愛、生活、人生系列

Mind to Matter 心靈化為物質看完了道森·丘吉(Dawson Church)所著的書，《科學證實你想的會成真: 從心靈到物質的驚人創造力》，心裏非常有感，特別是書中第6章，提及「共時性的神奇(Synchronicity)」，更是讓我大開眼界。道森·丘吉引用20 世紀初瑞士精神醫學家榮格的理論，解釋「共時性的現象(Synchronicity)」為：「兩個或多個事件的有意義巧合，牽涉到的不只是機率。」換句話說，榮格的共時性，是指「在時間上同時或巧合發生，但在因果上，沒有直接關係」的事件。例如，我們正想著一位老朋友，沒過多久，他就打電話來(說曹操，曹操就到)，這種內在心理與外在物質的對應，就是共時性。榮格說的巧合，並非偶然，它是無時不在的，是宇宙以一種巧妙的方式向我們顯現的意義。丘吉更寫道，愛因斯坦說，「共時性，是上帝隱姓埋名的方式」。世界萬物存在著一種「共有的流動」與「共有的呼吸」，雖然相隔甚遠，但事物是能在宇宙中，用相同的情感或意識來連結的。也就是說，我們的意識與心靈，可以超越時空，界限，進行互動及共時性的相通。我們的心靈，是可以藉由共時性，發生共鳴，化為物質的。透過共時性，我們可以連結主觀與客觀的兩個世界。我們絕對可以將心靈的世界，連結到形形色色的物質世界的，靠著共時性，發生共鳴，我們可以顯現實相。那麼，我們要如何做呢？丘吉在書中，舉了很多實例，告訴我們，只要我們透過使用心靈的方式，分分秒秒有意識地專注，我們就能改變自己大腦的細胞。我們的每個想法，所有的注意力，都在命令大腦，創造新的神經傳導元。當我們有意識地引導神經組織成形時，幾星期後，我們的大腦，就會有顯著的改變，幾年後，我們就能習慣地去處理愛、和平及快樂等大腦的訊號。我們利用想法，來改變大腦，改善我們的生活，由心靈到物質，從無形到有形，我們可以升級我們的大腦，成為愛的能量場。想像一下，如果有一塊磁鐵，撒上鐵屑，我們就能看到磁場上創造出能量線。同樣地，我們在大腦運作的神經元，也會因著我們的意識(能量場)，產生能量線，然後再形塑成周遭的物質。我們的意識力，強大到不可限量，遠遠超過我們所能想像。事實上，如果我們每天都有意識地這麼做，我們就已經可以將想法，轉變為物質了。重點是，我們要相信，我們的能量場，一定可以創造物質。我們要時時刻刻的校準我們的意識(能量場)，下一刻，再下一刻，再下下一刻、第二天、下星期、下個月等等，當我們做無限次的校準時，它就會變成事實。「共時性」不是奇蹟、不是命定，也不是迷信，它是「意義」在世界中顯現的一種方式。共時性經驗往往出現在重大抉擇、生命轉折，或情緒高度張力的時刻。當它發生時，心靈會以一種非因果的方式，重新組織我們所感知的世界。因此，當我們遭遇到共時性的經驗時，最適切的回應，不是急著解讀，或是依賴它作出決定，而是停下來，反思自己正處於什麼樣的身體與心理狀態。其實，我們只要冷靜、放鬆、守住呼吸，好好感覺我們的身體與事件，事情便迎刃而解。當我們能夠覺察到此刻情緒狀態的發生與存在，不批判、不逃避、不否認，進而「理解」當下的那個情緒，並「回應」情緒背後的需要時，我們就可以理解並處理一切了。我們的每一個想法、注意力，都會刺激大腦，創造新的連結。我們如能好好應用大腦的運作機制，將可以讓我們把快樂變成習慣，對我們的健康和思考，都有助益。丘吉在書中闡明，我們每個人，每分每秒都在變化，無論是醒著或入睡，我們大腦的神經細胞，都在持續運作，它們再生的速度，也快得驚人，而肝臟、心臟、皮膚等不同器官的細胞組織，也都會以不同的速度更新，這意味著，自我療癒是身體自然而然的事。再者，我們的念頭，在腦中出現時，都是一種存在，我們在日常生活中，如果能夠經常發出正向的意念，那也會反覆刺激神經叢內的神經元，讓突觸加倍增長，幾個星期之後，大腦也會有明顯的變化。這說明了，我們快樂的情緒，如能時常在我們的心中流動，我們就可以時時創造快樂的物質了。神經心理學家們的研究更指出，幸福並非來自外在的世界，而是取決於我們大腦內部的感受。我們的迷走神經與快樂、幸福感都有密切的關連，正向心理學研究顯示，人類天生有積極的心態，原因就在於迷走神經可促使快樂與幸福的行為。大腦與愉悅感有關的神經傳導物質有4種：多巴胺、腦內啡、催產素和血清素。1. 多巴胺：是引發愉悅感的神經傳導物質，能激發我們的願望。當我們有強烈希望想完成某件事情或行為時，大腦就會分泌大量的多巴胺，驅使我們努力完成，並帶來快樂與滿足。2. 腦內啡：是產生愉悅感的神經傳導物質，大腦可以自行生成，它讓我們減輕痛苦，幫助緩解憂傷。3. 催產素：是與愉悅感有關的神經傳導物質，又稱「愛的激素」。催產素能夠增強愛、歸屬感和信任感，讓我們感到快樂和幸福。4. 血清素：是引發愉悅感的神經傳導物質，它會影響情緒，讓我們對生活有自主性與安定感。當我們的身體、思想和情緒處於高能量、平靜的狀態時，我們是更容易與宇宙，產生共鳴的。因此，我們要很清楚自己的渴望，讓心靈處於穩定與專注的狀態。當我們內在的想法，與外在客觀的事件一致時，共時性就會發生。宇宙萬物並非孤立的實體，而是相互含攝、彼此交融的。我們每一個微小的念頭，每一個細微的舉動，都在宇宙這張大網上，引發漣漪，瞬間牽動整體(蝴蝶效應)。共時性的法則，不僅體現在宏大的宇宙觀中，也精微地運行在我們的身體內。我們強大的直覺，會本能地捕捉線索，與宇宙建立有意義的共振。共時性其實是我們與生俱來的本能，我們生命中遇到的每一個巧合，每一個幫助我們的人，和每一個我們需要幫助的人，都並非偶然，當我們有意識地與宇宙諧振時，我們的人事物，就會產生意義。所以，我們要保持開放的心，允許各種的可能性發生。我們要讓自己活在當下，進入當下，體驗當下的美好。我們要時時留心提神，練習警覺，謙虛和接受，相信共時性是我們生活中的常態。我們要聆聽自己的直覺，學習正確理解生活中出現的跡象和預兆。我們要知曉自己最深層的需求和價值觀，做出最明智的選擇。我們要經常冥想並時刻向內心詢問，關注我們的夢境，等待圖像，感覺或文字，進入我們的腦海。我們要調整自己的身體，保持健康與喜悅，並做出行動。「共時性」永遠能激發我們的意識、潛意識與無意識，讓我們在生命中，自發且創出神秘而美麗的人事物。Powered by Firstory Hosting

I Want MoneyI want money and I need money. Money is very important in my life. Without money, I cannot do whatever I want. The importance of money is, obviously, clear when I figure out the costs of necessities to sustain my life. Of course, money can’t buy happiness, but financial welfare is important if we really want to provide for our absolute basic needs. No doubt, even though money can’t buy happiness, it can buy security and safety for us and our loved ones. That is to say, we do need money to pay for all the things that make our lives possible, such as shelter, food, healthcare bills, and a good education. There are many benefits of money as follows: 1. Money gives us freedom. When we have enough money, we can live where we want, take care of our needs, and indulge in our hobbies. 2. Money gives us the power to pursue our dreams. In other words, having money makes it possible for us to start a business, build a dream home, pay the costs associated with having a family, or accomplish the goals that help us live a better life. 3. Money gives us security. When we have enough money in the bank, we don’t worry about having enough to eat, or being able to see doctors when we’re sick. Although money can’t buy happiness, freedom, security, and the power to pursue our dreams can go a long way towards making us happy. That’s the reason why it’s so important to work hard, earn money, and learn how to save money and invest it.Because money is necessary for obtaining the goods and services we need to survive, an understanding of personal finance is essential. Therefore, we have to be responsible with the money we earn, and save enough for the future to ensure that we will still have enough leftover when we can no