Stay with Family and Friends at Shin Fong Guess House

Written by Meidiana
Purnamasari, edited by TLAA

After picking the fruit, you may feel tired but do not want to go home early. We has recommended place for you to stay longer in Malipu and enjoy more scenery. It’s shin Fong Guess House. This guess house is organized by Shin Fong family. If you see from the picture all decorations is very interesting, they use Japanese stile. The wall made from woods, so you will feel cold even in the summer season. It is feel likes home sweet home, isn’t it?

If we see from the living room, the decoration is very cute. They has a big teddy bear in the corner. You can play and take picture with him as much as you want. He will always obey it, lol.  It’s will be a harm and comfortable room for family and friends to chats together. And also, it’s quite romantics for a couple ^0^.

In the bedroom they have some facilities likes, television, desk, chair, AC, and fan. You will feel more and more Japanese style here. Every bedroom has a window to enjoy the scenery outside the guess house. They have 2 clean and comfortable bath rooms besides the living room.

It’s really warm environment to chat and enjoy with your friends and family right? So no need to think more, just come to Shin Fong Guess House and say “cheers” in every picture that u will take. See ya in next story of Malibu ^__^ Holla.

Malipu Recreational District : Mu Tian Hsuan B&B

Written by Meidiana
Purnamasari, edited by TLAA

Mu Tian Hsuan is one of bed and breakfast (B&B) Resort in the Malipu. The tropical garden and woody furniture make this home stay more exotic and warm. You will feel that you stay in beautiful jungle house and good for relaxation.

You also will feel Balinese include in the design of this homestay. The gracious lady, as the owner will greet you kindly. Mu Tian Shuan is a family homestay, so all the things was manage by family members of the owner. Is just for hobby for her, and she design the room by herself.

They have many kind of room, but the one that interesting for me was honeymoon room. ^__^. They said many couple stay there for spend their honeymoon. But when I see it more like a princess room for me.lol. The cute toys, a hanging chair, a lounge chair and a warm snugly bed will make you want to stay in this room all days. In the bathroom you will see a Victorian bathtub and an automated toilet bowl, we also be able to see the green scenery when you lay in bathtub. You can spend wine time with your mate to do foot relaxation in bathroom (so romantic right)^^.

In the front of this homestay there is an ecology park. It’s was owned and manage by Mu Tian Hsuan. This make produce fresh air and beautiful scenery. Especially in winter. The color of tree changes become red, they said its pretty, but I cam on summer so it’s green and fresh.^^

Malipu Recreational District: Coffee Time ^^

Written by Meidiana
Purnamasari, edited by TLAA

Coffee is the second commodity traded in the world, and a lot people drink it every day. America is the one of biggest coffee importer, and my country, Indonesia in the third exporter. However, here in Taiwan we also be able to find some coffee plantation areas. One of the places that I ever visited is coffee plantation located in Malipu.

This coffee area located in the mountain nearby Malipu, around 1 hours by car. In this area they are planting Arabica coffee. Arabica coffee has a better taste than Robusta, so that the price more expensive.

In this place you can be able to do vacation and study more about coffee. The owner is very kind and will tell you anything about their coffee cultivation. Beside the coffee tree, they also planting betel, or in Taiwan they call it pinlang, Taiwanese like to eat betel nut. So, when the coffee still not harvest yet, they can have another income from harvest betel nut.

This place has other beautiful scenery. If you come by car you will see much kind of fruits on the way. You can be able to see all scenery of Taichung city. They also has water fall. The water fall still nature, so if you like an adventure, come and try new experience here. However, it will be better if you came when summer, because it have to be very cold in winter season, and a little bit dangerous when rainy. ^___^

Beautiful firefly in the night

Written by Jennifer,
 edited by TLAA

     Remember watching fireflies light up your yard on hot summer nights? Fireflies are beautiful, mysterious, and magical-and for many of us, catching and spotting them is an important part of summer. 

    But firefly Populations is dwindling all over the country-and all over the world. But in bae shi leisure farm if you come at March to July, you can find a lot of fireflies at here. That is because the maintenance of this farm is combined with "green, health, and drug-free" concept.

