Chinese Medicine & Taipei 101

Yesterday was such a fun and busy day, I slept very easily when we got back to the hotel! Our day started at the National Taiwan Normal University, to attend a class in Chinese medicine. As we waited for the professor, we practiced Mandarin tongue twisters – and even taught the assistant teacher one we knew ("How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?") As the class began, we learned a lot about the effects of various foods on the body and how particular foods can heal ailments. The professor was very knowledgeable in natural medicine and demonstrated his meditation and acupuncture techniques. Each student in our group got an acupuncture needle placed into their hand to relieve pressure and build strength. I enjoy the eastern philosophy on medicine - it has a very natural approach rather than immediately resorting to drugs or surgery like the western approach. 

Afterwards, two nice (and cute) students from the National Taiwan Normal University gave us a tour of the campus. It is very beautiful, with many modern buildings and art that is symbolic to the school. For instance, different “hats” don the doorways, which symbolize graduation, and some of the roofs represent the wings of birds, “protecting” the students and encouraging them to soar. Seeing students study in the elegant library and the student council passing out fliers outside, you get the sense that college life is not much different in Taiwan than in America.



Our major visit today was at HTC, the smart phone company. Walking into the business is like stepping into the future. It was designed to be spacious, with bright white floors and kung-fu sculptures in the lobby. The workers treated us like family and showed us around the facility. There was a workout room, complete with punching bags and a boxing ring. Workers are allowed to come work out at any time, or enjoy free food at the cafeteria. Next, we were given an impressive demonstration about HTC smart phones and found out how the company got to be so large and profitable in just 16 years – through innovation and a focus on “quiet brilliance”, which was described as doing great things in a humble way. The company was so impressive, we were even awarded small gifts on our way out!



In the evening, we went back to Taipei 101, the third tallest building in the world. This time our goal was to reach the top, and fortunately I was feeling much better than the day before. We rode the world's fastest elevator to the observation deck on the 89th floor. The view is just awe-inspiring. With all of the buildings lit up against the night sky, we could see the entire city of Taipei. Such amazing lights and incredible architecture. There is a giant steel ball suspended at the top of the tower to keep it from swaying the wind. 

This was the perfect way to end our day. After eating dinner at the Taipei 101 food court, we came home. Today we get to go to the Taiwan stock exchange - and luckily, I feel better than ever!