Yesterday I found myself trying to explain a “food desert” to a Taiwanese friend. It turned out difficult to convey, but not due to the language barrier. Instead, it emphasized some very strong differences related to the supply of food in between these two countries. My friends and I got to the point of introducing …
Last time, I wrote about how skill can play a huge part in the role of tea making. I actually have some more thoughts to add to the matter. I have continued to think about the topic, talk to people and read things related to it, so allow me this addendum to the topic of …
An addendum: Technology vs. Skill in tea production Read More »
A little while ago, I had the opportunity to participate in a unique experience, the kind that is so unexpected and amazingly interesting it might be best labeled as a “Special Fulbright Experience”. With that hook, let me tell you about making tea. Wait what – don’t I make tea every day? Well, yes that’s …
Making Tea – Skill can also be a limited resource Read More »
I have spent no small amount of time contemplating the habits of what might be considered an “average” Taiwanese person and trying to compare them to that of an “average” American. (Of course, this immediately comes with the problem of generalizing many people to one average, which is unfair. Please allow me the following reflections …
It started with a bang and ended with silence. Or something like that. Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) is upon us! Chinese New Year really is the biggest holiday of the year here – and now I can agree that equating it to feeling of Christmas / New Year in the States is appropriate. …
I have started to love going to the nearby vegetable market. I don’t need to go every day because I’m only cooking for one person so I don’t need to get fresh ingredients every day. As a recreational activity, I would definitely go every morning, but then I fear I would spend too much money, …
When I wrote my application to come to Taiwan, I said that I was coming to study tea. My proposal was primarily to conduct scientific study of environmental impacts of tea farming. However, the logistics of conducting a meaningful study of anything related to environmental science appear to be quickly withering away my time in …
Here are a few things that have occurred recently: 1. Baking cookies! I got a toaster oven. In general, most household kitchens in east Asia lack full-sized ovens. As an avid baker, I’ve really been missing my access to an oven. Holiday present from my father – a toaster oven! I used it made ginger-honey …
Drinking hot water For years I have carried around a hot water thermos, usually filled with tea but sometimes water. Sometimes the water is hot, sometimes it is cold. It ranks just below my phone and my wallet for my essentials when leaving the house. In reality, these habits are fairly strange for an American. …
I have been particularly keen on food in Taiwan. Well that’s not a particularly new mental state for me, nor is it a surprising focus to have as either a visitor or a resident of this island. But along with the usual considerations of what food to eat, what food tastes good, and how to …