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Home » China

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US China Education Comparison

April 16, 2019 by ExploreTraveler Leave a Comment

Comparative Essay

Education, Economic Growth, and Success

China and the United States

By

John J Gentry

US China Education Comparison

US China Education Comparison

The US-China Education Comparison and China growing economically and investing all around the world; they will become a major leader alongside the  United States and the European Union. Current American attitudes with education and teamwork create a disadvantage in regards to China. China for better or worse will have a central planning authority and stable leadership since their constitution has been modified to keep the current leadership for the rest of his life. One must also think long and hard about China as a culture and how the Chinese family unit works as a whole with the goal of lifting each next generation to the next level of education and excellence. The family culture within the United States is being diminished at the same time the Chinese are solidifying the family unit for the purpose of moving these next generations forward. This concept can be hard for Americans who have bought into doing it alone attitude but we must understand why we are falling behind the world educationally so we can make an effort to improve. The United States must reform it’s secondary education system to include a structured college based system for juniors and senior high school students. (Segal, 2011)

US China education comparison

Social differences between the two countries can be difficult for the average person to understand but they can be understood and broken down. First, we have to focus on the long-standing history of the Chinese and how they view their own history. China has had wars and many changes in leadership over thousands of years but the Chinese people always moved forward. China has been invaded and sometimes controlled via foreign powers but the Chinese people have always endured. China has gone through world war one, world war two, and the communist revolution and the Chinese peoples kept moving forward. Through famines, droughts and forced one child policies the culture of the Chinese people is still intact and very strong. This is the only culture in the world to have continuity over such a long period of time. However, this constant stability of family, village and regional support has always expected the next generation to build upon the last and this does show up in their massive growth. But with this style of expectations thrust upon each new generation, there is a certain spirit of innovation that can be lost. Chinese children are not for the most part allowed to spend time outside of studies and their continued education. So they begin to miss certain hands-on skills in everyday life. This difference can give them a disadvantage with troubleshooting and critical thinking tasks. Also being efficient with the use of their time can take a backseat due to saving face and showing respect to leadership and elders. With Chinese parents highly focused on economic enhancement for their family and country, most students will bypass as much education in the humanities altogether. Now there are some recent exceptions with some parents starting to include music and classical music into early childhood due to research that some parents think can enhance a child’s ability to perform in the math and sciences. As Nussbaum explains in regards to India but also applies here in regards to China; a lack of humanities can leave education less fulfilling and leave out the ability to develop critical thinking skills. (Nussbaum, 2010) When looking into the US China Education Comparison along these line we can clearly conclude the differences.

US China education comparison

In the United States, we have strong university systems and encourage innovation, self-starters, imagination and critical thinking skills.  However, during that last few decades, these same universities now have grown more political and center around certain politically correct norms. Thus isolating or pushing out students who don’t fit into that universities current political mindset or pre-setup economic conditioned model. (Nussbaum, 2010) This loss of balance is hurting our innovation and also encouraging foreign scientists to consider going back home where their own political ideas may be more accepted. Innovation requires the inclusion of people from multiple walks of life and with social differences becoming a political firestorm on university campuses we have the risk of pushing talent out of the country. Graduate level degree-seeking students should be able to have more interdisciplinary approaches without being excluded or looked down upon within academia as not specialized enough. Areas of study that combine multiple disciplines will only help us stay more competitive when combined within teams of other specialized fields. Our social construct from family, school, community and social environment should allow for students to overachieve and not restrict them back into the box of average students. We as a society need to help students find their areas of interest and help them develop these interests into a field of expertise. I have seen first hand how the educational systems in China and the United States to work and we must embrace the best of both systems while emboldening and preparing students to leave high school with several years of college study already under their belts.

US China education comparison

US / China Education Comparison of how students prepare.

China and Asian educational systems have an over-reliance on preparing students via cramming sessions that help prepare students for short term testing opportunities such as the SAT. These same students who did do well on test several years later may not have the memory recall as one might expect. Since within China it is expected to spend many long hours of memorizing the material with very little sleep. A normal day of school instruction may begin at 8 am and end at 3:30 PM with students then heading to school again starting at 4:00 PM and continue to midnight. Some high schools even focus on the use of cram school programs with the hopes of scoring the top score of the SAT and getting into ivy leading schools in the United States. This does generate book smart students who can memorize tremendous amounts of material but they have not been given the time to synthesize the material into long term memory. Without a required amount of sleep, these same students can find themselves at a disadvantage longer term over some students who excelled within the American system. Also later when these same students go to interview at jobs they may lack the skills necessary to articulate themselves within a normal interview process.

