This picture shows the Shwedagon pagoda, which is located in Yangon, the capital city of Myanmar. This is the most famous Golden pagoda, and it’s also the feature of Myanmar’s Cultures.
Although Myanmar is not a rich country in Southeast Asia, the people are spiritually rich! In Myanmar 90% local people believe in Buddhism. They believes our life can reincarnation (To be made flesh) after to dying. they also think contribute to Buddha it can bring all their life happiness, therefore, they are very willing to path with contribute money for pagoda, temple, Mom, and Nun, their children ( boy) will strive for virtue and leave the home for three times in their life. Boy it can get marriage again after when they are secularization. but Nun who can’t secularization and get marriage in Myanmar. if someday, you come to Myanmar that you will see most of famous tourism is related to Buddhism.
Nuns beg alms on the street
Monks are barefooted to beg alms on the street
Water festival
Myanmar culture and art
Myanmar language
“Thevada” Buddhism ( Hinayana)
Myanmar is the most developed of country for Buddhism culture in Southeast Asian area. The introduction of Buddhism into Myanmar has a history of 2500 years, and Myanmar became a unified country in 1044 years.
Buddhism is affects the Myanmar’s cultures, art, and people’s living. even the language it also profound affects. In Burmese, spiritual richness and economic poverty exist singularly. the “Anawrahta” ( 1015- 1078)(the founder of the Burgan Dynasty in Myanmar, the religious reform and the Mahayana Buddhism were deeply rooted in the people of Myanmar.
There are many different sets of Buddhism, the most common of which are “Hinayana” and “Mahayana” Buddhism
There are many different sets of Buddhism, the most common of which are “Hinayana ” and “Mahayana” Buddhism.
Countries that believe in “Hinayana” Buddhism include Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia so on.
Faith in “Mahayana” Buddhism’ countries : China, Japan, Vietnam， KHMer，Sri vijaya.
Although there are different sets of Buddhism, they all share the same ideas, Urging people to practice as much as possible, no life is killed. Both “Mahayana” Buddhism and “Hinayana” Buddhism have something to learn from.
If you want to understand more Buddhism cultures select to Myanmar, it’ also better choice.
When I received the overseas student invitation letter from National Pingtung University, I knew that this half-year exchange career could be the most unforgettable experience in my college life.
【2018.3.4 Hello, Taiwan】
Shanghai—-Kaohsiung Xiaogang Airport
A senior student of NPTU waited patiently for us to get off the plane，and then we were picked up on the bus to the school.
Sitting in the car, I just felt that the sky was blue, the clouds were white, the streets were clean, and people were very cool when they were riding motorcycles.
On the first day, we saw the sunset glow in Taiwan. In the light of sunset, I walked step by step on the streets of Taiwan and the motorcycles rushed past me.
The first delicious meal I ate in Taiwan was friendly smiles from lovely people. They were warm-hearted enough to help us and chat with us.
Like in a dream, I embarked on this beautiful treasure island.
Taiwan, I really come to your side.
【3.16-3.18 Hello, Little Ryukyu [Xiao Liu Qiu]】
My first trip was to go to Little Ryukyu. Two lucky girls, maybe it was destined that Ryukyu was the first place we will travel in Taiwan for us.
It was a fine day, we saw the beautiful sunset at Sunset Pavilion. Everything around us was beautiful, the calm sea, the dancing seagulls in the air, the sweet lovers, the healthy old people, and us in our wonderful youth. We just looked at the sunset above the sea quietly.The next day, we traveled around the island. We were wearing cute safety hats, riding electric cars, breathing the sea breeze, we opened our hands and embraced our girlhood.
We’ve never seen the sea like this, so we were all excited.
【Goodbye, little Ryukyu】
【4.4–4.5 Kenting】
I have always had a beautiful yearning for Kengting. Sure enough, it did not disappoint me.
Our first destination in Kenting is Lake Houbi. The waves there were the most beautiful waves I’ve ever seen. The sound of the waves never stops, like countless strangers saying I love you.
The second destination was South Bay Beach. I used to see this kind of beach on television only, sexy girls in bikinis, handsome surfers, kids walking on the sea, surfing boats…
Everything is so beautiful in the sunset.
