Teacher Aboard

Surely in your travels you have purchased something only to turn it over to discover that it was "Made in Taiwan." That happened to me just recently when I discovered these words stamped on the bottom of the Ricoh digital camera that I am using to take the photographs I'm sharing with you on the Internet during our Asia With Pride II journey together. The productive nature of Taiwan has certainly stimulated my curiosity to learn more about these industrious people.

WELCOME TO TAIWAN

Pride II was a splendid sight as Captain Miles brought her under sail though the narrow breakwaters (man made openings) at the entrance of Kaohsiung's busy shipping harbor. The dozens of modern container ships moored in the harbor was a backdrop for Pride II's proud display of traditional sailing. The contrast of old and new sent a subtle message regarding the role of technology in influencing the design of oceangoing vessels. Setting the stage for our entrance, fireboats greeted us with displays of water.

The dock was crowded with television cameramen and reporters eagerly awaiting our arrival. It seemed all of Taiwan would shortly know of this grand affair.

KAOHSIUNG - THE SEAPORT

Kaohsiung has it own reasons to be proud. It is home to China Steel and China Shipbuilding. It also supports a vibrant (strong) coastal and deep water fishing industry. Part of the entertainment of sitting on deck in the harbor has been to watch the constant activity of the tugboats as they assist the ships docking at the piers around us. The level of activity is clear evidence that Kaohsiung is the fourth largest port for container ships in the world.

In support of this growing marine industry, Kaohsiung offers an aggressive program of courses at the National Kaohsiung Institute of Marine Technology where Captain Miles and I met with students to discuss Pride II's construction and our journey thus far. Appropriately scattered throughout the city are temples dedicated to Matsu, the Goddess of the Sea, who protects mariners and fishermen. These beautifully adorned temples serve a special role in a city whose livelihood is tied so closely to the water. A panoramic of this impressive harbor can be enjoyed from an overlook on Shou Shan (Long Life) Mountain.

CEREMONIAL FESTIVITIES

Baltimore has a sister city relationship with Kaohsiung. To celebrate the partnership between these cities, the Maryland Port Administration hosted a celebration. After an elaborate traditional lion dance performed to the rhythm of beating drums, musical numbers were played by students dressed in marching band uniforms.

A reception was then held aboard Pride II as guests leisurely toured the ship to gain an appreciation of her place in history. As a Baltimore Clipper, Pride II offers a wonderful and historic setting for evening events that serve the international community. This is one way the ship functions as an Ambassador for the city of Baltimore.

KAOHSIUNG - THE CITY

Perhaps the best way to explore any city is by foot. On Saturday morning I grabbed my backpack and set out to become acquainted with Kaohsiung using none other than the "shoe leather express." Small shops and family run restaurants stand side by side along every street while parked motor scooters fill most of the available space on the sidewalk that has not been claimed by restaurant tables.

Scooter parking on the sidewalk is free and apparently very popular. Although most families own cars, the preferred form of transportation is the scooter. As a result, there are fewer bicycles here than in mainland China. These folks have perfected the art of utilizing the scooter as they ride three abreast and pile the foot area with packages. I even spotted a dog enjoying the ride as he leaned out from behind his owner's ankles!

LOVE RIVER AND DOWNTOWN

The center of the city focuses around the Love River. It is presently being restored to its former natural beauty where folks can sit or stroll along tree lined paths in order to enjoy the waterfront setting. The river will host the dragon boat races during the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival or Poet's Day. This celebration commemorates the drowning of the poet/statesman, Chu Yuen, in 299 B.C. Modern hotels, government buildings, office buildings, shops, restaurants, and schools are located in the downtown area as it stretches away from the river. As I wandered the streets near the river, I passed the baseball stadium and was able to catch a glimpse of the field. It looked very American in a place so far from home. It seemed to me that the spirit of games is universal. Somehow sports have a delightful way of crossing cultural barriers. The Olympic Games are perhaps the best example of this power.

Conclude with the second part of the May 17, 1998 log.

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