US China education comparison

Within the American educational system, we have struggled to ascertain the right method of verifying student learning and holding the educational system accountable for results. Students who wish to graduate early or attend university during their high school years are not supported to the extent that they should be. These students will need strong family support in order to get through the red tape and pass the gatekeepers who may not feel incentivized to support this level of activity. So one must ask the question of “how many students from lower income or single parent families miss these opportunities?” Having the intelligence is never enough since you need someone to recognize this and to help support you in using it to achieve excellence. It is my analysis that we as Americans miss these opportunities and only the students with strong family support pushing the school systems into action get the support needed to start University education early. The current struggle to stay on top via STEM educational systems is not enough and we must teach philosophy, history, art and a wide array of social sciences at an early age using creative techniques that enhance overall education and understanding of each other into the later years. Technical managers cannot organize or create international teams with the ability to communicate on a level that comes from a background in a multi-discipline academic approach.

US China education comparison

Conclusions of US China Education Comparison

In conclusion, if the United States can reform it’s secondary education system to include a structured college based system for juniors and senior high school students we will not only beat China on innovation but helps students from all walks of life excel. It is my opinion that without an increase in funding we can achieve this by fostering strong family, community and state level support. By encouraging teachers to openly recommend alternative subjects tests such as AP, DSST, and CLEP while asking local universities to teach some subject matter at the Freshman level directly inside the high school classroom. By embracing students who have the ability to graduate early from high school or to brings the professors, businessman into the classroom giving young students early access to real-world use of skills, and how these people achieved success. How fully incorporating freshman-level college courses into junior/senior high school offering student duel credit as a normal basis and not as the rare exception. Helping administrators with support at the state and national level to be able to reach out to noneducators with skills already operating at successful levels or these same people who have retired and bring them into the classroom to show students real hands-on use of their education. The combination of humanities can also help keep out the ability to perform complex critical thinking skills at a level that only studying a specialized science cannot provide. (Nussbaum, 2010)  In today’s interconnected world we must understand different languages, culture, and history found in the humanities and combined with the social sciences and hard sciences. For the United States to compete and to excel we must not throw out these other fields but embrace them into a mosaic collage of interdisciplinary thought. Our competitive edge has always been our ability to accept changes and to adapt to it. The ability to accept something new and to evolve new ideas and technologies to overcome a situation. The ability to take critical thinking from the past and to evolve old thought into new ideas that have taken us to space, the lunar surface, and a better understanding of our humanity. These skills cannot be learned by memorization alone and must be honed by a multi-disciplined approach. With exposure to a wide variety of experiences at the earliest of ages. Our families must be strong and not replaced by government systems but they should work as a solid eco-system that helps to enhance each other. Family, education, and economics should not be treated separately but as a joint cohesive unit that makes up the social construct of who we are as Americans. Our founding fathers knew this and embraced science and the humanities collectively and together we can and will achieve even greater accomplished in the years to come.

The US China Education Comparison and the gathering of new data will help both countries in the future to better understand their different strengths moving forward in the years to come.

 

References:

 

Adam Segal, “Why America’s innovation will beat out China’s” at:

http://globalpublicsquare.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/10/why-american-innovation-will-beat-out-china/

 

Ferrara, M. S. (2015). Palace of ashes : China and the decline of American higher education. Baltimore : Johns Hopkins University Press, 2015

 

Nussbaum, Martha C. (2010) Not for Profit:  Why Democracy Needs the Humanities.  Princeton:  Princeton University Press.  

 

Lin, J. (2016). What Is Education For? A Discussion of Nussbaum’s “Not for Profit: Why Democracy Needs the Humanities.” Education and Urban Society, 48(8), 767–779.

 

Qian, Y. ( 1 ), Fan, C. ( 1 ), Han, Q. ( 2,3 ), & Yuan, W. ( 4 ). (n.d.). Insights into medical humanities education in China and the West. Journal of International Medical Research, 46(9), 3507–3517.

