Day 17

This morning we took a train with our luggage to get to the next hotel.  I was happy the train was not packed.  Then we took multiple trains and the subway to get to Nagoya University and experienced the crammed train cars.  It was a long morning.  A professor from Nagoya told us about the school and we were able to meet some of the students and eat lunch with them.  I spent most of the day talking to a grad student named Kotoka.  She is studying education and focusing on researching entrance exams and processes for college.  The Nagoya school of education is more of a research school then a school to prepare students for a teaching career.  Only about 8% of students from the school of education actually go on to teach.  Many of the students did have part time jobs substituting or tutoring.  We spent the afternoon talking with the students and touring their campus.  Unlike in Taiwan, they do not have a lot of English speaking international students because all of the courses are taught in Japanese.  They stressed that they are making an effort to increase the number of classes taught in English to attract more international students.  The students here did not speak as much English as in Taiwan and were fairly shy.  We stayed at the University for dinner which was similar to the bbq meat I had the night before, but many more courses.  Most of the students could not join us.  At the restaurant everyone had to remove their shoes before entering.  I find this custom very gross.  I don’t want to smell other peoples feet when I eat.  We sat in the lower seating which was different.  They used to kneel.  Now it is like you are sitting on the floor and there is a hole under the table for everyone legs and feet.  It was a good experience even though it was a long meal.  We took the subway and train back to the hotel.  Out of all the places we have stayed, everyone has been able to get a decent room, but this time three of us were stuck in smoking rooms.  I happen to be one of them and slept with the window open.



Day 16

I had a rough start this morning.  Breakfast was mystery rice balls.  I tried two, one was seaweed and the other was actually good.  Then I am not sure how I thought we were meeting 10 minutes later then we were, so I ended up being late and everyone was waiting on me.  To make it worse I packed my rail pass in my luggage that was staying at the hotel so I had to quickly run back and get it.  I made it to the train just fine.  Later we did leave Ryan at another train station and Ray and Tiffany lost their rail pass on the last train of the day.  It was not our best rail day and hopefully our last bad one.  Our first visit was the public tour of Mazda.  It was not as exciting as I was hoping for.  They took us to their museum, which was like our Heritage Center for GM.  We saw some old cars and a new concept car (shown at a 2008 auto show).  They are focused heavily on hydrogen power.  Part of the tour was then to observe the assembly plant.  We saw them installing flooring, dashboards, windshields, and a few other parts on a mixed model line.  I would think the potential for error would be higher going from building a sports car to a sedan, but their process seemed very structured.  Many parts move in a basket along with the vehicle and there were digital displays at every station for workers to rely on.  The plant is huge.  They store and ship cars right from their own port on site.

Next we had lunch.  I tried a traditional dish only made in Hiroshima called, Okonomiyaki (fry what you like).  It was strange, but I ate most of it.  Basically they start with a pancake batter then add bean sprouts, cabbage, noodles, meat (mystery, maybe chicken), shrimp, an egg and some kind of soy/bbq sauce.  

Then we took a train to the ferry over to the Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima.  The ferry ride was very short, but beautiful.  When we stepped of the ferry there were live deer hanging out.  Even though there was a sign that said clearly do not touch or feed the animals, some of our group did (silly undergrads).  The tide was out so we didn’t get to see the reflection of the torii gate.  It was still really cool to see and walk around.  I also think it was be amazing to see at night because there were many lights lining the pathways.  After viewing the shrine we walked up to the Goju-no-to (five-story pagoda) which is a blend of Chinese and Japanese architectural style.  Right next to the five story pagoda was the Senjokaku (Toyokuni Shrine) which we entered.  It was never completed because Toyotomi Hideyoshi died.  There was art lining ceilings and we were told it is all original.  Then it was back to the hotel to gather our luggage and hop on a train to the next hotel.  I was still hunger when we got in and Dr. Laurence, Theresa, Ray, Chris and I walked down the street to eat “bbq”.  We had 5 different types of meat on the stick.  The only thing I could not eat was the chicken skin.  I had pork belly, some fancy chicken and plum, chicken knees, and meat balls.

