even for monkeys.
At night, we arrived the Shueili wood utilization center and had the experience about the traditional Rubin lock. After a long time practicing, we had a competition. The one who can construction the Rubin lock in the shortest time can win the game. I occasionally win the competition!! Today was really a lucky day.
In the morning, I had the chance to meet with the offspring of Seediq in Meifung farm. After visiting the Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines, I am interested in the aborigines in Taiwan. I watched whole movie of Seediq Bale and it is very interesting. The offspring of Seediq shown us the traditional clothes of Seediq. Some people wore on the red clothes and the aborigines said that in the past, only the man who kill the enemy can wear this. After that, the aborigine people show us how their ancestor making traps. They show us different traps for rats, warthogs, birds, and even for monkeys.
At night, we arrived the Shueili wood utilization center and had the experience about the traditional Rubin lock. After a long time practicing, we had a competition. The one who can construction the Rubin lock in the shortest time can win the game. I occasionally win the competition!! Today was really a lucky day.
Day tour in Meifung Farm
8/7/2013
Today, we wake up early to have a bird watch. But honestly, I think the bird watch is not an interesting one. I think that the biodiversity of birds in Taiwan was very high. Taiwan was separated form mainland, which provide chances for living things to evolve into new species. However, the trees in Meifung farm were very rich and close to each other. The leaves block our eye sight and it is difficult for bird watching.
At the afternoon, I attend the lecture about table waste composting and organic vegetable. I think the liquid organic fertilizer and natural defense system mentioned by teacher was very interesting. The liquid organic fertilizer can even toxic to apple snail. Apple snail is a extremely harmful invasive species in Hong Kong. It destroy the plants from local farm and park. However, the agriculture in Hong Kong do not have a significant position, thus no one study for the solution of apple snail problem. I hope that organic farming can really be launched in Taiwan successful and I can eat the organic vegetables in Taiwan in the future!
Today, we wake up early to have a bird watch. But honestly, I think the bird watch is not an interesting one. I think that the biodiversity of birds in Taiwan was very high. Taiwan was separated form mainland, which provide chances for living things to evolve into new species. However, the trees in Meifung farm were very rich and close to each other. The leaves block our eye sight and it is difficult for bird watching.
At the afternoon, I attend the lecture about table waste composting and organic vegetable. I think the liquid organic fertilizer and natural defense system mentioned by teacher was very interesting. The liquid organic fertilizer can even toxic to apple snail. Apple snail is a extremely harmful invasive species in Hong Kong. It destroy the plants from local farm and park. However, the agriculture in Hong Kong do not have a significant position, thus no one study for the solution of apple snail problem. I hope that organic farming can really be launched in Taiwan successful and I can eat the organic vegetables in Taiwan in the future!
Sunday, 7 July 2013
Hehuanshan Main Peak
7/7/2013
Today, we went to Hehuanshan, which the main peak is the highest in Taiwan. At 7:00am, we started our hiking in Hehuanshan main peak. Due to the high altitude, the oxygen concentration in air is lower. Therefore, I feel tired easily because of the lack of oxygen. Also, I learned about why the temperature in high altitude is colder. Since the air pressure in high altitude is lower, by ideal gas equation (PV=nRT), when gas pressure drops, the Temperature will also drop. Hehuanshan hiking is really an amazing experience. This is the first time I climb up to a such high mountain and observe for alpine plants. Sadly, I could not find my favorite Edelweiss here :( . Interestingly, there were lots of colourful flowers in alpine area. Also, the flowers in alpine region are smaller in size too, which may due to the high temperature fluctuation. Finally, I came to the top of the mountain, which was 3419m. That was really exciting experience and I did it! This was really a nice day.