US China Education Comparison

copyright

John J Gentry

ExploreTraveler

 

Filed Under: China, education, USA Tagged With: China, United States Education, US China education comparison

Taiwan Monkeys Of The Formosa Rock Monkey Family

September 2, 2018 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

taiwan monkeysTaiwan Monkeys Having Lunch In The Garden

The Taiwan monkeys of Taiwan are situated off the coast of mainland China, is a small island nation that is part of the Republic of China. Taiwan, rich in wildlife and flora, has many amazing animals and spectacular flowers. One of these magnificent animals is the Formosan Rock Monkey, also called the Formosan Rock Macaques. These cute and mischievous monkeys are the only monkey native to Taiwan. These cute little monkeys, love trees, but they are not a major part of their environment. What they do love are tropical forests, temperate forests, and bamboo forests. On occasion, you will even find them living in the vast grasslands. Though they are excellent climbers, more than not, they prefer to stay on the forest floor. Though they are found all over the island, they are not seen as often near the coastal beaches. Since many keep building near the beaches, they are going deeper into the forests.

The Formosan Rock Monkeys are omnivores, so they eat many different plants, fruits, seeds, leaves, and small animals and insects. This monkey, in the above picture, is enjoying a rich banana for his lunch. Since they are comfortable around people, they often visit farms and consume a dinner rich in the crops of the planted fields. They love foraging for food among the fields at harvest time, though this can bring conflict with the farmers. On occasion it gets them killed, but they are protected by law as a disappearing species.

taiwan monkeysPlayful Baby Formosan Rock Monkey Testing Out The Vines

Though trees and vines are not a necessity for the Formosan Rock Monkey, these babies love to play in all the vines found in the jungle forest. Have you ever seen a young monkey that did not want to swing? This little fella is no exception, as he is swinging and playing with the vines found in his native forest playground in the mountains of Southern Taiwan.

taiwan monkeysFormosan Rock Money With Large Cheek Pouches

If you have ever watched a chipmunk foraging for nuts and acorns, you will notice that they have huge pouches in their cheeks. Just like their little friend, the chipmunk, the Formosan Rock Monkey gathers the seeds, fruit, leaves, and other goodies he finds in the forest and carries them home in his special shopping bag, his cheek pouches. How convenient to have a built in a shopping bag that allows them to hoard their food and carry it home for a later time. The Formosan Rock Monkey, like the ant, prepares well for the future and the family.

taiwan monkeysClose up Of The Facial Features Of The Formosan Rock Money

The Formosan Rock Monkey is considered a medium-sized monkey that in winter has a beautiful dark grey to brown coat. During the warmer days of summer, his coat changes to olive or brown color. The different color changes help them to blend in with the foliage of the plants in the jungle. In the above photo, you will notice the salmon pink face. They have no hair on the face at all. Naturally, you can see the large cheek pouches that he carries his bounty after a profitable foraging session. The Formosan Rock Monkey is very resourceful!

taiwan monkeysJuvenal Taiwan monkeys Love To Play

Formosan Rock Monkeys live in troops ranging from eight members to forty-five members. Juvenal Male Monkeys usually strike out on their own sometime after the fifth year. Until that time of maturity arrives, they will grow, learn and have a swinging good time. Each troop will have one alpha male, but it may have older males that live on the edge of troop life. Female monkeys often stay in the same troop that they were born into, but low-status female members sometimes branch off and form a totally new troop. These new troops are usually quite a bit smaller, with less than 10 members. This is a way of building status and importance for very low-status females.

The Juvenal female members of the troop usually begin breeding sometime after the fourth or fifth year. The breeding season begins in late fall, generally in November and lasts till early January. The mother carries her young around 165 days, giving birth sometime around April to June. Younger females have a single birth usually every couple of years, whereas older females often give birth each year. The mothers will continue to nurse their babies for around one year, during which she is also the primary caregiver of the newest member of the family. The Juvenal monkeys are pretty much independent once they reach two years of age.  However, the males often stay with the troop until close to five years. Female Juvenal Formosan Rock Monkeys may stay close to their mothers for their whole lifetime, retaining strong bonds.

taiwan monkeysQuite Content In His Perch In The Trees

The world of the Formosan Rock Monkey is quite protected and we see their numbers growing as they live without threat from poachers, researchers, and those wanting to use them for medical purposes. Even the pet industry had to be curtailed. This has been a major success story for Taiwan and a model for the world. But not all of the Taiwanese are part of their fan club. These monkeys are excellent foragers and often forge in the fields of farmers, carrying off their bounty in those chubby cheek pouches. As we can see, what is a success story for one group, is not for another.

