prehistorical era / 史前時代

從部落格上消失了兩個月，本來只是因為該要付諸實現的圖沒有完成，拖了一陣子之後，發現匿身於網路的幽靜，然後我享受著不寫部落格的日子，這就是我消失的原因。

I've been gone from the cyberspace for almost two months. It first started with a picture I should have done, but I kept putting it off. Then I found the beauty of giving no news or self-righteous opinions through the Internet. I enjoy my days without any online connection. This is the reason for my disappearance.

我看到自己被安安靜靜的黑暗包圍，周圍有秋天涼爽的空氣，我閉起雙眼，四周生起一片海洋，我的身體慢慢地往下沉，我就要進入到一個別人恐懼的領域，我卻放開雙手，任憑海浪帶著我，向下。

I see myself enveloped in the serene darkness. I can smell the fresh air of autumn nights. I close my eyes, conjuring up a vast sea. My body is slowly pulled downwards. I am about go to into a kingdom that others fear. Yet I let go of my hands, carried away by the waves.

我不是憂鬱，只是生活進入了另一個階段，我正在摸索和學習。謝謝天使們的問候‧‧‧

I am not blue at all. I've gone to a different stage of life, and I am groping and learning. Thank the angels for your greetings...

the "mature" female travelers / 熟齡旅行團之熟女日記

身為熟齡旅行團的團員之一，我努力地尋找出遊的好機會，眼看美燕位於新社的民宿就要開張了，我興沖沖地邀請John和Sharon和我同行，誰知這輩子從未拒絕過我的John大叔居然冷冷地回答：「台中太遠了，你還是自己去吧！」雖然我有些落寞，卻沒想到這其實是上帝為我開了另一扇窗‧‧‧

As one of the three group members of mature travelers, I open my eyes wide and seek opportunities for fun all the time. As Meiyen's B & B was about to open, I couldn't wait to invite John and Sharon. Well, John, who had never turned me down in this life, only replied nonchalantly, "Taichung is too faraway. Why don't you go by yourself?" Though I felt kind of disappointed, I didn't know that there was something else God had in store for me.

於是我得到和一群熟女同車的機會，沿途的樂趣請待下回分解。過了兩個多小時愉快又自在的車程，我們終於來到了傳說中已久的民宿。在感人的開幕典禮中，美燕解釋，這棟美麗的房子源自於她想要為父親圓夢，因為王爸爸一直嚮往定居於風光明媚的鄉間，美燕和友人便排除萬難，其間也經歷過各式各樣的挫折和考驗，但是數個月之後，在許許多多人的幫忙下，終於實現了王爸爸的夢想。

Then I won a lovely chance to travel together with a car of beautiful, mature ladies. As for the story, please read my next post. After a little more than two hours, we finally came to the legendary B&B. In the heartwarming grand open ceremony, Meiyen explained that the inspiration for this house actually came from her father. He had longed to spend his old age in the scenic countryside. Meiyen, with the support of her enthusiastic friends, overcame all sorts of difficulties. Several months later, she finally fulfilled her dad's dream. Of course, many kind-hearted people gave her a hand along the way to make the dream come true.

就當我們一如往常地生活，還只是在作夢時，美燕不時地往返台北台中，從大都市到鄉下的路途沒有直達車，她卻和朋友默默地朝著原本認為不可能的夢想前進，一日復一日，我們抱怨著無所作為時，她的夢想有了架構，然後生根、茁壯。有這樣的朋友，我覺得自己很幸福，我也要如此腳踏實地去築夢。

As we lived our day-to-day life and daydreamed without taking any action, Meiyen traveled between Taipei and Taichung. She had to transfer from the big city to the country, but she and her friends got closer and closer to her dream silently. Day after day, while we were still complaining that life didn't give us anything, her dream took shape, was rooted, and even grew. I feel very lucky to have such a friend. Seeing what Meiyen has achieved, I am encouraged to go after my dream with such down-to-earth spirits.

美燕給我為民宿盡一份心力的機會，再加上有慧眼的美鳳為我的手繪瓶子選擇了很棒的背景，這是民宿裡浪漫的玫瑰角落，來訪的友人們紛紛於此攝影留念。

Meiyen gave me a chance to do something for her house. Meifong, who has always been insightful, chose an excellent spot for my hand-painted vases. This is the romantic rose corner in the house. Many visitors were eager to take a photograph here.

民宿附近就是迷人的花海區，最近(11月17日)花季才正要開始，亮麗的波斯菊已經等不及了喔！

Near the B&B is the charming flower field. The flower festival is about to start (November, 17th). The brightly-colored coreopsis can't wait!

the "mature" travelers II / 熟齡旅行團之二

某個周末，有點悶的John又有了出遊的念頭，我為他出了個難題，有鑑於上回金山之旅的恐怖人潮，我說，這一次我們一定得選人煙稀少之處，John身為智囊團團長，立刻便想到有趣的景點，我和Sharon二話不說，自然就搭上了John的遊覽車。

On a certain weekend, John, who was rather bored, felt the desire to take a short trip again. In light of the crowds we ran into on the trip to Jingshan last time, I gave him a difficult question. This time we gotta choose a spot rarely visited. As the head of our think tank, it didn't take him a long time to figure out a place that could meet my demand. So without further ado, Sharon and I got in John's professional coach car and set forth.

下著毛毛雨的周六午後，我們三人沿著人跡越來越稀少的汐止前進，原來John特地為我們選定白雲森林小學，雖然我對教育說不上那麼熱衷，對於遠離城市、一心想執行教育理想的森林學校多少也有些嚮往，所以心裡還挺期待的。不過待我們接近目的地時，只有偶然經過的一兩部車，要住在這樣的山上過學習的生活，還真是出世。

On the drizzly Saturday afternoon, we three headed for Xi-tse. The further we went, the fewer people we saw. John chose White Cloud Summerhill School for us. Well, to be honest, I am not so passionate about education, but I was rather curious about this kind of free schools. It wouldn't hurt to find out how to carry out the ideals of education by living away from big cities. Yet as we got close to our destination, there was hardly any car passing by. Such a life is quite secluded, I thought to myself.

我們三人想下車一探究竟時，大門口突然衝出校狗衝鋒隊，我們越接近，狗吠就越猛烈，我立刻打消進去一探究竟的念頭，天不怕地不怕的Sharon也本能性地躲到一邊，只有勇夫John還不顧一切的往門內瞧，並且想用他的特殊身分請求值日的老師通融，果然是從事教育數十年如一日的中流砥柱啊！

When we were about to get off the car and take a closer look, the guardian dogs lunged forth. Seeing us approach, they barked like crazy. Born with an innate fear for dogs, I didn't feel like going in there anymore. Even Sharon, who is hardly afraid of anything, ran for shelter. Only the brave John insisted on going nearer. He even thought of talking to the teacher on duty with his "special" status. What could we say? He is always so devoted to education.

受不了我和Sharon的命令砲轟，John識趣地回到車上，雖然我們的校外教學有些失望，但是我想上帝大概是要說，休假日時，先把那些教育的偉大議題放在一邊吧！畢竟來日方長呢！

Bombarded with orders from me and Sharon, John didn't have any choice but to get in the car. Our field trip was sort of disappointing, but I took it as a message from God--Put aside the issues on education on weekends. After all, the future days are long!

my BIG dream / 我的大夢想

我想要一間房子，屬於我自己的房子，不用太大，也不必座落於最精華的地段，那些外在的小瑕疵，我都可以用創意改造。我的客廳有著溫暖的色調，紅色的沙發是我放鬆的好地方，而同時，客廳也是我的畫室，我可以隨心所欲地把畫架、畫桌和畫具四處擱放，完成的作品就一張接連一張地貼在牆壁上。客廳外有座小陽台，那是我抒壓的專屬地，需要沉靜時，我就盯著對面的樹林，心煩的事情自然會隨風而逝，如果有朋友來，我們就可以來一場兩三人的下午茶派對。而我的寶貝廚房，一定要是橘色調，無論我開心或低落，那樣的顏色和美味的食物會具有無限安撫和平靜的功效，夏天日落之後，我家的日光時間還持續著，而在冬日裡，來自廚房的一碗熱湯勝過情人的一個吻。位於二樓的浴室則是我的大海洋，在我就寢之前，土耳其藍色系的浴缸讓我高昂的情緒穩定下來，我一邊泡澡，一邊沉澱當日發生的點點滴滴，當身心都得到最好的照顧之後，我就要奔向最心愛的臥室，左面的牆上有著大海藍天的造景，如果這美景還不夠的話，睡前來一本書吧！右邊的書櫃都是我珍藏的作品。最後，入睡前，我總是要透過天井，和美麗的星星道晚安。

