Thank you very much EVA Air 謝謝長榮航空

Dear Sirs,

Airline Ref:
Saturday 11 July

I would like to thank EVA air and the ground crew at London Heathrow Airport for allowing me to take on board the painting I had made in memory of my grand mother for her funeral. I am Deaf and would also like to express my appreciation to the ground crew for helping me to go through security and to board the plane without delay, and to the cabin crew for their co-operation during the flight in simplifying communications.

Best Regards,

Sheng-Kai Chou

BT Summer Private View 英國電信局展覽酒會

Today I attended the BT wholesale summer private exhibition, where I had two paintings on display. On arriving I met my BSL (British Sign Language) interpreter Karen. I had not seen Karen for a year so it was really nice to see her again. Drinks and canapes were served at 5pm. It provided the time to see the new artists and other people, as well as old friends. We stood on the balcony of the BT premises and admired the spectacular view of London. St Paul's Cathedral stood out.

At 5:30pm Sally Davis, from BT, made a welcoming speech. Then the Art tour and entertainment began. This included me chatting about my paintings and other subjects. A memorable day and one to cherish.

Oxfordshire Artweeks牛津藝術週

8am Saturday Morning and I was ready to open my studio doors to visitors, to Display the Oxfordshire Artweek's yellow flag. The doors were left open in order that visitors can locate me more easily. Before all this, I had cleaned the floor and windows and have the place a good spring clean. Not just for the visitors but also for my own satisfaction as I like it tidy generally.

We moved all the living room furniture upstairs and the dining table to another part of the dining room so there was plenty of room for visitors to walk around and view my paintings. Also on display were my sketch books and working drawings that gave me inspiration for the final artwork on display.

Midday and the visitors arrived and was kept very busy talking to them and with the help of Vincent, translated English into BSL (British Sign Language). It all went very well and everybody enjoyed my paintings plus we had more visitors than last year. I ended up on a happy note and aim to improve on this years experience for next year.

Workshop-Herb bag教美勞做香包

Today, the Herbal Workshop went well at the Geffrye Museum. The workshop itself, consisted of the making of Herb Bags. I personally love Herb Bags.

Around 10 people took part in the Education Room where I explained to them the construction of a Herb Bag. Using material such as Calico or Muslin, they then decorate the material with fabric pens and paint before choosing the herbs they wish to fill the bags such as Rose Petals, Lavender, sometimes Cloves/Grated Nutmeg, and Dried Lemon Verbena, placed into the bag and finally tied with a ribbon.

A very worthwhile creative session for all concerned. I hope that after their efforts, they will use their creations for effective relaxation and a good nights sleep.

A memorable restaurant to end an excellent holiday我的假期接近尾聲

Today my parents, uncle, aunt and I went to the Spring Natural Vegetarian Restaurant, in Taiching, for lunch. The restaurant is so popular that you have to book a table in advance. They have 150 different kinds of vegetarian dishes, and it has an "eat much as you like" approach. The main attraction is the buffet section offering a selection of salads, soups, cold appetizers, main courses, drinks and desserts. You can choose the vegetable you want and then ask the chef to cook it for you, on the spot. The resulting taste is simply divine and fresh. Making the Spring Vegetarian a really wonderful restaurant and experience.

I had 6 different types eggless cakes. These cakes are so light and fluffy it almost floats off of the plate. They are very delicious too. A Wonderful end to a brilliant holiday. I will bee setting off soon to return to the UK.

Bright Lights and Lanterns

Little cowherd and cattle

After I arrived in Taipei, by high speed train, I took my luggge to a friends home. He took me, by motorcycle, to the Lantern Festival. After the Lunar New Year we now have the Lantern Festival. I am at the one held in Taipei but they celebrate this festival in the cities in Taiwan. The 2009 the Taipei Lantern Festival take place between February 6 and February 15 at several venues, including the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and Taipei City Hall.