Another problem that had come up with the increase in their numbers,  is that people were feeding them. This often led to the monkeys bothering people to get food, a trait that was not desirable. Thus, in the last few years, people have been asked to not feed the monkeys, but to enjoy their amusing behavior and amazing personality. No other animal can entertain any better, or hold the interest of a crowd any longer, than these amazing Taiwan natives to the Southern Mountains. These monkeys are smart, and when human behavior changed around them, they also made changes, no longer going after everyone to get food. This is just another of the success stories of Taiwan.

taiwan monkeysFormosan Rock Monkey Observing The World Around Him

This older monkey almost appears to be deep in thought. Is he planning his daily routine, or just languishing in the thoughts of his intelligent mind? Whatever the case, you almost want to offer him a penny for his thoughts.

This magnificent creature mainly lives in the Southwestern and Northeastern parts of the mountainous regions of the island. In times past, when the island had fewer inhabitants, he also enjoyed the coastal areas.  Now he spends his days in the mountains sharing his range with other inhabits like Bluetail Senegal and the American Bullfrog. What beautiful chores the American Bullfrogs can share. It must be amazing to share space with such a wonderful singer.

taiwan monkeysLiving The Good Life At Shoushan Nature Park In Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung, Taiwan is a city found in the South of the Island of Taiwan. Though many consider Taipei to be Taiwan’s grandest city, Kaohsiung is a major rival. If you enjoy hiking, geological and ecological sites, cultural history, and a laid back environment, then Kaohsiung should be a part of any Taiwan adventure. One of the most amazing sites is Shoushan, which is a part of Monkey Mountain. This is the first National Nature Park in Taiwan and it is the site of major hiking opportunities on Monkey Mountain, including an exciting visit to a tea station, and of course, there is Monkey Paradise.

Near the entrance to the Zoo are the trail heads to three of the best trails on the mountain. The middle trail is generally considered to be the best for those who may not have time to explore all three. As you climb the mountain you will see several ancient Banyan trees and also begin to get marvelous vistas of Kaohsiung and finally you will arrive at a Monkey station. All along the trail, you will find these ancient Banyan trees hanging onto the limestone cliffs. The rocky cliffs themselves are a source of beauty and enjoyment. Going a little farther and you will begin to see the only native monkey in Taiwan, the Formosan Rock Monkey. It is good to keep all food supplies hidden, and do not feed the monkeys. The monkeys have absolutely no fear of humans that they see hiking the trails, and should be treated with great respect.

taiwan monkeysWater Carrier Climbing To The Top Of Monkey Mountain

The climb up to the top of Monkey Mountain is steep and takes around an hour for a seasoned hiker. Can you imagine the job of bringing water to the tea and monkey stations? Just think, any water that is consumed by the humans or the monkeys needs to be carried up the same trail that you have been hiking. It is a beautiful and steep climb, but well worth the effort.  It really makes you think and appreciate the water that is used at the above stations.

taiwan monkeysShoushan Nature Park In Kaohsiung Home of the Taiwan Monkeys

Shoushan Nature Park in Kaohsiung is a dense Secondary Forest. Even though it is a forest that has been harvested once, signs of major disruption are no longer seen. Since this forest regrowth was not due to natural disasters of any kind, the dead trees lie on the forest floor providing major nutrients and major protection from soil erosion. This is what is the major plus with a secondary forest over a forest devastated by fire, wind, water, etc. This forest is lush, thick, and very green.

Among the many trees that provide for the needs of the Formosan Rock Monkey are the Dendrocnide Meyeniana Tree, also referred to as the Lipa Tree. While this may be a special tree for monkeys, it often causes rashes for people who happen to rub against it. The Chinese have an interesting name for this native tree that is not too friendly to humans. They call it the “dog bitten fruit.” This is the English translation of the not too favorable Chinese name. This tree, loved by monkeys and hated by humans, is native to Taiwan and is mostly found in the secondary forests of the Island of Taiwan. Regardless of how it affects humans, the monkeys often run and play in this tree found in the Shoushan Nature Park.

Another of the major trees of the overstory in Shoushan Nature Park is the Paper Mulberry Tree. This tree is native throughout Asia and also was brought over to the United States. It is considered to be important in Asia and the Islands of the Pacific Ocean for food, medicine, and even fiber. In China, they use it to make paper, and Japan uses the inner bark to make the famous Washi Paper.

