Trace the Dutch footprints in Eco Tour

Most people travel to Tainan for historical buildings and local delicacies, yet, if you like Eco Tour, Taijiang National Park is the place that has more species of mangrove in Taiwan, where the Sicao Green Tunnel is my favorite place.

I have been there several times when I received VIP foreigners from many countries for the Tainan government many years ago. Many of the visitors are the Dutch because they once owned this place in the 17th century (1624-1662), their legacies still remain here such as Fort Zeelandia (Anping Fort)the ancient Dutch named it “Orange” , which is from the Dutch royal family: House of Orange- Nassau at that time.



Behind Dazhong Temple, the Green Tunnel in the eco preserved area is formed by the only four mangrove species found in Taiwan: Rhizophora mucronata Lam, Kandelia candel(L.)Druce, Lumnitzera (Lumnitzera racemosa).

Along the river way, with views of the natural canopy, green sightings, and little crabs and unknown reptiles appearing on both sides of the path and under the mysterious river.

I once arranged a two-day trip for the Studio Classroom to Tainan,surely including this unexpectedly beautiful spot. And I still remembered one of them suddenly burst out “MY PRECIOUS”, as the magic scene got her into “The Lord of the Rings”.

And more mysterious is that the former Dutch ambassador Menno Goedhart, a strong, nice, generous and wisdom man, once claimed that there are some treasures still buried under the river by the Dutch during the war. 

Therefore, this is a place full of fun memories, and today I came to discover and explore it again, although the sailing route only took 30 minutes, I am always amazed by the wonderful green every time! 

Taiwan International Orchid Show in Spring, March 2016

Orchids have been cultivated in Taiwan for decades, the annual Taiwan International Orchid Show is held in every spring.

the theme of 2016

This year I went to see the show on Sunday, and I think too many visitors unavoidably influence the quality of the exhibition. As a result, I smell more scents from human beings than the orchids><.

However, focus on the orchid itself, the extraordinary plant has made great value to Taiwan export economy (over 70% of Taiwan’s horticultural exports).

We are valuable!

We are special!

I don't know how foreigners define the orchids, in Taiwan, people like to buy orchids to celebrate personal promotion, birthday or convey respect and good wishes, especially for the elder or honourable guest because its price is not inexpensive.

We are from Hongkong to attend this show!

We are from Indonesia!

We are from Taida Horticultural Co.Ltd, Taiwan

The unique doctrine in nature, that is, beauty and function are often closely connected (I like it 100%), such as dendrobatidae and siphonophorae, their colourful appearances are the powerful weapons to protect themselves. And this principle also applies to the orchids, some of which have the most highly-developed flowers and diverse forms to attract not only people but also insects to have more channels to be cultivated or fertilized.

we are welcoming you to stay with us...(paphiopedilum)

Some of the orchid flowers have truly evolved into insect-alike looks that could increase the chance of their pollination. We all know orchids are grown according to their requirement of light, humidity and tolerable temperature, they are delicate, noble, smart enough just like the queen in the plant world.

Do we look like the bats with butterflies' wings? (from the US)

We are the feast for bees.

To be more competitive in commercial level, the cultivation of orchid plants has also evolved into the “biotechnology”. Taiwan researchers have claimed that they can make the red colour only grow at a certain point on the orchid's flower by controlling its gene after 9 year's study. And another amazing point is the orchid named as "Monkey Orchid", which grows in southern Mexico and Peru, has a Monkey face as its name describes.

I cannot tell you who I am...

Well, it is good news for innovation yet is it necessary? Since the orchid has so highly evolved itself, we should learn to appreciate the pure miracle of the essence of the plant and show our respects to the nature.

I eat bamboo, you know.

I guess their faces will become gorilla soon... 

The Spring Scent from Nordic Design

I wrote something about Nordic in the end of this winter because the winter months are particularly long there. And we also experienced more cold fronts this year in Asia. Are people less energetic and productive without enough sunshine? I believe that Scandinavian has ways to confront that.

(photo by St. Olaf College)

Just look at the Nordic living design which is never so boring, and I even can feel the spring ambiance among the simple but also colourful Nordic aesthetic. Before enjoying the spring scent I find in Nordic design, let’s make "Scandinavia" clear, it specifically covers Denmark, Norway and Sweden, but the term "Nordic" is broader and also includes Finland and Iceland. However, Nordic design is based on its traditional style, and each Nordic country has its own symbolic brand.

(Scent Diffuser, photo by http://www.nordic.com.tw/)

Danish Design－Grass Vases

Grass Vase is design by Normann Copenhagen, the designer–Claydies, which composes of “Clay” and “Lady”, was founded in 2000 by Karen Kjældgård-Larsen and Tine Broksø. Yes, it is from two talented females.This upward grass vase, completed with little flowers bringing spring into my mind, saying the natural beautiful scenery in Denmark.

(photo by http://www.normann-copenhagen.com/)

(photo by http://www.normann-copenhagen.com/)

Swedish design－ingela P Arrhenius

An illustrator and designer, Ingela’s creative colourful collections channel my inner childhood - so does spring, the beginning of a year, start our life), and they are so chic and full of lovely elements to brighten up every corner.

(Picture by: http://www.photowall.com/photo-wallpaper/designers/ingela-p-arrhenius)

(Picture by: http://www.photowall.com/photo-wallpaper/designers/ingela-p-arrhenius)

Finnish Design－Marimekko

Marimekko products are recognized as safe and environmentally friendly underlying the idea of simplicity- not cold, rationality but warm, functional and sustainable. To gain the positive energy from bright colours, Marimekko is 100% Finnish iconic brand. And I like the spirit of life; it is like spring awakening everything tenderly after the winter. 

(Photo by https://www.marimekko.com/)

(Photo by https://www.marimekko.com/)

Wanna some creative, chromatic, unique items, just click these websites. Nice!