因為有屬於自己的美好空間，我的生活也因此繽紛。我，好想要一間自己的房子。

I would like to own a house, a house of my own. It doesn't have to be large, nor does it have to be located in a super popular area. I can mend these flaws with my creativity. The color tone of the living room has to give off a sense of warmth. I love to relax on the red couch. The living room is also my studio. I can place my brushes, paints and paper anywhere I want, and the walls are filled with my lovely works. There is a balcony right outside. It serves as a secret haven for quieting my mind. When I need to be alone, I would sit there, gazing at the woods opposite my little den. Then all my worries will be gone with the wind. When friends come, we can hold a small afternoon party. As for my beloved kitchen, it has to be orange in color. Whether I feel high or low, the food prepared by my own hands will never fail to calm or sooth me. Summer will go on and on in my kitchen that offers endless amount of sunlight. In winter, a bowl of hot soup there beats a kiss from any charming lover. The bathroom on the second floor is my ocean. Before hitting the sack, a bath in the turquoise tub is a perfect period to a long and exhausting day. When bathing, I go through the memories of the day, keeping only the quintessential ones. After being taken care of mentally and physically, I can't wait to run to my favorite bedroom. On the left side wall is the vast azure sea. If it's not enough, a book will accompany me to the dream world. The shelves on the right side of the room contain my most precious collections of books. Finally, before passing out, I won't forget to say goodnight to the stars.

If I have a house of my own, my life will become so colorful. How I long for a house of my own!

the "mature" travelers / 熟齡旅行團

昨天夜裡做了個夢，夢到自己和多年未見的友人告別之後，突然去到了台東，搭上一班神奇的海上公車，在海面上奔馳，眼前所見的美景令我大呼過癮，尤其是那蔚藍的海面，醒來之後嘴邊還掛著一抹微笑。

Last night I had a dream. In my dream, after I said goodbye to a friend that I hadn't seen for years, I found myself in Taidong. I took a magic seabus. It sailed on the sea so wildly. What I saw was more than a feast for the eyes, especially the azure seascape. I even woke up with a smile on my face.

最近沒有機會去東海岸，不過這個秋天裡，倒是和我的熟齡旅行夥伴John和Sharon隨意到處走走，三個總年齡加起來將近150歲的旅客，大概不對年輕人的胃口，但是有專屬司機和導遊John的貼心服務，還有辛辣的Sharon作伴遊，老實說，我還挺自在的。旅行最高境界便是：無入而不自得啊！

I have not had a chance to visit the east coast. However, in this autumn, I checked out some less known places nearby Taipei city with my "mature" travel companions, John and Sharon. Well, young people probably don't find it appealing to travel with three tourists whose total ages approach the colossal number 150. But for me, there is really nothing to complain about with a professional chauffeur and considerate tour guide like John and a straightforward, sometimes too straight, companion like Sharon. To be honest, I am quite in element with them. After all, the ultimate goal for traveling is: Have fun no matter where you go, as the old Confucius suggested.

涼爽的秋日裡，我們三人來到了之前冀望拜訪的金山，美麗的白沙灣已不再令人卻步，夏日的炙熱已褪，只有亮亮的陽光和涼涼的海風，時過三星期，和我們去和平島的感受完全不同，這樣的感受走到戶外甚為明顯。但是一心一意想吃鴨肉的熟齡旅行團心不在焉，我們催促著以慢動作著名的John先生，往下一個目的地前進。

On one cool autumn day, the three of us came to Jingshan, where we'd longed for going. The beautiful Baishawan Beach was no longer intimidatingly hot. The summer heat had faded. We felt nothing but bright sunshine and lovely breezes. Though only three weeks had passed by, the change of seasons was tangible. It was especially obvious outdoors. Yet we didn't have time to linger long. We were so determined to eat the famous ducks that John, who is always renowned for his slowness, was prompted to move faster toward our next destination.

誰知，行前，一向誠實得不能再誠實的Sharon除了闡述鴨肉的美味之外，並未告知其他遊客金山鴨肉莊空前絕後的人潮，所以一當我們踏進那有名的老街，我被恐怖的人群給嚇壞了，原來食客得眼明手快地在一旁等待空位，同時必須加派同團的人手自行至某地點取菜，從頭到尾，我都處於極度驚嚇的狀態，不過俐落的Sharon無畏於下午兩點半依舊流動的人海，迅速有效率地指揮、發號司令，使得熟齡旅行團在短短的二十分鐘內已有滿坑滿谷的菜餚可食用。

I'd always considered Sharon to be an extremely honest person. However, before the trip, she didn't say anything else besides emphasizing the beauty of the duck meat. I had no clue about the CROWDS waiting for us there. As soon as we arrived at the famous Old Street, I was literally terrified by the gigantic number of visitors there. To successfully enjoy a duck feast, the tourists have to not only wait for seats available but also send their fellow tourists to get the dishes somewhere only the insiders were aware of. From the beginning to the end, I was in a over-shocked state. Fortunately, Sharon was as clear-headed and fast-moving as usual. She worked more than efficiently, even trapped in seas of people struggling for food even at 2:30 pm. We had tons of food in front of us within less than 20 minutes.

我面對著大盤地不像話的菜餚，有些不知所措，但對面的陌生旅人以自顧自、很認命的態度〈店內不提供白飯〉，一人對著一盤菜，認真地啃了起來。我盯著鴨肉，心想就是還有一口氣留著的鴨子，見到黑壓壓的人群，就是想逃也會感到前所未有的無力吧！

I was sort of at a loss facing dishes that were larger than the description of words. Strangers sitting across from me dug hard into the food with a nonchalant and resigned attitude. (Rice is no offered in the restaurant and that can confuse us more than non rice-eaters can imagine.) I stared at the duck meat, wondering how helpless they would feel even if they still had a breath. It would be impossible that they still felt like flying away, confronted by the presence of so many hungry human beings.

之後讀了Peter Mayle寫的French Lessons，有關他對法國飲食文化的觀察，相對於法國人的悠閒和優雅，如果梅爾有機會寫一本Taiwanese Lessons，風格應該會截然不同，不過每餐總是吃馬拉松式三小時很累人呢，有時也要來點直爽的、大快朵頤的東西，兩種風格相互交替才好，記得，過而不及啊！

I was reminded of our duck experience after reading Peter Mayle's French Lessons, a book on his observation of French eating culture. If he had a chance to write Taiwanese Lessons, it would be drastically different. After all, we are not a people famed for being elegant and carefree like French people.

My advice is, it can be tiring to have three-hour-long marathon meals all the time. If we can have something as straight and fast as Taiwanese-style meals, it should be fun. But never go to extremes. Bear the wisdom of the ancestors in mind: The Middle Way is the best!

my handicraft / 我的手作品

美燕小姐的民宿要開張了，這些是我的小貢獻！

Meiyen's B & B is about to open. These bottles are my humble gifts!

tender moments III / 溫柔時刻 III

今年夏天參加的moleskine旅遊札記本來到台北巡迴展了，在充滿涼意的秋天裡，我要送你一張機票，前往你想要的城市和國家！

The travel journal I made for the Moleskine contest is on exhibition in Taipei at this moment. In the cool and breezy autumn, I want to give you an airplane ticket and you can choose your own destination!

雖然當時一完成作品，我很清楚地知道自己可以做得更好，不過因為受限於時間，我的確盡力了。展期已經過了一半，連我的專屬經紀人John和Sharon都為我探路過，我拖了兩個星期才親自去信義誠品。雖然我面對於幾個月前的自己，有些不好意思，但是我從其他人的身上看到許多很棒的靈感和表現方法，我要加油啊！

As soon as I finished the work, I was so clearly aware that I could have done a better job. But time was running out then and I think I did my best. The exhibit has been here for more than two weeks. Even my personal agents John and Sharon had checked it out for me. Yet it took me a while to go there in person. I was rather shy about looking at what I had done a few months ago, but I was very glad to learn from other contestants' works. I have to work harder!