Today, we went to Hehuanshan, which the main peak is the highest in Taiwan. At 7:00am, we started our hiking in Hehuanshan main peak. Due to the high altitude, the oxygen concentration in air is lower. Therefore, I feel tired easily because of the lack of oxygen. Also, I learned about why the temperature in high altitude is colder. Since the air pressure in high altitude is lower, by ideal gas equation (PV=nRT), when gas pressure drops, the Temperature will also drop. Hehuanshan hiking is really an amazing experience. This is the first time I climb up to a such high mountain and observe for alpine plants. Sadly, I could not find my favorite Edelweiss here :( . Interestingly, there were lots of colourful flowers in alpine area. Also, the flowers in alpine region are smaller in size too, which may due to the high temperature fluctuation. Finally, I came to the top of the mountain, which was 3419m. That was really exciting experience and I did it! This was really a nice day.
Traveling day to Meifeng
6/7/2013
Today, we visit the Meifeng, which was an experimental farm from NTU. This place is in about 2700M altitude. Within 2 days, we went from an extremely hot Taipei City to Meifung farm (the morning and night temperature are about 15 degree celsius). Meifeng farm is an experimental farm from NTU. This place provide courses for both NTU or non NTU students and provide spaces for farming. Since Meifung is in a high altitude, it is suitable for the growth of plants from temperate region. Meifung farm also provide tour guide services for local people to appreciate about the plants, birds, insects and agriculture in Taiwan.
Today, we visit the Meifeng, which was an experimental farm from NTU. This place is in about 2700M altitude. Within 2 days, we went from an extremely hot Taipei City to Meifung farm (the morning and night temperature are about 15 degree celsius). Meifeng farm is an experimental farm from NTU. This place provide courses for both NTU or non NTU students and provide spaces for farming. Since Meifung is in a high altitude, it is suitable for the growth of plants from temperate region. Meifung farm also provide tour guide services for local people to appreciate about the plants, birds, insects and agriculture in Taiwan.
Taroko National Park
5/7/2013
Today, we went to Taroko National Park, which is one of the eight national parks in Taiwan. Tectonic compression between the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate causes the metamorphosis of limestone to marble.
Today, we went to Taroko National Park, which is one of the eight national parks in Taiwan. Tectonic compression between the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate causes the metamorphosis of limestone to marble.
Taroko National Park is so beautiful and the river water is very clear.
Earthquakes often happen in Hualian. Taroko National Park was usually affected by earthquakes. After earthquakes, the large rocks may fall down the cliff and it create new scene. Last year, there was a little lake in Shakadang Trail. However, Jack said that the place was completely different. Lucky, I have taken lots of photos about the 2013 Taroko National Park.
Amazing waterfall in Taroko National Park
After that, we went to Swallow Grotto Trail. The sign for "Beware of falling rock" are everywhere. I wore the hamlet to protect myself. Lucky, I haven't seen any falling stone yet. Am I like a mine worker?King Car Orchid Garden
4/7/2013
In the morning, we went to a beautiful King Car Orchid Garden. There were lots of beautiful orchid we can see in this park
In the morning, we went to a beautiful King Car Orchid Garden. There were lots of beautiful orchid we can see in this park
Some kind of orchid has amazing colour and pattern of the flowers.
This Orchid garden also produces flowers for other uses, such as the Vanilla albida before. It has a very high commercial value. I want to taste the ice-cream made with this vanilla too!!
This was an artificial waterfall, cool water were drained from the top, which was a cheap and good way to regular the temperature. Orchid prefer cold and humid conditions, therefore it was important to develop a good temperature regulating system.
This garden produces lots of beautiful butterfly orchid.
While heading to Hualian, we stopped at Cingshui Cliff, where an amazing long cliff. We went down the beach and take photos in this beautiful beach. I LOVE PACIFIC OCEAN!
Thursday, 4 July 2013
Gold Ecological Park and Jiufen
3/7/2013
Gold Ecological Park used to be a gold mine. The people in there become very rich because of the gold production. However, it has been run out of gold and become a Park. We can visit the old mining zone and had gold sieving experience.