In some of the Islands of the Pacific, the Paper Mulberry is used for ceremonial clothing. Many countries make furniture and cooking utensils from its wood. All over the world, wherever it grows, the edible leaves are cooked and the fruits are delicious. The Formosan Rock Money loves the seeds, bark, fruit, and leaves of the Paper Mulberry Tree. What a delicacy they provide for this monkey native to Taiwan.

Another major member of this secondary forest is the Banyan Tree. The Banyan Tree is noted for often starting life in a hole or crack or another tree. The Banyan Tree is commonly known as a Fig Tree and the Taiwanese Formosan Rock Monkeys love it’s nice ripe fruit.

taiwan monkeysShoushan Nature Park On Monkey Mountain

The secondary growth on all of Monkey Mountain is lush and heavily forested. The forest is blessed with a wide range of coniferous and hardwoods, as well as large selections of shrubs. This temperate forest also has areas of native bamboo, with other areas of less thick shrubs. There are also plenty of areas of clearings with native plants forming a ground cover, all this is perfect for a ground-loving species.

taiwan monkeysThe Formosan Rock Monkey Living On Monkey Mountain

Shoushan Nature Park is the “backyard of the city of Kaohsiung” and the beginning of a Southern Taiwan Adventure. Exciting cliffs, spectacular rocks, magnificent caves, and geological wonders, are all part of this unique and fascinating natural park, with it’s coniferous and hardwoods blended in. This is a monkey paradise! If you have a love of nature, hiking, and enjoy discovering unique places in nature, then this is the perfect adventure for you. Come join the fun on Monkey Mountain.

https://exploretraveler.com/formosan-rock-monkeys/

https://exploretraveler.com/sanxiantai-dragon-bridge/

 

taiwan monkeys

Filed Under: Asia, East Coast Taiwan, Taiwan, travel channel, travel the world, Travel Tips Tagged With: Banyan Tree, China, Dendrocnide Meyeniana, Formosan Rock Macaques, Formosan Rock Monkey, Kaohsiung, Lipa Tree, Monkey Mountain, Paper Mulberry, Shoushan Nature Park, Southern Taiwan, Taiwan, taiwan monkeys, Washi Paper

Durian Fruit Of Southeast Asia

April 8, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Durian Fruit of Southeast Asia
Hong Kong night market with many international selections.

           Durian Fruit Of Southeast Asia

Durian Fruit is known through-out all of China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other Southeast Asian Countries, as the “King of Fruits!” It is one of the most beneficial fruits there is in all of Asia.  The Durian Fruit is believed to help relieve constipation, bloating, gas, and indigestion. It helps you in  prevention of Osteoporosis! The Durian Fruit will give you an excellent nights sleep. It is believed to  reduce heart disease and will aid in the maintaining of a healthy blood pressure. Many Doctors say that it  helps in the prevention of Cancer, Asthma, and infertility. It is believed to  delay premature aging, age spots, and macular degeneration. These are all things that Alternative Medicine uses the Durian plant for.  The Chinese, Taiwanese, and Indians use the Durian plant to assist in the prevention and control of these diseases and others. With a list of benefits like this, why would anyone  not want to eat one a day?

The many health benefits of this “King of Fruits” come from the Durian Fruits impressive vitamin and minerals. It contains large amounts of Vitamin C, B6, and A. It has impressive amounts of folic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin. It is loaded with minerals like potassium, iron, calcium, and magnesium. You will find large amounts of sodium, zinc, and phosphorus. It is loaded with phytonutrients, water, protein, and beneficial dietary fiber and fat. Even more than the Avocado. One a day would give you everything you needed. So why not rush out and buy a few today?

Many people find that migraines, fatigue, anxiety, and cognitive malfunction become a thing of the past. People who eat it regularly say that Dementia and Alzheimer’s are hardly seen in this group. So wouldn’t it be good to eat it regularly? Many in Asia due just that. It does have one minor problem that has caused it not to be seen in many cafes or restaurants…….it has a slightly stinky odor. But if you can get it past your nose, it is worth the effort!

