Mother and daughter, traveling together 1 / 媽媽和我的旅行 1

第一章─我們要一起旅行！

Chapter 1: We are taking a trip together!

pictures taken at Fiumicino Airport, Rome

Again it is time for me to travel, but my companions found their better halves one after another. Since I am not the kind of person that'll sit around and do nothing just because I can't find any travel mate, I decide to explore the world by myself again.

Summer, 2006

"Beautiful, sexy Italy! Here I am!"

"Here I am too!"
"Mama! What are you doing here?"

"Well, with Mom by my side, all my beautiful fantasies are shattered. In the meanwhile, it's really mean of me to say that..."

pictures taken in Taipei city

Then unforgettable images of my childhood flit across my mind-Mom and I had conflicts, shed tears and staged cold wars in different corners of the city. Now, more than twenty years later, I still remember every little detail.

I have grown up, Mom has aged. Will everything be different?

"Sweetie, here comes the train!"

Mom and I didn't travel together for years. She always accompanied my dad. I chose my companions freely, or went on trips alone. We are aware how different our traveling styles and needs are, so we never force each other to compromise. We love each other, but we leave much freedom for each other too. This is one of the unwritten traditions in my family.

For me, an ideal trip includes the company of a close friend or a lover that knows me well. It has hardly occurred to me that Mom and I will take a long trip together. However, after she retired from her lifelong career, she yearns to travel around the world so much. I then am her only hope.

I can't stay cheerful along the way. I'd like to show my mom the world, but I am weighed down with many insignificant worries.

"Sweetie, you see, the scenery is just lovely!"

When the train takes us into downtown Rome, I have thought things through. Since we've decided to travel together, I'll have to open my heart. Mom and I both possess wonderful personalities. We shall have few problems getting along with each other on the trip. Besides, I don't believe it will be more difficult than traveling with complete strangers, which I also tried in the past.

So, we are going to begin our adventure in Italy together!

"As we are going to travel together, we have to take care of and put up with each other!"

"Deal!"

Mother and daughter, traveling together / 媽媽和我的旅行

轉眼間，義大利之行已經是將近一年前的事了，本來想就這麼把它遺忘，但是不管日子怎麼前進，總覺得旅途中有許多點點滴滴，我還記在心上。吳爾芙說，未紀錄下來的就形同於沒有發生過，再說，這是第一次和母親的自助旅行，我很珍惜其中的每一個片段，所以我決定，在下一趟旅行出發之前，著手紀錄去年夏天的回憶。

如果你的心也因為季節交替而蠢蠢欲動，也剛好有那麼點想念你的媽媽，那就和我一起來吧！

With time flying, our trip to Italy was almost a year ago. I intended to leave it into oblivion. But no matter how my life moves forward, there are many pieces of memories I can't forget. Virginia Wolf said that what is not recorded is regarded as what has never happened. Besides, that was our first independent travel together. I cherish very much every little episode. Thus, I've made up my mind to record the memories before we set out for another trip soon.

If your heart longs for something refreshing because of the seasonal change, and you happen to miss your mom a little bit, come with me!

at school 2 / 學校裡的事 2

老師也愛寫作業─

不太記得從前當學生時，喜不喜歡寫作業，好像視科目而定，對於我特別喜愛的科目，寫作業是種享受，否則就只是為了交作業而寫。

這一學年突然有種領悟，可以和學生一同作作業，因為很多生命教育的靈感是我在慢跑之際衍生而出，自己也覺得如果我也作一份，以我的人生經驗，寫出來的東西應該和學生很不一樣。前幾週放假在家，很認真地寫有關於過去、現在和未來的自己，寫完之後，對未來的想法更清楚了。也許我的學生們在數十年之後回過頭來看，才能理解為什麼這樣的功課要好好做吧！

Teachers love to write homework!

I don't remember too well how I felt about doing homework when I was a kid. For me, writing assignments was quite enjoyable when it came to my favorite subjects. Most of the time, I did homework just because I didn't want to be punished.

