tuesday TVinterview market hospital

Got up around 8am. Dr called 8:30am to change the appointment.
I had to do my washing but I didn’t start until 10:30.
Some people came with Pr. They were probably the supporters of the politician. I was trying to leave before them but my washing hadn’t finished. They left right before me.
Went to the camp after11 and sprayed the cranes. I told Cha that my appointment was changed and I’m leaving at 2:30. he said that’s the time the TV reporter come to interview. Well, I was sort of glad that I can miss that. I hate being on TV. The guy who taught me the song,”uuyafe”came. He was working for a prison and just retired. I told him that he can have one of the cranes but has to wait a bit cause they are not dried yet.
After the lunch the guy from a TV company came with a camera. Oops I couldn’t escape. He was recording our work and interviewed cha then he wanted to record me working on the bridge. well at least I don’t have to talk, I thought… then he had to interview me. cause cha was translating what he said, I had to answer in Japanese. I gave one crane magnet to the reporter.
Right after we finished the interview, Dr came in. it was a bit after 2pm. He said that he can take me to the vege market first cause it’s near the hospital and he knows the manager there. I said anything is fine. He had a nice car as it was expected. The market was the other side of town which I had never been. Well, maybe when I was kidnapped to this karaoke place a few weeks ago, they took me to this area.
The market was huge. Some people had told me that this market control the price for vegetables in Taiwan. We went to the manager’s office first. People were wondering who we were. The office was similar to our office in Japan but the difference I noticed was that the general manager was serving tea for us. That would be a job for young girls in Japan.
Both of them had been to Melbourne so we talked about it a bit. The manager didn’t speak any English so the Doctor was translating.
They gave me this book which shows the history of this town. They even signed for me.
We went down and looked around the market. There were so many interesting looking vegetables I had never seen before. I was telling them what we have and what we don’t. because I was walking with the manager, I didn’t have to ask people if I can take photos or not.
It was good. that was the busiest time for them. I told them that I thought it was busy in the morning. Doc said that they take out and bring the vegetables from their farm around noon. People come and pick them up and leave here for Taipei and gaoshan now for the night market so it’s very busy. Well many cars get in to the market and I almost got hit many times.
We left there and went to his Hospital. He was actually the top doctor for brain in this country. When they opened this hospital he was approached and decided to come back to his home town. He looked very smart, too. we looked around but I felt bad taking photos of sick people so I couldn’t. it was very similar to Japanese hospitals. He said that he has surgery two or three times a week.
We had 30 minutes so we went to “Ryao’s house” which is open to the public. Doctor told me about the history there which was very interesting. I said to him it’s a small virsio of this legend in china.
He dropped me off at the camp and went back to the hospital for his appointment.
He was such a gentleman.
There was a note at the door. Cha had left for his class. I decided to worked on my computer.
Cha came back. Time went o quickly.
We had dinner. I wasn’t sure if I should eat but I was fine.
Left there around 8:30. cha was still working.
Got home and talked to Yj on Skype.

monday to taichung

I got up and turned on my computer. It says 7:30. tried to get up but I was too tired. It was almost 8 so I had ot have a quick shower cause I was supposed to be at the camp at 8:30. then I realized that the clock in the living room says 7:00. I got very confused but then realized that my computer had changed the clock automatically because it’s summer time in Australia. I’ve got time to transfer the music to 8:00 music my mp3player. I need music on the bus anyway. Pr came home with his friend but he didn’t stay more than 5 minutes. He picked up some thing and left. It was already 8:30 I left for the camp and stopped by at the bakery to give the CD to TL. She wasn’t there so I asked her friend to give it to her. Bought one bread and she gave me cream puff.
Cha wasn’t at the camp yet. I looked for the paper to cut and when I found it Cha came in. It was 10 to 9 and he said we are gonna catch a bus at 9am. I got ready to go quickly but he had to write a note saying that we are not gonna be here. So I quickly cut 10 pieces of paper with cherry blossom into 40.
We didn’t have time to walk to the bus terminal so we got on our bikes. We left our bikes at the police station which is in front of the terminal because it’s safer. Well, I really doubt that someone is going to take our bikes but since it’s not really mine I felt better.
The bus didn’t come on time like cha was saying. His friend was waiting for the bus as well. There were too many people on the bus and we couldn’t sit down because we were the last one getting on the bus. We sat on the floor where they had stairs. There was a TV and the American baseball was on. It was sort of strange to watch it with Chinese commentary.
This Japanese player was playing. Cha was trying to read but I had to bother him. We got off at Taichung and had to change the bus there. It was where I got off the bus when I came to Taichung last time. The bus terminal was very close by but there was no way I could find it. The bus came soon and we got on. I forgot the name of the town we went to but it was more than 30 minutes away. I fell asleep. We got off at the museum. Cha called and found out where they were. “They” yes, we were supposed to meet some people there.
What I didn’t know was that Mon was there. The one who was supposed to stay with me.I said to her“hey! I didn’t know you were here” She said “really?” That means she knew I was coming. They gave us welcome drink and we sat around the table. There were 4of them there and we joined. This lady from Taipei was able to speak Japanese but she was too busy explaining what was going on. She said that this project has lots of problems and they just started to work out how they are going to present etc. They talked about 20 minutes. I had no idea what was going on but I knew she had to talk. We went inside of the museum.
There was a big office room and we were told to sit down at the meeting table. They had lunch for us. I wondered if it’s something I can eat and soon after that I found out that it was sushi. Well, however, there are some I couldn’t eat. They used ham for sushi! And this thing they use I don’t understand why but they always have this fish or meat powder thing in sushi..while they were talking I was just folding my paper.
After finished eating, we went to the venue. They are supposed to use the whole building so we went through each level. It was their closed day but I got to see what’s inside there. Cha and I saw this picture with rice and got so fascinated.
People from the museum went back and we sat down outside, where we were before. I was totally out of it but all of sudden they started to talk to me. they were wondering if I wanted to join the project. I said I couldn’t because of my VISA. I have to leave here before the end of November. They were supposed to come to our town but they didn’t have time and had to head for Taipei. Therefore..we had to catch a bus again. the bus stop was right in front of us and we didn’t have to wait at all. Got back to Taichung and found out that we have 50minutes to the next bus. Cha said we can have a look around the train station. When we were heading he realized that we can go to “20go souko” where they have an artists in residency program. He was there some years ago and showed me the work he left. There weren’t anyone working there so we didn’t get to see the inside. The gallery area was closed but there are some people inside and let us see there.
When we got out there was this old lady cha knew and they started to talk. She said something to me so I said “duibuji, I don’t speak Chinese.” She was still trying to talk to me through Cha and he was laughing for some of the things she was saying. I was a bit conscious of the time but I thought it’s rude to say we have to go to her. She was so happy to see him. Cha looked at the time and said we were gonna miss the bus. We had to run back to the terminal. Well the problem was that there were so many stairs we had go up and down.
Well, we made it and had even time to go to toilet. I was making paper cranes for the people who helped me. I’m gonna put these on the magnets I bought and it’s gonna be a fridge magnet. Cha said he can make it and started to talk about the project he had in Japan while he was folding the paper. We fell asleep and almost missed the stop. walked abit and found our bikes. Did a bit of work and finished making Pr’s piece. It was already dinner time.
sue didn’t come to dinner.
People from a publisher came. I was explaining what my work was for etc and two ladies came. One was who joined my workshop. I didn’t know she was one of the three people who did film editing. They left after 20minuets. People from the publisher stayed very long. I wasn’t sure if I should stay or not. asked if they want a cheese cake. I bought it last night and it was in the fridge at home. I said I would be back in 10 minutes and left there.it was already 9pm. They were still going on so I went outside and sitting there for awhile.
Getting a bit sentimental leaving this place soon. Wemt back to the studio and said I’m gona go home. Then they decided to go home too. people left quickly and cha and I had a chat a bit.it was very late when I got home. Well, no one was at home.