For those not used to it, the smell is slightly overwhelming! If you can get it past your nose and not gag, the taste is not too bad. Below is the Durian Challenge of the Summer of 2014, when the Explore Traveler Team decided to cut a Durian.  Of course we like to choose the youngest member of the team to do our video. It is worth noting that all members of the team are eating of the fruit. He seems to have the most interesting reactions. Enjoy the Durian Fruit Challenge!

https://www.youtube.com/v/apyj0ipfJ9o?fs=1%E2%80%B2%E2%80%B2

So what are you willing to do for good health? Can you eat the King of Fruits? It really is not as bad as it looks! Just think of all the good things it will do for your health! Taiwan invites you to come and to experience the famous Durian Fruit for yourself. It really is a medical miracle in one fruit! Enjoy all Taiwan has to offer and get well while you are here! Now that is awesome! Adventure is waiting in Taiwan. See you there!

Exploretraveler.com

This is also an authorized post on seemit under @exploretraveler at: https://steemit.com/treanding/@exploretraveler/exploring-more-of-the-backroads-of-washington

 

Filed Under: Asia, Food Travel, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan, World Travel Tagged With: China, Durian fruit, Hong Kong, India, Philippines, Singapore, Southeast Asia, Taiwan

Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary: Philippines

March 16, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary wetlands in the Philippines
Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary wetlands in the Philippines

Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary: Philippines

Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary is located on Olango Island in The Philippines. How amazing this sanctuary is! What a fun place to visit! Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary has been of International importance since 1994.  It was included on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of international Importance on July 1, 1994.     It is the first wetland to make International importance in the Philippines. This makes it a major destination for Birders.  It truly is a haven for migratory birds. These birds are making their amazing journeys back from their nesting grounds. Migration begins from their breeding home in the far North. Many come from places like Siberia, Northern China, and Japan. When they begin to anticipate the lack of food and the onset of severe weather, they begin their yearly journey. It has become a major re-fueling stop for many on their way to Australia and New Zealand. The flight home is a long flight and they use Olango Island as a welcome stop, to renew strength for the miles yet remaining. It is Bird Heaven! It is a paradise for Migratory Birds.

Olango Island is also the winter home to species who live in colder regions of the world.  Their greatest need is a place to call home during this time of severe weather and scarcity of food. Not all the birds continue their migration, as some prefer to winter in the beautiful and tropical Olango Island. It is their home, away from home.

There are two times during the year that you can see these beautiful migratory birds on Olango Island. The first being from July till November when they make the Southward Migration. Again, in late February until May, they can be seen as they make the Northward Migration. It is then, that these beautiful birds return home to their breeding grounds. This, is an awesome time to book a birding tour.

So which birds are you most likely to see?  You can never tell what you will see, but among the most regular of guests are the Chinese Egrets, Asiatic Dowitcherrs, and Eurasian Curlews. Not to be forgotten are the Plovers, The Sandpipers, Black-tailed Godwit, and the beautiful Red Knot. These are large and beautiful birds. What a delight to watch them in their home, away from home!

The Chinese Egret breeds on small islands off the coasts of far Eastern Russia, North Korea, South Korea and Mainland China.  It is a tall species with long legs and beautiful white feathers.  During the long severe winters of the North, The Chinese Egret winters in The Philippines and other Asian areas. It is believed that over 50% of these beautiful Migratory Birds winter on Olango Island. How amazing it is to watch them! They are also extremely friendly and usually not afraid of humans. What is there not to love about the Chinese Egret?

Among the  regulars is the beautiful Sandpipers. Snipes, Eurasian Curlews and the Asiatic Dowitcherrs . These migratory birds are becoming threatened and make their winter home on Olango Island. These beautiful regulars on the island are certain to delight you. Most of this group are in the brown color range and have stripes with a little white. Feel free to check out this website for beautiful photo’s of many of the Migratory Birds that winter throughout Asia, especially in the Philippines. The photography is amazing!

 http://www.manilaoldtimer.net/philippinebirds/IOC06Snipes.html    

There are several companies that offer Birding Tours. Here are three major Tour Companies that I know of, who are well-known. For your convenience they are listed below.  This is not a recommendation of services. They are simply listed in most major Birding Journals.  If you love birds, then I recommend that this be the year that you visit the Philippines. Birding is fun! Birding is exciting.  The Philippines  is a birders paradise. What are you waiting for? Book your tour today!  See you on Olango Island.

    http://www.birdingphilippines.com/         

 http://www.birdguidingphilippines.com/      

http://www.rockjumperbirding.com/tours/destinations/the-philippines?crumb=Asia       

Exploretraveler.com    

 

