FINALLY, CHINA TRIP Day 4

The VPN is finally working!!! Sorry I couldn't update the blog before, trying to use the Internet in China is quite frustrating. I still don't have access to Facebook, even with the VPN so I can't upload pictures, which is frustrating. I'll be uploading the blogs I've written since the last time I've posted starting now :)

Day 4: “Show me your faces!”
Friday, 5/21 Taipei

Today we listened to a lecture on Taiwan’s economy at Yang Ze University. I found it interesting and relevant because Taiwan’s economy is tied to both the United States and mainland China. While they can use the economy as leverage in gaining more control over trade, external pressures from China and the United States prevent it from doing so. The economy has the potential use of being a bargaining chip, however, due to interrelations with other countries, Taiwan cannot and thus, its economy has dropped slightly.

After the lecture, we were able to experience and see for ourselves the different ways in which Taiwan as a country, especially its economy is flourishing. We had the privilege of seeing the EcoARK building for Taiwan’s International Flora Expo, which opens later this year. One of the main designers/architects of the building gave us a tour and explained the inspiration behind the building and the design functionality of the building itself. I was completely amazed at how practical and functional the building was and could only wonder why this type of invention had not been made visible in the United States, where sustainable development is an expanding trend. The design of the building could be used to protect against natural disasters such as typhoons and hurricanes, and was extremely sturdy and immovable once put into place. Despite its sturdiness, the structures were fairly light and completely made out of sustainable materials. In order to cool the building off during Taiwan’s notoriously hot summer, the building was designed with a waterfall and mist that circulated air throughout the area and lowered the temperature. Even this had a sustainable function: they would place a certain type of plant in the water that would purify the toxins in the water and the same water would continue to be used throughout the cooling process. I just thought it was very innovative and interesting. I could see the building becoming a symbol for a sustainable future.

After visiting the EcoARK, we were fortunate enough to take a tour around the SOGO Department Store, which belongs to the Far Eastern Group. The trip was the perfect complement to our lecture on the economy because we were able to hear about how the department store has seen revenues increase over the past few years. The very top floor of the store had a couple of restaurants but a Japanese garden exhibit took up a large portion of the space. We thought it was a bit random but interesting and were curious as to why it was there instead of additional stores or restaurants. Our questions were answered during our meeting with the CEO of the Far Eastern Group, Chairman Hsu.

One of my recurring thoughts during the trip thus far was about how Notre Dame alumni have accomplished so many things all over the world. Chairman Hsu is an alumnus who owns a very successful conglomerate that is part of various industries. It was wonderful to see someone from Notre Dame foster a thriving ethical and successful corporation. It made the material we’re learning in our classes seems even more relevant and puts into perspective the applications of our learning.

We got back pretty late from dinner and went to Babe 18 afterward. Let's just say it was quite a show :) haha. Stay tuned for pictures.