Taiwan 12.09-18.09.2013

Today is time for next country which hmm...generally is not exactly country...I mean is country for almost all but this "almost all" legally doesn't accept it's legacy...so how is it?...For sure all Taiwanese know about their nationality,  b.u.t...  Why everytime has to be some problem with indepenence? a.n.d Why everytime occur any problem in my blog?! ;p


I remind only that my visit in Taiwan was connected with World Dance Competition  in south city - Kaohsiung on 12-18 of September 2013 in which I took part with my best formation Lotos Jantar ;)

Fired Hong Kong... (view from airplane's window)

Let's start quick view about Taiwan!

 Taiwan

(台湾)

ally officially the Republic of China

Yellow mainland of China and red - Taiwan*

Taiwan's population was estimated in 2012 at 23,2 mln. This makes Taiwan the 50th largest country in the world in terms of population and the 16th most densely populated country in the world.

National Flag of Taiwan*

The political capital is Taipei (2,6 mln of population), the largest city is New Taipei City (3,9mln of population). We were in south city Kaohsiung with a population of approximately 2.77 million. In this city is the largest harbor in Taiwan.

The panorama of the Kaohsiung, morning 13.09, 20th floor.

  

The Republic of China has its own currency, the New Taiwan dollar. 

1E = 38,85 New Taiwan Dollar

1 PLN = 9 TD (currency rate during our sojourn)

Geographical datas:
  
The longest place of the island has a length of 377 km and a width at its widest point reaches up to 142 km.

Taiwan's highest point is Yu Shan (Jade Mountain) at 3952 metres.
Taiwan lies on the Tropic of Cancer, and its climate is marine tropical. The northern part of the island has a rainy season that lasts from January through late March during the northeast monsoon.  Typhoons are common between July and October. Luckily we didn't meet anyone :)

City centre of Kaohsiung

Education

Due to the fact that I am student I was interesting how looks their education. The educational system includes six years of elementary school, three years of middle school, three years of high school, and four years of university.
 
Curiosities:
 -generally in the class (we're speaking about high school) is about 50 students
-every lesson has 50 minutes and break 10min.
-every day before start of the school, students has to clean their classrooms and campus
-in high school is not allowed to leave the school at least until 16:00 (4p.m) even if classes are ended before.
   Moreover at noon, students have to take a short nap in the classroom during classes. Is possible to go out from classroom only in important matters. Is also 1 hour break for dinner.




Religion:

There are approximately 81% religious followers in Taiwan. The two largest are: Buddhism (35%) and Taoism(33%). It is worth to see that Confucianism is a philosophy that deals with secular moral ethics, and serves as the foundation of both Chinese and Taiwanese culture. Usually Taiwanese people  combine the secular moral teachings of Confucianism with whatever religions they are affiliated with.


Language:

The official national language is Mandarin. Is spoken by the vast majority of the population of Taiwan.
As in Hong Kong , Traditional Chinese is used as the writing system in Taiwan.

(taxi drivers had problem with reading other letter incuded in latin alphabet, f.ex in english language, even if is written name of popular, taiwanese hotel )


Now the most curious topic for me:

Contentious political issues


 In the beginning is necessary  quick glance at it's history. It shows two opponents with two other aims:

1) The Republic of China (ROC, Taiwan) was established in China in 1912.

2) Following the Chinese civil war, the Communist Party of China took full control of mainland China and founded the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1949.

 The key dispute is question if is Taiwan  included into PRC?

Constitutionally, the ROC (Taiwan) government has claimed sovereignty over all of "China", but the PRC (mainland China) also asserts itself to be the sole legal representation of China and claims Taiwan as its 23rd province to be under its sovereignty, denying the status and existence of ROC as a sovereign state.

The PRC has threatened the use of military force as a response to any formal declaration of Taiwanese independence!

It's important fact, that for almost 60 years, there were no direct transportation links, including direct flights, between Taiwan and mainland China. The first direct daily charter flights took off in December 2008.

 How we see the political and legal statuses of Taiwan are contentious issues. The People's Republic of China (PRC) claims that the Republic of China government is illegitimate, referring to it as the "Taiwan Authority".

The ROC, however, with its own constitution, independently elected president and armed forces, continues to view itself as a sovereign state. In fact, the present territory of the state has never been controlled by the PRC maybe becose they know about their super power policy and prominent place on the international stage which can use in every precarious situation...

In consequence Republic of China has uncomfortable and hard position in the politic world area...


International recognition


 International recognition of the ROC has gradually reduced as most countries switched recognition to the PRC. Only 22 UN member states and the Vatican currently maintain formal diplomatic relations with the ROC. In practice, most countries view the ROC as an independent state and as such maintain unofficial relations with it.