It occurred to me to do some assignments with my students last semester. Many ideas for the interesting homework about life education come to me when I am jogging. I've always been wondering how different mine would be compared with students' since I am so much older and more experienced. A few weeks ago, during the long holidays, I wrote seriously about short introduction on my past, present and future. After I finished it, my outlook on the future was so clear. Maybe my students will understand why they should take their time to do some homework in many decades…

不寫作業就去玩吧！

如果不想寫作業，就出去玩吧！學期走到中間點，很多顆心都飛出去了，還好這學期有個重頭戲叫做畢業旅行，但是老師的想法和學生就截然不同，因為對老師來說，我們身兼各種責任，我把它叫做「不寧靜的旅行」。儘管如此，居然還有很多人羨慕我，那麼我就試著在表面寧靜、底下波濤洶湧的藍色海洋裡自得其樂吧！祝我旅途愉快！

Go out for fun if you are not in the mood for doing homework!

If you refuse to write any more homework, go out for fun! In the middle of the semester, many hearts have flown far and away from the textbooks and the school. Fortunately, this semester we have the graduation trip for the 11th graders. However, teachers wouldn't be so happy about the trip because we have all kinds of responsibilities. I call it "the un-tranquil trip." Despite so, many people still envy me for being able to go to the sunny South Taiwan. Then I'll try to have some fun along the way trying not to worry so much. Bon voyage to me!

at school 1 / 學校裡的事 1

「學校生活很苦悶。」這句話道盡了不少學生的心聲，其實對老師而言，這更是說到我們的心坎裡，不過有一些埋頭努力的老師，默默地耕耘，用心營造美好的學習環境。今年春天，貝琳老師幫我準備一個很溫馨的小型畫展，我尤其喜歡她為我設計的海報，藍綠色小屋裡，養著我心愛的玫瑰花，很適合這個詩意的多雨春天，謝謝你貝琳！

"School life is so boring…" This sentence says exactly what's on most students' mind. For teachers, no one would object to that. However, there are some teachers committed to making schools a better learning environment. This spring, our art teacher Bei-ling curated a small-scale exhibit for me. I especially adore the poster she designed. In the turquoise little house lives my dear rose. I think it is a perfect image for this poetic yet rainy spring. Thank you Bei-ling!

雖然這次的畫展沒有太多主題說明，其實我在挑畫的時候，想著我的學生，每天就在學校補習班和家裡來來回回，放眼望去盡是教科書講義和考試，我想要讓她們看到自己生活以外的世界，可以多麼多采多姿。最近幾個女孩問我存在的意義是什麼，如果她們也能看到我走過的一切，也許就不會對生活提不起勁。

I did not mention anything about the choice of the theme for my exhibit. When I was selecting paintings, I thought of my students. They hardly go beyond school, bushibans and their apartments in their daily lives. They are weighed down by tests, textbooks and handouts. I want them to see the vast world they haven't explored and show to them how colorful it is. Lately I've been asked by some kids about the meaning of their existence. If they can take a glance at what I've experienced, perhaps they will have more passion for life.

這一年來在工作上的感觸很深刻，學生不再像從前天真地說出她們的夢想，因為有夢想的人寥寥可數。以前聽孩子們毫無顧慮地說大話，並不覺得有什麼了不起，現在倒覺得這是種奢求，大部分的人最多認命地說，現在都過不好，想什麼未來，但是沒有夢想，如何撐下去呢？我不杞人憂天，不過如果我的學生反映新世代的普遍狀況，我很擔心國家的前景。

This year I have felt much change between my current and past students. The former do not say out loud their dreams stupid as they may be. The reason is simple-they don't have any dream. I didn't find it remarkable at all when kids told me their great wishes innocently, but I do find it to be a merit now. Most people would say in a resigned tone that they can't even take good care of themselves in the present, let alone the future. Yet my question is, how do you survive without any dream? I am never a pessimistic person. Nevertheless, if my students are representative of the new generation, I am very worried about the future of this country.

我只是個很平凡的老師，可是我有很大的夢想，我不想只是個老師，我想成為插畫家，這個夢想讓我每天早上有起床的動力、有好好工作的慾望、想要抓住生活的每一刻，我沒有想過沒有夢想的人生。

這個春天，我們要一起作夢，而且要付諸實現。

I am a very ordinary teacher, but I have a big dream. I want to be more than a teacher, I want to become an illustrator. This dream motivates me to get up, work hard, and seize every moment in life. I have never thought about a dreamless life because that wouldn't be any life for me.

