TEA in Taipei
Since much of the news lately is negative, I would like to make a positive suggestion to improve Taipei.
As many people know, the Railroad Museum in the Beimen area will open soon and will most likely become a popular tourist area. Nearby is another famous tourist area, Dihua Street. These two areas should be developed together to maximize the tourist experience, but there is a small problem, Dihua Street might be a just bit too far to walk to for some people, especially on a hot summer day.
In keeping with the historical development of the area, I would like to suggest the following solution: Have the Taipei City Government install two sets of pushcart tracks on the sidewalk or road along Tacheng Street between Beimen MRT Station and Dihua Street, then have volunteers push visitors between the two areas on pushcarts.
One hundred years ago, pushcarts were an important method of transportation all over Taiwan. Photographs can be seen here: taipics.com/pushcarts.php.
This solution has multiple benefits: First, it brings back a slice of Taiwanese history not seen for many years, which would be educational for kids. Second, it can be used for tourist marketing. Third, a NT$10 fee could be charged that could be used for charity, maintenance or payment for unemployed people. Fourth, it connects two tourist areas with “green” energy transportation. Fifth, it could raise tax revenues in an old part of the city. Sixth, it could be a way for people to stay fit with some city benefits in return for hours volunteered. Lastly, an exciting, easily accessible street festival can be created.
The carts could be sponsored by different corporations as well, such as Ten Ren Tea, 85°C Cafe, Heysong and Taiwan Tobacco & Liquor, to raise money for good causes. During the Dragon Boat Championship, an alternative “pushcart race” can be held similar to the popular Santa Monica Bed Race/street fair that draws thousands of people. Modified carts with solar power or something funny can also join the race.
I also suggest the city line this dark and old part of the city with green colored and tea-themed LED lights. This might add value to all the shops in the area. Once the LED lights are on, Taipei can unofficially rename the area “Taipei electric avenue” or TEA for short. The city marketing department can come up with slogans such as “Come to Taipei for TEA” or “Enjoy TEA time in Taipei.” Just a thought.
Marc Plumb
Taipei
Focus on organic farming
Ten years ago, my organic farm was visited by agricultural experts from the Fukuoka Farmers Association. After the visit, they took back with them samples of my vegetables.
A month later they came back wanting to place an order: Their demand for each day of the year is five 747 cargo planes! Japan is the most knowledgeable nation in organic agriculture and it is at our door, ready to pay for quality products.
If Taiwan focused on converting its agriculture to organic, the Japanese market would absorb it all, making agriculture the largest sector of Taiwan’s economy, averting direct competition from China in other sectors and avoiding dependence on the Chinese market for its agricultural products.
The solution relies on composting the 20,000 tonnes of table scraps Taiwanese produce every day, resulting in the best compost possible for organic agriculture.
Political will and focus could make it happen.
Pierre Loisel
New Taipei City
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