Sunday opening

I had no idea what time it was when I woke up. Others were still asleep. I wanted to do some work but I was too tired. Someone got up and went to the bathroom. I turned on my computer and it was already 9am. we decided to eat breakfast around here. We went to the one I went with Gig. Sm started to complain again and she says Ci said they had problems last year too. I wasn’t sure if it was true. She seemed very nice and I would be shocked if what she said was true. I made myself clear that they might have some problems but I’m happy there and they are so helpful I couldn’t be here without them so I can not say anything bad about them. To me it’s a bit different from other people cause everything I experience there is new to me. they would compare with something but I have nothing to compare with so I’m pretty happy and appreciate that I got this chance to come here. they were still talking so I told them that I had to go to the bakery.
She had a copied cd there. I was so happy and wanted to listen it. I said that I would come back later for getting a big cake. Went back there but they were still going so I said I had to go home and download some photos to make a space. They said that they would come, too. Pr was at the entrance doing some gardening. I told him that he need to cut the rose bush really short after flowering. I know this better than him. He was impressed.
I was trying to empty the SD card but didn’t work. Cha called me at 11:30. he didn’t sound happy. Told him that I would get there asap. He wasn’t in a good mood. Well, I had finished putting my work up bet needed to change it around. Got Ah to help me putting them up. Finished it easily. cha and Sm were sort of arguing. Some ladies came. Chf came.
I went to the kitchen and saw some leftover rice but not enough to make more shshi. Well we didn’t have enough ingredients to make sushi anyway. I made inari sushi instead. Kao came in and wanted to try inarisushi I said “no” and he was laughing so bad cause he wasn’t expecting that from me. Also salad cause I wanted t use the dressing I made yesterday. This French lady came in. she was one of the artists from last year. She was communicating with people in Chinese and I was so impressed. She said that she has been here for 8 years and I understood. She was surprised that I speak English and I told her that I’m in Australia as long as she has been here. It was nice talking to her although she found a bit hard to communicate in English. She was having an exhibition soon so I thought I might go and visit her.
They have bought some lunch cause there were so many people. We decided to save the inari and salad for opening. They said that they bought the fish just for me. well, it’s not that I like fish but because I don’t eat meat they think they have to get fish for me all the time. Well, we finished eating and got ready for the opening. We had to have a speech which I hate. I was thinking what I should say. Many people started to come We were told to get outside. They were using a speaker. Cha started and Mr.S had his speech. Then artists had to say something. I was hoping that mine would be later. Yes I was the last one so I had time to think what I should say. Cha translated what I said which you can’t tell if he said them all right or not. Finished that bit and we were allowed to eat. Well, I was already eating while people were having their speeches. They loved the salad I made. Mr.L came back and said “I can’tgo home without having this again”Many people asked me how I made the dressing. I said “mimi”, which means “secret”. Inarisushi was gone quickly, too.
I was hanging around with old guys there for awhile then went in the studio. We were supposed to talk about our work from 3:30pm. I was playing with some kids and started to make some birds for them. Some people wanted to make it and it became a workshop.
I was told to talk to some people who wanted to know about my work but there were only few people I could talk to anyway.
went home for 10minutes for washing and went back there at 5:30. We all moved to Sc’s café. It was very close but some one gave me a lift. When we got there, there were some people already there. I was told to sit next to old(er) people. There was so much food again. They all knew that I couldn’t eat meat so whenever non meat dishes come they took it for me. some one started to sing and many joined. People in this country love to sing.
JA the French girl came for a toast. I had empty cup so she pour the whiskey she had.
I didn’t drink much at that time but later I forgot what it was and drunk it straight.
They had some dessert I liked but what I liked the most was the homemade wine. It was sweet and almost like juice. I drank a bit too much.
Some one decided it’s time to go home and everybody followed.
Ci was leaving with the principal. she was getting emotional and taking time to leave. Sue said “isn’t this our farewell?”
Young-ish people had stayed. They were talking about going to karaoke. I saw the member and thought hmmm and told them that I was going home. I had to walk to the camp cause I left my bike there. Dropped in the bakery to say sorry that I couldn’t go there this afternoon but the owner was there. I bought cheese cake which I didn’t need so I went back to Sc’s café. They were all gone. So I went home. I thought it was like 10ish but my computer said 11pm already. Where did I loose my 1 hour? I was too tired to think and fell asleep.

saturday exhibition started

got up 8ish. I was gonna get there at 9 but it was around 9:30 when I got to the camp.
Went to the bakery on the way and gave the cd to TL.
someone was there watering. She was one of the artists from last year. She didn’t speak English but I could tell that she was very nice. Asked her if she wanted to have the cake I brought but she didn’t want it. LYj was there so I gave it to her. Sii was already working there. Sue as well. I had to put string to my work and it took me quite long. I still had to spray on some of my work and it smelled bad.
Sue made some lunch and cha had some too. I was too busy cooking. Sue said that they want to get some sweet ice so I can go with them and get my lunch as well. Well, the problem was that they don’t speak any English and I don’t speak any Chinese. Cha was laughing. He thought it would be very interesting. We got to the town and they pointed this food shop. They knew that I was vegetarian so they were trying to say “no meat” but the shop was actually closed. Their plan was that I get my lunch and they get fruits and sweet I guess. Well I had to go with them. I said (tried to say) that I didn’t need lunch cause I wasn’t that hungry. They stopped at this portable shop? I wasn’t too sure what it was but it was some kind of sweet dumpling. Ah paid before I took out my wallet. I found some apples so I bout some to make dressing later. We were looking for “buntan” which I requested but couldn’t find any. Ah took us somewhere. It was his house. He came out with 3 big buntan. He said “my house”We bought some more fruits but they didn’t let me pay. the place they wanted sweets from was closed so we went to a different place.
It was interesting looking sweet. They asked me what I wanted for topping but I couldn’t tell what they were. I picked red beans.
When we got back to the camp, sue was in the mosquito net outside. We took all the food in and ate in there. There were 6 of us and it was getting hot in there. They were all talking in Chinese and laughing which I didn’t understand at all and I needed to work on my pieces so I wanted to leave there but I thought they would feel bad if I did so.
Called Yj to see if she was coming but she was too busy. Oh well, I started to make tmy special dressing anyway. They were all curious to see what I was making.
Ah helped me putting up my work. It wasn’t that easy but we got it done.
I went home around 4pm to check my E-mails cause I had a feeling that I wouldn’t have time tonight.I went to a supermarket and got some ingredient for sushi. I was planning to make it for opening but I saw many people staying and thought I should make some tonight. Cf came with her mom and son. He was so cute smiling all the time. I asked cha if I should make some sushi. He liked the idea. LYj was happy to help me. When I started to cook, Kao came into the kitchen. He was wondering what I was making. I told hime that I was making sushi. He called Pr to come and have some sushi. This girl came in and said she wanted to help. There wasn’t much to do but I asked her to wash some lettuce. She had been to Australia and wanted to talk about it. Cooked some eggs and cut other stuff. We had to wait for the rice to get cooked. Pr came with his fiend and her daughter. I was still waiting for the rice.
Opened up the rice cooker and found out that it was cooked unevenly. Well I didn’t have time so I picked that bit which looked like cooked and made some sushi. Pr was about to leave so I gave the plate to someone. Later he came in and said it was very nice even though some parts of the rice were uncooked. Later we added some more water and re- cooked the rice. It got much better well, it wasn’t the best though. I used “chirasisusi package” cause it was easy. It was probably 7:30 when I finished cooking everything. Everybody was waiting for me to eat together. I told them I had been eating while I was cooking but I had to sit down anyway. There were about 15 people there. They were all wondering how I made the dressing. I told them that it’s a secret. They were all guessing. The girl who went shopping with me knew that I bought some apples today so it was give away.
Decided to go home after eating cause I was so sleepy. The girl from Taipei Ci was staying with me tonight. I said to cha that she was coming to my place and he didn’t know about it. We went to his place to get her stuff. I gave the leftover sushi to cha’s mom. I was saving it for the girls from the bakery but oh well. Pr was out with his friends outside. They like sitting down in the dark. He asked us to join for tea. We stayed for 5 minutes and he said we can go. Ci said that I can have shower but I said I’ll take one in the morning. She was sort of surprised cause everybody has one at night. I had to send an e-mail so I got online while she was in the shower. Well I thought she was but she came back and said that she would go back to the camp to get cd to show her work. I said that it’s not necessary but she insisted. She came back in ten minutes saying that they didn’t have it. she got in shower. I heard someone talking outside and wondered if she wasn’t in the bathroom but instead talking to Pr. Well, it was Sm. I forgot that she might have come tonight. I mean she didn’t tell me but that could happen. I told her that Ci is staying here tonight as well so I wasn’t sure if we have enough betting. She said that’s fine.
I was wondering if Ci was still in the shower cause it had been like an hour. Sh ejust got out. I said I was a bit worried. She said she takes time always sort of thing.
I showed her my work on my laptop. Sm said that she can introduce me to some people from the gallery she knows. I said that would be nice. They were talking and I knew what it was so I said that I would be doing some writing here. I was so tired and fell asleep. They noticed and went outside to talk more. I didn’t know what time they came back.