longer trade our labors for money. Thanks to money, we don’t have to ask others for help when we are in need. The sooner we start saving our money, the more likely it is that we’ll never face a lack of money or financial stress. In fact, if we save enough money and invest it wisely, we could even become financially free, i.e., financial freedom. Financial freedom means having enough income, savings, and assets to live with more choices. It is not just about being rich. Rather, it is about having enough control over our money that work, debt, and monthly bills no longer make the major decisions for us. Financial freedom lets us have the ability to cover our needs without frequent financial strain. It does not require us extreme wealth. Nevertheless, it usually comes from the combination of reliable income, useful assets, and manageable expenses. Furthermore, financial freedom also means having enough margins that an emergency, a job that changes, or a major life decision won’t create immediate financial panic. With moderate income, low debt, and steady habits, we can be closer to financial freedom than a high-income family carrying heavy financial burdens.Since money is something that we will always need, it’s important that we make plans as early as possible to ensure that we will always have enough money. I would like to say that, right now, I should set clear financial goals to manage my money. My financial goals are earning money, saving money, investing money, and paying off my debts of banks. Actually, managing my money within a budget helps me put my earned income to a good use. A budget is a written plan that I can use to map out how I want to spend the money each month. For me, in each month, I have fixed expenses and variable expenses. Fixed expenses are those regular expenditures that I can’t change them much from month to month. These may include utility bills, such as for water, electricity, Internet and cell phones; insurance fees; transportation costs; and debt payments of banks. While variable expenses fluctuate from month to month, such as entertainment, eating out, shopping and travel. In my budget, I need to list my necessary expenses. And then, I should figure out how I can use any extra money for variable expenses.Except for earning and saving money, hopefully, I can teach English and practice dancing to create values for me. Thus, I can get more money to do what I love most. I am lucky to take English as a friend for my life. I would like to say that the important thing of learning English is to be able to communicate because we live in this interconnected world today. We are sharing this world. All about seven billion people who live in the world are sharing English at the same time. I would admit that to connect with other people who live in different countries and to connect with their cultures and their ways of thinking is tremendously enriching to my life. It enables me to be more successful because, through English, I can access more opportunities and many connections with others. There are several benefits to learn and teach English in my life. In schools, English really fosters better communication, enhances collaboration and enriches relationships in both my personal and professional lives. Of course, it, too, helps me to earn much money. English does positively correlate with higher salaries and job opportunities compared to other subjects. Moreover, for me, right now, Dance is more than just a recreational activity; it’s a form of self-expression, a source of joy, and a path to personal growth. The importance of regular dance practice cannot be overstated in my life. Concurrently, regular dance practice reinforces my muscle memory and coordination. When I repeat dance movements consistently, my body becomes accustomed to the patterns and sequences, allowing me to execute them with greater precision and fluidity. Regular practice also provides me the opportunity to focus on refining my techniques, from perfecting footwork to maintaining correct postures. Through constant practicing, I can develop my strong muscles, improve mental endurance, and enhance flexibility of my body. Dance practice can significantly boost my self-confidence and self-esteem, too. Therefore, I consider the values of dancing exceed money. All in all, English and dance