Countries maintaining relations with the ROC*

GREEN = diplomatic relations and embassy in Taipei      BLUE = unofficiall relations

Inner political fight


The political scene is generally divided into two major camps in terms of views on how Taiwan should relate to China or the PRC.

1) Democratic Progressive Party =   is composed of the pro-independence. It regards Taiwan as an independent, sovereign state synonymous with the ROC, opposes the definition that Taiwan is part of "China".

Symbol of CNP.

 Chinese Nationalist Party - Kuomintang of China.  
They support eventual unification with the mainland. They consider that there is only one China, but that the Republic of China rather than the People's Republic of China is its legitimate government.

Owing to this party was founded The Republic of China in 1912.

The legislative election in 2008 brought the brought the Kuomintang landslide victory back to power in Taiwan.

Is worth to notice that symbol of Chinese Nationalist Party is situated in national flag and on the flag of Olympic Games.


 Significant differences between two parties:   The pan-green camp supports a distinct Taiwanese identity, while the pan-blue camp supports a Chinese identity only.



 World of automotive!


-I had deja vu from Italy! Wherever I looked I saw scooter, scooter, and scooter! ;o The technique of riding scouters is also almost the same: is important to be first in every junction, every maneuver on the street  is possible, on the scooter can be carried as much things as possible and finally slogan: better have just any helmet than none.
In short: jungle, but! In Taiwan is more safty owing the fact that are painted special lines for scooter along the street as well as ahead crossroads. (Sometimes in China were set special rain canopies make you dry during waiting for green signal! ;o)

Scooters on Kaohsiung's streets.

I noticed that the Highway Code is nearly the same like in Europe. Police is staying on the street particulary in the lete evening when is tendency to drunk driving. Similary radars are hidden on the street ;-)

Petrol station and radar 

I haven't been in Japan yet, but some part of it was in Taiwan. Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Lexus were everywhere on the streets. All japanese production was major part of moving cars. Polish production with Fiat 126p didn't reach this part of the world..what a pity! :)



Technology

During the latter half of the 20th century, Taiwan experienced rapid economic growth and industrialization. Whereby now is in very good industrial economy situation. Its advanced technology industry plays a key role in the global economy.

Plenty of electronic devices are produced in Taiwan. Own headquarters had such companies like: ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, ASRock - all global producers of hard drives for computers as well as Giant, Merida, Maxxis, Marzocchi - world center for the production of bicycles and bicycle components. 

And the most important - Acer - taiwanese company which is fourth (2012y.) the biggest producer of personal computers in the world. 

Something more to add?... 


                         _   _   _   _   _   _   _   _   _   _   _   _   _   _   _   _   _   _   _   _   _

Howard Plaza Hotel i Kaoshiung - view from 20th floor

Made in China. but very solid and natural.

Market and prices


Previous time during our sojourn in Asia, exactly in Beijing, we found really cheap shopping mall with European brands but Chinese production. The clothes were on first sight very good, but rather only on first...after doing washing only chinese work was visible ;p Moreover, 3 hours of shopping kills...To haggle in every shop, even if you really didn't want to buy, to be catched for every seller from every shop wherever you go...it's really hard and after 1 hour you don't want nothing and everything is unconcerned, neutral...

Whatever, but this time was different. It wasn't so easy to find such shops. Even in local market in Kaohsiung (open afternoon) the prices were in the polish level.

In result were efficient prices to buy: footwear (different type of shoes like f.ex: original sneakers - I can't reveal the price but were cheaper :P), a lot of types of scooter helmets :D and electric appliance but rather in the airport using free trade. 

 





But is one important date to notice... Median monthly salary in Taiwan on day Aug. 22, 2013 stood at 47,557 Taiwan dollar, so it's US$1,578, what gives about 5000 PLN. Do they need really cheap shopping malls?
1E = 38,85 Taiwan Dollar
1 PLN = 9 TD (currency rate during our sojourn)

Last day, several hours before departure - Jean and Jennifer - our two best guide in Taiwan!! Thanks! :* - took us for other market where were cheaper clothes but tired of the weather and all residence we weren't decided what to buy and we returned barehanded...

With our best mentor and guide - Jean!! Thanks ! :* (Karolina, Mariusz, PaPu and me...) It;s pity that without Jennifer but we had to split up into two groups ;/

We went barehanded but we met there still working 96 years old taiwanese granny ;D We were really impressed and full of admiration. All the best for You!!! :D

with great-grandmother ;)

How were we getting around the city?
We had two main options: use city train which costs no less than 20 NT$ or taxi about 100 NT$ (for 30 minutes way on foot). Of course we chose second one, and everywhere we get in taxi...in 4, 5 and even 6 persons! (in 5-seater car) :D

several actions in taxi... (even Mariusz and Jean - both on one front seat :D)

Also the average price of 1 liter petrol costs  3,5zl ( 0,85E)...