I have not been attend the Lantern festival for 12 years. I met an ex university friend and we went to see beautiful lanterns. The lantern festival was really just a big competition (and exhibition) of lanterns made with crepe paper and wire in all kinds of shapes, some of them really were quite big. There was also a net of lights to which people tied wishes to.

The festival was crowded but we could see many different lanterns. I was so happy while watching the beautiful lights that appeared to be dancing the evening's darkness. We also we read statements associated with individual lanterns. The Majority related to the OX as we have now started the year of the OX. There are always food stalls at this kind of event, in Taiwan. Wherever there were crowds there will be food! My friend and I chatted until 2am. The talk was interesting and we had a wonderful ttime.

The ride of my life....Taiwan High Speed Train

It is noon and I am taking my first ride on Taiwan's new high speed train. Heading towards Taipei from Taichung. The train is very impressive. Its design lines give it a sleek appearance and it is so smooth. This really is a special experience as the scenery flashes by. Beautiful rice fields and the breath taking mountains. The journey only takes 35 minutes whereas it takes 2 hours on the "fast trains". The ticket is not cheap but compared to UK rail prices it is not that expensive.

The seats are comfortable with plenty of space and the staff are very professional. The train ride was very smooth ride and enjoyable.

I was a very impressive experience and I look forward to taking the high speed train again, soon.

Lantern Festival 元宵節

It is a tradition for Taiwanese people to eat rice balls in celebrating the Lantern Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the first month of the Lunar lunar calendar.

My parents and I visited the Taichung Lantern Festival. we enjoyed looking a different kinds of lanterns.

Cirque du Soleil 太陽劇團

After relaxing at the Pekoe, we had renewed our energy ready for our next event. That was at night; We went to go watch Alegria (the current cirque du soleil show that’s touring Taipei right now). It was very entertaining and the acts contributed in making a fantastic show. Regardless of which group you see, or where you see it, a mixture of music, light, performance and excitement. We thank Wan Yu as she bought the 4 tickets for her, my parents and I.

Pekoe 食品雜貨鋪

My parents, sister Wan Yu, and I visited my sister Nico's work place Pekoe in Taipei. Pekoe is a good store that has a good range of products such as tea, food, tableware and cookery books. There is a café too. The cafe is only small but more than adequate. You can sit and have a coffee, while your other half has a look around the store. If that's what you like to do. It’s a bright and spacious and very relaxing. The shop is well situated and is always clean and tidy. Their prices are generally fair, considering the quality of the products. Macaron 杏仁小圓餅

Honey Vanilla Pudding 蜂蜜香草布丁

A special day for mother - Yunlin 媽媽的故鄉-雲林

When we got up the air very clear: We had a local breakfast with Taiwan coffee then we decided to go for a walk. We had the choice of two different walkway paths. One was the Literature walkway path and the other the Coffee walkway path. During the daytime, hoards of people make the trip up the mountain to eat breakfast, or just enjoy the atmosphere.

We walked on both sides of the Literature Walkway, there we saw the twelve megaliths on which the manuscripts and works of famous writers, from Yunlin County, are engraved to correspond with the surrounding landscape of mountains and rivers. We completed the Literature walkway path. We then decided to follow the Coffee walkway path.

The scenery is fantastic but the path is quite steep, however it is worth the effort for the sheer beauty. We saw coffee trees on the sides of the walkway path. It was a sunny day but we walked through the shaded betel palm tree forest. The wildlife is spectacular, especially the brightly colored butterflies. It is a lovely peaceful town. My mother bought some home grown orange and waterlilies. From there we drove back to home.

A special day for mother - Yunlin 媽媽的故鄉-雲林

On the second day of the Lunar New Year it is the time for married woman to return to their natal home. We awoke early so that we could return to Yunlin, my mothers birthplace. We were invited, by my mother's brother and his wife, to a restaurant for lunch.