let me gain my health, joy and confidence, and that is beyond money. Although money is an essential part of our modern society and it is necessary to meet our basic needs, such as food, shelter, and clothing, it really can’t buy our happiness. Many people may have pretty and branded clothes or drive nice cars, but they still might not be happy. In reality, people go shopping to break free whenever they are stressed, sad, or lonely. On the contrary, I am happy because I can have the ability to earn money and save money by myself. Most important of all, I feel great that I can learn and teach English as well as practice dance to get my health and happiness.Powered by Firstory Hosting

I Love FlowersI love flowers. For me, there are few things in life as universally appreciated as flowers. Whether growing wild in a field, carefully arranged in a bouquet, or blooming quietly on a windowsill, flowers truly capture my heart deeply. I love flowers for many reasons. First of all, flowers are companions for me in moments of reflection and comfort. Flowers come in an endless variety of colors, patterns, and shapes. From the deep, velvet red of a rose to the bright, cheerful yellow of a sunflower, their diversities make them endlessly fascinating to look at. Bright, warm colors like oranges and yellows, really, let me feel uplifting, while cooler tones like lavender and blue can create calmness in my mind. When I walk past a garden or see a place full of fresh flowers, I could sense that the atmosphere of the entire space is always joyful. Secondly, flowers carry the meanings and symbolism. Across cultures and histories, flowers have been used to communicate emotions and messages. For example, roses often symbolize love, lilies are associated with purity, and chrysanthemums can signify remembrance. When I give or receive flowers, I figure out as though I am participating in the messages, saying “I love you,” or “I’m thinking of you.” Flowers have long been used as symbols of love, affection, and admiration. From a single red rose symbolizing passionate love to a bouquet of daisies conveying innocence and purity, flowers speak a language of their own. They allow us to express emotions in ways that words sometimes can’t. Thirdly, I love flowers because they represent the resilience of life. Even in harsh conditions, many flowers manage to push through soil, concrete cracks, or dry ground to show their colors. Watching a flower bloom from a tight bud into full petals is like witnessing a tiny miracle of patience and persistence. They remind me that life finds a way to thrive despite challenges. Their short-lived blossoms symbolize the impermanence of life, encouraging me to find delight and meanings in the small, everyday wonders. By appreciating flowers, I, then, comprehend the cyclical nature of growth, renewal, and letting go. Fourthly, I love flowers because they make me feel good. The sight of vibrant, fresh blooms instantly lifts my spirit and brightens my mood. Whether it’s a simple vase of daisies on the kitchen table or a stunning arrangement of roses, flowers have an innate power to bring positivity into any space. The fragrance, colors, and textures of flowers create a sensory experience that helps me connect more to the earth, providing a sense of peace. Flowers are a universal source of pleasure. Whether gifted, grown in a garden, or admired in nature, flowers continue to captivate me with their natural beauty and timeless charm.Except for the above-mentioned reasons, I consider that flowers are one of the best and ideal gift options that we can present our close ones on their special occasions and in cherished moments. From birthday celebration to Valentine’s day, we can actually buy flowers as gifts for our beloved ones. Whether it’s a romantic gesture on Lover’s Day or a thoughtful gift on a birthday, flowers are a beautiful way to show someone we care. In fact, on the weddings, birthdays, graduations and anniversaries, flowers play a central role in marking these important milestones. Their presence adds an element of beauty and elegance, helping to make these moments even more memorable. As congratulatory gifts, beautiful flowers and pretty blossoms, indeed, show the feelings of admiration and love. And various colors of flowers also carry different meanings. For