Day 15 - Hiroshima

Today we left Tokyo to go to Hiroshima.  We just made it on to the first train, which was a little scary.  The first train ride was over two and a half hours then we got on another train for a little more than an hour.  When we got to the hotel we dropped off our luggage and headed to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.  We first saw the T bridge (the target) and the A-Bomb Dome.  We then walked around the Peace Park and to the actual museum.  Tiffany and I purchased the $3 audio guide tour.  At each picture, object, or display they had signs in multiple languages.  The audio tour gave more in-depth background to each display.  Hearing the audio tour was a more vivid experience with the incorporation of poems and detailed explanations.  The museum described what Hiroshima was like before the Atomic bomb was dropped, before and during war, the nuclear age, Hiroshima in ruins, and the path to peace.  It was really hard to hear about as well as see all the material possessions from the aftermath.  They had an exhibit of two children and a mother walking out of the ruins with their flesh melting off their body.  I had to stop listening to the audio for that exhibit.  Many of the people killed were children working in the city that day.  They shared stories of how some children made it home, their faces and bodies were unrecognizable, their parents could only recognize them by their voice, and all the parents could do was watch them pass.  It was heart breaking.  I almost lost my lunch hearing of all the effects of radiation and seeing some photos of what happened to people affected.  I hate politics and who knows what would have happened and what the world would be like today if we did not drop the bomb.  I hope everyone has learned from what happened and agree with Japan's path to peace way of thinking.  After the museum we ate dinner and explored the city of Hiroshima.  It was strange to think how everything was completely destroyed and now is back to being a thriving city.

Day 14 - Temples & Shrines

 The theme of today was “walking”.  We went to three temples (Buddhist) and one shrine (Shinto).  We took two trains to Kamakura.  The first temple was visited was The Great Buddha Kamakura.  It is an insanely big seated Buddha that is a Japanese national treasure.  We learned that as you walk into a shrine or temple many wash their hands.  Since temples and shrines are sacred places, they usually "clean" themselves before entering.  In front of each statue there would be a donation box one could toss a coin into which made a lot of noise as it fell.  After donating the people would bow and clap or just put their hands together.  I am still not clear exactly on the process, but they do this to make a wish to the gods.  In the places where there was incense, people burner it and fan the smoke towards themselves.  Smoke is believed to have healing power.

The second place we went to was the Hasedera Temple.  This was one of the most interesting Temples to me.  It has so many places to explore, I wish I had a guide to tell me what each statue and section meant.  I do know that they believe in many gods so I am assuming each section was for a different god.  The temple was built on a hill and we climbed all the way to the top.  There was an amazing view of the ocean, but I was surprised that there was no statue at the top.  The grounds were amazing.  There was all kinds of plants and small ponds.  We did enter a creepy little cave with multiple gods.  It was dark with only a few candles and the ceiling dropped half way in so you had to lean over and keep walking to get out.  It was funny to see our tallest guy (Ray) almost have to crawl out.  In the main hall there was the largest wooden sculpture in Japan (Kannon-Bosatsu).

Then we went our separate ways for lunch.  I again followed Dr. Laurence with five others and we found a small “restaurant” that only had room for eight people.  The “restaurant” was operated by one 90 year old lady and we all sit right at the bar (the only seating) and watched her cook.  The “menu” was spoken and we had two option; chicken onion and noodles or spicy noodles.  Everyone but Dr. Laurence ordered the chicken onion and noodles which was really good.  The meal came with all you can drink tea and seaweed.  The tea was way too hot and I did not care for the seaweed.  The old lady only spoke Japanese and was joking with us as Dr. Laurence translated.  She gave us all complements on our chopsticks skills.  It was a very unique experience.

Next we walked to our first shrine, which was open to the public.  Shinto is a way of thinking and not a religion.  A person can be Buddhist and practice Shinto.  The shrine was very open and had a large fleet of steps leading up to it.  At the center of the grounds we were able to watch a wedding taking place.  The women was dressed in a fancy black silk dress.  Back in Taiwan we were told that a bride would not wear white because it is the color they associate with death.  Many Taiwan brides wear blue, the color of purity.  We were told in Japan they will wear white, but the bride we saw was not.  I am still curious about this.

