Know Your Trade Rep By Trista di Genova Perry Fung joined the Hong Kong Trade Development Council in Taiwan in 1989. He has been working in various business Departments (Exhibitions, Publications and Business Matching Departments), as well as serving in the Council’s Sydney Office (1990-93) and Beijing Office (2005-2008), before
Read moreAuthor: Trista di Genova
A Night in Heaven at the Edge of Anarchy
By The Bangkok Banshee, for The Wild East The city — after weeks of protests, riots, and just general unrest — was heavy, and with the heat wave of the last 4 days was just completely oppressive. I, along with a weary population, needed a break. I had been cooped up
Read moreTaiwan men are constantly asking me out
Dear MeiGui; Taiwan people are great! I am a newbie here hailing from the US heartland, and although I speak no Chinese whatsoever, I’m having the time of my life making new friends both with my Western colleagues and the local people. Now, I realize that I am probably riding
Read moreWhat Can We Do For Earth Day… and Every Day?
By Trista di Genova In my grandparents’ generation, this was a popular proverb that urged us all to be resourceful, not wasteful: “MAKE IT DO, WEAR IT OUT, USE IT UP, DO WITHOUT.” If only we could all get back to this state of mind. Here are some ideas for Earth Day
Read moreScott Cook's Taiwan Ramble
Just a little note from the road, and a late-night, half-cut one at that. It has been fabulous. Good old friends in Fulong, high misty mountains in Lishan, down through Taroko Gorge, a warm welcome from Venus & Jason & Peace Dave & Terry in Hualien, a breathtaking drive down
Read moreDear MeiGui: Am I wasting time teaching in Taiwan?
Dear MeiGui; Working as an English teacher for me isn’t that bad. The kids are all really cute, and so are my co-teachers. Plus, I work in a private elementary school, which offers an awesome salary along with three months of paid vacation every year. Between the students, the chicks,
Read moreA Night At The Brothel
By Trista di Genova Wild East Rooftop Correspondent “Do you have places like this in America?” the Madame asked me, in Chinese since her English is rocky. I doubt it – we don’t have KTVs in the States, I told her. I haven’t visited the cathouses in America, and only
Read moreChina, Unhand Thy Pandas
The Wild East Opinion Desk There’s something creepy about Chinese people trying to breed pandas. What’s this about showing ‘Panda porn’? ‘Sexercise’ for pandas? I wouldn’t go into oestrus, either, if only out of spite. China should back off its panda ‘preservation’ programs, stop intervening in panda sex by practically holding
Read moreItalian Ambassador Living the Dulce Vita in Taiwan
Trista di Genova’s interview in the China Post with Leopoldo Sposato, Italian Trade Director, January 2009 Trista: What was your background, prior experience, experience with Taiwan and Asia before you took office? Before arriving in the wonderful island of Taiwan, I have been the Director of the Italian Trade Commission
Read moreMinnesota teacher encounters bad case of ‘hello-kittyness'
Dear MeiGui: That old movie “In Praise of Older Women” is forever a hit with me. Back in Minnesota, I had my fair share of fiercesome romps with the cougar-set; but after landing in Taiwan to teach English; and being besieged by so many local young hotties; I put the
Read more