The third destination, the south of the border, the southernmost point of Taiwan. I wanted to put the blue sky near the sea in my memory and steal it .Just looking at the sea quietly, perhaps, the wind blowing through my hair, from the mainland to the sea came to me.
The fourth destination, the Longpan Park. It was the first time that I saw such a beautiful prairie in Taiwan. We reached the commanding height of the prairie and looked down at the southernmost ocean in Taiwan. That kind of beauty was something that my words could not express.
As if everything were primitive, birds chirping, sheep eating grass, wild boar and bison swinging. Clean and comfortable picture, beautiful suffocating nature, I love.
【Kenting, goodbye】
【5.4—5.6 Green Island & Taitung】
Reminiscent of the journey to Green Island, there was a bittersweet taste.
Because the day was very windy and the waves were turbulent, the boat shook very hard. The passengers of the entire boat were vomiting and vomiting comes and go.
The taste of vomiting was really uncomfortable. We were all like poisoning. Moreover, the vomit of others is really unpleasant. We were not in the mood to see the shimmering sea take pictures.
Fortunately, the scenery of Green Island did not disappoint us.
On the second day of the Green Island, the weather was very good. We started cycling around the island. Three lovely girls, me and Xiaomin, both like a madman, were singing the running song loudly on the road and shouted: The sea, we love you.
We climbed to Niutou Mountain and once again stood at the commanding height overlooking the ocean.
The water of the Green Island are very clean and clear. Perhaps because of the good weather, the sea looks particularly blue. The sea is an unfathomable mystery to me and I decided to experience underwater diving.
In the first 40 minutes of underwater diving, I really enjoyed the feeling of being completely drowning in the sea. Looking up and see the blue sky through the blue water. I think that is the most beautiful sky I have ever seen because the sky was covered with the sea color.
Unfortunately, when I was about to land, I was stung by poisonous coral stings, and the scar is still not good now. But I believe that the scar is the special gift of the sea to me and the sea wants me to remember it forever.
The trip to Chishang of Taitung round my rural dream. Berlan Avenue seems a fairyland on earth.
The green rice paddy is a carpet under the blue sky. This carpet is full of strength. It can purify your soul, it will let you forget about the world’s noise，it will let you enjoy the beauty of the sight，it will cherish the beauty of the moment.
We ran in the fields and we rode our bicycles on the country trail.
At that time, we were free and simple.
【Green Island, Taitung See you 】
At the departure station on Chishang , we all knew that this may be our first and last visit to this beautiful place. But none of us were sad, because we had been here, and in the future, these beautiful scenery will live forever in our memory.
Go out to see, to breathe, to feel, to love. Love yourself, love others, love life, love the world.
“Talent wins games but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.”
(Micheal Jordan)
Our English Department Basketball team was founded in 2016, and we only have eight members in the beginning. Due to the lack of the players, we have to train ourselves harder than other teams.
In the second year, we got some freshman join the team and expand our roster into twelve.
The First year tournament
We are a young team to this school, so we definitely are not as experienced as other teams in school. However, we were lucky in this tournament because our opponents in our group stage are not as good as other groups. We claimed our first victory as a team against Information Management department.
Then we take down Department of Finance and Department of Education, but we lose to Business Management Department. We claimed the second spot in our group and advanced to the knock out stage.
To earn a spot in the knock out is not easy for sure, and our opponents for this round is once again the Department of Information Management. We were closed and only down by three at the end of the third quarter. However, we didn’t win the game and lose by eight at the end. This is not the ending we expect.
The Second year tournament
After the beginning of the new semester, it is the second year of our team. We got some freshmen join the team to expand our rotation into twelve. This year we were also positive through the tournament. Though some of the team in our group we were not familiar with, we still look forward to entering the knock out stage.
However, we lost our playmaker Robert in the second quarter of the first game, and we lost to Department of Business Management again. Then we lost to Computer Communication Department and Department of International Trade + Leisure Management. Finally, we claimed the only win in our final game against Department of Commerce Automation & Management. This year is totally a disappointing year for us because of our 1-3 record.
Our Strategies
Memories on the court
Reflections
Shawn Ho
It’s been a long journey since we founded this team. We’ve faced a lot of obstacles on the path. Lacking money, lacking court for practice, or even lacking enough players to play. Moreover, we break some people’s stereotype who think boys in English department can’t play sports. We all come through these problems and go on.