On the way to the Linnei Township in Yunlin County, wthe traffic was very heavy and the roads were jammed. So instead of taking about one and a half hours for the journey the time was doubled and took three hours for us to arrive at the restaurant. My mum's brother and his wife and their children were pleased to see me as we had not met for a long time. In the restaurant two tables had been set to accomadate the twenty guests expected.

The food took about fortyfive minutes to prepare but it is well worth the wait as it is really delicious. This is one of my favourite restaurants and the food is always excellent. After lunch we went to my uncle's home, where my mother grew up. The house has changed a lot but the rice fields, around the house, are still being farmed. For one hour we all chatted and time passed quickly as the talk was so entertaining.

We then went to the Gukeng Green Tunnel it is two kilometers long and mango trees, aged about fifty years, provide a green canopy over the road. This gives a nice shaded area and we strolled along, which was very relaxing, as we explored the food markets along our route. We also tasted some of the food, probably too much.Next was a drive to the Bed and Breakfast (B+B) on Huashan Mountain, which is 1304 metres high. The Huashan area is Taiwan's best-known coffee-growing region . After settling in at the B+B, we wnet out for a local dinner and watched the lights of the nearby towns and cities. We also saw firework displays from the mountain. The view was stunning. It was a clear night. My sister, Wan Yu, saw "The Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper" in the sky, then told us, it's the Dipper, it was the first time I had seen it and it was fantastic.

Lunar New Year - A day of peace and tranquility

Today is the First day of the Lunar New Year; My parents, two sisters and I visited the Wunchang Temple and Mazu Temple, in Taichung, to attend the New Year services, held this morning. There we pray for a good year which belongs to the OX. It was very crowded but even more so inside but it was done in an orderly and graceful manner.

Then we visited another temple in the Sioushuei Township. This is a 40 minute driving from Taichung City. There my female cousin (my father's brothers daughter) is a Buddha nun. We arrived at this amazing Buddhist temple, Cosmos, the fields of flowers at the front made a very nice picture.

When we entered the temple, everyone is smiling and holding red candles. The sweet smelling scent of the burning incense sticks and the heavenly mixed sounds of Buddha music and the buddhist nuns singing made an everlasting impression. My parents are very sincere worshippers of Buddhism and I am always amazed at how they carry out the steps of their worship to exact detail.We spent fifteen minutes praying for peace, health and prosperity. After that we admired the architecture and decoration of the temple. It was truely a memorable and heart warming ceromony.

Lunar New Year family party

After an early breakfast my parents, my sister, Wanyu and I went to the Temple of the Land God to offer our prayers and receive blessings. When we arrived back home, my other sister Nico and arrived from Taipei so we could all eat lunch together.

The biggest event of all Lunar New Years is the New Year Eve dinners. The families hold it as a reunion celebration. I really looked forward to this as I had not been to one for twelve years. We went to my grandmother's home. I noticed on the journey, a thirty minute drive, that the district, in three years, has changed considerably. Several large building can now be seen.

It is good to see my grandmother, who is 101 years old, even if she cannot rememer me. At least she is in good health. I am glad that, after two years away, I can now spend the Lunar New Year celebrations with all my family and relatives.

At our Lunar New Year's Eve dinner there were too many dishes to mention. All were very good and we can thank my mum, my auntie and the wifes of two of my cousins, as they prepared all the food. All excellent Cooks.

During the meal we watch the firework displays. My aunt put coal into a pot, under the dining table.Afeter the meal we were all full-up sp decieded we needed some exercise. My cousin as a Wii game, with a sports disc. It was good fun. I played tennis but I am not a good player. It was funny and we were all laughing. My cousins two children showed up their paintings. Lovely pictures with big smiling faces. Everyone had a good time.