example, the red rose symbolizes love and romance. The right roses or white flowers are known for respect and care to the persons. Yellow flowers are known for real friendship, whereas multiple flowers bring colorful life to us. In this sense, we would, definitely, choose various colors of charming flowers as gifts for our most loved family members, closed relatives and best friends.Among all the flowers, roses are my most favorite flower. They are the perfect flower, beautiful in every way. I love the wide shapes of roses and their amazing colors. From classic red and pink to white and lavender shades, each conveys a different meaning. Looking at different kinds of roses is like looking at a wonder of nature. A white rose is the whitest white. A red rose is the reddest red. And their petals are fascinating. Roses are soft and velvety, and emit sweet and alluring scents. The leaves and stems of roses look even more pretty. They do have perfect and wonderful shapes. Their scents are a blend of subtle sweetness and floral freshness, too. The aroma of roses usually combines with vanilla, tea and fruit all at once. This sweet, floral scent of roses is always a captivating aroma, offering endless versatility for rose lovers all over the world.Roses have inspired more poetry than any other plant. They are among the most used images in decoration and in cathedrals. Roses are England’s national flower. They represented two important families in the fifteenth century—the Lancasters and the Yorks. The War of the Roses occurred in England between 1455 and 1487 when the house of Lancaster, represented by a red rose, and the house of York, represented by a white rose, competed to rule England. The rose colors in the western world are commonly associated with the following meanings:Red: Love & RomancePink: Grace, Elegance, Gratitude, Admiration & JoyYellow: Friendship & CheerWhite: Purity, Innocence & SpiritualityOrange: Enthusiasm & EnergyIn William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the famous line “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet” speaks to the purity of love, beyond the confines of names and labels. This line has become a timeless metaphor for the essence of true love. Scottish poet, Robert Burns, also captured the core of romantic love in his poem “A Red, Red Rose,” where he compares his love to a freshly sprung rose in June. Roses, right now, with their timeless beauty and captivating fragrance, continue to enchant us to this day. By understanding the diverse varieties, cultivation techniques, and cultural significance of roses, we can fully appreciate their splendor, and incorporate them into our own lives. Roses, surely, are more than just flowers. They are a eternal expression of beauty, love, and grace. With these exquisite blooms into our lives, we can share moments of bliss, admiration, and appreciation for the natural world around us. In other words, the power of roses as symbols of love, passion, and romance is undeniable. From ancient legends to modern love stories, roses have caught our hearts and imaginations. Their beauty and fragrance inspire manifestations of affection that genuinely transcend time. As I reflect on the significance of roses, I still remember that the true essence of love, like a rose, requires nurturing, patience, and a touch of passion to flourish. Roses frequently remind me that love is a journey, filled with moments of beauty and tenderness that I constantly cherish forever. I would invest my time and love into my relationships with my beloved ones, making them as precious and wonderful as blooming roses.Powered by Firstory Hosting

Everything Happens for a ReasonLife, in all its complexity, often feels like a sprawling maze of chances and circumstances. It’s easy to question why things happen the way they do, especially when we face challenges or unexpected turns. We’re all humans, and although we prefer to feel joy and happiness, being humans also come with feelings of grief, sadness, loneliness and pain. Sometimes, we may question why certain events occur, or why we face certain struggles. Our intuitions are, always, at odds with the world that is spontaneous and unguided. We are, thus, convinced that the universe is fundamentally random and purposeless. There isn’t a plan or purpose. However, it