LEAD Group 31 International Study/Travel Seminar
Taiwan
Sunday, January 20
Say "Cheese"! Our first stop of the day was at the San-Lu Leisure Farm, where we learned about many different frogs. San-Fu Leisure farm is known for their natural forest environment. We also partook in some of the organic food.
Todd R. is smelling a “scratch and sniff” leaf that is a natural mosquito repellant.
Michael W. is rolling part of the rice they use in a traditional desert at the Shangrila Leisure farm.
Brock E. entered the local top spinning competition, where the locals got a good laugh at the Nebraska amateur!
The Night ended at the Shangrila Leisure farm with a wishing lantern festival.
Monday, January 21
These LEAD Fellows are at the Flying Cow Farm in Western Taiwan. The ranch is filled with the rich smells of dairy products.
Upon arrival, we received a coupon for fresh dairy milk. Fresh milk is a rarity in Taiwan and was enjoyed by many LEAD fellows and locals.
Brian is socializing with the dairy cows, and inspecting the hay quality…something he knows a little about!
Brandon is taking time to see a little goat, while Suzanna looks over the fence.
Tracy and Sondra where taking time to feeding the sheep.
Tuesday, January 22
Executive Yuan of the Council of Agriculture (comparable to USDA), the competent authority on the agricultural, forestry, fishery, animal husbandry and food affairs in Taiwan.
We watched a video regarding agriculture in Taiwan and were told about agricultural life in Taiwan. Many questions were asked regarding common practices and challenges of Taiwan.
A hectare of farm ground is $1 million US and the average farm income in $28,000 US.
Emily Scott, the Deputy Chief of the Agricultural Section of the American Institute in Taiwan spent her day with us at the Council of Agriculture and the panel briefing. The briefing included the USMEF, USGC, U.S. Wheat Association, USSEC and American Institute.
Emily is from Cheyenne, Wyoming and moved to Taiwan in August.
Photo: Sara L. asking the panel about US beef consumption in Taiwan. The panel consisted of (L-R) Anthony Chang of USSEC, Jeffrey Hesse, Chief of the Ag Section of the American Institute in Taiwan, Ronald LJ LU of US Wheat Association, Clover Chang of USGC and April Fan of USMEF.
Photo: Suzanna K., David P., Jeffrey Hesse, Jim S. & Tracy O.
Jeffrey Hesse Chief of the Agricultural Section of the American Institute of Taiwan joined the LEAD fellows for a traditional Taiwanese lunch.
Wedneday, January 23
Today, our final day of our most enjoyable journey, culminated into a day of historical sightseeing. We arrived at the National Palace Museum only to learn that we were not allowed to take any photographs inside. This was rather disappointing because we were not able to share the varied and historical artifacts that were brought from mainland China at the end of the Ming Dynasty. We learned about the meaning of various colored ivory, porcelain and jade. Upon the conclusion of our tour, we had our final lunch.
Following lunch, we traveled to Taipei 101 and took the 37 second elevator ride to reach the 89th floor. Taipei 101 has 101 floors and an observation deck. It is the tallest building in Taiwan and third tallest in the world and designed to withstand earthquakes and high winds. Despite the overcast weather, the view was impressive! The damper shown in the photo of Tracy O. and Joe R. redistributes the shock from wind, earthquakes, and typhoons making this the safest building in Taiwan.
Photo: Desiree W., Brock E., Lynn, Kurt R., Gerri M. and Joe R.
We then traveled to the Shilan Night Market where over 492 food venders and endless stores were available on many streets. We also enjoyed catching up with Lynn, a young Taiwan lady who attended Wayne State College and was a presenter on Taiwan at our seminar at Wayne. Our last dinner was at a Taiwanese buffet where we enjoyed the Mongolian grill and various Taiwanese foods.
Thursday we are Nebraska bound and depart for the airport early in the morning from our Hotel for our flights Home!
It was agreed that the LEAD fellows have learned a great deal about the countries that we have visited and about each other. We have made wonderful friendships that will last a lifetime.