This spring, let's dream together and make our dreams come true step by step…

Bali of Three 8 / 巴里島，三個人 8

來自巴里島的明信片 / Postcards from Bali Island

烹飪課 巴里島 01/29/2007

我的廚師陣容 / 我切的青蔥vs主廚切的青蔥

因為這一輩子從來沒上過專業的烹飪課，想到遊巴里島的行程包括學當地料理，內心真是興奮不已。我認為食物和語言是通曉外國文化之關鍵。

剛開始我差點被龐大的廚師陣容給嚇昏，一行人浩浩蕩蕩，包括一名主廚、兩名助理廚師，連店經理都出來站台了。不過從我笨拙的手腳來看，我大概連入門的學徒都當不了，看看我切的蔬菜，大塊到令人難以消化，但是主廚很善良，沒有當面嘲笑我。

巴里島飲食的主要特色─準備每一道菜色之前都要先準備醬汁，而且是用新鮮、剁碎的草本植物做成，或煎或炒，再加入每一道菜。今日推薦美食─沙嗲檸檬棒，這可是巴里島的代表風味喔！

這就是廚師和我「合力」完成的巴里島大餐！

This was the Balinese meal prepared by the chefs, "and me."

看診記 巴里島 01/29/2007

「我們看醫生去吧！」/ XXX診所 / 醫生秘書 (是個男人) / 醫生本人 / 「這裡會痛嗎？」「不會！」「有嘔吐嗎？」「有。」「大便呢？」「一點點。」/ 「為了更進一步‧‧‧你‧‧‧」我只看到他那閃亮的大戒指。

我對健康問題龜毛到不行，所以有不少在國外就診的經驗。本來以為可以倖免印尼，但是我想上帝大概是要我將來寫一本在國外看病的書籍，所以這此病倒的是張小蕙小姐，以成就我未來偉大之書。

小蕙因為症狀不輕，我們於是決定在當地就診，其實當地人應該不常看病，所以楊朵也戰戰兢兢的。診所小小的，裡面有著淡淡的藍綠色壁面，沒什麼醫療器材，讓我想到五六零年代的診間。室內的空氣悶熱，不過很安靜，聽得到電風扇轉動的聲音。醫生穿著暗紅色的長袖襯衫，打著領帶，不停地留著汗，在不同的診間穿梭。還好我們的問題不是太嚴重，而且醫生看起來還算誠懇啦！

這個不明藥物是巴里島醫生的愛心。

This unknown medicine represented the Balinese doctor's good will.

一切苦痛發生於這個美好的日落之後。

All the physical pain occurred after this beautiful sunset.

巴里島夜未眠 巴里島 01/29/2007

「我的肚子！」「你還好嗎？」

旅行有種難以解釋的魔力，如果你們夠幸運，沒有因為近距離的接觸變成仇人，那麼你們之間發展的情誼會持續一生，當提到那個你鍾愛的旅伴時，你會發出「喔！」的讚嘆聲，臉上會帶著夢幻且懷念的表情。

小蕙在巴里島病倒了，試著把以上的腹瀉過程乘以五，那就是她的折磨了，本來還以為我們半路就會打道回府呢！這個小插曲讓我們的友情彌堅，如果我們各自和不同的旅伴來到巴里島，一切就不會這麼刺激好玩吧！

巴里島系列至此告一段落，謝謝各位收看，敬請期待春季特別企劃之全新單元！

Bali of Three 7 / 巴里島，三個人 7

巴里島三個人之飄飄欲仙篇

「我是巴里島之行的財政部長，請多多指教。」

「我們一人有多少零用金？」「一百八十萬印尼幣。」其實，並不是我對算錢很在行，而是─我只比她好。「我們發了！」

這大概是我們這一生中，感到最富有的時刻，我們花錢如流水，完全搞不清楚到底花了多少。

「五十萬印尼幣？小意思！」「請笑納！」─世界上最奢侈的兩名女人

在台灣─
我媽：「不行！太貴了！就400元！」
友人甲：「拜託，我很窮唉！」
友人乙：「290，不要就拉倒！」

在泰國─
我的旅伴：「300泰銖按摩90分鐘！不然就算了！」「沒錯！」

去巴里島之前，我從未精於殺價，我不懂為何人們如此樂在其中，不過巴里島之行真是我人生中的轉戾點，我會如是建議和我一樣、有殺價障礙之輩：「去巴里島吧！在那美好之地上殺價初級班，可說是再理想不過啦！」