says, “everything happens for a reason.” That means, perhaps, things don’t happen for intended reasons unless that random occurrences are planned. On this point, things must happen for specific reasons. They must have specific views because our brains are not satisfied with randomness. The answers, in effect, maybe reveal themselves later gradually. And it’s, constantly, in the quiet moments of reflection, and the process of moving forward that the reasons behind our experiences, bit by bit, become clear. Sometimes, the meaning is not immediately apparent. But when we trust in the process, it could lead us to profound understanding. Even when the path is unclear for us, and the future will seem uncertain, there might be a greater plan at work. Thus, embracing this trust, surely, allows us to navigate life with greater ease and optimism. And, it really encourages us to see setbacks as stepping stones, and to approach challenges with a mindset of certainty rather than despair. The fact is, as we look back on our experiences, we might realize that every twist and turn has contributed to the persons we are today. The trials, the triumphs, and the ordinary moments all have played a role in shaping our journeys. It’s, indeed, a reminder that even when things don’t go as planned, they are part of a larger narrative that is unfolding. Each experience, whether joyous or painful, is a thread in the tapestry of our lives. Therefore, in the grand scheme of life, we have to recognize that it’s often the mysteries and uncertainties that lead to the most profound growth. So, embracing that everything happens for a reason can let us reach life with an open heart and a resilient spirit. And it, truly, inspires us to trust in the unknowns of our lives, and to find meanings in every experience. This mindset also fosters resilience and maturity, helping us to grow even in the face of adversities. As a consequence, what matters is our abilities to interpret things in our ways of explanation. In this sense, the power to create meanings, take action, and achieve goals would, definitely, lie in our own hands, not the other way around. Of course, it’s for sure that every situation has a cause. Notwithstanding, even if we don’t know what it is, we are undoubted that every event that takes place in our lives does offer an opportunity for us to learn and to respond.Though life is not always go well for ourselves, it is not the reasons, but our thoughts and attitudes that shape the way we feel and act. Our happiness is, indeed, dependent on the quality of our thoughts and attitudes. We might feel happy because we interpret the things that happen to us as good, and as a result, they, surely, have a strong influence over our happiness. Therefore, positive thinking is crucial for us to live a wonderful life. We really want to be happy and successful in our lives. Thus, we must create a positive environment in our surroundings as well as produce positivity in our minds. Actually, with a positive mindset and attitude, we, then, can experience pleasant and satisfactory days. When we believe that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work, we are more likely to receive challenges and persist in the face of setbacks. Such a positive mindset and attitude not only leads us to greater achievement, but also empowers us to take control of our lives and pursue our goals. When confronting challenges, we who handle situations with optimism are more likely to brainstorm creative solutions and work collaboratively with others. Furthermore, a positive mindset and attitude is more than just a feel-good mantra; it is a strong tool for us to enhance our personal growth, achieve professional success, and gain our physical and mental health. Hence,it’s important to have positivity.At last, since everything happens for a reason, for me, the reason to find meanings, and learn from difficulties in my life, right now, is to set goals to achieve the splits in dance and yoga. First of all, I need a very positive mindset and attitude to persuade myself that doing the splits is beneficial for me to reach some skillful movements because I’m a dancer. By the way, doing the splits is also a great way to boost the flexibility of my body, and improve my range of motion to prevent me getting injured. A split is a physical