Heading Home

<<DSCN0715.JPG>> After 9 wonderful days in Taipei, Taiwan, Andy Bear
and I are heading home! We hope you have enjoyed the pictures from our
adventures. There will be one more post with video clips (or links to
them). Please take the time to view the videos - they will provide more
depth to your understanding of the Taiwanese culture!!

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park

<<monument.JPG>> The next several pictures were taken at the Chiang
Kai-shek Memorial Park. Follow this link to learn more about the beloved
Taiwanese president for whom this park was constructed and named-
http://www.cksmh.gov.tw/eng/index.php?code=list&ids=2.

Taiwan Knows Harry Potter

<<harrypotter.JPG>> Known around the world, Harry Potter and his
friends dazzle Taiwanese audiences!!

a picture for you

<<usabasketballteam.JPG>> Andy Bear had the opportunity to meet all of
the athletes on the USA Men's Basketball team! These men were all
selected to represent the United States of America at the Deaflympics
after displaying their talents at national tryouts. Saint Andrew's head
basketball coach, Brian Cronin, serves as point guard for the team. Go
for the gold, USA!!

Color and Symmetry

<<perspecive.JPG>> Taiwanese architecture boasts bright colors and bold
symmetry.

Team USA

<<TeamUSA.JPG>> While winning a personal gold medal is each athlete's
dream, there is also desire to be successful as a country. These
athletes cheer not only for themselves and their sport, but for all of
their nation's participants.

Taiwanese Architecture

<<architecture.JPG>> Throughout Taiwan, you can find examples of rich
and colorful traditional architecture.

Taiwanese Classroom

<<mathclass.JPG>> Third grade math class in Taiwan is very similar to
our own! Not only do you have to learn the day's lesson, you also have
to recall skills learned in the past. These third graders review place
value, multiplication, fractions, and subtraction all in one lesson!!

Taiwanese Subway

<<taiwanesesubway.JPG>> This deli, Subber, would seem very familiar to
any American in need of a foot-log sub sandwich! The deli sells a
variety of sandwiches similar to our Subway sandwiches.

Safe and Secure

<<safety.JPG>> Because our hotel was housing all of the American
Deaflympic athletes, security guards were stationed on each floor and
the main lobby. These young men and their colleagues protected the hotel
24 hours a day. They performed their duties well, keeping all of us safe
and secure!!

Staying Fit

<<PE.JPG>> These Taiwanese students are learning to keep themselves
fit! A school uniform is worn during each physical fitness class.

Andy Bear Makes New Friends!

<<andysfriends.JPG>> Andy Bear enjoys a visit with his new third grade
friends before heading back to American!

Taipei 101 - A Different Perspective

A Global Economy

<<globalsoda.JPG>> Can you guess which popular American soda this is?

The THSR Terminal

<<THSR3.JPG>> As part of the elaborate public transportation system,
the THSR affords the country's citizens the freedom to travel from place
to place quickly and safely. Access to such readily available
transportation has allowed millions of citizen to pursue careers that
were otherwise inaccessible. In the city of Taipei, an average of 2
million people commute to work each day!!

Inside the High Speed Rail

<<THSR2.JPG>> This train is the best of the best. Not only does it soar
across the country at speeds up to 250 kilometers per hour, it is also
extremely modern and comfortable inside. We could barely feel any
movement as the train began to accelerate. Once it was moving at a good
speed, you hardly knew you were even on a train. This high speed train
can take its passengers across the country in just 1 1/2 hours.

Faster than a Speeding Bullet

<<THSR.JPG>> What would it feel like to go 217 km (135 mph) per hour?
Well, Andy Bear and I are about to find out! Hold on tight!

Lifetime Learning

<<DSCN0634.JPG>> Taiwanese people are very dedicated to education.
While elementary and middle school attendance is based on residential
location, high school attendance is determined through testing. These
students study very hard and are very successful!! This university is
located just one block from my hotel. It has produced very successful
and productive graduates!