friday finish working

Got up around 7:30. had a shower and it was only 8am. I did some writing and it was already close to 10am. Went to the 2 dollars shop sort of shop. I was hoping to find something good for the frame. I found BBQ skewer which I needed. went back to the shop for some reasons. Then I found stairs going up. Yes there were so many things there and found a good stuff. I was on my bike so I decided to come back later.
It was nearly 10:30 when I got there. worked until 1:30. Cha seemed to be very busy so I cooked curry udon. There wasn’t much we could cook anyway. sue came. She had problems with editing and said that she wouldn’t be able to exhibit. We said that she can show the unfinished piece but she didn’t want to. Instead she is gonna make some board game.
some people came to drop their paintings or stay there to help setting up.
At 3:30 I finally finished the cranes so I walked to the shop. I saw Iva on the way. She must have been walking from the bus stop. Went to the shop and looked around again just in case there is something better. Well, the one I saw was the best anyway so I took it to the casher. I had no idea how much it was cause I didn’t see a price tag. It was 350gen.wasn’t sure if it was expensive or not but it’s much cheaper than custom made frame anyway. It was a bit hard to walk with 100cm times 100cm matt. People were looking at me and some even said if I needed a ride.
The matt looks like tatami so it looked japanesy enough. I cut the edge carefully with a cutter knife cause it was too big and had this edge to join with others. Many people came to set up..
Cha and Iva left for their class. I worked until 7 and went to a bakery. Sue and Sin were still there working. I told sue that I didn’t think they would be there so I made an appointment.
I got there right after 7pm but TL wasn’t there. Her friend called and she came in 5 minutes. While I was at the bakery I was folding paper explaining to them that I had to get it done.
TL came and asked where I wanted to go. I said anywhere is fine as long as I can have non meat dishes. She said there is a restaurant near here where she often goes. We decided to go there. It was close to the primary school I visited the other day. looked like one we have in Japan.
She ordered everything for me. It was so much food for two of us. She had written all the sentences she would need for our conversation. I was so touched. While we were waiting for the food, we started to work on the song. Well, there was one singer I liked from the pile of CD they had in the camp. I had asked her to read out one of the songs for me so that I can sing it in the future. She was very good teaching me. Made me repeat after me and made sure I got it right. She even sang it there. She was very good, too. I already knew the tune cause I had listened to the CD so many times at the studio.
The food was very nice but she ordered way too much. I was gonna pay but when she ordered the food she had already paid. I tried so hard to give the money to her but she wouldn’t receive it..
I went back to the studio to do one thing. It was already 10:10pm. Cha was supposed to drop this paper from Yj at 20 past 10. I rushed to get home. I was 100m away from the camp riding, someone beeped. Cha was in the car with Min. good timing! I received the paper and went home.
Pr was at home with his friend. I showed them the paper and said that I was gonna make Shilou bridge with this. They were very interested in. I had to cut the paper into square and realized that I forgot to get the cutter from the studio. Called cha to see if he was still there but he was already on the way home. Asked Pr if he had one. Well, he did but it was so blunt. I thought about going back to the studio but pr came back with the very sharp one. The best cutter I ‘ve ever used! Got the cardboard box to cut on,too. I made one part and showed them how they would look like. Pr’s friend was so curious and she came into the room and watched me making it for awhile.
There were so many e-mails I had to reply but I just didn’t have time to do so. Finished making the bridge a bit after 2am? Then started to write a statement. It was probably 3am when I finally got to bed.

thursday kome

got up around 9am. Went to the camp around ten. I saw “barb” on the door. The lady came for painting. cha came right after that. He noticed the mosquito net Sue left in the library area. He asked me if I was sleeping there. Sue called right after that and asked him to put it outside.
It looked nice with the wind. It reminded with me of some work.. it was Jun’s. When I went to Viet Nam, he was working on this project using mosquito nets. I didn’t get to see the finished piece, though.
Back in the studio working and chatting with cha. two people came to have a look. We were busy talking and didn’t realize that they were waiting for us. On of them introduced herself and cha realized that she was an architect who has done so many projects in Taichung. They were here to have a look at this big rice warehouse which was built just in case they have a big war etc. It’s not used and the government is planning to do something with it. Cha was asked to go with them and he asked me if I wanted. I had so much work to do but I was interested in so I said give me 1 minute and got ready to go. We got on their car and waited for the architect’s brother near the bridge. He came in 30 seconds. It wasn’t that far from the camp. When we went through the gate this massive building got into my sight. I couldn’t believe how big it was. We went in the building. Yes it would be good to use this as a museum or gallery as Cha said. We spent more than half an hour there. I told the architect how wonderful it would be to be able to change this to whatever she likes. However, it wasn’t that easy. There are so many things they have to go through. I realized that I had to go to the bakery to see the girls at 2:30. it’s her birthday today. It was already 2pm.
When we got back there Mr.S was there. It was already 2pm so cha andi were going out for lunch. I asked Mr. S if he had eaten and of course he had. I showed him the paper with the photos. He seemed to be happy to see some photos of himself. He must have come to do something but he told us to go out for lunch.
Went to the bakery first cause it was already 2:30pm but the girl who asked me to come wasn’t there. I left this piece I just grabbed from the studio there with my sign and “happy birthday” in Japanese. I wanted to buy something for her but I didn’t have time. So I picked the one I made for my workshop.
We went to this ..I don’t know how you call it..restaurant.. not really.. well, eating place to have noodles. Everything was so cheap like a dollar. They didn’t have tea so I had to go to a convenience store to get a bottle of tea. It was hard to tell which one wasn’t sweat.
wanted to have tofa but we needed to go back to the camp so we had it for take away. I requested Tapioka this time. The lady was still there painting so we asked her to join us and share the Tofa.
cha left for a class. Soon after that TL came. I said “ we went there on time. You forgot!” She smiled and said yes. She had this big paper bag and said it was for me. I looked inside and couldn’t believe. There was a Chinese clothes inside. She also brought some cake and bubble tea for me and Cha. I said “it’s your birthday, why do I get a present from you???”She says because I’m nice. Well, I’m pretty nice in Australia or Japan,too but no one gives me a present cause I’m nice!?
Shsh’s mom came. I said thanks for the sashimi and gave her cha’s bubble tea cause I didn’t think he wanted to. Kao’s wife dropped in. she was saying something to me but I didn’t understand at all.
cha came back and had dinner. cooked something simple.
Cleaned the floor a bit. Had the tea and cake. Ah came
Cha left to get his computer. I worked until nearly 10pm. I didn’t realize that Ah was staying cause I was there. I felt bad but couldn’t tell him so. Went home. Pr came home right after me.

Wednesday -Barb was kidnapped

got up around 7:30 and had a quick shower. I was ready to go at 8 but decided to download my photos from my camera and make space. Pr was up and asked if he could use his computer. I said of course and I would finish this soon anyway. Well, it took longer than I thought and he finished his work before I did.
Went to the camp. I had to open there. Turned on the computer and relieved that it was ok. Put the music on well, pretty loud. So I took off the sign because it says “please be quiet” . I couldn’t have that when I had this loud music on. Shsh’s mom came to pick up the invitation cards. I asked her to send my post card as well. She came back with some food. I had a feeling that she had some kind of meat and I was right. I was very sorry that I couldn’t eat whatever it was but I got “sashimi”. She was trying to say something and drew a box.. it was fridge. She meant put it in the fridge. So I took it to the kitchen right away.
Sue came around 11:30 to have lunch. She didn’t like the music and she had to turn it off. Oh well. I had somen again for lunch. Well I didn’t wanna waste the ingredients from yesterday and didn’t wanna spend much time for cooking so it was perfect. Sue said that she had to go to Taipei to finish her work,film editing. It’s gonna cost her so much but she had to do it. That means she wasn’t going to be around for a couple of days. She left for another shooting.
Some people came to drop their paintings. I was sorry that I couldn’t talk to them. Sue came back around 4:30 to eat. She told me that kao asked her to take me to the venue or he would come to pick me up here. I didn’t realize that she was going there as well. I said it’s too early to leave I had lots to do so I would wait for him here. The lady from my neighbor came. She was still painting. I knew that she was going to paint a Japanese castle but she decided not to I guess. She was still going through the magazine to find something to paint. She showed me the photo of a carp steamer. I thought it might be a bit hard to paint but I said nice one anyway.
Kao didn’t come even at 7pm. I started to worry but I didn’t know where so there was no way to get there. The lady called kao but he didn’t answer the phone. I called Pr to tell him that I couldn’t get there. It was already 7:30. Kao called after that and he came right away. He said that he was told that I didn’t wanna come. The lady said that’s not true she was waiting kind of things. Kao wasn’t happy. He grabbed my work and told me to get on his motorbike. I was worried about my work cause it wasn’t really completed..but oh well what can I say.
It wasn’t that far. We entered from behind the stage. Pr was at the front. I had warm welcome and introduced me to the party. There were about 200 people there. I realized that it was for the politician. I was introduced to him. I couldn’t tell him that I had met him before. I was at the most important people’s table again. Kao was eating quickly and told me to try the food there. But it was all meat dishes couldn’t have. He said that he had to go somewhere but coming back with the gesture. I said ok and he left. Some people were singing and dancing on the stage. I was worried if someone was going to ask me to go up the stage. Well, Pr was planning to introduce me on the stage but this politician was talking so long and the other important person came and the party was over. Phew..
Well Pr was busy talking to people and kao wasn’t back there yet. I was just waiting and he finally came. Well then.. he realized that my work had gone. He was asking some people. They said “I gave it to someone” it went around and they didn’t know exactly where it went. Well, someone seemed to take it home. I said don’t worry but kao was worried. He took me to his house and left to search for it. Kao’s wife was painting there. She doesn’t speak English at all. She gave me a cup of tea and offering some other food as well. She showed me their photos. kao came back but I didn’t see my work in his hand. He said “menten” which means tomorrow, I knew. I said “mei quanzi. And we went back to the camp. I wanted work a bit more but Cha would get in trouble if I’m working at the studio by myself so I left there. Sin was just coming to the camp. They were talking a bit and I found out that Kao was asking Sin to take me home. I said that I’m totally fine. I always go home by myself anyway.
I got home and did some writing. Sin called about the exhibition I wasn’t too sure what she wanted to know but I got the bit that we are going to farewell party on the day of opening for the exhibition.