Then we walked for a while (up hill) to another temple which was a Zen training monastery (I think it is the oldest Japan).  The Kencho-Ji Temple had a few places to visit and grounds to walk around.  They had an amazing black gate (Karamon – Chinese Gate) that is currently not in operation, but really cool to see.  We also saw the Dharma Hall which is the largest wooden Buddhist structure in Eastern Japan.  In this hall was a Fasting Buddha statue and an elaborate painting of a dragon on the ceiling.  After seeing this we then took our longest walk to the train station and went back to the hotel.

At night we walked to one of the most busy crosswalks and got to experience the crowds on the train again.  After crossing the busiest intersection twice, Carol and I took the subway to the Tokyo Tower.  It looked a lot like the Eiffel Tower.  The top of the tower was closed, but we went up half way and saw all the lights of the city.  We even were able to stand on a glass floor and look down.  I liked Taipei 101 better.

Day 13

For our first full day in Japan we got to sleep in and have breakfast at the hotel.  We went to the Edo-Tokyo Museum to learn about the history of the city of Tokyo.  The museum was 6 stories tall but only the top two floors were the museum.  We learned how the city was originally called Edo and the history of the daily life of the people.  There were volunteer guides available but not when we started.  Tiffney saw that one English speaking guide was walking with one lady and asked if we could join.  The guide and lady both said yes.  So for about half the museum the guide told us a little more than we could have learned by reading all the signs.  The museum was made to be interactive.  There were many places where you could take photos lifting things or sitting in things.  We saw the effects of fires, earthquakes, volcanos, and war had on the town.  On the way out we traveled down a 3 or 4 story escalator.

 

For lunch we went to a hole in the wall restaurant and had really awesome fried chicken.  Our meal came with cabbage, meso soup, seaweed and rice.  Next we headed to the grand sumo tournament.  There are 15 days of this and each wrestler has a match each day.  Today was day 13 and two of the wrestlers were 12 and 0 (I know the last guy won and might have made history for being the first Mongolian to go 13-0).  We saw the Makuuchi Rikishi ceremonial entrance where each of the senior wrestlers step into the ring in their ceremonial aprons.  We also saw the Grand Champion entrance and Bow dance ceremony.  It was really exciting once we knew what was going on.  Each match only lasts about 20-30 seconds, but the preparation takes long.  The wrestlers are each announced then come on stage.  The face the opponents and stretch to get ready for a while, mostly doing the same moves.  When they dry their hands and face with a towel and throw salt into the ring you know they are going to start.  I have a handful of matches on video.  Some of the guys in our group actually got their picture taken as the sumo wrestlers exited the arena, but I did not have the opportunity. 

For dinner we went to the electronics district.  We got packed into the train because there were so many people leaving sumo.  It was very tight.  The electronics district had everything electronic from games to hardware.  Carol, Dr. Laurence and I went to a fancy restaurant where you had to remove your shoes before walking in and we ordered off a tablet at our table.  I tried burdock root, chicken knuckles, and sake.  I will not order burdock root again, but I was told it is really good for you.  I still have not figured out the trains here.  I think we have been on 3 different lines so far.  We have not been on the subway yet.

Day 12 - Travel Day to Japan

This morning we had to be out of the hotel by 5am and on a bus for a 2 hour ride to the airport.  I am going to miss the mountains.  They are so beautiful when it is not raining .  The group was split on four different planes throughout the day, but many were on my same Delta flight. that I was on.  I was never able to find a Taiwan shot glass.  Instead I got a little figurine guy that I thought was a cute souvenir.  I am used to having a variety of souvenir shops at most places I have traveled too.  Although many thing were cheap, Taiwan did not have things that I liked.  The flight was not bad.  We had to regroup to hop on a train to Shinagawa, right outside Tokyo.  A camera crew was interviewing all the foreigners as they left the airport to ask them why and what they came to Japan to see.  Dr. Laurence explained that we were here for study abroad and they asked to follow us around a little while when we are here.  It should be interesting.  We all had to do a quick interview.