position in which the legs are in line with each other, and extended in opposite directions. It is commonly performed in various athletic activities, including gymnastics, cheerleading, martial arts, dance and yoga. When executing a split, the lines by the inner thighs of the legs should be formed an angle of approximately 180 degrees. This large angle significantly stretches and demonstrates excellent flexibility. Consequently, the splits are the essential stretching exercise in dance and yoga. There are two forms of splits, i.e., side splits and front splits. Side splits are executed by extending the legs to the left and right of the body. Front splits are extended one leg forward of the body, and the other leg to the rear of the body. Usually, common problems during practicing both the front and side splits are the pains in the hip joints and the knees. Therefore, Secondly, in terms of doing the splits well, I have to set the goals to achieve both the side and front splits. 1. I begin by sitting down every day. I bring my left leg forward, bending the knee about 90 degrees so that my shin is parallel to the waist on the ground. I then extend my right leg backwards. I breathe in deeply, lowering my chest so that the stretch is deepened. I, again, repeat for the other side. 2. I start by kneeling down every day. I bring my left knee up, keeping it bent at 90 degrees and with my foot to the floor. I, then, breathe in deeply, put pressure on my glutes, and push my hips forward. At the same time, I lay my hands down by my sides. I, again, return to the starting position and repeat with the other leg. 3. I stand up, spread my feet wider apart between my shoulders, and move down toward the floor onto the right knee, while extending the left leg out to the side fully. I come back to the starting position, and repeat on the other side. Finally, the key for me is to practice consistently, and, hopefully, in a matter of days, weeks, months and years, I may surprise myself with the ability to do the splits.Powered by Firstory Hosting

Taking a Trip to Hualien and YilanTraveling can be one of life’s most enriching experiences for us, offering opportunities to explore new cultures, to indulge in different cuisines, and to witness breathtaking landscapes. This spring break, from 2026/04/2 to 2026/04/05, my family, including 5 adults and 2 children, visited Hualien city and Yilan city of Taiwan. From transportation of airplane and renting a car to the hotel, scenic spots, guesthouse and night markets, we really enjoyed a comfortable and satisfactory trip. First of all, air transportation is the gateway for us from Kaohsiung city to Hualien city. One-hour-and-five-minute flight time from Kaohsiung International Airport to Hualien Airport is a smooth, safe, quiet and comfortable journey conducted by Mandarin Airlines. Mandarin Airlines always emphasizes on flight safety and comfortable flight service. It, now, serves a domestic network of major cities and outlying islands, such as Taipei-Sungshan, Taichung, Kaohsiung, Kinmen, Matsu, Penghu, Taitung and Hualien. By the way, this time, renting a car for travel, indeed, gives us maximum flexibility, comfort, and the freedom to explore long-distance locations. In addition, renting a car can often save money, and allow us to make the most of every moment without worrying about the crowded buses and tight train timetables. From the flexibility of making our own schedule to the convenience of driving a vehicle suited to our journey, the advantages of renting a car are clear.Hualien city, also known as Taiwan’s back garden, is a magnificent treasure with a world-class landscape. Hualien’s summer sun, eternally, shines brilliantly, irresistibly inviting people outdoors to enjoy water activities. After one night stayed at Hi-Yes Hotel, on the second day, we visited “Farglory Ocean Park.” Set in the city center of Hualien, Hi-Yes Hotel is only a 7-minute walk from the Hualien Railway Station and is also only a 15-minute drive from Hualien Airport. Wi-Fi access is available, and the hotel offers air conditioning, flat-screen cable TV, fridge, free bottle water, tea bag and instant coffee. Guests can dine in the on-site restaurant, or choose from plenty dining options nearby. We stayed our first night at the hotel, and woke up early at 8:00 