雖然我不怎麼以自己為傲，想到城市的另一端，有我的片段，在這個有時令人失望的城市裡閃啊閃的，心就會暖暖的。

I am not too proud of myself. However, on thinking that part of me lives and sparkles at the other end of the city, my heart warms up in this somehow dark city.

MOLESKINE
Invitation au Voyage
Exhibition 2007--TW

展覽日期：
28/9-28/10/2007

展覽地點：
誠品信義店2F精品區
誠品敦南店B1F文具館

tender moments II / 溫柔時刻 II

我的腦中總是充滿著圖像，也可以在一段經歷之後，立刻用創作表達我的想法和感受，不過有人生的大主題，我始終拖啊拖的，我的觀察對象變化之速，讓我跟不上腳步，便安慰自己說，讓他長大吧，等到有一天他夠大了，我再回頭看，一定可以把他的人生重點做最精華的紀錄。

My mind is always full of images. I have no problem expressing myself through art after experiencing even a minor incident. Yet there was a huge theme I kept putting off. My object of observation had changed so fast that I couldn't catch up with him. I then told myself, let him be. One day, when he is old enough, I will surely record his life in the most concise manner when I look back.

最近我終於覺得自己準備好了，計畫把小方的一歲生涯用五張圖表現出來，一邊執行我的想法時，有種醍醐灌頂的領悟，我這樣看著這小子出生、長大、學習，一張圖卻包括了一年又一個月裡的觀察，對別人來說，那只是一張圖，對我來說，那是充滿愛的過程，每個小細節都是身旁的大人用雙眼和心的體會。

Lately I've had the feeling that I am ready. I planned to come up with 5 pictures encompassing Von's one-year-long life. While I was putting down my ideas, I had an epiphany--for others, every picture is no more than an image. For me, every picture includes what we had learned about Von within the past 13 months as I watched him come into the world, grow, and learn. In this long process, it takes love and keen observation to capture each little detail.

所以，我可以了解，越深的愛，越言簡意賅，因為再怎麼形容，都不夠。

So, I've realized the deeper the love is, the harder it is to describe it with words because no matter how much we say, it will never suffice.

這架鋼琴要獻給小時候渴望學鋼琴、卻無法圓夢的你。

This piano is dedicated to you, who desired so much to learn playing the piano yet failed to when you were little.

tender moments I / 溫柔時刻 I

九月初，某個在課堂上聲嘶力竭之後，回到辦公室，桌上放著一朵美麗的白玫瑰，我便有預感，你來過了。我在校園裡用力地尋找著你的蹤跡，你看到我時，笑著說要給我一個擁抱，我有點羞赧地伸出雙臂，儘管如此，你知道我有多麼開心。為了養白玫瑰，我還特地手繪了個花瓶，盡可能地延長她的動人。

On one early September afternoon, after my extremely exhausting "stage performance", I found a lovely white rose on my desk upon coming into the office. I had a feeling that you were here. I searched hard for you in the campus. The first moment I saw you, you offered to give me a hug. Despite my shyness, you must have known how happy I was. To keep the rose, I made a vase in the hope of making her charm last as long as possible.

就在我以為你已經悄悄地離開，某個午後，辦公桌上又多出一朵紅玫瑰，你說是來和我道別的，到了這個年齡，我都要習慣人們的來來去去而不放在心上了，你跛著剛開完刀的腳，千里迢迢地來說一聲再見，那二十出頭的真摯令我很羞愧也很感動。我們沒有咖啡，也沒有小酒館的昏黃燈光和音樂，就只有從冰箱裡拿出來的東海大學優格，很不浪漫地偷借隔壁同事的椅子，卻也同樣盡興。

Then I thought you had returned to the U.S. without saying a word. One afternoon, I found a red rose on my desk. You came to say goodbye. At my age, I am already so numb to people's coming and going. You struggled a long way, with your leg that had just undergone an operation, just to bid farewell. I felt ashamed and touched by your twenty-something sincerity. We had neither coffee or the dim orange light and music of cafes. With the yogurt I found in the refrigerator and the chair of my colleague, we had as much fun.

這些年來，學生做過不少像瘋狂的感謝舉動，我感謝著他們的熱情，雖然我站在講台上總是有些不知所措。但是百分之九十五的人離開之後就遺忘了，我也感謝著他們的遺忘。而你，從頭開始就知道我不完美，還是一直一直地鼓勵著我，看重我的優點，在時空的雙重距離裡努力地記得我，我都深深地記在心上。

These years, students have done many crazy acts for many sakes. I thank them for their enthusiasm though I am always sort of ill at ease when they do that. But about 95% of them forget me after they leave. I thank them for forgetting me as well. You have known from the beginning that I am not perfect, yet you have never stopped encouraging me and told me how you like my strengths. You even try to remember me even though we are in different time and space. I am aware of every good will of yours.

再見又是一年以後的事，分手時我像是和明天還會再見的朋友一樣，雲淡風輕地離開，可是當我坐的公車疾馳而過，我捕捉你坐在校門口等待的神情，很後悔剛才沒有提議給你一個擁抱。但是那溫柔時刻餘留的美好在空氣中繚繞著。

I won't see you until at least one year from now on. When we said goodbye, I pretended you were someone I would still see tomorrow. But when the bus with me on it passed by the school gate and I saw you waiting at the same spot, I regretted not having offered you a hug earlier. Despite this, I felt the soft sweetness left from the tender moment circling in the air.

我是如此地以你為傲，也感謝我們的相遇‧‧‧

I am so proud of you and thankful for our encounter...

along the way / 沿途風景

每年到了這個時候，心總是癢癢的，對於旅行的一切有著無可救藥的嚮往，可能是因為暑假剛結束，很明白有好一陣子走不開了，當身體必須長期停留於某一地時，只好放「心」去飛揚。

Every year at this time, my heart itches. I long for everything about traveling desperately. It might be that the summer break just ended. I am keenly aware that I won't be able to get away for a while. Since my body has to stay fixed to the same place for a long period, I have to let my heart go.

這幾天想著曉寧之前在北美公路旅行捎來的明信片，你從倫敦和巴黎寄來的問候，上個周末又看了Jessie和Celine幾乎是10年前在火車上的邂逅﹝註一﹞，我對旅行中的任何一種移動方式及氛圍都那麼熟悉，也可以想像那時空裡的空氣味道，那些都是被我珍視為人生裡的美麗片段。

I've been thinking about the postcards Alison sent on her road trip to Toronto a while ago and the greetings you sent from London and Paris. Last weekend, I spared some time for reviewing the encounter of Jessie and Celine on the train to Vienna almost ten years ago (note 1). I am so familiar with every form of moving from place to place during the trip. I can even imagine how the air smells at that moment. These are what I regard as the most beautiful fragments in life.

雖然都只是回憶，還好有你，一面形容給我正在進行的生活片段，即使是發生在幾千里遠的城市，我卻清晰地感受到你的能量和喜悅，讓我期許自己，得為我平淡的生活增添一點樂趣，你的離開像漣漪般，積極效應一圈圈擴大，可能是你無法想像的。

These moments are no more than recollections. Yet I have you, so I get to know the life that is going on thousands of miles away. Even so far, I can strongly feel your energy and happiness. Thus, I expect myself to do my best in enjoying every second. Your absence has brought ripple-like effect on others' lives. You might not have expected this.

謝謝你，讓我看到了美好的沿途風景，因為最後我記得的，不是最終的目的地，而是一路遊走的心情。

Thank you for showing me the scenery along the way. What I usually remember is not what I saw at the destinations, but what I experienced when getting there.

﹝註一﹞：「愛在黎明破曉時」

(Note 1): Jessie and Celine are the characters in the movie Before Sunrise (1995).

Best Wishes / 祝福

祝親愛的你，中秋節快樂！

Happy Chinese Moon Festival, to my dearest!

birthday wish / 生日願望

如果「長大」被定義為見識到人性的黑暗面，這一年我的確快速成長了不少。

If "grown-up" is defined as experiencing the dark sides of human nature, I have grown at a surprisingly rate this year.