The train ride was hour then the escalator at the station was broken.  I was really regretting packing so much.  After we checked in at the hotel they let us have a free evening on our own.  A bunch of us went to get pizza and pasta.  We sat outside at a nice restaurant and people watched.  I have never seen so many people in suits.  There was a business group next to us that were getting drunk, even drinking out of the pitcher.  After dinner we walked around.  We walked through a pachinko parlor.  It was the loudest thing ever!  You can not actual gamble in Japan so you win prizes and take them down the street/ally to be traded for cash.  It is really weird.  The biggest difference between the two countries so far is that they drive on the wrong side of the road and there seems to be a little less English prevalent here in Japan.

Day 11 - Last day in Taiwan

For our last full day in Taiwan we had two company visits.  We started out our day at Bottlemate Inc, a cosmetics bottling manufacture.  We had a strange start to the presentation.  The slides were all in English, but the presenter spoke no English and just went about saying the presentation in Chinese.  After a few minutes Professor Peng had to stand up and translated for us.  The company originally started as strictly a bottle making manufacturer and now they can bottle liquids and creams for other companies.  They had a variety of products on display for us to try and examine.  Then we took a tour of their plant starting with their history area, showing how they started and advancing to the products they sell now.  We each had to put little blue booties over our shoes before entering the plant.  It is very humid here.  I was a little shocked to see mold growing on the ceiling of in the conference room we were in, but I did not see much in the plant.  As we walked through the plant was saw the stations where they printed on the bottles, colored the caps, and formed different types of bottles.  One bottle we saw throughout the process was a Hello Kitty shaped one.  I was surprised to see how much human interaction was needed during the whole process.

Next we went to a “department store” for lunch.  It turned out to be a high fashioned mall where everything was at least $100 US.  I really wanted to find souvenirs, but this was not the place.  I was able to eat at Din Tai Fung again which was nice.  I tried a pork and pork/crab soup dumpling, but I still like the chicken ones the best.  One thing I have not mentioned is that my camera has been acting up for the past 3 days.  It works when it wants to.  I am guessing it might be because of the humidity.

After lunch we went to the saxophone museum.  While there it poured outside.  It has rained at least once every day we have been in Taiwan.  We learned a little about the four generation of sax manufacturing and how they put quality above everything.  We each had the opportunity to play one.  I tried and could make noise, but not for a long period of time.  The instrument was extremely heavy and hard to hold.  It was fun to watch the people who tried to play.  At the conclusion of the museum tour we each we able to make a key chain as a souvenir.

Our last group activities for the day were a group discussion, learning a little Japanese, and dinner.  About every three days we have a group discussion and reflect back on the last few days.  It is interesting to hear everyone’s different impressions and thoughts of our experience.  Japanese seems to be a little bit easier to learn, however the sentence structure is backwards.  Dinner was crazy!!  We had a typical Taiwanese feast.  Every course seemed to get worse until we had ice cream and watermelon for dessert.  Ryan tried to eat a whole shrimp and almost lost his whole dinner.  I guess most people do not eat the head and central nervous system, but Carol did.  We were served all different seafood dishes and even a whole fish.  I really was not into anything we ate except the pork.  When we got back to the hotel I ran to 7 eleven and bought a bag of made in the USA popcorn, which they popped right there and even stapled a napkin to it to make a carrying bag.  It was so good!!  Other than that I packed, since we had to be up at 4:30 to head to the airport.

Day 10

I got to sleep in today.  Our first company visit was to Yung Shin Group.  They are the largest pharmaceutical manufacture in Taiwan.  The general manager of the plant only spoke Chinese so he had an interpreter the whole time.  He explained that the manufacturing site, we were visiting, uses the SAP and ERP system.  We toured the plant and were able to see the automated warehouse.  As we walk past each of the stations, we could see all the quality control measures they have in place.  Quality control and sterilization is very high throughout the plant.  The production is basically free of human interaction.  We were able to see a self-guided robot pick up and drop off a package of pills.  We were able to take pictures during the whole tour.