a.m., enjoying all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. After finishing our meal, we drove toward “Farglory Ocean Park.” In order for more people around the world to enjoy the wonderful landscapes, “Farglory Ocean Park” uses the ocean as the core theme to build the place of leisure, entertainment, health, education, environmental protection and culture, with beauty and wisdom as well. Actually, we can see clear skies, clouds, forests, and oceans far above the park. Wandering around in “Farglory Ocean Park,” we can indulge ourselves in the comfort of nature. Different from normal amusement parks that mainly focus on mechanical amusement facilities, “Farglory Ocean Park” does offer a comprehensive park for leisure that combines entertaining and educational enjoyment to visitors. In “Farglory Ocean Park,” we watched the dolphin show at the Ocean Theater, the sea-lion show at the Sea Lion Theater, and the circus performance at the Crystal Castle. We played swing rides and bumper boats, and took cable cars up and down to the amusement parks.In the evening of the second day, after visiting “Farglory Ocean Park,” we reached Hualien, Tungtamen Night Market. It is the largest night market in Hualien city, and is located nearby the downtown, next to the old train station. Tungtamen means the big eastern gate. The back side of the market is the Aboriginal Street, a lane filled with local merchants selling aboriginal snacks and gifts. The three main market lanes are Futing Market (Taiwanese food), Aboriginal Street (native Aboriginal food), and a street representing the foods from all provinces of mainland China. We ate several fresh and tasty, delicious foods on the spot, and bought octopus balls, oyster omelet and salt crispy chicken back to the hotel.In the morning of the third day, after eating all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, we checked out the hotel, and drove the car to Yilan city. It took one hour and forty minutes to the National Center for Traditional Arts (NCFTA). The National Center for Traditional Arts (NCFTA) is a premier cultural, educational, and tourist destination located by the Dongshan River in Wujie Township, Yilan County. The park spans 24 hectares, dedicated to preserving, promoting, and inheriting Taiwan’s rich traditional arts. The park features traditional street scenes (Old Street), workshops, and live performances, offering an immersive experience of Taiwanese folk art. Besides, visitors can participate in hands-on DIY activities, such as traditional dough sculpting (捏麵人), puppet shows (布袋戲), and crafting ancient toys. Moreover, the park is organized around “Three Halls, Three Streets, and Three Buildings” (三館、三街、三建築), which connect traditional craftsmanship with modern exhibition spaces. Daily performances are ranging from traditional music to acrobatics. It was so exciting for me to spend time at “The First Love of the Century: Yang Li-Hua and the Taiwanese Opera Exhibition.” I always love Yang Li-Hua’s Taiwanese operas very much. I, then, watched Taiwanese opera videos and took several photos there. The National Center for Traditional Arts, here, has met the needs of modern life, i.e., expressing culture through creativity, inspiring emotional connections, and creating a welcoming environment where people can be eager to engage and learn. It’s amazing that NCFTA provides a space and stage for local artists and traditional artisans to fulfill their dreams. The purposes of the NCFTA are that 1. Taiwan’s traditional arts are treasured to have multiple expressions in everyday life, and 2. by connecting outstanding groups and talents across Taiwan who embody the spirit of kindness, beauty, and traditional values, NCFTA now creates a dynamic and expansive platform, where performing artists, artisans, and creative professionals all collaborate together to reach Taiwan’s high qualities of traditional arts and culture.At night of the third day, we stopped at Luodong Night Market. Luodong Night Market is the largest night market in Yilan city, and is also one of the area’s top tourist destinations. The night market covers a large area and is always packed with people. Delicacies here include mutton soup, shaved ice, duck noodles, and onion pancakes. The main part of the night market was built in front of a movie theater, so