Swastika


It wasn't first time when in China I noticed red swastika on the building... Every time I was curious what is the significance? The more it is not common view for us Europeans...

Red swastika on the building...

Most of us the sign of swastika strongly associate only with Nazism. In fact it was a "significant religious symbol of our remote ancestors". By the early 20th century, it was used worldwide and was regarded as a symbol of good luck and success.

 In the Sinosphere - The East Asian cultural sphere of countries and regions that were historically influenced by the culture of China - so also in Tawian, the symbol is most commonly associated with Buddhism. This kind of red swastica could be commonly found in Buddhist temples, religious artifacts, texts related to Buddhism and schools founded by Buddhist religious groups. ;)

 Moreover in comparison to sign visible in the foto, swastika incorporated into the flag of Nazi Party was  different, because a right-facing 45° rotated. So it's not the same. Is used and transformed from appearance to it's meaning. Is different, but still remind us this the worst symbol in recent history.

Mid-Autumn Festival / Moon festival

  It is a popular harvest festival celebrated by Chinese and Vietnamese peoples. The festival is held on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese calendar, during a full moon (therefore Moon festival), which is in late September or early October in the Gregorian calendar, close to the autumnal equinox. It is a public holiday in Taiwan!

...going to transfer in HK airport...

 In this year was celebrated on  September 19! So preparation to this festival were during our sojourn :D Owing to that fact we saw advertisements in public places and we received in hotel special mooncakes! :D

And it was the reason that I knew something about this festival and I could write about it.

In the year 2014 will be 8th of September ;) be ready!

 Taiwanese tradition
 

During this festival people celebrate the end of the fall harvest. It is a time to enjoy the successful reaping of rice and wheat with food offerings made in honor of the moon. That day is an occasion for outdoor reunions among friends and to watch the moon, a symbol of harmony and unity.
The festival is celebrated with many cultural or regional customs, among them: burning incense in reverence to deities and performance of dragon and lion dances, which is mainly practiced in southern China.

How said me Jean, very important and commonly practiced are outdoor barbecues! They have become a popular affair for friends and family to gather and enjoy each other's company. Even to such extent that in Taipei City were  designated 11 riverside parks to accommodate outdoor barbecues for the public. :D


 The Mid-Autumn Festival is also known as:Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, because of the popular traditon of eating earlier mentioned Mooncakes on this occasion.

Was Moonwalks so it's time for Mooncakes! :D 

  Making and sharing mooncakes is one of the hallmark traditions of this festival. In Chinese culture, a round shape symbolizes completeness and unity. Thus, the sharing of round mooncakes among family members signify the completeness and unity of families.

Typical lotus bean-filled mooncakes eaten during the festival.

Lanterns


A notable part of celebrating the holiday is the carrying of brightly lit lanterns, lighting lanterns on towers, or floating sky lanterns. One tradition involving lanternsis to write riddles on lanterns and have other people try to guess the answers. ;)

Mid-Autumn Festival lanterns at a shop in Hong Kong

...and for the end of quick revision about Taiwan, the best of the best:

The newest version of Taiwanese beer. Taste accepted :D

Which is my impression about Taiwan?

It's the next Island on my traveler's way. For sure isn't comparable to other, smaller and first of all turistic islands like Malta, Elba etc... Beside very hot and humid climat are easier noticeable similarities to mainland China. Chinese signs, language are the same and also culture with celebrite days are connected. In spite of all it seems to be more organised and in a certain sense closer to Europe :-)

In Taiwan are cultivated bananas but unfortunately I didn;t see :( 
I didn't see also too much birds! We counted only two! :D Maybe better for us. We didn't have to expect on the street some shitty gift from the heaven...

P.S 

-Everything could be good with tranlator if it tranlate to polish! :D Initially through few hours every language was possible in spite of our native! haha (esp.: jaja) xD.   Happily I managed to change it and now even polish pensioners can read my scribbles ;D

-I wrote this post felling that the sword of Damocles is hanging over my head. Are you interested why? Whole post is for sure written by Jean and Jennifer - two fantastic girls from Taiwan! :D Could you imagine if I write some mistake? It would be my last post ;D  

Polish celebrities in Centre of Kaohsiung xD: Mariusz, Bartek, ?!!? and PapuMate.

Best regards finally from Gdańsk ! :**

*photos and some parts of information were taken from wikipedia.com and other Internet's sources.