「五萬！太貴了！」「那你開多少價？」
「兩萬好唄？」「三萬啦！」
「兩萬五好了！」「成交！」

在巴里島，沒有人殺價殺到臉紅氣喘的，相反地，整個過程甚和平寧靜，雙方臉上總是笑容滿面，最後再來上一個雙贏的圓滿結局。

「LV耶！」「等我！」
「沒興趣！」「我也是！」

熟識我的人都知道，我對逛街是多麼地興趣缺缺，即使是在如紐約或巴黎的時尚聖地。但是巴里島的物品有種神奇的魅力，就這麼把我吸了進去，於是我再也無法荷包滿滿地全身而退。

「我們從未見過如此充滿魔力的布料‧‧‧」

「這些抱枕放在我家客廳，看起來會很棒喔！」

「夏天背這個多好！」

「我沒法就這麼走回家去！」「那就買嘛！」

「好漂亮！」

「她們到底在幹什麼？」「不是叫妳們要快一點嗎？」

楊朵的理性把我們拉回到現實生活，雖然我們很愛巴里島，但是我們還有回家的班機要趕呢！

也許有一天，我們會重遊巴里島，不過還好，目前我們有滿滿的回憶‧‧‧

「再見！巴里島！」

No blue Monday / 星期一不憂鬱

雖然LOHAS雜誌的正式出版日期是4月2日星期一，不過我身邊的親朋好友從昨天就不斷地到7-11詢問，而我這麼有耐心的人反而顯得有些事不關己。昨晚被薛吉通知雜誌已經上架之後，我們家的爸爸媽媽就迫不急待地最近一家7-11的LOHAS全部搜購一空，整件事弄得我很興奮，雖然今天是陰陰涼涼的星期一，我的日子裡有股愉悅的味道。

Though the official release date of LOHAS is Monday, April, 2, some people around me were so looking forward to the magazine that they had gone to 7-11 the convenience store repeatedly yesterday. In contrast, I seemed to be kind of indifferent in being so patient. Last night after Cher told me that she had laid her hand on the magazine, my parents bought all the magazines in the nearest 7-11. I couldn't but feel really excited. While it is a gray Monday, I smell something quite pleasant in the air.

你一定想，我是出書還是贏得樂透彩，其實我只有兩頁版面，我也知道這真的沒什麼了不起，我也不是個喜歡大肆宣揚情感的人，可是我真的好高興，因為這是我堅持夢想數年的小小獎勵。我想，很多創作的人要求並不多，我們只要幾句鼓勵的話語，就可以一直這樣走下去。

You must wonder if I hit the jackpot or finally had my first book. In fact, I have only two pages. I know it's really no big deal. Nor am I someone who loves to go into details about my feeling. But I still want to say, I am so happy. This is like a small reward for my persistence. I bet many artists feel the same as I do. We don't ask for much. With a few words of encouragement, we can go on and on.

除了我自己，我要介紹一個同樣認真的創作者給大家認識，她是來自馬來西亞的Constance，從去年創立部落格到現在，我看到了Constance的誠懇和努力，雖然就像我一樣，有時會因為失去方向而苦惱，但是Constance充滿對插畫的熱誠和潛力，我們都是用力生活的女生！

Apart from myself, I'd like to introduce an equally sincere creator to you--Constance from Malaysia. Since she founded her blog last year, I've witnessed Constance's rapid growth. Though like me, we sometimes are confused, but I am sure of one thing, that is, Constance is always full of enthusiasm and potential for illustration. We are both girls that take life seriously!

最近好些人紛紛和我說，他們把我的部落格從裡到外、從前到後讀了一遍，其實很多舊文章和畫作對我而言只是生活的紀錄，現在再回頭看真是沒什麼，所以我只想說，謝謝你。我只能更努力地走下去，這就是我的樂活精神。

Lately some people have told me that they read every post in my blog upside down, inside out. I myself am actually ashamed of the lack of quality, especially when it comes to old stuff I did a long time ago. So the only thing I can say is, "Thank you." I don't have any other choice but to dream harder and work harder. I think that is my definition of LOHAS.

如果你是旅居台灣島以外的朋友，你很想得到這本雜誌，請告訴我，我會和聖誕老人想想辦法讓你美夢成真。

If you inhabit somewhere away from Taiwan and you want to have the magazine desperately, please let me know. I, along with Santa, will figure out a way to make your wish come true.