tuesday gig leaving

her alarm went on and I woke up it was still 7ish and fell asleep again. Woke up in half an hour but Gig was still asleep so I tried not to make any noise and tried to write a bit. I had sore in my feet. She woke up 8:00. I told her that I would have a quick shower and we can go out for breakfast around here before we go to the studio. Pr was up and I told him that I have this pain and it’s because I was picking up all the candies last night, I did the action too and he laughed a lot.
We noticed that one of the bikes were gone. Pr said his friend went somewhere but she will be back soon.
I said that we will eat around here and come back.
The place was 30 seconds away from the house. I see people eating there everyday and was always curious what they were eating etc. Gig ordered this pancake and soymilk for me. It’s sort of traditional Taiwanese breakfast she said. There were two little boys running around the café. They were about two. His mom said something and one boy started to walk like the people carrying the portable shrines. I asked them if I can take a photo of them but they ran away. The mom said that even she can never take a photo of them. Went back home and the bike was there.
Went to the 2 dollar shop and gig asked where we can find needles etc. it was so easy. Found transparent string as well. After paying I realized that I needed to get glue as well. Gig didn’t seem to mind it at all. I can tell she is very nice. I wished that she was a part of program this year.
It was 10 ish when we got to the camp. I had to start folding the cranes. Gig helped me with holding the other paper. She was very quiet and it helped me. I asked her if she wanted to have some tea and went out. Cha didn’t want it but he had to have one cause I ordered two but got three for some reasons.
It was already noon when I got back. Cha was going to the post office so I asked him to get somen for us.
Gig liked somen but cha got really long one and it was hard to eat.
3:40 gigi left. I took her to the bus stop. Cha had to leave for the class. I thought he was going to Taipei after that but he came back. While he was away Kao and the lady from my neighbor came. They were talking just in front of me and it was hard to concentrate. Kao asked me to go to some kind of event tomorrow. Well took me 5 minutes to understand what he was trying to say but I understood in the end. He said tomorrow night and left. The lady was still there watching me folding. When cha walked in and said “I’m home” I just realized that I had made a big mistake. One of the cranes was facing the other way.
Well I had glue on it so I had to quickly take it off. Cha said something and I said “Don’t talk to me know!” I felt bad afterwards. The lady left and I explained what happened. I was annoyed with the mistake. I knew that no one would notice but I know it’s there. I decided to paint the part the color came off. Cha showed me where the paints are. He wrote a sign saying "artists are woking plese do not enter" and put it on the door. Cha had to leave for Taipei. I stayed until 9:30 to get some work done. I realized that I hadn’t eaten. I stopped by the bakery and bought some bread for dinner.
Pr was at home drinking tea with his friend at the back of the house. He asked me if I wanted to join so I did. I told them that I hadn’t eaten and had my bread there. I got online and talked to Yj abit. She was very tired.

monday festival

woke up early for some reasons.. had a quick shower. Pr was already up reading newspaper outside
left home around 9am. No one was there yet. started to have cuts between the paper. I was thinking about something and without thinking..(doesn’t make sence but..) I cut it too mach and it almost cut the edge.. well you don’t understand this.. it was almost like I cut my wrist so to speak. My heart started to beat so fast. It was so close. Well I had another copy so I can make another one but I spent all day yesterday folding and that was gonna be a total waste. I put this thin tape meanwhile so that I wouldn’t cut that be accidentally.( step on it etc.. which I have done before) Cha came in. He thought I was exhausted because of the night market. I told him it’s not that I but I almost cut the paper and was still in shock. He said he totally understand the feeling because he had that when he was in Art school. He said that his friends are coming. Soon after that they came. I wasn’t really listening who they were so I had to ask them. Gig and Sus and her sister. They spoke good English and easy to talk to. One was from next town and the other one was from Macao. They both were artists checking out the place.
We had lunch together. Gig wanted to help us cooking so I let her do it. It was kind of interesting way to cook. 5 of us had lunch there. Sus was one of the people who wanted to start this program first but disappeared when it actually started and they were laughing about it. The cake they brought was so nice. I had to have another piece. Gig was her friend visiting her. Sue came when we were about to finish lunch. She had to cook her own. She took the cake home which I was planning to have it later, damn!
The sisters had to go home and Gig stayed until the bus leave.
I had to work on the Kusudama with lights cause it was impossible to work on the crane when people were around. Gig helped me folding paper. She wanted to learn how to anyway. She had to leave for Taipei. Cha was gonna take her to the bus stop. I said I can take her cause he looked busy. We decided to go all together. There was a phone call on the way to the bus stop and Gig said she can not stay at her friend’s tonight. So she decided to stay in this town tonight. I said that she was welcome to stay at my place. We went to the bus station anyway to check the time table for tomorrow. I left there and went to a stationary store to get some more paper. Then went to the everything shop to find the transparent thread which I couldn’t find. Dropped in at my place and went back to the camp.
Worked a bit more and had dinner a bit early cause they were having a meeting. Sue came followed by Sin. I was cutting paper while they were having the meeting. They finished the meeting around 9:30. the fire works was supposed to start at 10pm. Cha had to do some work and w waited a bit. I told him that if it starts I would leave him there but it didn’t start after 10am. We walked to the bridge. There were so many people there. I was trying to take some photos but it was a bit hard. This guy noticed that and told everybody to step back so that I can take photos. They even paused for me. We saw the parade first. I couldn’t believe that they set the fire cracker just in front of us. We saw Yj and mom they had some hot food. It was fried mushroom. Yum!
Fireworks started when we got to the beginning of the bridge. I wished that we were a bit closer. When it finished cha said that we can walk through the bridge. It is the only day when they let people walk on the bridge. It was 2km walk which means we are going to walk for 4km to come back but we said why not and started to walk. We saw Ah and he joined us. There were numbers on the bridge so that we can tell how far we have walked.There was someone looking at me and I was looking at him too. Then I realized that he was the one from karaoke place I was taken few weeks ago. Asked Cha to tell him to come to the exhibition. We walked and walked. We noticed that this guy who just passed us was picking something. We couldn’t tell what it was so gig went closer. she said “candy!”. I didn’t realize that people were throwing some candies as well as the paper money. (I was told not to call it “fake money”) Gig and I decided to pick up all the candies and it got quicker to reach the end of the bridge. on the way back we also picked them up but I was the only one who was so obsessed with it and they were laughing. It was already midnight when we got home. I had to e-mail some people still.gig stayed in my room. She told me that she might snore and yes she was right.