Gold Ecological Park used to be a gold mine. The people in there become very rich because of the gold production. However, it has been run out of gold and become a Park. We can visit the old mining zone and had gold sieving experience.
And I took a nice photo in the sea side
Then, I went to Jiufen old street, where I can find lots of tradition crafting and food.
I like the taro dessert in Jifen, the texture and taste of the feng Yuen was very good. I enjoying walking freely in the old street and experience the Taiwan culture.
Juming Museum
7/2/2013
In the morning, we went to Jingshan to have a blue dye experience. We used rubber bands and wooden sticks to make some unique pattern on the clothes. The covered areas would not be dyed and remain in white.
In the morning, we went to Jingshan to have a blue dye experience. We used rubber bands and wooden sticks to make some unique pattern on the clothes. The covered areas would not be dyed and remain in white.
This is the cloth before dying
After adding the cloth into the dye, air is exposed into the cloth for oxidation. After dying for two times, the dying process was finished.
This is my final product.
At the afternoon, we went to Juming Museum. Juming is famous for the crafting. In the museum, there are different kind of crafting, including soilders and TaiJi series.
There is an outdoor Museum, therefore, we can took a lot of good photos of it. Actually, I like the the soldiers series very much. All the soldiers had different name, hair style, and also facial expression. It is really an interesting museum
Monday, 1 July 2013
Yeliu Geology Park
1/7/2013
Today ,we went to Yeliu Geology Park to look at the unique geographical features in Taiwan. At Yeliu, the rocks were mainly sedimentary rocks. Due to accumulation of biological compound, it would lower the speed of weather, which causes special morphology of rocks. For example, the sea urchin fossils lower the speed of weathering, different speed of weathering causes the formation of mushroom rock. It was very cool to see different shape of rocks in this park. The most famous rock in this park was the candle rock, which could only be found in Yeliu. However, my camera was not good enough to take a clear image. I can only remember the rocks in my mind.
We had a delicious lunch in a seafood restaurant. As Taiwan is an island, it got good seafood and this was my first time to try some local fresh seafood in Taiwan. Hong Kong people love seafood very much. However, our fishery industry was become smaller and smaller. We just import seafood from other places, which was not as fresh as the one in Taiwan. After lunch, we came to Fisheries Research Institute. I had an idea about how is the Fishery industry in Taiwan. I have some knowledge about the brine shrimp in Taiwan. But I think the fishery industry in Taiwan far larger than I can imagine. It has lots of experimental ships, laboratories for how to increase the production rate of fishery products, and also other products like seaweed and medicines. I think I should know more about the agriculture and aquaculture in Taiwan!
Today ,we went to Yeliu Geology Park to look at the unique geographical features in Taiwan. At Yeliu, the rocks were mainly sedimentary rocks. Due to accumulation of biological compound, it would lower the speed of weather, which causes special morphology of rocks. For example, the sea urchin fossils lower the speed of weathering, different speed of weathering causes the formation of mushroom rock. It was very cool to see different shape of rocks in this park. The most famous rock in this park was the candle rock, which could only be found in Yeliu. However, my camera was not good enough to take a clear image. I can only remember the rocks in my mind.
We had a delicious lunch in a seafood restaurant. As Taiwan is an island, it got good seafood and this was my first time to try some local fresh seafood in Taiwan. Hong Kong people love seafood very much. However, our fishery industry was become smaller and smaller. We just import seafood from other places, which was not as fresh as the one in Taiwan. After lunch, we came to Fisheries Research Institute. I had an idea about how is the Fishery industry in Taiwan. I have some knowledge about the brine shrimp in Taiwan. But I think the fishery industry in Taiwan far larger than I can imagine. It has lots of experimental ships, laboratories for how to increase the production rate of fishery products, and also other products like seaweed and medicines. I think I should know more about the agriculture and aquaculture in Taiwan!
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