Spring Couplets - Desires and Objectives

My dad is hanging Spring Couplets

During the Lunar New Year celebrations families are busy pasting spring couplets to their front doors. My father thinks that calligraphy is an elaborate art of writing. He writes spring couplets every Lunar New Year. They generally consist of lucky words and short poems. On creating them he and my sister, Wan Yu, hang them one the sides of the gateway. (Pictures 1).

We visited my grandmother's home and saw many large pieces of red paper embellished with beautiful Chinese calligraphy, written by my cousin. These had been pasted on the walls and doors. (Pictures 2-3)

Every family decorates their walls and doors, with spring couplets, to reflect that families own interests, hobbies, culteral tastes, goals and offering good wishes.

Childhood memories兒時回憶

My parents and I are very busy preparing for the Lunar New year! Yesterday my father, sister WanYu and I visited the house of my aunt and uncle. We take gifts to relatives and friends for the Lunar New Year, plants, flowers or food. It is nice to chat with my relatives and see them as I remember them before I left to complete my education. I spotted a little wooden rocking horse (picture attached) and I had vague memories of riding it when a small child. I asked my aunt if I had played with it as a child and she confirmed that both my sister and I use to ride the rocking horse. The horse is fortytwo years old. In my mind I can imagine myself riding now.

Green Tea Treat 清香綠茶味

Yesterday my sister, WanYu, arrived home from Taipei rather than Friday. The traffic on Friday will be extremely busy, many traffic jams, as people return home to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Before returning home Wanyu called in to see my other sister, Nico, who works at Pekoe in Taipei. While there she bought two cakes one chocolate cake and the other green tea cake. I had some of the green tea cake, it is so lovely and very elegant indeed. There was a really fresh green tea flavour to the cake. Most delicious.

A beautiful morning 美好的早晨

We arose at 6am and went for a walk around the Taichung Metropolitan Park 臺中都會公園. As we walked the cool, fresh morning air, was enjoyable and refreshing.

As we walked through the park we noticed turtles sunbathing on the rocks below. It was heaven, a natural sight as if the family of turtles were there on holiday. My mother said that she had watched the turtles laying their eggs.

The trees, in the park, are full of birds singing their morning chorus. Unfortunately, I forgot my hearing aid so I could not listen and identify the bird's song.We were walking in the park for 3 hours. A most enjoyable time spent with parents and nature.

Morning Market 晨間市場

My parents set off, from home, at 6:30am for the Shueinan Market 水湳市場. A typical Taichung large morning market. It is a 10 minute drive to reach that market. The morning market allows you to buy fresh produce be it: vegetables, fruit, or livestock such as chicken. There are a lot of vendors, of all ages, selling their goods and therefore the market is very busy as people are looking for fresh and cheap produce.

It is a busy time here, presently, as people are preparing for the on-coming Lunar New Year. They are making new clothes, decorating their homes, preparing food and buying presents. Parents being parents mine returned from the market with lots of fresh vegetables and meats so they can spoil me while I am still staying with them. God bless mothers...

Postman's Knock 郵差來敲門

I was planning to take a coach to my hometown Taichung City, but my friend Wei said his wife wants to go to my hometown to buy Taro cakes, Sun cake for Lunar New Year, because there are very famous bakeries here. These specialties with delicate gift boxes, are good for giving gifts for the Lunar New Year.

Wei gave me a lift to my home, it took 2 hours from his home. I asked my sister WanYu to keep my parents at home to wait for me. They did not realise I had arrived in Taiwan early. My sister said to my parents, please wait at home for a post parcel, but it's not really a post parcel, it was me. When I rang the door, I saw my father's huge surprise on his face. He had to come from the third floor to the ground floor. He said he thought it was a postman. He was going to say to the postman, I'm coming down, I'm coming down, please wait, but he heard no response from the postman, until he saw me. He had such a huge surprise, because he said he felt like sending me from UK to here by email though the computer, hahaha. He called mum down and said that our son is here now. Mum was on the 3rd floor when she said to him, which son? We only have one son. She came down and got a big surprise too. It was well fun! My friend and his wife said to me, Kai you are a naughty boy!

