Taiwanese Puppet Show

Taiwanese puppet show is a kind of traditional opera. The puppet is basically a carved wooden head, a cloth sack in the form of colorful clothing, and hands glued on its clothing. The face is patterned to express its character and personality. The puppets perform on a miniature stage. Behind the stage is the talented puppeteer, who puts his hand into the puppet and makes it perform by moving his fingers. Also, there is a band playing music for each scene.

Taiwanese puppet show is originally from Fujian Province, China. It was brought to Taiwan together with the settlers in the eighteenth century. It is performed at the temple fair. People flock to watch the show after supper. Because of its interesting plot (which are main parts of literature, legends or myths) and colloquial scripts, it is beloved by all ages and has become part of Taiwanese culture.

With more and more choices of entertainment, the traditional puppet show was losing its audience. It was forced to modernize. Since the 1980s, a series of television programs, “The Pili Puppet Show” (Pili means lightning), have been released. The puppets get rid of their traditional facial patterns and appear to be more genuine and delicate. Their actions are swifter. The plot is no longer adopted from traditional stories.  It is more imaginative, adding sci-fi elements such as aliens, time travelers, clones, vampires and robots. The show also makes use of computers to produce stunning special effects, such as real-world scenes. In 2009, it even appeared on the opening ceremony of the World Games in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

In the old days, the Taiwanese puppet show created happiness for people. Nowadays, it appears in a brand new form. This traditional show lives in the heart of every Taiwanese.

Rice with Stewed Pork: You can Hardly Resist it

Taiwan is known as “The Kingdom of Cuisine”. Not only is it delicious, but Taiwanese food also has various kinds of dishes. You can hardly count them.

There is a mouthwatering dish called “rice with stewed pork” (滷肉飯). In the old days, when people didn’t have much money, they used to make it every day. All you need is stewed pork, soy sauce and of course, rice.

Nowadays, it’s one of the most popular dishes in Taiwan. Strolling down the street, you can see restaurants selling it everywhere. You can hardly resist its tempting smell. The taste of stewed pork and soy sauce makes it the perfect combination. You will never forget it for the rest of your life once you taste it.

And don’t worry! This delicious food doesn’t cost much. In fact, it’s so cheap that it’s affordable to everyone. This is also one of the reasons why it’s so popular in Taiwan.

In my opinion, “rice with stewed pork” is what I think could best represent Taiwanese culture because of its remarkable taste and cheap cost. It is one great choice for those who want to treat themselves but don’t want to spend much.

Kid’s Power Could be Great

       This summer, I went on a seven day trip to California, USA.  My family and I spent one day at Legoland, San Diego.  There were all sorts of attractions and rides that were based on Lego game sets and looked like they were built with Lego blocks.  Strolling inside the park was like being in a kingdom of Lego blocks!

Besides those rollar coasters and other common rides, there was one ride that was one of a kind.  It was named ‘Kid’s Power Tower”.  There were three towers, red, yellow and blue, that were about three floors high.  When you ride, you sit on a seat, and pull the rope in front of you to lift up your seat.  Whenever you release, you will enjoy a free-fall.

When my sister Nicole and I spotted the towers, we decided to give it a try.  We pulled and pulled until we got to the top.  My heart pounded as we ascended.  The scenery was unbelievably spectacular. Looking down, I could see the entire park below my feet.  I gasped.  Then I let go the rope.  We dropped and Nicole screamed.  I laughed aloud.  When we almost touched the ground, I grabbed the rope.  Nicole let out a sigh of relief. Then we pulled the rope again.  It was really fun.  I wondered why there were only about ten people lining up?

Earth Day Activities

Earth Day is coming soon, so Bright Bats Club focused on “environment protection” last month. We had an extra class with teacher Ryan, discussing about what we can do for our Mother Earth. I learned a lot in the activities, including some facts and awesome ideas we can do to help the environment.

     We also had Mr. Titan, the manager of Starbucks. He told us how Starbucks goes green. I was impressed in their diligence. Then he told us how to reuse what we call “trash”, coffee dregs. Those ordinary oddments can be very useful! I really admire their unique ideas. They’re simple but really useful in our life, and they can help our planet! At the end of the lecture, Mr. Titan said something encouraging, “Don’t think your power is too tiny and useless. In fact, one simple action can change the world!” I agree with him, and I’ll never forget it.