sunday night market

got up a bit before 9 and took shower quickly. I didn’t have to be anywhere but wanted to go there early to work on the project. I put my washing in the washing machine and left there before it was done. Stopped by at the bakery and got one bread and one cake. Got there around 10:30 Jos was there. I shared my cake with her. I was so t happy with the print and the paper. It looked very professional and I thought I could just exhibit this as it is. Well, cause I got two prints I still have one copy to display at home. Started to cut the edge of it. Took me so long and it was already lunch time.
We were going to have last night’s curry but there was no rice left to cook. Cha went out to buy some rice. He came back followed by his mom. She brought cooked rice for us. I told her to take some curry home. Sin came. She needed to get title, size, material, and concept of my work for the exhibition. Sue came for lunch.
Went back to folding. Got a bit tired so decided to cut transparent paper. The guy came for painting. Jos helped me cutting paper. I noticed that cha was calling her with different name. she told me her English name on the first day and I didn’t realize that until today. Cha was too tired and decided to have a nap.
Shsh and her mom came with a dog. It was tiny. Jos, well, Yj joined them and started run around. Cha was still asleep in the room. They actually went in there a couple of times but he didn’t wake up..
I just realized that I hadn’t put my washing out so I went home for that. told Yj that I was coming back there and she was happy but when I went back there she was gone.
The guy who came to my workshop, well he didn’t really join but he dropped in. Cha went out with him to get some sweets. Having a sweet tooth? Great!
They came back with some cakes but I couldn’t stop folding. I was told to stop. They gave extra cheesecake for us. I was saying that I haven’t learned much Chinese because it’s too hard. Talked about it for a bit. Koy dropped in. he joined us and had a piece of cake. It got dark and they left. Cha said that there is a night market on Sunday. We decided to have dinner there. Went home for a second and went back there. Cha didn’t know that I had left there. I followed him to the market. There were so many store at the market. took so many photos there. I don’t have to ask people if I can take a photo of them. Only place I had to was this place where they had two good looking cats. CC said that there is a sign saying you have to pay to take photos of them. They said it’s ok anyway. I wanted to take photos of people eating steak cause it looked so hot. They said it’s ok and waiting for me to take it but it didn’t work. It said that my memory card was full. I didn’t know how to delete the photos so it took a bit to figure it out. We bought some sushi. They were very carefully made and looked very beautiful. The girl who was selling them could speak a bit of Japanese. I had to have a photo with her for some reasons.. we also bought pancake and noodles. We found oden too. The guy said it was originally from Taiwan and became very popular in Japan. Now they came back from Japan. I wanted to try it but the soup had meat in it. Well I could use the portable chopstick for the first time. They are great! There was a famous singer there but I didn’t know her well I don’t really know any famous Taiwanese anyway. We got a bit tired and left there. I saw this guy walking towards the market and he smiled. I thought I met him somewhere. It was the politician I saw at the big party. I said to cha that I wondered if he remembered me but he said that politicians would have to smile to people anyway and yes he is right. I had no idea which way we were heading. It wasn’t that far from the central town but I wouldn’t have been able to get back there.
We decided to have a drink somewhere. There was a Chinese Opera near the temple so we decided to check it out. There were too many people and we couldn’t see much. We went in the temple. My shoe came off and we could see the guy who is organizing this pilgrimage. I asked several questions like why they leave at night etc. the guy said because the god said that. We went upstairs and I asked cha if I can take photo there. He said we can ask them. There were these wooden pieces there to communicate with the god there. If you see them both facing up that means yes and you have to get that three times to confirm the answer. There were so much to see tonight. Said good bye to cha there and went home.
When I got home, Pr was on computer in my room so I decided to watch TV a bit and it was already 12:00.

Saturday presentation

Got up around 8:30. got ready to go around 9am but checked my E-mails and found out that I got quite disturbing E-mail which made me upset all day but anyhow it was my big day and I was busy all day.
Decided to go to morning market to get some vegetables for curry. I was supposed to cook for everybody ,well it was my idea anyway. Had no idea how many people were coming so I bought a lot. Went to a supermarket first to get curry powder. I didn’t have to talk at all but when I gave the lady 1000gen she had to scrutinize. I was glad that she didn’t say anything.
Went to the morning market and looked for some vegetables. Found carrots and I got off my bike. Then I realized that I have to talk to buy things here. What do I say? There were some onions in the basket, too. I wasn’t too sure how many I needed so I gave this lady the whole basket. There were more than 10 onions in the basket. At this stage she knew that I couldn’t speak. I grabbed all the carrots she had and broccoli too.. She said something and I thought it was 3 something. I gave her 300gen and she said something else. I realized that I don’t even know the numbers.. well, I figured out that was 75 or something and I was 10 short. She said it’s ok sort of things. She had only few things there so if I bought few more things she could just go home. Some people had even fewer. I saw one old lady having only three items. .My basket was already full so I decided to go to the camp once. It was only 5 minutes away anyway. It wasn’t open so I opened the shutter for the kitchen. Left all what I bought and went back to the market. Found some potatoes. Asked the lady to give me a plastic bag and put ten of them. This was 300gen. went back to the camp and saw someone there. It was sin. She was just coming out from the studio. I told her that I did two trips already and now I’m going home to get my laptop. Sin said that she can give me a lift cause she has a motorbike. I told her it’s very close and I can just ride my bike but she said it’s ok she doesn’t mind so I hopped on her motorbike. She even had an extra helmet. I tried to be very quick to pick up my laptop and went back to the camp. Sin left after dropping me off.
I was still upset somehow so I put my music on. I just needed music.
Cha came with the big paper. I was so excited to see it. It was huge. I thought it’s too good to fold but I got two copies. I can keep one for myself.
I was so happy with the paper but still upset in a way. told him about the problems at home but I made it so short and he didn’t really get it. I trust people too much and many people said that I would get in trouble well, they are right.. but how about people here. They don’t have a lock for bicycles, you can leave your purse in the room unlocked, everywhere used to be like it I guess.
It was almost 11am so we started to cook. Ah came soon after we started and I asked him if he wanted to help us. He peeled some onions. Jos came and Cha’s mom came. They joined us and it was so much quicker. Jos seemed to have fun there.
We had leftover oden for lunch. Chf came follwed by Sin. They joined our lunch. Sin brought something for me I thought it was sweet but it wasn’t. I asked the name for it but forgot right away.
Sue came and joined our lunch. Sue and Sin had to leave.
Vegetables were all cooked so divided it into two pans. I was gonna add meat for one of them later.
The guy came for painting again.
It was close to two so we started to set up for my presentation. The projector wasn’t working well and the CD I made last night wasn’t in order anyway so we decided to use my laptop cause it’s brighter.
Put the curry paste after getting rid of the scum. Jos was very excited. Some people came for the presentation. Mr. lin and his wife were there too. She made some food for me. She also brought some photos to show me. It was about 10 people some were from last week’s workshop. Cha translated what I said and then I started my workshop. What I wasn’t expecting was that Cha left for film editing. So I was left with those people. The girl from bakery and her friends came very late. They sat around the other table and I had to start again. Every now and then I had to go back to the kitchen to stir the curry. Jos followed me so I asked her to do it every 5 minutes. She got the clock from the office and was doing what she was told to do. Good girl.
I just realized that we didn’t have enough plates so called Cha and asked him to get it on the way back. He was surprised that people were still there. Well many of them stayed until 6pm. We started “curry party” I ended up with having no meat which I didn’t mind. No one seemed to care anyway. People liked it and some were having the second. Kao called Cha to see if the Tofa was ok. I had totally forgot about it.
The movie started at 7pm. I stayed a bit but left after 10 minutes cause I was worried about things at home. cha called around 10 and said they just finished the film and there are some things going on. I said I would go if they have fireworks. He had to check with some people and found out it was on Monday.
Talked to my friend from Sydney and that made me feel a bit better.