     Lightning bugs, also called fireflies, get their name because they create light through a chemical reaction in their abdomens. This process is called bioluminescence. Breathing in oxygen triggers the flashes of light. The more oxygen breathed in, the brighter the light.

     You may think these flashy showoffs are calling to you, "Catch me if you can, “when actually they are not interested in you at all! Sometimes lighting up is a firefly's way of signaling for help. But usually lightning bugs are flashing their lights to attract a mate. The female waits in bushes, weeds, or on the ground and flashes her signal. The males fly around looking for the females. When they spot the flashing of a female, they respond with their own flashing to get her attention. So keep in mind that when you are observing the lights of these beetles on a humid, warm summer evening, you may really be intruding on their love wooing!

The Museum of Natural History

Written by Dlamini,
edited by TLAA

    Museums are essential for sustaining the world’s biological and cultural diversity. Yet they can do more without undermining their commitment to thorough and rigorous science. For example, they can increase the accessibility of their collections. The advent of new information technologies allows natural history museums to digitize collections and to make associated scientific data accessible to wide audiences. These technologies enable the sharing of data with countries that have provided collection material, thereby closing the digital divide. Database and imaging technologies can also transform enormous collections into innovative tools for identification in the field.

The look of Shanbangiao facial Mask Culture Museum

    The Museum of Natural History do far more than generate awareness and engage the public through exhibits. As dynamic research institutions with a global presence, museums, along with zoos and botanic gardens, interpret and conserve biological and cultural riches. The manner in which natural history museums pursue conservation  conducting biological inventories, undertaking research on which long-term strategies depend, and building scientific and technical capacity in local communities means that such contributions often go unheralded or even unnoticed. The challenge of articulating the importance of museums to conservation extends beyond a problem of awareness.

Having fun at Shanbangiao Facial Mask Culture Museum

    The Museum of Natural History themselves has long debated whether they should assume an advocacy role while maintaining scientific objectivity. However, through careful science-based advocacy and partnerships, The Museum of Natural History can and should directly advance conservation goals. Such action ensures that the full power of museum collections, scientific research, and public outreach programs is harnessed to conserve the world’s living heritage.

Nature and its feeling

Written by Dlamini,
edited by TLAA

    Let us celebrate the beauty of Nature - the heart of Mother Earth. Let us sing the pure and simple power of life and celebrate its plants, animals, colors, movements and wonders. Let us enjoy the essence of things and experience the wondrous Universe that sings through our hearts. Let us become aware of the images of reality we have created.

Getting involved with nature

    Let us see what happens when our consciousness changes and we reach a state without any tension, a state of deep breathing, focused on the heart, full of peace and deep stillness. Let us be present to what is actually happening and awaken to the many dimensions of the reality we are living in. Imagine becoming still, quite naturally, and, in this stillness finding wholeness. The Power of Nature can be evoked through a direct relationship with all of its aspects. By being one with the animals, the plants and the mountains, we embrace an important part of ourselves.

Natural feeling at Shanbangiao recreation farm

    Let us develop respect and appreciation for all of the aspects of Nature for the healing that they are constantly giving us. Let us move beyond the simple satisfaction of personal needs and become something greater in order to create a reality in harmony with our spiritual aspirations. Let us take responsibility for our processes, raise our consciousness and find the love and the light in each situation. What a marvelous feeling to be in harmonious relationship with all that, which is a feeling of right participation in the Universe. 

Chinese New Year and Facial masks

Written by Dlamini,
edited by TLAA

    The colorful and exciting celebrations for the Chinese New Year last for several days and end with the lantern festival. Chinese New Year Masks display the feelings and emotions of merriment associated with the festival. Chinese people all over the world usher in the New Year by cooking special food, cleaning their homes, purchasing new clothes and buying presents for friends and family. In the midst of all these activities, various artworks like Chinese New Year Masks in rich colors display the essence of the festivity.