不過越是如此，我越要期許自己保持一顆純淨的心，用我小小的力量對抗我最厭惡的邪惡。

Despite the vast evil out there, I have to go all out to keep my heart pure, so that I can fight against the dark with my tiny yet bright existence.

【註】：謝謝諸多神秘愛慕者的低調祝福，看來大家對我的風格很了解了。

PS: Thanks to the low-profile wishes of my numerous secret admirers. It seems that you know my style quite well.

the root / 尋根

圖攝於和平島
photo taken in Herping Island Park

日前為了繼續我的義大利計畫，衝著媽媽在旅行中說過的一句話，我想無論如何，我都得去一趟外木山。

Last weekend, to continue my project on the trip to Italy, I had to pay a visit to Waimushan simply because of something my mom had said on our journey.

圖攝於和平島

photo taken in Herping Island Park

雖然我久居台北，我的故鄉其實是基隆，不過小時候的記憶多以褪去，留在記憶裡的是無法用文字解釋的喜好和渴望，例如說，我聞到鹹鹹的海水味時，便有股再熟悉不過的感覺湧上心頭，像是誕生最初的味道；還有，對我來說，基隆的食物才好吃，即使住在台北多年，被我定義為美食的小吃只存在於狹小的海港城市。如果要從我身上問出有關基隆的細節，這些人最終會感到挫折，因為我對她的認識是很私人的。

Those who don't know me well have the idea that I was born and have lived in Taipei all my life. As a matter of fact, I come from Keelung (a small harbor city to the north of Taipei). Yet, I don't remember the details about the roads and streets anymore. What stays in me is some preferences and longings beyond the description of words. For example, when I smell the salty sea air, I would become so thrilled as if it were the smell of birth. Besides, the food in Keelung is uncomparable. Even though I have lived in Taipei for about 20 years, what I define as authentic and sublime food only exists in the narrow sea city. If you would like to find out any detail about Keelung, you will feel very frustrated. My knowledge of the city is very personal.

圖攝於和平島

photo taken in Herping Island Park

為什麼要去外木山呢？我們在北義旅行至五地中的一小海港Vernazza時，媽媽便驚嘆那就是義大利的外木山，但是我已經不記得外木山的樣子，所以我和媽媽的經驗是相反的，她把台灣島的經驗反映在國外的某個風景，而我則是從義大利追回到台灣，用「尋根」兩個字作為標題挺適合的。

Why did I have to go to Waimushan? As we traveled to one of the sea harbors included in Cinque Terre in Italy, Mom exclaimed that it is just like the Italian version of Waimushan. But I didn't recall what the latter looked like. My experience is exactly the contrary of my mom's. She related a small town in Taiwan to a piece of scenery she saw abroad. For me, I traced the whole thing from Italy to Taiwan. Thus, it is quite proper to give the post the title "The root."

圖攝於鼻頭角
photo taken in Bitojiao

我的尋根之旅相當特別，我記在心裡義大利小海港的樣子，但是同行的父親母親並不像我腦海中有幅圖，因為連媽媽也忘記了，所以爸爸一路從和平島開到鼻頭角再開到外木山，就只為了找一幅和我心中圖樣類似的海景。漸漸地，很多小時後的回憶都回來了，我或許忘了方向，卻很清楚記得去沿途每個地方的當天，或許是游泳的夏天，或許是看彗星的黑夜，那一切都是二十多年前的事了。

My root-seeking trip was rather one-of-a-kind. I never forget how Vernazza looks, but unlike me, my parents didn't have an image in their mind. (Ah, you probably have some doubts about my mom's memory, and I have to say that you are right about that...) My father drove all the way from Herping Island to Bitojiao to Waimushan just in search of the townscape in my mind's eye. Along the way, I came to retrieve many lost memories. I might have forgot the direction, but I remember well the story behind every place. It might be a hot summer day for a beach swim, or it might be a dark night for watching the comet. It was easy and hard to believe that all this took place more than twenty years ago.

圖攝於外木山

photo taken in Waimushan

到了外木山，我終於能夠了解媽媽為何說那句話，同時更令我驚訝的是，我居然忘了自己小時候曾到過外木山，不過這一次，我應該不會忘記了。「出生在她方」的喬安娜因為研究漢學的父親，小時候住過台灣幾年，後來雖然搬回歐洲，對於兒時的異國經驗始終難以忘懷。我一直住在台灣，卻心不在焉地像生活在國外，應該要感到羞愧。不過反過來說，常常去旅行反而會給我認識台灣的機會吧！

When we got to Waimushan, I could finally make sense of mom's words. To my bigger surprise, I had been to the beach when I was little, but this time my memory was all blank. After this trip, I'll bear it in mind for a long long time. The author of the book Née Quelquepart, Johanna, lived in Taiwan for four years in her childhood because of her dad, who majored in sino studies. Although her family moved back to Europe afterwards, she always had nostalgia about the experiences in Asia. I've lived in Taiwan almost all the time, but I am always so absent-minded. I should feel ashamed of myself. On the other hand, traveling abroad regularly gives me opportunities to learn more about my own island.

為了一小幅漫畫，我撿回了人生的一大段空白，很特別的一趟小旅行。

For a small strip of comics, I found back a lost part of my life. This was a very special outing.

Where is my house? / 我的房子呢？

人對於想擁有的東西會隨著年齡改變，雖然我還是一樣熱愛旅行，但是最近這幾年，我更想要有一間自己的房子，儘管近期內我仍得寄住在父母家，那並沒有澆熄我的渴望，事實上，我覺得自己好像患了「缺乏寓宅暴躁症」，當爸媽遠行回來時，我的症狀便極度明顯，我原本溫和的個性就會變得易怒，不想和雙親交談。

People long for different things at different ages. I am still passionate about traveling, but in recent years, the desire for owning an apartment of my own has grown so strong. For certain personal reasons, I will have to stay at my parents' for another few years, but that does not stop me from dreaming of buying my own place. As a matter of fact, I have been diagnosed as a patient of LAAC, Lacking an Apartment Choler. When my parents return from a long trip, my symptoms will become especially obvious. For example, I am generally very calm and nice, but then I'll turn into an irascible person, not in the mood for chatting with my parents.

只有我一人在家時，客廳總是丟滿了我的畫具，偌大的空間裡迴響著收音機傳來的古典樂，貝多芬、蕭邦等輩相當自在，真是再愉快也不過了。不過父母親一返家，我們的客廳可就熱鬧了，我的莫札特必須使盡吃奶的力量才能和電視機裡的八卦主持人相抗衡，當然啦，有時可能是綜藝大哥大的魔音繞耳，假如老爸一時興起，還會來個京劇，光是我就覺得夠頭痛了，更不要說那些古典樂的先輩。

When I am home alone, my paints and paper are thrown everywhere in the living room. I'd play classical music and it sounds so lovely echoing in the large space. I believe that Beethoven and Chopin are as happy as I. However, when Dad and Mom are there too, our living room is more than crowded, auditorily speaking. My Mozart has to fight hard against the loud voice of gossipy hosts on TV. Sometimes Dad watches Chinese opera, which he never did in the previous 57 years in his life. I myself feel so tortured with so much noise in the same space, not to mention the heavyweight ancestors in classical music.

但是但是，這些都比不過一個更重要的理由，那就是，當我旅行多日回到家時，總是會驚嚇地發現，我精神上賴以維生的畫畫小桌被收起來了！就某種程度而言，這很像是校長趁我不在時，偷偷把我辭掉，家人無法理解我的錯愕，不過如果我有自己的房子，這個悲劇就可以避免。

Yet, the above-mentioned instance does not compare to one most important reason. That is, whenever I return home from a trip, I am always shocked to find that my little drawing table, which I depend on SO MUCH spiritually, is gone! To a certain extent, it's like the principal at school fires me without my knowledge when I am away. My family hardly realizes my panic, but if I have a house of my own, I can avoid the tragedy.