friday -Japanese class

I woke up with this loud noise. Some people were setting off the fire crackers. I had to send a long e-mail this morning and it was already 10:30 when I got to the camp. No one was there and I had to unlock the door. I was thinking about the exhibition coming up soon. Checking up the space I wondered if I can use the small room at the back. I had never gone into the room. There is a bed in there and some people use it to take a nap. There was a mosquito net above the bed. I have told some people that I can fall asleep within 30 seconds anywhere. I thought I should try and see if it’s true. I’m not too sure if it was 30 seconds but I woke up with someone’s voice, calling my name.. I just got out from the bed quickly and said “I was asleep..” told him that I just wanted to see if I can sleep within 30 seconds.
I was cutting paper a bit and cha said it’s 12 already. I said “how can it be?” well I forgot that I was a sleep. We prepare the food quickly and when we were ready they came. They brought some tea and coffee for us.
While we were eating, we had a conversation in Japanese. They all had Japanese name.
he brought a whiteboard marker to write some words I joined that too. they were impressed that I can write upside down. They were all nice.
It was almost 2:30. I decided to go home after cutting the paper for workshop because Cha was leaving anyway. I got home and tried to see if my students were online but they weren’t.
cha called at 4 saying Kao is there to teach me how to make Tofa. I told him that I can’t get there right away. I said 4:30 and went there on time. I stooped by at the bakery and asked them if anyone wants to have dinner with me tonight. The tall one said she is happy to join.
Kao wasn’t there when I got there. Instead, sue was there. Told her that we have oden. He came a bit before 5pm and started to make Tofa right away. Sue was translating what he said but it ws very simple.
The only thing was that he said that I have to wait for an hour to let it cool down then put it in the fridge. I was gonna go home but had to stay there. Some one called my name from outside. It was the girl from bakery. She wanted to check the time or check out this place.
It didn’t cool down at all. I put it out on the bench and had a fan on. After 6pm it was cool enough so I put it in the fridge and left there.
Went home to leave some of my stuff there. Pr was at home. He was about to leave for Taipei. I didn’t ask what it was for. He left just before I left there.
Went to there bakery at 6:30. the girl wasn’t there and her friend called her. I wondered if she went to my studio. She came on a motor bike in two minutes. There was a lady there working, I wonder if she was the owner there. I was hopping that they are not getting in trouble for giving me the food there.
The road was closed for the festival since yesterday. I wanted to check out what they have there. It was very similar to Japanese festivals for shrines. There was this bracelet I had a look and the girl bought it for me. The lady put it on a little Buddha statute and smoked with the incense. I couldn’t return it so I paid but she doesn’t accept it. I said that I have to pay for dinner then. We had this pearl tea which I love and often have it in Melbourne, too. There was a sushi shop which I knew it wouldn’t be authentic but we went in there anyway. Well, it was worse than I thought and felt like teaching how to make it. While we were eating I asked many questions like how to say “I want this” etc. and realized that I haven’t learnt nothing much since I came here. This girl, lin taught me some useful expressions. Her English was very limited but she had an electronic dictionary which helped us a lot.
We went back to the festival. There was a puppet show on the stage and big crowd in front of that. we saw it for a few minutes and laft there. I felt like eating some of the festival food there but I was too full.
So went back to the bakery and then went home. Lin was reporting where we went etc and she was so happy.
No one was at home so I turned on the TV and saw NHK music show. I can see many people here watching this and practicing for karaoke.

Thursday

woke up a bit late it was almost 9am. I got on my computer and did some writing and folding together.
went to the camp around10:30. Cha was outside working. He said Shu called to tell him that she got my CD. That was quick! Asked him to call her to tell that I don’t mind making the size a bit smaller but she said that they started putting the images together and they look fine. I was also worried about the cost but they wouldn’t let me pay anyway..
after the phone I stayed at his desk and kept working there. Shsh’s mom came with a baby. She had someone’s kid th other day. I said “how many kids do you have!? ” this baby car was made in Japan and she had it ten years ago. She said it was very good one she can still use it now.
Had a quick lunch – leftovers
went home around 2:30- wanted to check if some one was online.
Went back to the camp 4:30 cause Cha’s students were supposed to come. Bought some cake for them. Well they didn’t have the cheese cake so I bought the little chocolate cakes then they gave me this huge cheese cake..I refused but it was impossible. I showed cha saying “this is what I bout, and this is what I got” he had to laugh.
Cut more paper for work shop.
Cha went for shopping and I cooked. We cooked “oden” but decided to have it tomorrow cause we had tempura and salad. That was too much as well so we decided to save it for tomorrow and invite the students for lunch.
Cha wanted to go for a walk after dinner. We went to the other way along the river. There was a big pipe going across the river. It was for water. I said there must be some one tried to walk on this. Cha pointed himself. He said he actually waked through for 2km on this. Saw some temples on the way they were rather spooky in the dark.
It was already 8:30 and we went home.

wednesday -visiting a school

Got up around 8am. They were supposed to come here at 9am. I quickly had shower and was going to get ready. But I realize how I can make my photos square in the shower so I started to test it out. M.S called at 10 to 9 saying that he was running late because he had forgotten that he had to do something this morning. He said that he was coming at 9:30 I was gonna say take your time so that I can work on this but I didn’t. called cha to let him know that Mr. S is coming at 9:30. Cha came around 9:30. I quickly showed him that I found a way to make the photos into square. I should have done this last night oh well..
We waited outside for Mr.S. There was a big stone and small ones as well. They were table and chairs. I never noticed it. Mr. S came a bit before 10am. We went to this elementary school, which wasn’t that far from my place. They had a huge parking at the front. If there are no cars they can easily have an assembly there. We went to their drawing room first. This lady was asking the purpose of our visit. I said that I was just interested in. The principal was out and we were told to wait there. I said he doesn’t need to come back, we can just look around if it’s ok. Went to the gym first. There were some students probably grade 4 dancing together. Looked like that they were having a test. There was a male teacher checking their step. He was a bit scary. Some of them had to stay after the bell to pass the step. There was a long queue of students with a rubbish bin. There was a truck collecting the recycle. It was recess and kids were having great time. There was a stone with writing on it. The lady who was showing us around said that this poem was done by this Japanese teacher and they found it recently and decided to have it in front of the school. I think it was like..” the time goes quickly don’t waste your time” There was a big statue of “Sonbun” . Cha thought it was “Shokaiseki” for a moment which was funny- he is the one who attacked Taiwanese people. I asked how many people were there etc. there were about 36 students in the class and they had over 1000 students in this school. The lady said because they are having less children like Japan, the class size is getting smaller. Also they have more teachers per student in Taipei because they got money. They had a huge play ground, well it was more like athletic field. Kids were having good time at recess using this “rolling dram look like thing”. They use two sticks to make it roll. One student couldn’t get it started and this lady helped, she was good , indeed. We went to this resource center where they had lots of trophies and certificate of merit etc. Mr.S was excited to see the old record there. We also found that they’ve got all the reports. Cha told the lady which year he finished this school. She took out this big pile and looked for his. They were not to do it but she said she would do it especially for him. His reports were all good and he was happy to see it. I don’t think I want to see my reports from my primary school. The principal came back and we greeted in the room. While we were talking, the lady was checking her husband’s report.
We walked around and saw some classes. I was surprised to see that the teachers there had microphones.
I asked the principal why and he said cause they don’t want to loose their voice. It’s up to them,if they don’t want to they don’t have to. Looked like most of teacher were using it though.
There was a spot with many small bags. I asked what they were and it was bags to keep “goat milk” cold.I remembered that we had milk at primary school. They were very similar to Japanese primary school. Students clean up the school and eat “school provided lunch”. The principal asked us to stay for lunch but I said I can’t eat meat and we needed to go back soon. I really wanted to work on my photos. Mr.S gave us a lift to my place and then went back to the camp. I learnt the trick to close the gates finally..
I had to cut some paper for Saturday’s workshop.
It was already lunch time and we had yesterday’s leftover and made omelet again. Sue came when I finished cooking but sue couldn’t eat the rice.
I heard some noise with chains and it was some dogs. The one which was beaten by merciless people had friends! It was good to see.
went back home to do photo editing. I found a way to do it myself. It took me quite long, it was like 3:30 when I finished. Cha had to go to the post office too, so I called him to let him know that I finished. Went back to the camp and then went to the post office. It was just like Japanese post office. Got a package with bubbles to send the CD. I also needed to get some stamps for sending postcards.
Cha had to pay for his mobile phone bill which was just next door. I just remembered that I was suppoed to see the girls at the bakery at 4:30. It was just after 4 so we went to a shop to have “tofa” sweet desert Tofu which I love! They misunderstood and I got only beans, well I didn’t order and this happened.
There was a poster there saying that there will be a Chinese opera and fireworks coming up soon. I got excited. We went to the bakery. They thought cha was Japanese and we thought that he could have pretended. They had some presents for me. One of the girls had made some roses for me with paper. They were so beautiful. Cha was so amazed to see how they treat me. They wanted to take a photo with me which I hate but how can I refuse?? I took it with my camera and told them that I would send it. Well will I? the tall one ran to get out the shop and she put the cheese stick bread in our basket. Cha was laughing so bad. I told him that this is what I get everyday.
Went back to the camp and worked a bit.
Kao came. He was trying to say something to me which I didn’t understand at all. I gave him my phrase book and he was writing some on a piece of paper. It took him like 30 minutes. All what he wanted to say was that it’s getting cooler, you’d better wear some more. Then spent some more time to say that he would come back tomorrow or the day after tomorrow to teach me how to make “Tofa”. Cha came back. I wasn’t hungry at all so I told him that I would eat 5 pieces of noodles. He actually cooked and served that much for me. went homeo early today. There were some fireworks in the sky. Pr came home.
Got online and talked to Yj.