Wash...Wash....Wash

<<sanitize.JPG>> All around the city, you can find these hand
sanitizing containers. The people of Taiwan are taking extra precaution
to keep their citizens healthy. At all schools, anyone entering the
building has to have their temperature taken and has to sanitize their
hands. A green sticker means your good to go!! Andy passed with flying
colors! These containers were also located at mall, hotel, and
restaurant entrances.

Pizza Delivery - Who Ordered the Pepperoni?

<<pizzadelivery.JPG>> To expedite delivery, many restaurants deliver
food by scooter! This form of transportation is quick and efficient.
Andy Bear wants to go along for the ride!

TAS Lower School Principal - Dr. Moran

<<DrMoran.JPG>> While we were visiting the school, we were fortunate
enough to spend a few minutes with the principal of the Lower School,
Dr. Catriona Collins Moran. She saw Andy Bear and knew right away who he
was! No explanations necessary!! She was very excited to have this
picture taken!

Andy Bear and I Visit the Taipei American School

<<TAS.JPG>> Andy Bear and I took an MRT/taxi ride out to the Taipei
American School to learn more about their school. In the midst of this
rich Mandarin culture, TAS (and a few other schools) teach in an English
language environment. Like St. Andrew's, TAS Upper School students use
personal laptops on a daily basis. Computers, printers, and various
related equipment can be found throughout the school. This laptop cart
is one that travels among the classrooms. Andy Bear found it quite
cozy!!

MRT Train

<<MRTTrain.JPG>> This train will take you all over the city of Taipei.
If you happen to travel to any of the other large cities in Taiwan, you
will find the same transportation services.

MRT

<<MRT.JPG>> The Taiwanese people are fortunate to have an extensive
public transportation system that spans the country. If you don't care
to drive a car or ride a scooter, you can buy a ticket to ride a bus,
subway, or high speed train!!

Visiting with Ms. Chen

<<DSCN0612.JPG>> Ms. Chen is the school counselor and an English
teacher. She was kind enough to take me on a tour of the school.

Fresh Water Anyone?

<<waterfountain.JPG>> Here is a picture of a water fountain in the
Taiwanese school. These water fountains were made available to the
students by proceeds from the Parents Association. This school has a
very active and supportive Parents Association. They even have their own
office at the school.

Evidence of a Global Economy

<<globaleconomy.JPG>> One of the teachers at Huaisheng Elementary
School, Pang Fen-Ling, is a great artist and an avid traveler. The first
thing she noticed when we met was our shoes!! They are exactly the same.
She and I were able to buy the same shoes (even though we live on
opposite sides of the earth) thanks to a global economy.

Greetings from America

<<Huaishengprinciple.JPG>> After a wonderful tour of the school, I was
able to present the school principal with a few gifts from St. Andrew's.
Take a look at the school's website! http://followme.wses.tp.edu.tw/ It
is written in Mandarin, but you can see some pictures of the students
and some of their artwork.

English Counts!

<<Englishstairs.JPG>> The students in Taiwan are exposed to the English
language at an early age. At this school, students attend English class
two or three times a week. To help hone their skills, English phrases
are posted throughout the school.

Huaisheng Elementary School Visit

<<DSCN0608.JPG>> One of the highlights of this trip has been the time I
have spent at local schools. Just around the corner from my hotel sits
the Huaisheng Elementary School. This municipal school provides
education for local Kindergarten through 6th grade students. Their
school day is very similar to ours. They have a homeroom teacher who
teaches core subjects - math, social studies, and Mandarin Chinese. In
addition to the core curriculum, the students participate in additional
classes such as art, music, library, computer, science, and English!
School begins at 8 a.m. for everyone. The first class does not start,
however, until 8:45 a.m. This early 45 minute period is used for
enrichment activities and general settling in for the day. While most of
the day is very similar to ours, there are three activities that are
different. First, the students are responsible for cleaning the
building. So, each day a student will have a cleaning assignment.
Second, just after lunch, everyone in the school takes a nap (or rests
at their desks). Finally, students in Kindergarten through second grades
have several half-days throughout the week!