Alex Zheng
As a senior player, this is the last year of my college basketball career, and we didn’t make it into the knock out stage is certainly a pity. After graduating from here, the number of our player will cut down single digit if there isn’t any new player join in. However, I am still proud to become one of the members of this team and it is my honor to fight for my department in order to win the championship. Though We seniors can’t win one in our college career, I believe there will be new players and continue to pursue the championship.
Robert Lee
It’s an honor to be one of the members in the English Department basketball team. Frankly, I didn’t expect there would be a basketball team in our department in the first place because most of the students are not interested in basketball or any kinds of sports. However, if it hadn’t been for Shawn, one of the junior’s active attitude of forming a team, me, including 11 other teammates would not have the chance to train together and compete against other departments in numerous games. Despite of the fact that our team hasn’t gotten enough training, experiences, and endure countless losses since we just got together for nearly two years only, what cherish is the moment we train together and the fight for glory in each game. Michael Jordan once said, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.” Indeed, we run together, we shoot the hoops together, we do layups together, we practice tactics, and what is more important, we reflect on our mistakes in a team. Every year, we hope that there will be newcomers joining our team, and luckily this year, we have four freshmen who also enjoys playing basketball decided to join in. Though some of them still have a lot to improve, but we all have faith in them that they will keep our team on going for the following years.
I still remember how fantastic it is to be a child: believing in the good of others; trying to do “bad” things without getting caught; not worrying about what others might think about me; caring less about everything, etc. Everything looks more exciting and prettier in children’s eyes. At this stage of life, one of the things that made me feel excited was when my dad gave me a ride around our village on his bike. I loved feeling the breeze on my face and it ruffling through my hair; I loved leaning my head on dad’s back; I loved the feeling of being protected and safe. A child falls in love with the simplest things in life.
Age 13-18
Throwing it back to the day when my friends and I graduated from high school.
During my adolescence, well besides schoolwork, I was mostly dealing with two things: anxiety and social relations. I was constantly bothered by anxiety. I worried about anything, such as my self-image; how I felt like I was held and controlled like a prisoner by my parents; what college should I go to, etc. Trust me, there were always countless things to worry and being anxious about. As I was becoming more and more outgoing, friends were what I valued most. I became a lot more confident with myself as I found out friends actually saw the strengths in me that I didn’t even know I had. They gave me the courage to slay the demons that made me feel afraid and uncertain towards things.
Age 19-22
This photo of me along with some of my international friends was taken in Berlin last year, when I had the craziest summer vacation ever.
At this stage of life, I am constantly searching for autonomy, and getting to know and understand more about myself. I’ve realized that every decision I make is going to have an impact on my life. I’ve started to see flaws and cruel reality in this world, and something the society doesn’t want us to see. Everything is getting more realistic; time is flying by faster and faster, yet many things are still unsure.
Age 22~
When I try to see into the future, it’s like trying to look into a heavy fog. I see nothing when I reach out my hands. Things are happening and ending so fast, and I’m still uncertain if I’m ready for what’s coming next. But hopefully, the fog will disappear, and I will find the light that guides me through.
Stella Shih
Age 7-12
This is the first time I got in touch with Japanese culture in my second grade in elementary school. I can’t remember why I was chosen to perform this in front of many people in our school’s anniversary, but I am very sure that I afraid of standing in the stage not only at that time but also today. The teacher who stands in the background of photo is my favorite in my studying life. She is very friendly and taught me a lot. At that time, we’re all very ignorant, and the purpose we went to school is play with peers.
Age 13-18
During my senior high school, we considered friends is the most important thing in the world and it is still have a same gesture, “ya” when taking a picture. But nowadays, every student in adolescence has their own smartphone and update information very fast. These two photos are famous and spread in Taiwan.
This gesture comes from Korean drama and is very popular nowadays. Swag means swagger, like a very confident and have own style hip hop models. It symbolizes that a person is very awesome.
This gesture also comes from Korea. It is very kawaii and means that if I like you, I will “frame” you.
Age 19-22
This picture was taken in teacher’s day when we were a freshman. Time flies, it was two years ago and I still remember what’s going on that day. Yesterday, we had a meeting and rehearsal for a long time in school dorm because we want to give Wayne an impressing teacher’s day.