 

Filed Under: Asia, Cebu, Philippines, World Travel Tagged With: Asiatic Dowitcherrs, Australia, Black-tailed Godwit, China, Chinese egrets, Eastern Russia, Eurasian Curlews, Japan, New Zealand, North Korea, Olango Island, Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Philippines, Plovers, Red Knot, Snipes, South Korea, The Sandpipers

Chili Crab: Taiwan’s Taste Of Singapore

February 4, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Chili crab in Taiwan Chili crab in Taiwan[/caption

Chili Crab: Taiwan’s Taste Of Singapore

Chili Crab must be Asia’s most enjoyable dish. It is a definite must if traveling to Singapore. But what if you are traveling to Taiwan? Chili Crab is an exotic and typical dish to see on the Menu in Taipei’s top Fish Restaurants. The very best always serve chili crab. Chile Crab made the list compiled by CNN  of the Worlds top  50  foods. It was number 35 on the 2011 list.

What is so great about this Singapore special? It is a seafood dish that is amazing! The crab is coated in this sweet spicy chili sauce and then stir-fried. This is done very slowly and carefully so as to mingle all the flavors. It is scrupulous! It is amazing! It is Chili Crab. Most often it is served with a steam bun that compliments the sauce. This will be a meal that will make memories for years to come. It is a meal of delicate flavors and strong spices.

In Taipei, one of the top places to dine is the Spicy Crab Restaurant. It is co-owned by famous TV host, Zeng Guo Cheng. It has some of the best chilli crab in Taipei, Taiwan. Zeng Guo Cheng went on a vacation to Shanghai, China and there he tasted the best spicy crab that China had to offer. He came back and opened a restaurant with this fantastic crab as his signature dish. It is prepared in the Sichuan style and is at it’s best together with other spicy dishes. If in Taipei, this is the perfect dinner stop.

The Spicy Crab Restaurant is located at: No. 323, Section 2, Bādé Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan. It is open Monday – Sunday from 5 pm till 2 am. For information call: 886 2 27725777.

This legendary seafood dish is a must for your next Taiwanese Vacation. Grab your passport and pack your bag. The adventures of a lifetime are waiting for you in Taiwan.

Exploretraveler.com

https://www.pinterest.com/exploretraveler/i-love-taiwanese-food/

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Filed Under: Asia, Food Travel, Restaurant, Taipei, Taiwan, Travel Tips, World Travel Tagged With: Chili Crab, China, Shanghai, Singapore, Taipei, Taiwan, The Spicy Crab Restaurant, Zeng Guo Cheng

Chinese Herbal Medicine: Mysteries From Hong Kong

February 2, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com 2 Comments

Chinese herbs
Mysterious Chinese herbs in the traditional medicine shops of Hong Kong

Chinese Herbal Medicine: Hong Kong

Chinese herbal medicine is not based on mainstream Western principles or practices. Chinese herbal medicine uses a variety of herbs such as Chinese herbal medicine uses a variety of herbs such as astragalus, ginkgo, ginseng, green tea, and Siberian ginseng  in different combinations to restore balance to the body. A body out of balance, is a disease waiting to happen. Herbal blends, in the hands of a competent practitioner, can prevent and heal many ailments. They are said to prevent and treat hormone disturbances, infections, breathing disorders, and a vast number of other ailments and diseases.

The beginning of Chinese herbal Medicine is the herb garden. Simple garden  herbs  can help ease the side effects of radiation  treatments, control pain, improve quality of life, and strengthen the immune system. There has even been  some cases, where simple herbal combinations worked to slow or stop tumor growth. Chinese herbal medicine is the use of over 3,200 herbs, 300 minerals, and 400 different formulas  to restore health and balance to the body.

The long use of many of these  herbs has led some to think that they are always safe. That is not correct. Any herb can cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to them. Those who are allergic to certain plants or plant-based foods may also react to herbs. As with anything new, it is good to introduce it in such a way, that you can quickly see if you have a reaction.

The more herbs you are able to safely introduce into your everyday cooking and use, the healthier you will be. A simple beginning is the humble herb garden. A few simple herbs that almost anyone can grow in a few pots are turmeric, ginger, garlic, onions, cilantro, parsley, teas, ginseng, and ginkgo. I personally use each of these daily. Others that I try to use at least 3 times a week are sage, oregano, basil, mint, thyme, and lemon grass. Even the leaves of fruit trees can often be used to control or prevent common issues. The humble fig leaf is my favorite example. A tea from the  fig  leaf can many times help in the control of diabetes. It is also helpful in weight control. There are hundreds of herbs waiting for you to discover their magic. What are you waiting for?