      Now we saw what people are doing, what businesses are doing. What about the government? We went on a field trip to Zhou-Zai Wetland to observe the ecological environment in the busy city. There, I saw a paradise for birds, insects, and plants, surrounded by buildings! The volunteer explained about the history and the environment here, and I learned a lot. Strolling along the trails, it’s really hard to believe we’re right in the middle of the metropolis!

      After the entire project of “environment protection”, I found out what everyone is doing to help the earth. What they have been doing touches me deeply. I decided to do more to help our planet before it’s too late. Earth is our only home!

      Mr. Titan is right. What we’re doing is simple, but we are changing the world!

A nightmare

Then, I heard a gruff voice asked “Who’s there?” I looked up and saw two tall men in dark coat standing in my bedroom. Each wore a dark mask and a hat. Then I saw my babysitter sitting on a chair with my baby, screaming “HELP!!!!!”

      I stammered “Ple......Please don’t kill......kill me.” A man with a pistol said “You’d better give me all your money, or it will be time for you, and your baby, and your babysitter to say goodbye to the world!” What could I do? I took out my purse and handed in all my money. “Don’t ha......harm us......” The robbers grinned, and then they bursted into laughter. So did the babysitter! How strange!

The two men took off their masks and cheered “Happy April Fools!” It was my brother and my husband! I was stunned. “But......Why......Wh......” “I bet you forget what today is, Jane.”

So it was just an awful joke! Then, my brother said “I’ll take the money away since you’ve given it to me.” “But......” “Two thousand dollars! That’s a lot!” And they laughed.

“No, that’s mine!” I was fuming. Then......

My alarm clock rang. I looked around. Where were they? My husband was snoring loudly in the other room. Well, though it’s annoying, I’m glad it’s only a dream.

I'M NOT READY YET!!!

This fat guy in the photo is Andy, my best friend. Now we’re on the giant Ferris wheel of Jianfushan Fancy World. Andy is a creative guy, and the classical “yeah” pose is not his usual style. Now look at the photo! Why was he posing like this? Well, this was how it happened: When I said “Andy, look at me!” with a camera in my hand, he was eating his snack: a bread with chocolate filling( you can find it on his other hand). He had no time to think of a cooler pose, so he quickly smiled with a mouthful of bread. So, I think I should tell him before I take a picture next time.

My Friend Of Life

Speaking of my friend, he is one of a kind!  He is somewhat chubby, and has a wide forehead.  He has a big fair face, topped with shaggy hair.  He has sparkling eyes, and he always wears a smile of confidence.  His name is Andy Yang (楊淵升), also known as “the lamb” (咩哥).

Andy is positive.  He is always eager to learn new things, and science is his favorite.  He is full of imagination, and his ideas are unique.  He is very playful, and he creates cool games!  He never hides his emotion: he acts as he feels.  When he is wild with joy, he will dance on the spot.  When he is blue, he will sing his favorite song— “Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely” — and after that, he turns back to himself.  When he is excited, he will scream.  And, he is never shy.

I already forgot how Andy and I became best friends, but I remember I first met him in grade three.  Two years later, we decided to form a team called “the round table of the Elders” (again, this is Andy’s idea).  Our task was to share ideas and create new games for our members.  We had lots of fun, and it made us the dearest friends ever.

Once, Andy brought a slice of his birthday cake to me!  It touched me deeply, not because of his cake, but the warmth of our friendship.  Yep, he is a friend who could share your tears and laughter.  Because of him, school days are no longer boring.  Andy is really one unique guy.  So next time if you run across him on campus, remember to say hello to him!!!  ^ ^

What You Should Know About Me

Hi!  I’m Yoyo.  Welcome to my blog─Yoyo’s Paradise!!!

My birthday is on December ninth.  I’m a Sagittarius.  What about you?

I’m a junior high school student.  School life is fun, but at the same time, very tiresome!

I love learning sooooooo much, especially learning Chinese, math, English, and history.  It’s one of my hobbies.

Hobby!  It’s fun to have it!  In my free time, I love to read books, especially novels, and I also like to draw things such as maps!  Chinese comic dialogue (相聲) is my best choice when I watch television.  Know more by clicking on “Take-A-Break Wonderland”.

There is so much stuff I’d like to show you!  Now, it’s all in my blog!  Check it out!!  Enjoy your trip in Yoyo’s Paradise!!