Winky說，丹麥人十八歲就搬離家裡，有時候我免不了會想，假如過去的十三年是獨立居住的話，人生應該會很不一樣吧！沒關係，在我第二個十八歲之前離開也不算遲，現在就當作是為我的小屋努力的階段！

Winky said that Danish people move away from home at the age of 18. I sometimes can't help wondering how my life would be if I had been on my own feet for the past 13 years. Well, it won't be too late to move out before my second 18th birthday. Now, I'll just have to work hard for my future little place!

Rebirth / 重生

花了一陣功夫才把作好的新圖檔上傳，原來一年沒有碰部落格的網頁設計，多多少少有生疏的感覺。暑假前就計畫著要換主頁版面，不過靈感始終枯竭，還好最後還是趕上夏季的尾聲，這次的圖樣裡終於有小房間，也有明信片，希望我的舊雨新知多多支持，小房間的燈會永遠亮著！

It took me a while to upload my new design during this weekend. I guess all this mess had something to do with the fact that I hadn't revised the layout of my blog for a year. I had planned to come up with a new look for my blog before summer vacation, but I had a serious artist block then. Luckily, I still made it before the end of summer. Well, there are finally my little room and postcards all in one. For the visitors of my little room, thank you for your lovely support, and more important, the door will be open for you always!

about flying / 關於飛行

起飛的時候，能夠毫無顧慮，不回頭看過去的一切，就是無上的幸福！

It is an ultimate bliss that you do not look back with any worry during take-off.

fresh for 30 days / 賞味期限30天

特別銘謝小黑、小白、小比以及怡如。

Special thanks to Jason, Vincent, May and Tiffany.

Taipei vs London / 台北和倫敦之間

你說，最近倫敦下起毛毛雨來了，但是人們不見得愛用傘，其實英國才是可以優雅撐傘的好地方。在台灣，我們下雨天或艷陽天都不能沒有傘，偏偏這裡不時刮颱風下暴雨，讓我們撐得好狼狽啊！

You wrote that it has started drizzling in London, but not everyone uses an umbrella. As a matter of fact, the mild rain in Great Britain makes it a perfect place for carrying an umbrella like an elegant lady. In Taiwan, we can't do without umbrellas on both rainy and sunny days. Yet the weather often goes to extremes. It's either fierce typhoons or torrential rain. Does God know how much efforts we make to hold the umbrellas firmly in our tiny hands?

Postcard of good will / 善意的明信片

前一陣子去日本旅行時，因為急需修補這半年來心靈上累積的疲勞，我對於寫明信片興趣缺缺。主動問候友人需要無限的熱情，那是我全身上下充滿能量時才辦得到的事，而今年夏天的遠行完全是為了我自己。

A while ago, on my trip to Japan, I couldn't afford to write any postcard because I was eager only to heal the trauma I've suffered at work during the past half year. It takes tons of enthusiasm to send a greeting to friends, and that is possible merely when I am full of vibes. As a matter of fact, I took the trip this summer completely for myself.

我們在松山市的道後溫泉街道上閒晃之際，我無意間發現了一美術館的指標，就算它的規模小至導覽書隻字為提，我還是想一探究竟。我們於正午時分太陽高掛，在無人的巷弄裡摸索，seki美術館就隱身於一棟棟樸實的民宅中，但是裡面高雅的設計和平靜人心的氛圍，可又是另一片天地，儘管整棟房子只有兩名館員和我們兩名訪客，我們可是走到哪，館員便親切地幫我們開老式的音樂鐘及影片操作。更值得一提的是，館內的畫和我們造訪過同樣規模的美術館相比，可是在水準之上。院子裡還有小小的造景，讓我挺想在美術館裡打發一整個下午。

While we were strolling on the streets in Odogo, I accidentally found the sign that points to an art museum. Even though it's so small in size that the tour guidebook doesn't mention any word about it, my curiosity was aroused. We wandered at noon in the quiet neighborhood. When we were about to give up, we found Seki Museum right there, hiding among other houses for residential use. However, inside, it is so amazing, whether in terms of the decoration or the atmosphere. There were only two ladies working in the whole building, and two visitors, a.k.a. my mom and I. But their service was more than perfect. The ladies took care to turn on the music clock and DVD player for us at the right time. What was more important, the paintings were far better in quality compared with those in some other museums we had visited on the same trip. There is even a tiny yet lovely yard specially designed so that when visitors look out from the room, they feel calm and relaxed. I have to say that it wouldn't be a bad idea to spend the whole afternoon there.

要離去之前，我還是忍不住在櫃檯買了張明信片，想為這趟低調的旅行留一點紀錄，沒想到館員見我如此喜歡藝術，居然挑了好幾張，讓我選一張當作美術館送給外來客的伴手禮，我驚訝地說不出話來，不過我一眼就看上之前很有感覺的一副作品，道謝之後便決定，把這張充滿善意的明信片寄給自己。

Before we left, I couldn't help but buy a postcard as the souvenir of this low-key trip. One of the ladies, detecting my love for art, offered to give me one for free. I was so moved that I could only wow with smiles all over my face. I went for a postcard with one painting that impressed me at first sight. After thanking her, I decided to send the postcard of good will to myself.

說這張明信片救了我似乎太誇張，但是那肯定是我對日本民族的深刻印象〈去年在義大利連要個裝明信片的塑膠袋都得付錢呢。〉如果你還有些熱情可以在這個夏天發揮，有個自行創作明信片的好機會，Benq的明信片生活美學比賽進入最後倒數17天，儘管時間如此有限，請不要放棄為自己或為他人寄幾張明信片。

It would be an exaggeration to say that this postcard saved me, but it certainly will remind me again and again how kind Japanese people can be. (Well, last year, when we were in Italy, we were requested to pay even for the small and thin plastic bag for the postcards.) If you still have some passion this summer, there is a good chance for you to make your customized postcards. There are still 17 days left before the deadline for Benq postcard contest. Even with so little time, don't give up the chance to send yourself or your beloved ones some postcards.

Benq明信片生活美學比賽網址：

Link to Benq postcard contest:

http://www.benqfoundation.org/benq-award/

Drifting on the sea / 漂流的旅行

最近收到如雪花般的訊息，來自自去年開始合作的線上藝術家，原來我們手繪的札記環遊世界的途中，就這麼和大家失去了聯絡，經由熱心的組長聯繫，這些小鴨們正安然地在美國某位藝術家的家中休息。雖然每個人貢獻的頁數不超過六頁，但想到如果這世界上唯一的一本書最後不知下落，多少還是會感嘆：「殘念啊！」

Lately I've received tons of email from those online artists I worked with last year. Our collaborative journal book was missing on its journey around the world. After Rebekah's search, the ducks are actually taking a break somewhere in the U.S. Though everyone contributes no more than six pages, I would lament if the one and only book got lost.

其實艾瑞‧卡爾寫「10隻橡皮小鴨」的靈感便來自1992年，有艘載著各式各樣玩具的貨船翻覆至海中，於是這些玩具，包括鴨子，便展開了海上之旅，最後有些進入大西洋，並且被發現。看來鴨子若沒有行遍萬里路，和其他同儕相較之下不免遜色，與其擔心，不如讓小鴨們玩得盡興，我們就好好等著牠們一路累積下來的故事吧！

In fact, Eric Carle's inspiration for the book 10 Little Rubber Ducks originated from a piece of news in 1992. A ship with all kinds of toys, including rubber ducks and other bathtub toys fell overboard and washed up on shores all around the world. It looks like if ducks do not have the experience of traveling to every corner in the world, they will not deserve the name of "ducks." As for us, we should kick back and wait for their return and all the adventures they've met with on the way.

去年我為小鴨寫了個以慶生為主題的插曲，咪咪的寵物鴨要過生日了，她想了各種別出心裁的慶祝方式，有參加游泳大賽、大啖北京烤鴨，不過最後還是決定邀請來自各國的鴨子朋友來開生日派對。從這些畫裡看到一年多前的自己，還真是有些懷念呢！

Last year I wrote a short story based on birthday celebration for the ducks. The birthday of Mimi's pet, Duckiki is coming up. She thinks up many "special" ideas, like taking part in the duck swim meet and feasting on Peking duck. In the end, she decides to invite the duck friends from other countries for a lovely party. In these pictures, I get to see what I was like a year ago. To be honest, I kind of miss my old self!