tuesday cd

Got up around8 and hopped in the shower. It was already 9 am when I left home. I was hoping that they were late but they were there sitting on the bench already. I said hi and asked if they want tea but there was no tea made. Mr S came 2 minutes after I got there. I was glad that I got there before him. He asked me if I showed them my work. I said that I didn’t bring my laptop. He said that I should go and get it cause they were looking forward to seeing it. I said that I’ll be back in 5 minutes but I knew it would take longer than that. went to 7 eleven to buy a bottle of tea. Then went back home to grab my computer
Went to the bakery to get some cake. They didn’t have the one I often buy so I bought two little ones. Rushed to get back there. Set up my laptop, cake and tea. I was while doing it. Cha came around 10am. He didn’t know that we were having a guest there. They knew each other and talking in Japanese and Chinese mixed. They stayed more than two hours. They asked me to have lunch with them but it was wonton? Which has meat only so I said I couldn’t. They were surprised that I don’t eat meat because it’s so unusual for Japanese.
Sue came a bit after they left. She started to cook. Cha was cooking too. There were too many to be if I was there so I decided to let them cook. I had noticed that everybody was writing their names on this fruit. I found one which didn’t have name on it so I thought that would be mine. Everybody used a pen but I wanted to have it like some expensive apples which has “ good luck” sort of writing. They use sticker while it’s still green and when it changes its color, the writing bit is still the color before. I found a tape to do it.
Sue left after lunch.
The guy came to paint. He is so keen. He is painting here almost everyday.
Old guy dropped in. he had hearing problem and hard to have a conversation. He sang this army song in Japanese. I said sorry to him although he couldn’t hear.
Went home before 3pm. Talked to students a bit. Their exam is coming up soon. I had to buy CD for my photos. Decided to go to a supermarket to get some ingredients for dinner first and find a shop for CD on the way back but I found CD rom in the supermarket. Wanted to buy some for dishwashing too. something I can contribute. Found potable chopsticks as well. This is very cool, they get longer when you need to use them ad you can make them short to carry them. Had some Japanese writing on it but I would be the only one who has them in Japan.
Went back to the camp and cooked. Cha came back from Japanese class. Sue came back in good timing but she said that she doesn’t eat anything with ketchup and she cooked her own dish. I made this called “omerice” it’s omelet on rice sort of. Very popular in Japan. I burned the source and rice was uncooked but still edible.
Sue left soon after the dinner.
Ah came. I offered the “Genji pai” I bought and he had one. He is getting used to me a bit.
I told cha that I would go home and pick up 100 photos. He told me to get to his house at 9pm. I wasn’t sure if I would get it done by that. had to call him to tell him that I was 30 minutes late.
It wasn’t as easy as he thought to make them square. He had to call Sil to find out the best way. He didn’t have credit on his mobile and had to ask her to call him using my mobile. She was laughing. He said that they can do it for me. I thought it’s a bit too much to ask.
We were talking long and it was already after 11pm. On the way home I didn’t see many people but some shops were still open. I thought it’s a bit funny. Going home after 11:30 was quite late since I came here but I would do that often in Melbourne.

monday puppet

I heard some noise outside but totally ignored. After 5 minutes someone called my name. It was Pr. I was still in bed well it’s not really a bed , I should say that I was still on a mattress..i quickly got up and open the shutter. Good I was wearing something. He asked me where the key was and I told him that it’s still in the box. Well, I put it under the paper in the box so that people don’t see it easily. He gave me this pie which was still warm. He had to do some work in my room so I went to living room and watched TV. I checked some Chinese programs but changed it to Japanese channel. It was about this girl having an arranged marriage. I was glad Pr didn’t watch this with me otherwise he would have been asking me lots of questions.
I left home around 9 well I guess it was more like 9:30..Cha came right after me. The entrance was littered with rubbish. Well, it was because of the cats. I took a photo of them before I put them back.. told cha that I go out to take some photos of the bridge and left there. It wasn’t that easy to get a nice photo of the bridge. Went back to the camp in 15 minutes. M.S came for a meeting with Cha. Well I tried not to be noisy. Sue came with a guy. Soon after that Mr. S told me that September 9th is “ Respect-for-the-Aged Day” I said okay. He said that we ca n join the ceremony. I was confised.. I said “well, but it’s October now..” they said it’s by the old calendar, it’s actually today. I said “oh I see.. but can we join? Am I old enough?? I guess I am..” Three of us got on a bike and two walked. It was just around the corner.
We could hear them from distance anyway but it got louder and louder. Someone was singing on a stage. I couldn’t tell how many people were there but I guess nearly 1000. We sat on “VIP’s” seats. Many “important” people like a mayor came around to say hi. One of them was the lady whose name was on the hat Kao gave me a couple of nights ago. I told cha to tell her that I have her hat but she was too busy talking to other people. She was on the stage and had a speech then sang. Mr.S was so happy for her. I could tell he was a good supporter for her. Well, looks like everybody likes her. When she came around again Cha introduced us and told her that I said I was sorry that I don’t have the right to vote here. She smiled ad said it’s okay sort of thing.
Well, lots of food again. There were many dishes with meat again and Sue said this dish has meat in it but it doesn’t taste like meat at all I should try so I took a bit but didn’t eat much. When this soup came Sue said “oh this is fish soup you can have” I had it a bit and tasted funny.. I said “I think they used meat for this soup..” they asked and I was right. I drank a lot of water. They told me to sing on a stage I just laughed and said no way！They asked me a couple of times again so I pretended to look for a song and said I don’t know much. I said Sue is good at singing and she wouldn’t mind. Well, they wanted me to get on the stage so bad so I said I’ll go with her and I’ll be behind. I told her I would know this song. They were writing a number on a sheet of paper. I couldn’t believe that they were gonna do this to me. Some speeches finished and the MC said “hey Japanese girl! Get ready!” I laughed so bad and realized that Sue was gone for toilet. Did she do it on purpose? I was like “NONO I CAN’T DO THIS!” They told me to go up the stage and I was laughing so bad. I went to the stairs but it wasn’t our song. While someone was singing many people started to leave. They had finished all the food. Sue came back and had two song with the guy. Most of people were gone by this stage. I was so relived. Well I had to get on the stage but it wasn’t the song I told them. Sue picked the one she liked. I didn’t know this song well and never sang it before but sang it anyway. What an experience..
We went back to the camp and Sue left with the guy. Mr. S left as well. I started to work and soon after the lady who is studying Japanese came. She said that she showed the flower we made last Saturday to some people. They liked it a lot and wanted to learn how to make it so she came to get some paper. She left 10 gen for that. I said “pu yo” but I knew she would leave it no matter what.
Asked cha to call her about the paper. I needed to know how big the file or each image can be. I decided to have 100 photos and make it square.Went home for 2 hours I was gonna work on the photos but there weren’t enough images I wanted to use for this project. However I didn’t wanna just go around and take photos of everything. I need to have some sort of connection with it.
Went back to the camp after 5pm. Cha was working on putting bricks on the ground with Aha. Asked him if they needed help and he said he was getting hungry which means I have to cook We had lots of leftovers from last night. I wanted to cook fish but didn’t know how to. We decided to have BBQ and Cha put some pieces of charcoal on the gas stove. He was gonna take them back when they catch fire. “Wait a sec” I brought some bricks and made BBQ area there. Cha was impressed. The music was on for collecting rubbish so they went out for taking out the rubbish. I have no idea where they are taking it. Sue came back. She was impressed with the BBQ too. She was talking about food first but started to talk about the hard life she had to go through. She was in tears and that made me cry. I was just hugging her and she said thanks for crying for her. They just came back and saw us. They looked so puzzled. We started to eat as usual but I was still thinking about what she told me. To be honest, I thought she was so strong and independent found out the different side of her. I felt really sorry for her.
Sue’s friend, this small guy, came and they left for the big town they often talk about. They asked me if I wanted to come but I was supposed to see the puppet show.
Pr came with his friend. I was surprised to see him there. He said that he came around to check out. They went in the building and I couldn’t get up to give them a tour for some reasons.
A cat was around since I started to cook today and she was talking to me. Well I had to give her some fish.
Someone called and cha said that he had to go to the town, too. I gave him a hard time because he was supposed to help me with the photo editing with his computer. “well, but you are going to see the puppet show, too..” that was right. Cha had to run away and Ah left so I had to close the place etc by myself.
I wasn’t too sure where it was. That was the place we went to on the first day here. There was o sign..but I found it. There are some kids practicing at the front. I forgot what “excuse me” was in Chinese so I just went through without saying anything to them.
“The living national treasure” was there. He noticed me right away and said there is a lady from Okinawa
and I should talk to her. She was his student for 23 years. It was so nice to talk to her. I told her that I always wanted to go to Okinawa but I didn’t know anyone there. She said now I do and yes she’s right. I was already thinking about visiting there in few weeks after I get back to Japan. It was a fate. She is doing what I was planning to do sort of.. preserving the traditional culture. I told her my idea and she really liked it. She is going to help me out if I go to Okinawa. We both were pretty excited to meet each other. There was a boy looked like waiting while we were talking. I noticed it and said “does he need to talk to you?” She didn’t know him. He was just listening to our conversation and tried to pick up some words. He used to study Japanese at private school and could introduce himself in Japanese. We were quite impressed that he was still trying to learn. Unfortunately he had to stop learning it cause he started Junior high school and needed to concentrate on his study. They were so serious with their education.
I said that I would love to visit some schools here and the lady said ask the guy over there, he knows many people. It was Mr.S. I told her that I already know him well and he is helping me a lot. She took me to him anyway and said to him that I want to visit some schools here. He said that he would talk to some people. Talked to Mr.S and the master a little bit. They looked so busy talking to each other. The master told me that he really liked the Japanese teacher when Taiwan was under Japanese occupation and he looked for the teacher in Japan 40 years (? ) after the war. I told the lady that I have a good relationship with most of my students but I really doubt that they are gonna look for me after 40 yers and find me somewhere. We said good bye to each other and left. I think I’ll see her soon. I was riding my bike heading home, Mr. S was coming back on his bike. He said check this out and pointed the temple. There were some people playing some kind of musical instruments. I didn’t think they were that good but had to pretend that I was impressed. He told me to get in the temple. He said that we have to get in from dragon door and get out from tiger one. I said that I knew cause my friend told me this last week but he wasn’t listening. There were so many people working there. They were getting ready for the pilgrimage from Monday. Mr.S seems to know everyone in this town. I know he is rich but he does lots of things. Actually, I just found out that he is the chairman of the board of directors for this program. He introduced me to this guy and he disappeared. Came back in 2 minutes and gave me this little ..well it’s not that little.. toy. He said that they made 300 of them last year and this was the very last one. I didn’t really want it so I tried very hard to give it back to him but Mr.S told me to keep it. He showed me the map for the pilgrimage. They spend few weeks to visit all the temples around the town. Mr. S told me to be at the camp at 9am. His friends want to see me there. I said “certainly” and left there. I still think it’s funny that he is so rich yet he rides bike to go everywhere.
I got home around 9pm and Pr came home right after that. He said something I didn’t understand. He said it couple of times and he looked angry I was like “what did I do??” he was just saying “I’m home” in Taiwanese. Trying to teach me that..They left right after- not because I couldn’t say the word.