Some of the masks worn on Chinese New Year

   Chinese New Year Masks are made of varied materials including cloth, paper, grass, leather, metal, shell, and carved of stone or wood. They are painted with Chinese symbolic designs and vivid colors. Some masks have realistic human or animal features like lion or dragon, while others provide a grotesque appearance. Red is considered as a lucky color for Chinese people, therefore there are lots of red masks worn during the celebrations of New Year. Chinese New Year Masks are amongst the best creations in the art world and are highly sought after by art collectors.

Chinese New Year celebration in facial masks

    Many of the masks or some of its replica can be viewed in museums and art galleries in many parts of the world. Chinese New Year is swathed in beliefs of gods, spirits of ancestors, legendary beings, good and or evil, the dead, animal spirits, and other beings believed to have supreme power over humanity. Masks featuring such supreme powers are honored and are worn during the rituals surrounding the Chinese New Year like lion dance or dragon dance. Chinese New Year Masks are also hung around the homes as decorative.

Origin and meaning of Chinese facial masks

Written by Dlamini,
edited by TLAA

    

   The origins of Chinese masks are rooted in ancient religious shamanism. Over the centuries and many generations, artists refined the use of colors on Chinese masks. Today, color continues to be used to indicate emotions or give clues about the identity of a character.

A section of facial masks with different colors 

   There are several types of Chinese masks: dancer's masks, masks for festive occasions, masks for newborns, masks designed to keep homes safe and theatrical masks. When used on the stage, masks help viewers determine, at a glance, the attributes of a theatrical character. Masks are usually made from wood. However, Chinese opera masks, possibly the style that is best known in the west, are actually painted on actors' faces.

   Many colors are used in any given Chinese mask, but the dominant colors impart specific characteristics.

     Red used on masks indicates a positive character. Red can also mean prosperity, loyalty, courage and heroism. Red shows intelligence and bravery.

A mask that indicates heroism, bravery and loyalty.

    Purple is sometimes used as a substitute for red. In its own right, purple can represent justice and sophistication.

    Black means that the character is neutral. Black also indicates impartiality and integrity.

    Blue faces are also an indication of neutrality. In addition, blue can show stubbornness, astuteness and fierceness.

Green shows that the character is violent, impulsive and lacks restraint.

    Yellow tells the audience that the character is cruel. Yellow can also mean evil, hypocritical, ambitious or sly.

White faces indicate that the character is evil and hypocritical.

Mask that indicate evil and hypocritical.

    Gold and silver show the audience that the character is a god or a demon. The character also may be a ghost or a spirit. Gold and silver symbolize mystery.

Wood Carving and face painting art inception in Taiwan

Written by Mdlovu, edited by TLAA

    Most of the various forms of traditional opera that exist in Taiwan have their origins in China. These folk opera styles were brought to Taiwan by immigrants that include the Hakka immigrants. 

   By 1945, folk opera was the most significant form of entertainment for the people of Taiwan. As folk opera styles spread, they integrated elements from local musical traditions, generating new forms of performing arts that varied from the originals. 

Woodcarving-wood plaques

    This was the case with Chinese folk opera styles that were brought to Taiwan; variances in the spatial and temporal environment led to the advancement of new varieties of performing arts with a strongly local character. 

    For example, China’s Liyuan xi (“Pear Garden Opera”) evolved into Taiwan’s Nanguan Opera; after being brought to Taiwan, China’s Jiujia xi was influenced by Taiwan’s Beiguan xi, creating a new form of folk opera significantly different from the Chinese original; the introduction of Chinese puppet theatre into Taiwan was followed by fusions with Beiguan, Nanguan and Chaozhou Opera, which created new styles of puppetry performance unique to Taiwan. Because the owners, Mr. Lin Wenyuan and his wife, Peng Feiyu, admired face painting in Beijing opera and have over the years devoted themselves to the research and painting of the art, they have changed their classes from woodcarving skills for beginners to impromptu painting suitable for the public, especially families. 

Woodcarving-various mixed-media portraits

   The museum offers easy and fun classes such as mask and magnetic firefly painting, as well as personalized clay statues, various mixed-media portraits, and wood plaques, all of which are designed to increase the public’s interest in the art of woodcarving.