moviegoers could get food after seeing a movie. Soon, a few stalls became many, and the night market turned into the large sprawling area that we see today. First, we bought Nobel cake rolls. Shortly, the night market got really crowded and the lanes were super narrow. Every alley was filled with food and lines of people. We saw mutton soup, duck and oyster omelet, steaks and noodles, white gourd boba tea, mango ice cream, taro milk tea, and Yilan’s famous onion pancakes. We ate traditional noodles, and bought different kinds of braised snacks for takeout. After that, we returned back to our guesthouse, Wonderwall B&B. Located in the heart of Yilan county, No. 87-13, Jishui Rd., Wujie Township, Wonderwall B&B offers a serene and comforting retreat for us to seek a unique and memorable experience. The B&B is known for its exceptional hospitality, inviting ambiance, and top-notch amenities. With a team of dedicated staff members, Wonderwall B&B aims to provide a space away from home for all guests that their stay is comfortable and enjoyable. Moreover, the B&B prides itself on its attention to detail, personalized service, and commitment to creating a welcoming environment for every guest. The staff welcomed us, and we checked in. We, then, ate foods in the room together, and experienced the large tubs, cozy beds and relaxing retreats. Next morning, our family members, John, Jerry and two kids, walked out to appreciate beautiful natural views and stunning sunrises over the sea, while Wonderwall B&B prepared fresh and nutritious breakfast for us.The last scenic spot in Yilan city was Lanyang Animal and Plant Kingdom. Lanyang Animal and Plant Kingdom is a natural ecological park with significant educational and tourist values. It combines animal interactions, plant knowledge, and environmental sustainability, making it an ideal place for family visits and nature enthusiasts. Covering an area of 3,000 ping, the park features an animal zone, a plant zone, experienced classrooms, outdoor exploration spaces, rest areas, and a small market. The entire area uses eco-friendly building materials to promote the concept of ecological sustainability. Furthermore, the park houses a variety of native and exotic animals, including Blue Hill lambs, Eastern grey kangaroos, red kangaroos, and cavies. Each animal area features informative signs and interactive spaces, allowing visitors to observe animal behaviors up close, and to even participate in feeding experiences. We strolled through the park with so many people, took photos, and enjoyed the rich variety of animals and plants in leisurely moments. Moreover, it is also a perfect place for family outings because it offers several parent-child interactive activities, such as animal tour mini-classes and plant DIY crafts, etc. Our kids, Charlie and Ivy, loved to get up close with animals. They both felt thrilled, and had unforgettable memories in the park.At 2:00 in the afternoon, it was the exact time for us to drive back to Hualien city. Jerry was responsible for driving the car back again to Hualien city for one hour and forty minutes. He was tired, but it was already planned to do so. I thanked and appreciated his effort. At 3:44 p.m., we finally arrived at Hualien city. We chose Lai Lai Steak House, Hualien to have our late lunch. This restaurant is very difficult to book. Thanks to Patty’s endeavor, we got to dine in the restaurant. The restaurant offers generous portions and a variety of delicious meal options to choose from. The ambiance is, truly, wonderful with its perfect decoration and attentive service. It was certainly an ideal spot for us to enjoy our meal, and receive the friendly service, offering unlimited refills of black tea and complimentary salad, soup, and dessert pudding with every set meal. We were happy to praise the great service, clean environment, and the variety of options available on the menu. We, in fact, left with full tummy and great satisfaction. At last, we arrived at Hualien Airport. We returned the rented car to the car company, paid the money, and took the airplane of Mandarin Airlines on time. When we came back to Kaohsiung International Airport, it was already at 10:00 p.m. We took taxi and, immediately, went our sweet home to end this wonderful and pleasant journey.Powered by Firstory Hosting