Next, we went to lunch at McDonalds since we were out in the rural area.  Then we took a short ride to Giant Bicycles.  We were taught about the company and learned a lot about their corporate culture.  I was not aware that about 90% of Trek bikes are actually manufactured by Giant, but the two companies have completely different R&D.  We were given a tour of their manufacturing operation and were able to see how just in time really works.  Each worker had to perform about 3 to 7 tasks before the piece could move on to the next part of assembly.  There are so many small details that go into making one bike.  I was a little surprised to learn that they use the same paint that car manufactures use, but it makes sense.  At the entrance they had 6 different bikes on display.  I was able to pick up a $7,000 carbon fiber women’s aerodynamic bike. 

Then we went to the rest stop to kill time before going to a new night market.  This rest stop was nothing like our rest areas in the states.  It was 3 stories tall.  They had at least 15 different restaurants and a small mall to shop at as well as fun actives to do and see.  I tried a sample of caramel squid which was nothing like it sounded like; it was actually spicy fried squid.  Then we headed to the night market and wandered around.  This night market had more high fashion clothing and still the same strange foods.  I tired an almost whole shrimp on a stick.  It was different to eat the shell but not that bad.  I would say it tasted fishier then I am used to.

Day 9

For our first full day in Taichung we spent the day at Tunghai University.  Tunghai University is a private university.  Most designs were by I.M Pei, a world renowned architect.  We first had a course on the financial markets of Taiwan for 2 hours. We focused on GDP, exchange rates, purchasing power parity, labor markets, and monetary policy.  Of the 23 million people in Taiwan only 10 million are considered the working population.  The number of those willing to work is decreasing because more and more students are choosing to not work while they are in school.  I found it interesting that they consider the current school age population “generation strawberry” because they are less willing to study abroad than previous generations also they avoid manufacturing and manual labor.  Also, the birth rate is one of the lowest in the world here and divorce rate is rising (1 out of 3 couples).

 

After our class we at lunch and took a tour of the campus.  We saw Luce Memorial Chapel, which was designed by I. M. Pei.  The trees and landscaping are very nice.  The building are all very well kept and different in design.

Next we had our class discussion about the last few days then meet up with students from the finance department for the rest of the afternoon.  We told them about our campus experience in the states and they told us about theirs.  Here and at most colleges they have a “Student Labor Program.”  This is a course most freshmen must take.  They clean the campus.  It fosters volunteerism and helps develop social responsibility.  We at with the students and were free to talk about anything.  The three girls I was talking to were freshman.  They liked to talk about movies and enjoyed practicing their English.

After we got back to our hotel on campus a group of us walked to the Tunghai Night Market.  This market was actually on an active street with cars and scooters.  There were still places where it reeked of stinky tofu.  I never want to smell stinky tofu ever again!  I can’t even describe how bad it smells, maybe like 20 stinky diapers and the smell stays with you for a while.  I did have one squid ball with fish flakes.  It was kind of like a corndog breading with squid inside and dried fish shavings on top.  It was not bad.

Day 8

Today was our last day in Taipei.  We had most of the day free to do whatever we wanted.  I really wanted to go to the beach but unfortunately we woke up to rain.  The group split up and went separate ways.  I went to see a movie, go to the largest book store (eslite) and the plan was to stop at SMS memorial hall on the way back.  I wanted to see a movie for a few reasons - the popcorn, rest my legs and feet from all the walking we have been doing and to see how they experience English movies with subtitles.  Theresa and I went to see “The Great Gatsby.”  The popcorn was just like you would eat at a fair.  It did not have movie theater butter but it was still good.  The sizes were smaller than in the US and I did find it strange that they offered fresh caramel corn as well.  After the movie (the sun actually came out) we went to the eslite bookstore, which was basically a mall/bookstore.  There were 6 levels of books/shops and the lower level was a food court. 

We ate dinner at the food court and headed to the National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, but the museum was closing.  We did get to walk around the grounds then headed back to the hotel to get our luggage.  I forgot that we didn’t get to go to the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall on the first day to see the changing of the guards, but we did pass it on at least two of our bus rides. 

