Souvenir from Beijing

Steve on his first day back at his post in the Taipei office, this time with new gear. I'm looking forward to seeing him hit the streets of Taipei (on his scooter) sporting this new lid. You gotta' love that cool face-shield. But, is it bullet-proof? Mmmm, I don't think so. However, since we're north of Taiwan's "Mason-Dixon Line", I think you're safe, Steve.


Linda models it very well. It looks great on her with the matching top.
Women in the military? Even female pilots in the Air Force? I vote "YES".


After giving up on Chen Shui-bian, Billy has no choice but to embrace the symbol on this helmet (ha, ha). Thanks for being a good sport, Billy. My apologies to all you DPP supporters out there.

Chinese Writing

In Beijing's Temple Of Heaven Park (天壇公園), this old man was writing Chinese characters with a large brush and water.


Now it's my turn. I start to write my Chinese name (劉建華). The old man compliments me but here it looks like he's not impressed, ha ha.


I wrote my name clearly, but oops, I didn't get the middle character (建) well-centered in the square. Fortunately my characters (top right) have already started to evaporate. Whew! That way, anyone seeing this can't laugh at them. The nice old man wrote my Chinese name to the left of where I'd written, showing how it's really done by an expert. Finally, true to form, he wrote me a compliment: 美國小伙子真棒 (Young American Guy is really good) Yeah right, 爺爺, but thanks anyway for being so nice. :) It was a fun cross-cultural encounter.

The Other Mr. Mao

This Mr. Mao needs all the help he can get in holding up a positive image.



However, the real Mr. Mao has no image problems. His name is David and he does a great job in ORTV's Information Technology (IT) Department. Everyone around here appreciates David (as you can see). Visit his blog at: http://blog.ladios.net/

北京 China Trip

Liz can't contain her excitement at being back in Beijing. Here she is at Qianmen (Front Gate) of Tiananmen Square.


Here on the east side of Tiananmen Square is the Museum of Chinese History/Revolution. On its front steps is a large countdown clock for time left until the 2008 Beijing Olympics.


This young guard stands watch just outside the Mao Zedong Mausoleum in Tiananmen Square. In the background is one of the revolutionary statues surrounding the mausoleum.


Linda, Hazel and Liz make a statement in an alleyway along Wangfujing Street


With Bruce Liu and the Studio Classroom Beijing office staff.

Jeffrey (left, front row) is a nice handsome 28-year old bachelor who was a great help to us while in Beijing. I have informed our Taipei office staff that he would be available to help improve cross-strait relations. :)


Liz conducts an English teaching demonstration for Beijing English teachers at the Beijing Institute of Education.


Hazel brings out a puppet during a session on using drama and fun activities for English teaching.


With some of the Beijing teachers who attended our training sessions at the Beijing Institute of Education. There were about 70 of them in all who completed the 3 day program.

Neihu Swimming Hole

It's not easy getting into Steve's favorite swimming hole. Yvonne can attest to this fact.


However, once there, one can see why Steve likes this retreat from the city so much.


Liz enjoys a quite moment.


Here's a video of the swimming hole featuring some good jumps by Gareth, Phil and Steve. The video and "battle scars" earned on the trail are courtesy of Jason Ball. Jason truly sacrificed and stretched himself to the limits to make the trip to and from the swimming hole. And without him, there would be no video here. Thanks Jason!

After Work Hike

One day after work, I took Linda, Campbell, Diane, and Beth over to Jinmianshan (one of my favorite hiking spots in Neihu). Here they are on the way up looking back towards Taipei.


Going up Jinmianshan there are several rocky slopes and sections like this one. Linda shows her great smile while Campbell steadies the rope for Beth and Diane.


All that climbing up was worth it. Perched on a rock near the top.


Yes, the wind is really blowing up here. Linda's smile is still great whether her eyes are open or closed. This angle shows Beth, Linda, Diane and Campbell on the rock from behind with the view out in front of them (across part of Neihu and toward Xizhi).