Saturday, January 18, 2014

Cafe-like museum / 像咖啡館的博物館


現在每個週六早上都是我的自學時間,邊讀邊冒出更多的問號,但越走進植物的世界越是開心。前往植標館的路上總是充滿期待,不知道今天又會和怎麼樣的人相遇。

Now every Saturday morning is my self-study time. The more I learn, the more questions will spring up. However, it's really a blessing to find myself in the midst of the plant world. On my way to the museum, I am always filled with anticipation, wondering what kind of visitors I will encounter. 



       很多人一進門便忽略這塊美麗的標牌,這是工作人員和志工的作品。因為我還沒有機會親眼看過所有的果實和種子,只能暫時用記的,所以每當有人問我是不是主修植物,我都會有點羞愧和竊喜。

   Many people automatically ignore this lovely sign right upon entering the exhibit room, but it was the hard work of the staff and volunteers. Since I haven't got opportunities to look at all the seeds in person, I can only do some cramming. Whenever asked if I major in botany, I can't help feeling a mixture of shame and pride. 





       主展場的空間原本是植物解剖室,經過設計改建之後,就變成現在的樣貌。沒有訪客的時候,我可以挑喜歡的位子讀書。這些櫃子和桌椅也都很有歷史感。

   The main room used to be a botany lab. Now it is totally different after being designed and renovated. If there isn't any visitor, I can pick my favorite seat and read. The cabinets, desk and chairs are all antiques from the Japanese colonial period. 



        今天下午剛開館時有點冷清,我便以參觀者的眼光仔細觀看每件展品。這是工藤祐舜教授的手稿和植物拓印,真是美麗。即使我已經在展示室待了三個星期,還是有好多新東西要研究。

   I had only myself in the early afternoon, which offered me a good chance to examine every exhibit as a visitor. This is the rubbing and manuscript of Prof. Yushun Kudo. Though I've been working in the exhibit room for three weeks, I never run out of things to learn. 



        館長郭城孟教授上個月替大家開了堂課,說了很多關於植標館的故事,聽完之後他瞬間成為我的偶像。展示室裡有很多留著老師痕跡的展品。我們今天偷閒吃下午茶,補慶祝老師昨天生日。

   The director of the herbarium, Prof. Chen-Meng Kuo, gave a talk on the history and stories of the herbarium last month, and he instantly became my idol. There are some exhibits indicating the effort of the professor. We had afternoon tea this afternoon to celebrate his birthday, which was actually yesterday, without his presence. 



        郭教授的老師是棣慕華教授(Charles E. Devol),仔細研讀標籤才發現有張他的親筆字跡。棣老師對於植標館的貢獻良多。

   The mentor of Prof. Kuo was Dr. Charles E. Devol. After a close look at the specimen labels, I found one with his handwriting. He also made immense contributions to the herbarium. 



        展示室除了可以看見的陳列品外,也暗藏許多寶藏,這是我偶然找到的不知名果實,雖然老是覺得自己很無知,但是我得常常說服自己:總是有不知道的事情。

   Apart from visible exhibits in the showcases, there are more put away in the cabinets. I came upon a bottle of unknown seeds unexpectedly. Since I started learning botany, I have constantly reminded myself that it is ok that there are so many things I don't know. 

找到答案了,這是無患子的種子!

I found the answer: These are the seeds of Chinese soap berries! 





       發現這個木盒時我非常驚喜,一定是上帝要獎勵我週六還來當志工!

   I was really amazed when I saw this wooden box. I bet it's my gift from God for doing voluntary work on Saturday! 

       要收攤之際,來了五個台藝大的小女生,可以和他們聊植物標本、藝術和古物,而且看他們很有興趣,這樣就夠讓我的週六發光了!

   Before closing, there came five young girls majoring in art. It was such a joy to converse with them about plant specimens, art and antiques. Seeing their eyes sparkle, I knew this was another fantastic Saturday. 

      快來台大植物標本館玩一玩! 

   Come to TAI herbarium for fun asap! 

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