 

We took the bullet train from Taipei to Taichung.  The ride lasted 50 minutes and the top speed I saw displayed was 265 km/hour.  We all took taxies to the TungHai University Alumni House, the hotel we will be at until Thursday.  This university is were Professor Peng went to school.  I cannot wait to see the campus tomorrow because I have heard repeatedly it is the most beautiful campus.

Day 7 - Last full day in Taipei

Today we ate breakfast at the hotel then we took a bus to Jinguashi.  A city outside of the city of Taipei in the mountains.  We were accompanied by a group of NTNU students the whole day.  They were fun to talk to.  Two of the students will actually being coming to study at UofM Flint next semester.  During our bus ride our tour guide explained the geography as we traveled over a few of the 250 mountains of Taiwan.  There were breathtaking views that would have been a lot better if it was not as cloudy.  We first toured the Gold Ecological Park where we saw the beautiful gardens of the Prince’s Chalet.  Next, we all were given hard hats and sent in to the mine where we saw how the gold was original mined.  The final stop in the Gold Ecological Park was the museum.  There was old mining equipment on display and more history to read about.  The highlight of the museum was being able to touch the 220 kg gold nugget.  I bought a shirt that says “Get Rich” in Chinese.

Following the gold park tour we took the bus to Jiufen Old Town, which was like the night market, but open all day.  The narrow passage ways were filled with people as we walked to the restaurant for lunch.  I was served chicken with oyster sauces.  All I ate was the rice because the chicken was basically chopped up with the bones still in it.  After lunch everyone was free to roam the town and shop for about an hour.  I bought a mint chocolate chip ice cream cone but didn’t find any good souvenirs.

From there we were back on the bus for a long ride to Shifen.  In Shifen everyone was able to create their own sky lantern by painting their wishes on all 4 sides.  I wrote my wishes in English then attempted to write them in Chinese.  Many of the locals said I did a really good job and gave me pointers on the order to paint the lines.  Where we let the lanterns go is actually on train tracks.  About every 20 minutes whistles would blow indicating that a train was coming and everyone would have to move to the side.  After lighting the lanterns we explored the small city then headed back to our hotel by bus. The sky lantern experience was an awesome experience and extremely fun.

After walking thought the night market one last night, three of us went with one of the NTNU students to the Hot Springs.  It was a little strange at first but extremely relaxing.  The place is a store front then a long hall full of small rooms with individual rooms and tubs.  You controlled the temperature of your bath with amount of hot springs and tap water you used. 

Day 6

Today we took the train to Tamkang University.  We meet up with a group of freshman and sophomore accounting students to spend the whole day with us.  They took us on a tour of their campus, which was very clean since the freshman students are required to clean at least once a week.  Talking with the students was a little difficult at times but an awesome experience.  I found myself slowing down my sentences, repeating what I said in different ways, and using my hands.  We walk though a few gardens and their maritime museum.  We then had a special lecture on communication.  The teacher explained some of the major differences between Asian and Western speech.  We played 3 games of telephone with groups of only Chinese, only US, and mixed students.  Surprisingly the only US and mixed students did not do so well.  I figured only the mixed group would have an issue.  We then went to eat lunch in the school cafeteria.  It was very difficult to find food that I wanted because they did not have pictures or English at any of the restaurants.  My buddy (Li) helped me find chicken and noodles, which were both really good.  Many of the guys tried pigs blood, but based on their reactions I did not try it.  Then we boarded on a bus to go to see more of the port in Tamsui.  We walked down the streets with old buildings and the students told us highlights as we toured the city.  We made a quick stop for tall ice cream then headed to the Fuyou Temple.  As we learned prior, you enter a temple from the right side.  Li explained that a person can ask for something from God by lighting incense, saying it in their mind, and bowing three time with their hands pressed together.  We learned about Reverend/doctor Mackay and toured the old hospital building.  Then we saw the Little White House.  I am not sure what the significance was but it had to do with Customes. Then we walk through Oxford College.  We ended the walking tour at Fort San Domingo.  On the walk back to the train we were introduced to "iron eggs" which are duck eggs that have been pickled and are black in color.  No one was brave enough to try them.  For dinner I tried the chicken as big as your head.  It was really good till I got to the bones at the bottom. 