Food, Accommodation and Hospitality

Written by Mdlovu, edited by TLAA

    Accommodation is one of the main important things that are definitely offered to visitors who visit Shanbangiao Face painting and museum and spends a night or a couple of nights. 

Beautiful wood house

    There are many houses and rooms that are available to visitors who want to spend a night or a couple of nights at the museum. Moreover, visitors can come with their camping tents to camp; visitors who come with their camping tents have to make necessary bookings on time in order to secure space, they also have to bring their our food and cooking utensils to cook when they are hungry. 

Beautiful bedroom let you have a good dream

    

    Furthermore, visitors who want to sleep in the rooms have to make necessary booking also on time to secure rooms, they need not come with food and cooking utensils since they will be offered with breakfast, lunch and dinner whiles they are staying in the museum. On another note, from day one when you arrive at Shanbangiao until the last day when you leave there are friendly employees that are always ready to cater for all your needs. 

Enjoy camping in nature

   Staying in the rooms at Shanbangiao will keep memories harping; there are luxury rooms with a beautiful and attractive inside. They are situated next to a nice river and they are lifted above the ground, they are made up of wood blanks and are double story rooms, with bathrooms and toilets inside together with nice bedding. Just near the rooms are tall trees that hang above the rooms bringing about fresh air.

The meaning of the colors in Chinese face painting

Written by Mdlovu, edited by TLAA

There are several types of Chinese masks: dancer's masks, masks for festive events, masks for newborns, masks designed to keep homes safe and theatrical masks. When used on the stage, masks help viewers determine, at a glance, the attributes of a theatrical character. 

    Masks are usually made from wood. Many colors are used in any given Chinese mask, but the overriding colors impart specific characteristics. 

Different colors have different mean.

Masks very colorful, like red, purple, pink, black, green, gold, and silver.

    Red used on masks indicates a positive character. Red can also mean prosperity, loyalty, courage and heroism. Red shows intelligence somebody who is kind hearted and somebody who is brave and loyal. Purple is sometimes used as a substitute for red. In its own right, purple can represent justice and sophistication. The pink face means the god who unites persons in marriage and helps people who want to get married; Black means that the character is neutral. Black also indicates impartiality and integrity. Blue faces are also an indication of neutrality. 

  In addition, blue can show stubbornness, astuteness and fierceness someone who is loyal and sticks to one side no matter what. Green shows that the character is impulsive, violent, no self-restraint or self-control. Yellow tells the audience that the character is cruel. Yellow can also mean evil, hypocritical, ambitious or sly. White faces indicate that the character is evil, hypocritical, sinister, crafty, treacherous, and suspicious. Anyone wearing a white mask is usually the villain. Gold and silver usually used for gods and spirits, it shows the audience that the character is a god or a demon. The character also may be a ghost or a spirit. Gold and silver symbolize mystery.

The meaning of the faces

Written by Mdlovu, edited by TLAA

    The different colors in the different faces have their meaning in Chinese opera. There are six gods of wealth; these gods helps in generating and blessing people to have money prosper and have lucrative businesses. The pictures below show the 6 gods of wealth or money.

The 6 gods of wealth or money

    The god of academic or study is the one that is said to make students more brilliant and to pass at school; it makes students to remember everything they have leant. Most students like to draw this face whenever they visit the museum because the fully believe is the god that will make them succeed at school and pass with flying colors. The picture below shows the god of academics or study.

The god of academics or study

    

    The following face shows a god whom they Chinese people believe to chase or drive away ghosts and evil spirits.

The  face shows a god whom they Chinese people believe to chase or drive away ghosts and evil spirits.

     The elephant like face is a scorpion monster; the crooked face means a bad person who does bad and evil things.

Beautiful Face

    Mixed Colors- Sometimes there are several colors painted on the face which is called the face of mixed colors. Generally on such faces some pictures are sketched, for instance, if a man can swim the waves of the water are painted on his face; the God of the tire has fire flames painted on his face; a man who imitates a monkey has the picture of a monkey painted on his face; one who imitates a tiger has the form of a tiger painted on his face.