Then we went out for lunch not far from my home, Wei's wife said you are lucky as you live in such a good place, easy to get what you want, to eat, shopping. We ate a lot and I was very pleased to eat Taiwanese local food here again. Then they went back home.

I am in Taiwan 終於回到臺灣ㄌ

My flight to Taiwan was fine but 18 hours duration. Luckily I had a seat for the upper deck. To pass the time I read, watched in-flight movies and had a nap. Wei, his wife and son collected me at the airport. Which they live near to. I am staying at their home. I met Wei at a university. I bought his son some chocolates (personally I don't like chocolate).

At the moment I am having difficulty in sleeping, probably due to "jet lag". Tomorrow I will take a coach to my hometown. My parents will be suprised as they thought that I was not leaving the UK until 22nd January.

Picture: This is the view from my friend's home

Sketch Impressions 速寫印象

A stone wall at the edge of a beach where I am sat, my sleeping dog aside me, a view of the sea and it's distant horizon providing a beautiful, impressionable inspiration for translation to a sketchbook.

Art is all around

It was funny at the BT exhibition today. Everything went well, Karen arrived at BT earier, she is my sign interpreter. At 5.00pm drinks and canapés were served. The wine was nice as were the canapés and I enjoyed talking to the people present. Then at 5.30pm we were welcomed by the BT CEO representative, Sally Davis. At 5.40pm we had the Art Tour conducted by Abbie Cooke, a director of Gig-Arts. She talked about my painting and me. People made very appreciative comments about my art work.

Karen and me

So a good day in all as well as the spectacular view of London from BT. I could see St Paul's cathedral, Tate Modern and the London Eye. It was all so beautiful.

Retail therapy and country stroll

My friend Peter, who I have known for over 10 years, visited me from Birmingham. We chatted using the British Sign hand Language. Peter, Vincent and I went to Bicester Village at Oxfordshire; it’s a designer outlet village selling luxury and premium brands at discounted prices. We were driving for nearly half hour to arrive there.

I bought a pair of Levis jeans and a Paul Smith’s shirt that I thought was expensive for that designer centre; I think I was little over excited to worry about the cost. It was made for me and I can wear it when meeting future clients or giving private shows. It will enhance my appearance.

When returning home Peter, Vincent and I went for a stroll with Patchy. We decided to go to the hill which is not too far from my home. Peter keeps say how beautiful the areas looks with the trees, in full bloom, lots of meadow flowers., especially buttercups and a lovely country smell in the air. I had to agree a perfect day.

My home made coconut pudding 烤椰香布丁

When I opened the fridge, I noticed that I had an opened can of l coconut milk. I had already used half of it to make a prawn curry the previous day. It was such a hot day that I decided to make a coconut pudding; I love the smell of coconut and the pudding is fun and easyily made at home. It takes 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake. When baked remove from the oven and leave to cool. Decorate with mint leaves and icing sugar, and serve with sliced strawberries. The taste is divine when eating it I am in heaven.

Who is eating my lavender? 是誰在偷吃薰衣草？

Before

Today

Two months ago we went to B&Q to buy some plants. I wanted to buy more lavender; We have some in the garden but I wanted more as the rabbits had eaten some of the lavender last summer, I bought the lavender and planted them in pots that I placed high up, to prevent the rabbits from reaching them. I saw lavender buds and was so happy. I cannot wait to see purple lavender flower. Then I noticed that the buds were disappearing and the leaves were being eaten. Who is eating my lavender? Is it the deer or the rabbits or something else? I found the answer to that question one lunch time. I saw a rabbit eating my lavender buds. It seems that the rabbits are determined to eat my lavender; hopefully the wire mesh that I put over the plant pots will deter this now. BUT why does my dog, a Jack Russell, not bark at them? Unlike most of the breed he may like the rabbits.