Beautiful summer nights / 美麗的夏夜

大概是上帝知道我這個夏天很萎靡，便讓我接連著兩個週末都過著文藝美少女的生活，直到這一兩個星期，我才有每年夏天那種因為忙於喜歡的事物而欲罷不能的感覺。

God probably knew that I had been kind of downbeat this summer, so I was invited to participate in some arts gatherings during the past two weekends. Finally, I started to recall how wonderful it was to be busy with something I was crazy about and how I had to go on and on.

上個週末隨小蕙的紀錄片聯展下高雄，在可愛的高雄電影圖書館，和一群陌生的文藝愛好者，欣賞半年前一群上紀錄片研習課的老師完成的作品。現場的觀眾人數不多，但是大家對於片中的主題都深有感觸，雖然這些片都是老師們的第一次，質樸的技巧不掩情感的真摯。想到當初每一個人都為了單一的目標堅持到底的精神，怎麼說我都很感動。

Last weekend I went down to Kaohsiung with Huei for her documentary exhibition. In the lovely museum of films, we watched the documentaries made half a year ago by a group of teachers who had attended a film workshop. There weren't many viewers, but the themes spoke to everyone. It was a new experience for all the teachers, but the sincere feeling outshone their primitive skills. I was very touched on thinking how everyone had persisted for one single goal.

這個週末，旅居法國的Lilou回台灣來，受到大辣出版社的邀請，在誠品信義館舉辦一場去法國學漫畫的演講會。說到和Lilou的相識，其實是因為去年夏天買了一堆大辣出版的歐漫書籍，有些是經由Lilou翻譯，我便對她有了印象，好巧不巧，去年底的中時部落格大賽她也參加了，想不到今年還有機會親眼參加她的演講。

This weekend, Lilou, who now dwells in France, was invited by Dala Publisher to give a speech on studying Bandes Desinees in France. Speaking of my encounter with her, I first got to know her name in the books translated by her last summer. She also took part in the blog contest held by Chinatimes at the end of 2006. It was amazing that I had a chance to see her in person this year.

本來我對於信義誠品的巨大有些卻步，我喜歡有家庭味的小書店，所以每年去誠品的次數屈指可數，不過昨天的演講很小型，在推理館舉行，我們在有著木質地板的空間裡，被滿滿的書籍環繞著，這是我第一次參加書店裡的演講會，是很令人欣喜的經驗。因為是第一次和Lilou見面，心想等演講完再和她相認，雖然她在演講之中並不知道我有沒有出現，居然還提到我，我像小孩般又感動又開心，很久沒有被這樣鼓勵了。

I hadn't visited Eslite Bookstore, Hsin-y branch often because of its gigantic size. I go more for smaller bookstores, so I had had some doubts before yesterday evening. However, the speech yesterday was on a mini-scale, held in the detective novel room. In the room with wooden floor, we were surrounded by tons and tons of books. This was my first time going to a speech in a bookstore, and I have to say it was very delightful. I planned to go to Lilou after the talk, but she mentioned my name during the speech even thought she wasn't sure if I was there. Like a child, I was very very excited and moved. I hadn't been encouraged like that for a long time in art.

Lilou除了聊有關在法國讀漫畫的經驗，也不斷地告訴大家，藝術是讓大家認識台灣的另一種管道，她不但自己一直在這個領域耕耘，也相信台灣有許多有潛力的人才。我則看到一個很努力推動夢想的人，即使不是最具影響力的人物，但是她是充滿光芒的。連坐在我身旁的胖小弟都從頭到尾乖乖地把演講聽完了。

Lilou not only talked about her own experiences of studying B.D. in France but also telling us that art is a very efficient means of promoting Taiwanese culture. She has been working hard in this field and also believes that there are many people with potential in Taiwan. I saw in her a soul going all out for her belief. She might not be the most influential person, but she is definitely full of light. Even the little fat boy next to me sat through the whole speech!

演講後在和Lilou小聊的過程中，又和前一陣子剛做完畢業作的灰色獸相認，她帶著唯一一本付梓的作品，大家紛紛露出讚嘆的眼光，希望就在不久的將來，她能找到出版社，讓我們每一個人都能擁有她的作品，甚至在現場便趕緊把她推向出版社主編呢！

After the speech, I had a very short chat with Lilou and then came forward another young artist—Grey Monster, who had just finished her book for graduation from college. She had with her the only printed book, and everyone wowed at its quality. We prayed hard that she would find a publisher soon and then we each of us would own a copy of her book. We even pushed her forward to the editor present!

和Lilou道別之後，我和灰色獸繞出一間又一間的書屋，我說，這些書真叫人興奮，不過我最希望的當然是，有一天印著我名字的書就擺在上頭，她心有所感的同意，然後我們一路走到車站，一路討論夢想，我還可以想像有一天她去法國唸書的遠景。

Upon saying goodbye to Lilou, Gray Monster and I walked out of rooms and rooms of books. I said, I was so excited to see these books, but I dreamed of seeing one with my name on it one day. She nodded hard at my words. On our way to the metro station, we chatted about our art dreams, and I even imagined her going to France for further studies one day.

美麗的夏夜裡，我如此深刻地記起自己對很多人許過，要繼續畫畫的承諾，更重要的是，這是我對自己的期待和要求。還好，我的身邊有這麼多還有夢想的人。

At beautiful summer nights, I thought of the promise I had made to so many people, that is, I have to go on painting. What's more important, it's what I expect of myself. Fortunately, there are still around me so many people who dream.

Lilou的歐漫介紹網站是：

The link to Lilou's introduction on European Bandes Dessinees:

http://mypaper.pchome.com.tw/news/lilou

Lilou的漫畫手札網站是：

The link to Lilou's works:

http://blog.roodo.com/lilou/

灰色獸的作品介紹：

The link to Gray Monster's works:

http://www.heyshow.com/browsing/users.asp?id=8163

Romance in the air / 曖昧

升高三的暑假，世界被瓜分成兩個極端，外頭精力過盛的大太陽好像都不需要休息似的，但是開了空調的教室裡，如黑色深海，浮游生物懶懶地、疲累地，使勁要抓住隨水波逐流的考卷，卻始終有種力不從心的感嘆。

During the summer break before the 12th grade, the world is divided into two halves. The hyper sun outside seems to have endless energy. It burns on and on and on. But the air-conditioned classroom is the deep dark sea. The sea animals are lacking in drives and vibes. They try hard to grab the test papers carried by the sea waves. Yet the flesh is so weak...

終於，撐到週五，十二點的鐘聲響了，不顧外面熊熊燃燒的陽光，孩子們像被釋放的獄囚，一哄而散，就算冒著被曬黑的天大危險，怎麼樣都要出去晃一圈。有些冷清的教室裡，剩下帶便當和等著訂餐的女孩。待我再回過神，視線裡突然多了名男性，啊，是年輕貌美的代課老師。此時，我的身邊圍上了幾張嘴，竊竊私語關於老師的可愛和同學的迷戀。

Finally, thank God it's Friday. When the bell for the noon break rings, kids rush out like prisoners that have been kept in jail for ages, regardless of the blazing sun. Even at the risk of getting a tan, they have to go out to take a breath. In the quiet classroom are girls with lunch boxes and those waiting for the delivery. When I raise my head again, there is a man in my sight. Ah, it's the young and beautiful substitute teacher. At this time, I am suddenly surrounded by some chattering mouths, introducing to me the teacher's charm and the girls' crush.

之後一分鐘發生的美麗以慢動作進行，靦腆的老師就要離開，女孩大方地邀請他留在教室用餐，他拉著門努力地想一想，不出幾秒，又走了進來，女孩的開心沒有說出來，可是那美好的曖昧在空氣裡流轉著，瞬時深海變成色彩柔和的花田。

What happens afterward takes place in slow motion. The shy teacher is about to leave, but girls invite him to stay for lunch. He holds onto the doorknob, thinking hard. Within seconds, he comes in. Girls do not scream or shout, but the fragrance of romance spreads in the air. Within a second, the deep sea becomes fields of flowers of pastel colors.

