Thursday, June 30, 2016

THE LAST DAY BEFORE SCHOOL BREAKS FOR EID CELEBRATION


It was time to leave all the work and the worries behind, at school. The school one-week break in conjunctions with the upcoming Eid celebration has already started. However, before that, I had to again drop by at my former working place, SMKTUN, as my friends wanted to give away some Eid goodies.









Right after that, I met an ex-student from SPM batch 2013, Mr. Ng Ching Kai. I guess it has now been a tradition for us, he and his family members, to share the joy of festive season, not only for Eid but also for Chinese New Year.


To all the kind people out there, I am truly touched and THANKS A LOT for the kind thought and I really appreciate all the giveaways for Eid. Only God may repay your kindness. 



Wednesday, June 29, 2016

EID CELEBRATION IS APPROACHING


The gift-giving tradition continues for the upcoming Eid celebration. Thanks a lot to my friends from my former school, SMKTUN. Though we are far apart, but we will never be separated, at least electronically. :)








It was not Eid yet but everybody seemed to be happy to be together. I guess it is true after all that "One loyal friend is worth ten thousand relatives" [Euripides].


And there was a hamper from my Chinese colleagues of SMKMR too this time.

One more day before the one week break for the Eid celebration...



Tuesday, June 28, 2016

CHIANG KAI-SHEK MEMORIAL HALL - PART TWO


There are exhibition halls on the ground floor of the building. Everything that is related to Chiang Kai-Shek is put on display. Here, people get to know the great leader of Taiwan closer and the exhibitions are done using different media. You definitely need more time to read all the information as well as to observe the exhibits.



























I had to make my move so I could not stay longer there. 

NEXT: another memorial for one more Taiwan's great leader.

Monday, June 27, 2016

THE GUARD-CHANGING CEREMONY AT CHIANG KAI-SHEK MEMORIAL HALL


The guard-changing ceremony taking place at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall on 31st May 2016. You have to be patient as the routine was done in slow-motion, but it was actually not.

[MY TAIPEI TRIP MAIN PAGE]

Sunday, June 26, 2016

CHIANG KAI-SHEK MEMORIAL HALL - PART 1


After observing and admiring the huge complex, it was time to visit the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall - the huge white building. The first task was to climb up the stairs to reach the hall. After all the walking, at that time I was only thinking what had I done to put myself in such situation. It was equivalent to a 4-storey building and I was only hoping that I would get slimmer once I went back from Taipei. Actually that was not the only entrance available. There were other entrances on its sides, and visitors could take the elevators/lifts to get to the hall.









There was this gigantic statue of Chiang Kai-Shek sitting majestically while being guarded by two army officers. This so much reminded of my visit to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. a few years back, except there were no guards there.

Read about the history Chiang Kai-Shek, of one of the world's prominent political figures HERE.

Click HERE to see the statue of Abraham Lincoln.








It was almost 11:00 a.m. and people were already standing at the hall. We were waiting anxiously for the changing of guards ceremony that took place every hour. This has become one of the major attractions there.

wiping the comrade's sweat





The way the soldiers marched was different from the regular marching style. I wonder whether that was done for ceremonial or entertainment purpose. Nevertheless, it was really unique and the army officers must had been drilled for long hours for the ceremony.







I will post the video of the changing of the guards ceremony once it is published on Youtube. It is still uploading  s l o w l y .....

Friday, June 24, 2016

CHIANG KAI-SHEK MEMORIAL HALL COMPLEX


31st MAY 2016 ~ This is another must-visit site in Taipei - the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Complex. The place comprises of the huge entrance arch, the National Theater, the National Concert Hall, the Memorial Hall and the large square in the middle.


The National Theater and Concert Hall buildings look identical from afar but they are actually not the same.






































I just walk around the foyer of the National Theater, just in case I could take a peek inside but it was not opened. There were a group of ladies doing some kind of dance practice and a girl practicing her wushu moves. And I managed to make her pose for me but she was a bit shy I supposed. :)




NEXT: THE CHIANG KAI-SHEK MEMORIAL HALL

[MY TAIPEI TRIP MAIN PAGE]