Day 5

Today we started off the day attending an NTNU brand management class where the students were presenting a case on eHarmony.  Then we went to the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE) and were taught about the history and current status of the market.  They have 809 stocks listed.  About 22% of stocks are purchased by foreign institutions and 63% by domestic individuals here in Taiwan.  40% of the Taiwan population owns stock.  Most are common people with little knowledge of investing because of this the TWSE has set up controls to help limit the risk for its people.  We learned that there can only be a 7% change in the stock price each day, the trading hours are 9 to 1:30 (short), and they do not operate with continuous trading.  Before we left we took a group picture and were told it would be on the TWSE website - http://www.twse.com.tw/en/block/guestinfodetail.php?id=105.

Next we headed to lunch where I had Din Tai Fung’s chicken soup dumplings.  They were amazing.  I would say they were the best food I had so far.  From there were went to Franz to learn about their history and see their pieces.  I really enjoyed the tour and seeing both the digital and artistic creations.  My favorite part of the whole day was seeing their 3D printer. 

Day 4

This morning we went back to NTNU to learn about Chinese medicine.  The doctor explained how different foods affect the body and told us all the common natural medicines they use.  He also explained the different meridians in our body.  If you have an aliment the doctor can focus on these meridians with pressure and acupuncture to affect the issue.  The doctor went around the room and pressed on everyone’s hand which helps if you have a headache or other type of pain.  It was actually quite painful and left a nail impression on everyone’s hand.  Then we had the opportunity to experience one acupuncture needle.  If you know me, I do not handle needles well and before the class I swore I wouldn’t do it, but I did.  I didn’t pass out or cry even though my heart was racing.  I was the second to last person to do it and the first to have the needle taken out (maybe 2 minutes max).  The doctor said that they typically leave the needles in for about 20-30 minutes and wiggle them to accomplish relieving the problem the patient has.  If you stood still you could not feel the needle, but if you laughed or moved slightly the whole thing would wiggle.  I cannot described the feeling.  I was trying my best to not move.

 

After the Chinese medicine class we took a campus tour and had our first class discussion before eating lunch at the main train station again.  Today I tried fried flat noodles.  It had a mystery meat, but the noodles were good.  I have mastered the art of using chop sticks. 

Next we took a bus to HTC.  Wow their building is amazing and ecofriendly.  We were given a tour of the office where we saw that they have a boxing ring and heavy bags in their 24 hour work out facility.  I found this awesome!  The whole layout of the office was very open allowing for collaboration amongst employees.  HTC is a fairly young company, started only in 1997.  The culture here really influences how they operate.  They value the four pillars of the company’s vision.  They put the symbol of one pillar on their business cards as a conversation starter.  The company is mainly focused on the consumer.  They strive to make their products simple, powerful, and surprising for customers to use and now are trying to integrate their products to control other aspects a consumer would want (ie to control the tv or entertainment center from your phone).

To end the day we went back to Taipei 101 and went to the 89^th floor observation deck.  We rode the fast elevators again and we able to see the city lite up at night. 

Day 3

Today we headed right to National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) for a lesson in Mandarin.  The teacher had us all engaged and entertained.  We all did fairly well with instruction on how to say basic phrases and numbers.  We struggled a little to learn the tones since it is a tonal language, but it was fun.   Next we went to a different part of the campus to meet with our NTNU assigned buddy.  We had a welcome lunch and played games with chopsticks which was a fun to get to know the other students.  Then we headed to Taipei 101 to visit KPMG on the 64-68 floors.  We rode the second fastest elevator in the world to get there.  KPMG gave us a brief history and a tour.  We then went to Asus and were told about the companies 25 year history and were able to play with the different models.  They also did a presentation and demonstration of the padfone, which is a phone that docks into a table.  Both of the companies had unique features in which they help out disabled people here in Taiwan.  KPMG has blind masseuses to give massages for their workers and Asus hires disabled workers to run the bakery section of their lunch area.  After the Asus visit we went back to Taipei 101 and ate at the food court.  I will admit I had McDonalds because I was starving and needed to eat something I knew I would like.  From there we walked the mall inside Taipei 101 and then went back to the hotel.