步出教室之前，我用力吸一大口空氣，再離去。

Before leaving the classroom, I take a deep, hard breath.

farewell trip / 道別的旅行

你要離開了，我們決定如往常，一同去旅行。旅途裡，炙熱的陽光白花花的，身邊的年輕人著小可愛和熱褲，無止境地擺著可愛的姿勢，相機聲如海浪般，一波接著一波，正盛的青春在我們耳邊嘩啦嘩啦地響著。我們則老僧入定地坐在有點搖晃的渡輪上，感受著周圍的、自己的人生。累了，就坐在露天的亭子裡打盹，旁邊有躲雨的歐吉桑作伴，你說，他眼邊的魚尾紋像盛開過的桃花，我倒覺得那線條漂亮到不行，呼應著我們視線正前方的海灣波浪。

You are about to leave. We decide to go on a trip together, as usual. On our way, the sweltering sun shines with dazzling light. Young people around us wear nothing but tanks and shorts, posing endlessly for cameras that never stop clicking. Like waves of seawater, the powerful beats of blooming youth thunder in our ears. We sit quiet and calm on the slightly swaying ferry, breathing in the air that smells of air-conditioning, sweat and salt. When tired, we take a nap in the open-air pavilion nearby, accompanied by an old man who seeks for shelter from the shower. You make a comment on the wrinkles around his eyes and compare them to flowers in blossom. I am impressed by the beautiful lines. They echo to the bay waves right in front of us.

一整天的熱氣，如我無法定義的情緒，終於在下過雨的傍晚沉澱。我們在漸褪的天色裡漫步，穿過中山大學神秘的隧道，發現藏在後頭的西子灣，發現那片桃花源時，我才感覺，一切就快要有出口。

The heat lasts for a whole day. Finally, it cools down in the evening after the rain. So does my indefinable feeling. When the color of the sky isn't so blinding, we take a stroll. After passing through the mysterious tunnel that leads to Chung-shan University, we discover Shi-tze Bay that lies behind it. On seeing the out-of-the-world sight, I realize, I will find answers to all soon.

我們拿出相機，朝著遠方的夕陽，無法克制地按著快門，我貪婪地想留住那一刻，可是怎麼拍都不夠，於是我又把鏡頭對著周圍戲水的人群，如此一來，等以後我回想這趟旅行時，鮮明的記憶中，我會記得圖像裡每件人事物的位置、顏色、甚至他們各自的心情。我轉過頭，看看你，還在身旁，努力地捕捉別人看不到的鏡頭，那就是你的模樣。

We take out the cameras, aim at the sunset in the distance. We can't help but click the button non-stop. I am desperate to freeze that moment, but no matter how many photos I take, they are never enough. I then focus at people playing in water around me. In this way, when I look back on this trip, I will remember clearly the positions of everyone and everything, even their colors and moods. I turn to you. You are still there, trying to capture tiny details that others are not aware of. That is how you are in my memory.

夕陽漸落，我們一邊持續紀錄天黑之前的光亮，一邊回憶著上次旅行的片段，西子灣和巴里島的海灘是那麼相像，每趟共同的旅行也如此熟悉，但是我們的人生不停向前進，今天和昨天的距離已經很遠，而明天和今天會更遠，我會想念你，不過我了解，每個人都有自己的人生，我多麼喜歡你那邁開步伐的勇氣。

The sun lowers. We keep recording the bright moments before the dark and recall the fragments of our last trip. The beaches of Shi-tze Bay and Bali Island are so alike. Every trip we take together feels so familiar, yet we move on regardless of the beauty of the past. I've already forgot many things that took place yesterday, not to mention the distance between today and tomorrow. I will miss you, but in the meanwhile, I understand that each of us has our own plans for life. And I am so proud of your confident stride.

然後在不知幾點幾分時，太陽就撲通地掉進海中，正要把相機收起來之際，轉過身，另一面的月亮已就位。你大辣辣地、沒有一點離情地說，很快我們又會見面了，我想應該是吧。

At a certain moment, the sun drops without any sound into the sea. When I am to put away my camera, the moon is already on the other side. You grin without any nostalgia, saying that we will see each other soon. I think so too.

我們在紫藍的夜色裡，走向下一站。離開了，我才猛然想起，我們的相機裡，沒有一張合照，但是，我不介意。

In the violet nightfall, we head for the next destination. After you leave, it strikes me that there is not even one picture we took together in our cameras. Well, that's fine...

trips within trips / 旅行裡的旅行

圖為文中介紹的插畫家Nathalie Lete的舊作─巴黎之吻，取自於Nathalie的網站

In the picture is the book Bon Baiser de Paris by Nathalie Lete, the artist introduced in the article / picture taken from Nathalie's website

這幾年去旅行的途中，逛書店成為必備的行程之一，但是一切都不在計畫當中，我總是晃啊晃的，若察覺到方圓3公尺附近有書店或文具店，就不能自已地朝那方向飛奔而去，就是在旅行，走進書店和走出書店的世界又不一樣了，所以在國外的書店之旅，是旅行中的旅行。

In recent years, visiting bookstores has become part of my itineraries when traveling. But it is not planned in advance. Often I find bookstores by accident on my way to a certain destination. Once I spot any of them, I can't help but be drawn in like a magnet to the iron. The world I see before and after going bookstores can be so different that it is not exaggerating to compare trips to bookstores abroad to "trips within trips."

今年夏天的日本之旅，因為許多外在和人為因素，我開始學著放掉計畫好的行程，本來出發之前認為是非去不可的地方，遇到天災或身體狀況不配合，我也可以接受在旅館裡寫札記或到附近的書店打發一整個傍晚，這樣一來心理和生理反而有了可以紓解壓力的窗口，我和遊伴也有了呼吸的空間。

On my trip to Japan this summer, I learned how to give up the itineraries prepared ahead of time because of many external and internal factors. There were some scenic spots I regarded as "must-go" before the trip, but it takes pleasant weather and good physical condition to have a safe and nice trip. Now I can live with spending an evening in the hotel room writing journals or hanging out in a bookstore nearby. In this way, the mental and physical pressure can be relieved, and my companion and I can breathe without having to being stuck together 24/7.

旅行中第一間認真駐足的書店是高松市大商店街裡的宮脇書店，第一眼還無法找到我鍾愛的圖文書和童書，但是日本人大量使用手繪圖片作為書封面，讓我印象深刻。在走遍文史理工考試準備書區之後，我無意間來到婦女書籍區，主題似乎圍繞著戀愛、結婚、家庭，打開每一本書幾乎都是文配圖或圖配文，日常生活中看到的是拘謹小心的日本人，但是這些圖畫充滿了童稚的創意和可愛，我慶幸自己的新發現，讓我看到日本民族的多面相。走出書店時，我的腳步變得輕盈，看周遭人事物的眼光又不一樣。

The first bookstore where I took my time to read on the trip is Miyawaki Bookstore in the big shopping district in Takamatsu city. I couldn't locate my favorite illustrated or children's book area at first sight, but I was impressed with Japanese' preference for using illustrated book covers. After browsing through shelves of books on how to prepare for exams in all fields, I was attracted by books centering on the topics about love, marriage and family. Maybe they are targeted basically for women, so I found large numbers of pictures and illustrations in many books. The Japanese I encountered gave me the impression of being discreet and self-disciplined, but in these pictures, I saw the childlike innocence and creativity. I am glad my new discovery showed me different sides of Japanese people. I walked out of the bookstore at a light pace. The orderly and low-keyed world I envisioned in my mind for Japanese took on some colors.

印象最深刻的書店是德島市車站旁SOGO樓上的紀伊屋國，那天有點颱風要來襲的意味，我和媽咪在陰暗的傍晚在明亮的八樓書店打發時間，書店裡有下班的上班族、小學生等等，我一路瀏覽過五花八門的雜誌，有關於東京生活的東京人期刊，有各類旅行的雜誌，甚至有針對繪本討論的crayonhouse ehon school，我不禁又血脈噴張起來。童書區雖不大，但是對我來說每一本都是新書，我用力抄下喜歡的書名，計畫在旅行的最後一天把書購齊。那天傍晚步出書店時，感覺輕飄飄的，因為旅行因此又多了個目標，令我心情大好的目標。

I was most impressed with the visit to Kinokuniya on the 8th floor of Sogo near the train station of Tokushima city. That day, we could smell the threat of the No. 4 Typhoon in the air, so my mom and I decided to spend the cloudy evening in the well-lit bookstore. There were people who just got off work, students who searched hard for books, etc. The variety of magazines really amazed me. Tokyo jin is about life in Tokyo. One can find all kinds of magazines on traveling. There is even a periodical crayonhouse ehon school devoted to the discussion on illustrated books. I felt my adrenaline speeding up after a long interval or dormancy. The area for children's books isn't daunting in size, but hey, every book was new for me. I copied the titles of those that captured my attention, planning to buy them all on the last day of my trip. When I left, I felt so light because I had one more goal, a goal that took me to seventh heaven.