A Grand Escort

<<policeescort.JPG>> To and from athletic competition events, the
Deaflympic athletes are given a cordial police escort.

STOP

<<trafficsign.JPG>> Some things in this world are universal - including
the 'Stop' sign!! Even on the other side of the world, the 'Stop' sign
is red and octagonal.

Buddhist Temples

<<Temple.JPG>> The major religion in this country is Buddhism.
Throughout the city, you will find these ornate temples where people can
come to worship. This temple was just down the street from my hotel.

Deaflympics Motto

<<Deaflympicsmotto.JPG>> The Power in You!! This is the motto that is
being said over and over again throughout Taipei. These athletes have
found that power, harnessed it, and are using it to make their dreams
come true!!

More Fans!

<<Morefans.JPG>> Did I mention that Andy Bear is very good at making
friends? He found another group of students cheering on their team. It
was not the United States, but that didn't matter. We all became fast
friends!

Final Score

<<Finalscore.JPG>> These athletes have the opportunity to compete in
the nation's finest facilities! Here, you can see, the USA Basketball
Team was victorious over China. They also won their second game against
Israel, 101-70.

Olympic Size Sportsmanship

<<Sportsmanship.JPG>> Throughout the games, you will witness a very
high level of sportsmanship in these athletes (and the officials). While
winning is everyone's goal, it is very important to know how to loose
with dignity. The officials also uphold these high standards. During the
basketball game, two players were frustrated with each other and the
official stopped the game and made the men shake hands!!

Andy Bear Supports USA Men's Basketball Team

<<USAAndybear.JPG>> Andy Bear found a friend at the ball game! This
young Taiwanese woman is one of the many volunteers that helped
throughout the Deaflympic activities. On the court, you can see the USA
team making another shot! Go USA!!

Team China Warms Up

<<WarmupChinese.jpg>> Here is a picture of the Chinese basketball
warming up for the game!

USA Fans!

<<USAfans.jpg>> American citizens were not the only people cheering on
the United States!! Many Taiwanese students and adults came to lend
their support!

Team USA!

<<USABasketball.jpg>> The Deaflympics consists of nearly 5,000 athletes
from approximately 80 countries competing in 20 sporting events. The USA
is competing in many of these events. We watched the first game for the
USA Men's Basketball team. This picture shows the starting line up plus
the 6th man for each team. St. Andrew's head basketball coach, Brian
Cronin, is a member of the USA basketball team. They played China this
game and were victorious!

Deaflympic Volunteers

<<Deaflympicvolunteers.JPG>> Evidence of the Deaflympics was seen
throughout the city. Banners are flying everywhere, murals sprawled
across building sides, and volunteers in yellow and orange shirts
flooded the venues! This city is all about the Deaflympics! One reason
everyone is so excited, is because this is the first time in the history
of the Deaflympics that an Asian city has been chosen as the host city!
And what a great city to choose - the Taipei citizens are incredible
hosts.

Deaflympic Fans

<<Deaflympcisfans.JPG>> Many schools brought their students to the
various sporting events. These events were held throughout the city,
and, for some sports, across the country! At every event we attended, we
saw many groups of students cheering their team of choice on to victory!
These students were very happy to meet an American teacher - they
enjoyed showing me their English language talents!!

Personal Transportation

<<privatetransportation.JPG>> Andy Bear and I just couldn't resist
snapping a picture next this van. We wanted to give you a perspective on
the size of most 4-wheeled vehicles in the city. This van is a smaller
version of what we would see in America. From what I have seen so far, I
believe these vehicles are much more productive in Taipei's environment.
They are smaller, so they can maneuver through the busy streets very
efficiently. The businesses seem to work on a smaller scale, so the
supplies needed for any given project could fit just fine in a vehicle
this size. These vehicles are found mostly on the local streets of the
city. If you look on the major roads that cross through the city, you
will see more vehicles that are larger in size. I can honestly say I
have not seen an SUV since I have been here!