sunday meeting

her alarm went on at 6:00am I knew it was early because it was still dark outside. Then it went on again at 6:30. I was like “come on! you don’t need that do you?” but of course I couldn’t say that anyway. I got up at 7:30. They were still asleep. I hopped in a shower then started to do my washing. It said 47 which means that it’s gonna take 47 minutes to get it done. It was 15 past 8.. that means I’m not gonna get it done to get there on time. Well I had to. They got up and getting ready. Sm’s sister was going to catch a bus to get home. I said that she can have lunch with us at least. I told then that I would be 5 minutes late.
It was sort of good because I didn’t wanna go with them, I mean I didn’t want them to know that they stayed here, well, sort of..
I was gonna get some cake on the way but the bakery was closed, well it was open but the door was locked..I was running late so I rushed to get there and I was there at 10 past 9 ..well I was the first one.. the meeting might be long so I said “I’ll be back in 5 minutes “
And went out to get something. The bakery was open and I bought bread and cheese cake. She gave me a big discount again.
Sm came with her sister. She was waiting in the library.
Met Tf for the first time. So it was finally 5 artists there. Mr.S and Si were there too.
Started meeting with talking about general problems in living. No one said anything which was funny. Everybody was complaining and that’s why some people had left but they say nothing.. I was asked if there is any problems and I said no, which was true..well almost.
Sue had to say that it wasn’t enough money for food etc. They talked about it for 10 minuets and decided to get some more money to spend. I didn’t really care about this cause I had no idea how much we could spend and how much actually it is.
Then cha asked how we were going with our work. This was funny again cause I knew some people are not doing anything. I talked the most here.
Then Mr.S started to talk about the town he went to recently. The town was a redevelopment area. He was talking about how successful they were etc which went on and on and some people had to stand up and stretch. I was folding paper there so it was okay.
Then we talked about the exhibition. Everybody was happy with the dates etc. we decided where we were going to use etc.
Mr. S stood up and talked about lunch. He had to go somewhere but he was paying for us.
Tf was on Si’s motor bike and I was asked to get on Sm’s car. I said “how about other people?” well they all got on. There were 4 people on the back seat.
The place was packed we had to wait for them to clear the table. The food came one after another. Many of them had meat and I couldn’t eat most of them and they felt bad..
Went back to the camp. Sm sister decided to leave and they were gonna wonder for a couple of hours. I said that I would be here working a bit. Well, she came back right away. They just went straight to the bus stop. That means I had to go home with her..well she doesn’t know where the house key was and I wasn’t sure if I was allowed to tell her. Went back home and I told Sm that I would work on my writing a bit. She was in the livingroom calling some people. Kam came right away. I was asked to join them. I said that I was fine writing in my room. It was quite long ..more than 2 hours? They were just talking and talking. I knew they were gossiping about people I knew and I was glad that I didn’t understand what they were saying. The phone rung and Kas answered. Well, I never answer the phone..i mean I can’t..
It was already 5pm Iva’s workshop was from 4 which I wanted to attend but I couldn’t leave them there..I told them that I was going out and asked if there are any good place I can go and take some photos in other words “do you wanna go out?” they said maybe we can go to see this old lady making hand made soy source. I said ok let’s go.
She was doing something in front of the shop. When she saw us she stood up and said please sit down and disappeared. She came back in 5 minutes with a bowl of something. It was roasted peanuts.
I didn’t know what to talk at first. I thought we were gonna see her making soy source. I asked how long it’s gonna take etc. She could speak Japanese but it was a bit limited. I asked her if could take a photo of her. She said wait and combed her hair. We were about to leave after taking some photos. she said she has some photos to show us. It was amazing she had those old photos I had seen only on TV etc. In her elementary school photos, there were some Japanese teachers. All the students were girl and they had exactly the same hair style. The photo looked old but wasn’t old.. she found out that her classmate had the photo still when they had school reunion and she made a copy of it. She also does Japanese dance and had some photos of her in kimono. She said that she made them cause they are so expensive to buy. I asked her to come to see our exhibition and left there.
We saw some kind of parade on the way. I wanted to take photos but just missed it. I asked Sm if she was staying one more night and she said she doesn’t know yet. I suggested that Sm take her bags with her anyway so that she doesn’t come back here and I don’t either.
We went back to the camp. There were so many kids there running around. Iva was about to start her presentation. I wanted to grab something to eat there but I didn’t know what was in. They were doing BBQ there as well but I didn’t see a spot. Sm grabbed some fish and put it there. Sue came back and she was cooking in a kitchen. She was using the leftover from lunch and also stealing some food from the BBQ area. It was funny.
Iva’s presentation started. I had seen some of her works they were quite interesting. Sm said the fish was ready. I totally forgot about it. Thanks! Her presentation was pretty long she was showing some other artists work as well. Sometimes the projector stopped working so they were tapping on it.
Then soon after Tf started hers. It was documentary. I thought it was her work but it wasn’t. I didn’t realize that it was in English and had Chinese subtitle. There weren’t many people watching it. When I realize it was only 5 of us. Sm said that she decided to leave and Iva heard that. she sounded so excited and I wasn’t sure what they were talking about. Well it was that Iva can get a lift to Tai chung. It was nice to see them getting along.
So only tree other old ladies were there and they were not even watching. So I decided to go home,too.
Tf was showing hoe to do film editing.
No one was home and it was very quiet. Cha called me later to let me know that Sm left. Well I knew it.