於是旅途中只要有機會去到書店，我想擁有的書目不停增加，我沒有什麼野心，擁有這些書對我來說就等於擁有全世界。於是當我們最後購齊了親朋好友的紀念品之後，媽媽問我對於那些美麗的衣裳有沒有興趣，我直嚷嚷書店才是我最想去的地方。我們從四國松山市大街的大明書店找到本州大阪新齋橋商店街的雅典書店，除了找到我看好的書之外，又有了個新發現。雅典書店在一樓特地開闢一小塊空間，主題是巴黎，上頭陳列著日本出版社和巴黎人的合作書籍，有的書只是集結20名巴黎在地人的訪談，有的書則拜訪巴黎戀人的公寓等等，我個人認為這些應該都是日本人對於巴黎嚮往之下的產物，不過書籍做得很精美，我無法抗拒地從其中選了一本 A to Z de Nathalie Lete，納塔莉是住在巴黎的藝術家，她的作品多采多姿，反正一本書可以讓我從大阪飛到巴黎，何樂而不為呢？

I didn't give up any opportunity to go to bookstores. The books I would like to have kept increasing in number. I was not ambitious. Owning these books meant having the whole world for me. After we got all the souvenirs for friends and family members, my mom asked me if I was interested in beautiful clothes. I thought of nothing but the books. We made our way from one local bookstore in Matsuyama city in Shikoku to Athens Bookstore in the Shinsaibashi shopping area in Osaka in Honshu. In the process I found something intriguing again. In Athens Bookstore, a shelf is reserved for books on Paris. They are mostly products designed by Japanese publishers with interviews of Parisians, Parisian lovers and their apartments, and what not. Personally, they reflect how crazy Japanese are about French or European culture. The contents didn't deprive me of my rationality, but I have to admit that the designs of the books are enticing. I chose one titled A to Z de Nathalie Lete, an artist living in Paris. Her artworks are extremely colorful. Well, merely a book can take me from Osaka to Paris. I didn't see any harm in buying it.

在書店裡，我看到了日本人的夢想 〈夢想之書也琳瑯滿目〉，日本人的愛旅行，日本人的創意，還有各種反映現實人生的考試書和實用手冊，當我的日本筆友被遺忘在年少的過往歲月，起碼有書店讓我可以多了解一下這個和我們那麼相似又那麼不同的民族，也讓我去到他們的內心世界一遊。

I got to see Japanese people's dreams (many books on this subject are available), their love for traveling, their creativity and all kinds of books and manuals that present how competitive the real life can be. Since all my Japanese pals were left in oblivion a long time ago, at least I still have bookstores to turn to and gain a better understanding of the race that is so similar to and so different from us. I also won a chance to travel to their inner worlds.

納塔莉的網站是：

Nathalie's website is:

http://www.nathalie-lete.com/index.php

this summer / 今年夏天該這樣過

森 友治 攝影

photo by Mori Yuji

今天是度假後上課的第一天，學生問：「老師，日本好玩嗎？」我想了想，發現這次旅行不太像往常，我沒有很誇張或很好笑的故事可以述說，但是我的札記本寫得滿滿的，那些文字用說的，似乎太膚淺，而且好像要有點年紀才能懂。因為經驗太滿了，我目前只能把紀錄擺在一邊，過些時間再回來整理。

Today is the first day after the short summer break. Girls asked, "Was the trip to Japan fun?" I gave some thought to the question, then it hit me that this trip was not quite like those I had taken before. There is no exaggerating or hilarious story to tell, but my journal book was full. What is verbally said seems too shallow, and only people of my age or even older can understand my feeling. I've seen too many things, but for the time being I have to put the records away. A little distance in time will do me some good.

遠離我狹隘的生活，去了日本，遇到許多日本人，買了好些日本人的書，此時的心情雲淡風輕，回頭看幾個星期前的人生像場鬧劇，我又準備要站起來了。這次很幸運地發現森 友治的新書，他的照片令我愛不釋手，我要過濾掉那些不重要的片段，把他小女兒的微笑放在心裡，穩穩地大步向前。今年的夏天還有時間成就一番作為。

To get away from my narrow life, I went to Japan, ran into many Japanese and bought some Japanese books. I feel quite light at this moment. My life a few weeks ago was nothing but a farce. I am ready to get up again. I was more than lucky to have found Mori Yuji's new book. I take so much delight in watching the photos he took. This summer, I am going to put aside those unimportant fragments and bear in my heart only the warm and innocent smile of Mr. Mori's daughter. I will stride forth at a much more steady pace this time.

森 友治的網站：

Link to Mori Yuji's website:

http://www.dacafe.cc/

the meaning of traveling / 旅行的意義

圖攝於日本小豆島二十四瞳之映畫村

photo taken in the movie village of 24 eyes, Shoudoshima, Japan

這個學年過了之後，心被鎖在教室裡的某個角落，我不知怎麼地，失去過往的怡然自得，陷入庸人自擾的泥沼裡，最後連想要爬出來的慾望都沿路遺失了。於是當同事嚷嚷著年度旅行的計畫時，我只是很安靜地處理工作上的瑣事，一副事不關己，連自己都搞不清楚究竟是低調還是冷漠。

After this school year, I had a feeling that my heart was locked somewhere in the classroom. Somehow I lost my poise along the way, trapped in self-worry. I even couldn't find the desire to get out. So when my colleagues talked about their annual travel plans with excitement, I buried myself in the trifles at work quietly, as if I didn't plan to go anywhere. I couldn't understand if I was being low-key or indifferent.

圖攝於高知 Los Hotel

photo taken at Los Hotel, Kochi, Japan

「去旅行真的會不同嗎？」我自問，還好，我還是帶著小小的期望去了四國。雖然地點選的冷門，所到之處旅客寥寥無幾，今年的年度旅行看起來就像以往一樣，我無法避免地搭錯車、走錯路、甚至還遇到颱風來襲，所有可以預期和預期以外的偶發事件都發生了，但是這些經歷都讓我跳脫了日常生活的窠臼，我在當地的上班族臉上看到自己的倦容，在別人的生活裡看到自己的擔憂和害怕是多麼的沒有意義，以及他們認真對待每一天的態度，在大自然的美麗中看到生命的力量，還有在我們小小的和室房間，從窗子朝外看到暴風雨過後的藍天。

"Would traveling make any difference?" I asked myself. Well, I still went on the trip planned in advance to Shikoku, Japan. Different from the past, I chose a low-profile destination where only a handful of tourists could be seen. Yet like before, I couldn't help taking wrong buses, getting lost. We even bumped into a typhoon. Our trip was enriched by what could and could not be expected. They might not always be pleasant, but these experiences took me out of the narrow frame of the reality. I saw myself on the tired look of the office workers. By traveling I took a glimpse into others' lives, so touched by their serious attitude toward life. I also realized how pointless my fear and worries were. I witnessed the strength of life in the beautiful nature. Out of the window in our small Japanese room, I saw the blue sky after the storm.

兩個星期過後，我看到新的自己，不是百分之百的勇敢，但是不想逃避，也不想改變自己敷衍了事，只想把持我的信仰，找到答案。你問我旅行的意義為何，我不再用語言敘述了，如果你夠敏感，從我身上你就可以找到端倪。

Two weeks later, I saw a brand-new me. I am not 100% brave, but I do not want to run away anymore. Nor will I change myself to cater to others. I want to hold onto my beliefs and find the answers I am looking for. You asked me the meaning of traveling. Languages seem extra. If you are sensitive enough, you'll find them in me.