Age 22~
Be a flight attendant? A housewife? An office lady or an English teacher? I still don’t have idea about my future and afraid I will be lost in this world. Since nowadays people don’t have the proficiency in a particular line and low salary paid in Taiwan, many people in our generation might confused about their future job.
Dorothy Chen
Age 7-12
This yellowish picture was taken by my dad in my graduation ceremony of kindergarten. I am the shortest one in the middle. At that time, I was an innocent girl and even a tiny thing can make me happy. I remember the life in kindergarten is carefree and without worries; the only things that I would worry is that I could not play toys or play with my friends. There is no any pressure from studying at that time. Then, I went to elementary school, and I started nervous because I felt strange to the new environment and new classmates, but I was familiar with my classmates before long. This period of time is very precious to me because I met a lot of friends and we still keep in touch until now.
Age 13-18
The man in the middle is my junior high school teacher who is very strict but I am greatly benefited from him. The girl on the left is my best friend since junior high school. The picture was taken when I was in the third grade of junior high school after a celebration for students graduating in the current year. Almost every graduate prepared a performance to make up a show. Therefore, my friend and I decided to sing a song, but I felt very nervous because I had never stand in front of a lot of people, not to mention singing in front of them. However, I changed my mind after she encouraged me to take courage so in the end, I conquered the fear and finished the performance. I can’t describe how much a sense of achievement I had after the show. I always remember that day even few years passed.
Age 19-22
The five girls besides me are my friends in senior high school. They each have different personalities which made my school days every interesting. Some of them are a little bit potent but thoughtful to life. Some of them look like very quiet when the first time I met her but actually her thoughts always makes me feel interesting. Although the life in senior high school was stressful because there were many exams and classes were waiting for us, we still can find some fun in our daily life, such as playing tricks on someone or chatting some interesting things. Without them, I couldn’t imagine that how boring my school life would be.
Socrates, Greek Philosopher, said “Knowing thyself is the height of wisdom.”
Until now, I always think that realize myself is very difficult, and I hope that in the future, I can understand myself more and know what to do, such as finding a job I like and not just for the pay or setting a goal to achieve.
Tina Cheng
Age 7-12
It was my first time to see sakura in Mt. Ali.
Between the ages of seven to twelve, I was the girl wearing a short hair. With big eyes and big smile, I was an endearing child. However, different from my appearance, I was clever and mischievous. There were always many jokes I would like to play, but just in my mind. Sometimes I wondered that if every child in the same age had similar experience like me? I loved to read books, and I liked to dream. I was a girl living in a fairy tale, looking at this world in a bright side and enjoying living in my kingdom.
Age 13-18
I was graduated from junior high school!
During my adolescence, I left my kingdom. It’s time for me to face the reality in the world. Test papers are the one I had to fight for. Strangely, I was unaware of being tired at this time. I was not happy indeed, but I never had an idea of giving up. During this period, I always thought about my dream and my future. It probably was the main reason supported me to go through this process. I believe one day I can come back to my castle; I can portrait my outline about my own future.
Age 19-22
I traveled alone in Japan.
The time in university must be the happiest time in my life! I learn how to be independent and how to take care of myself. Living in a dormitory is a good way to learn these things. Being a college student is the longest time I leave home and stay with peers. I start to become brave and try to take challenge that I never thought I could achieve. I would like to complete everything I plan to do in this time. Traveling alone, writing a short story…etc. One day, when I throw back, I want no regret!
Age 22~
Next year will be the last year for my school life. It is too fast for most of us to accept this fact. Leaving school means “we are not students anymore.” When the graduated day comes, I may be very upset. I wish myself always stay true. Remember that there will be always a girl in mind believes the world is wonderful, just like the ages in childhood.
Yvonne Chiu
We all have memories we hold on to and a lot of mine take the form of books that I love. Let’s sit back and relive the carefree days when all we knew was to enjoy life 🙂
It is a challenge for me to dye my hair without hairdresser. I introduce the coloring product that I use and the process of dyeing the hair step by step. If you are interested in changing hair color, it would not so difficult for you to try it! Let’s enjoy my video!
Water festival
The first delicious meal I ate in Taiwan was friendly smiles from lovely people. They were warm-hearted enough to help us and chat with us.
The next day, we traveled around the island. We were wearing cute safety hats, riding electric cars, breathing the sea breeze, we opened our hands and embraced our girlhood.