If anyone thinks my small herb garden of 50 herbs is overwhelming, venture into to a traditional medicine shop in Hong Kong. There you will see hundreds of mysterious herbs just waiting for you to use with knowledge. Never use something unknown to you without proper teaching and instruction. Herbs are a natural medicine and if used wrongly, they can be fatal.  Herbs plus knowledge and instruction can mean a long quality of life. So come on over to Hong Kong and wander through a traditional medicine shop. They are mysterious! They are a delight! To a person with herbal knowledge, they are of more value than a candy store, to a child. Grab your passport and pack your bags. Come spend time in Hong Kong, learning the art of Chinese Herbal Medicine. It is never to early to book your next Hong Kong vacation.

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Filed Under: Asia, Hong Kong, World Travel Tagged With: astragalus, China, Chinese Herbal Medicine, cilantro, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng, green tea, Herbal blends, Hong Kong, onions, parsley, Siberian ginseng, teas, traditional medicine shop, turmeric

Mong Kok Flower Market Hong Kong

December 18, 2014 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Mong Kok flower market Hong Kong
Mong Kok flower Mong Kok flower market Hong Kong

Mong Kok Flower Market Hong Kong In Bloom

Mong Kok Flower Market Hong Kong is located in a traditional Chinese Garden. Mong Kok preserves the many traditions of the past with it’s streets filled with markets, small shops, and food stalls filled with the delicacies of the area. Inside this fascinating area called Mong Kok, you will find Yuen Po Bird Garden, a cluster of bird shops. Here you will see all the bird owners taking their birds out for a walk. On the other side of Mong Kok is the famous Flower Market. These are not markets in the traditional sense, but rather clusters of streets dedicated to a single product.The streets themselves, reflect the characteristics of the shops that are clustered on them. Welcome to Mong Kok Flower Market Hong Kong!

Mong Kok Flower Market Hong Kong is filled with dozens of shops and florists with every kind of blooming flower your heart can desire. Not only are the shops loaded with blooms, but the over stuffed shops flow out onto the sidewalk in front. What a display of flowers!

It’s longevity is thanks to the importance of flowers in Chinese celebrations, especially Chinese New Year when flocks of locals throng the streets to pick the most colourful bouquets and get their hands on a prized Mandarin Tree.  In Mong Kok Flower Market Hong Kong, you will find fragrant blooms from around the world! The stalls are filled with fresh-cut flowers from the local gardens of Hong Kong, and exotic plants of Asia. The streets are a jungle of fresh foliage, and all the color you desire. Some of the more exotic flowers arrive by jet each morning. At the Mong Kok Flower Market Hong Kong  you will find Hollands exotic tulips and Japan’s finest orchids. Along side the gorgeous roses, you may see plants of luck or prosperity from China, such as Orchids, Mandarin trees, Lotus plants, or Bonsai trees. Mong Kok Flower Market Hong Kong is a pleasant start to any day.

The markets longevity through the years is due to the importance of flowers in Chinese everyday life, and the many celebrations throughout the year. Visit the Mong Kok Flower Market Hong Kong this year during the Chinese New Year celebrations for a most spectacular view of your life time. You will see the flocks of locals on the streets of Mong Kok, out looking for that special bouquet or plant. Everyone needs a special Mandarin Tree to give them luck and prosperity for the coming year!

Directions To Mong Kok Flower Market Hong Kong

Mong Kok Flower Market Hong Kong  is served by rail and the service is regular throughout the day and evening. MTR Tsuen Wan and Kwun Tong lines have two stations in this area: Prince Edward Station is to the north and Mong Kok Station is to the south. Both stations are close to the Mong Kok area.

The time is now to think about your next trip to Asia. Grab your passport and let’s head to Hong Kong and The Mong Kok Flower Market Hong Kong. See you there!

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Filed Under: Asia, Hong Kong, World Travel Tagged With: Asia, China, Chinese Garden, Chinese New Year, Flowers of Holland, Hong Kong, Japan, Mong Kok flower market Hong Kong, Yuen Po Bird Garden

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