8/05/2012

Green World Hsinchu: Ecological Farm

A friend posted about this ecological farm. It looks world-class and a "must-do" for my kids during the holidays. I haven't been there.  I want to share the information for those of you (like me) looking for things to occupy the kids during their summer vacation.


The English site is well-written, comprehensive, and full of photographs.

Even the English travel information is complete and clear. 

8/03/2012

Indoor Play Area for Children in Jia-Yi! Babyway 親子遊樂屋

A friend recently shared information about this new playspace in Jia-yi City.  It looks really clean and has top-quality toys for kids to play with.  The entrance fee for kids includes a snack.

You can look at this personal blog for some clear pictures of the play area. 

Address: 嘉義市民族路834 (民族路與融和街口)
Reservations:05-2768680
Entrance: Children 299 (Includes snack and juice.  Limited to 2 hours of playtime.) Adults100(Includes 20NT discount on snacks). Babies under one year old 100NT, does not include any snack.

8/01/2012

Homeschooling In Taiwan - Useful English Sites and Information

A few days ago, I posted this information on a forum.  I am re-posting it here so it will get catalogued with my other information on homeschool options in Taiwan.



If you use facebook, join the "Learn@Home In Taiwan" group. This is co-ordinated by what I consider the most pro-active homeschooling family in Taiwan that I know. Dorota Wernik and Tim Chen have recently published a book about homeschooling in Taiwan, (in Chinese), they sometimes appear on TV talking about homeschooling in Taiwan, and they hold presentations and meetups for those interested (bilingual, posted on FB page). Their daughter recently made a documentary with two other homeschoolers about the difficulties she faces as a figure-skater in Taiwan, for local television:



Here's a link to the book: http://www.books.com.tw/exep/prod/booksfile.php?item=0010542412

Here is the site they run: Taiwan Homeschool Advocates).  They run regular events such as outings to museums, educational tours, and playdates for homeschooled children. You can see the list and how to sign up (bilingual) here: http://2t.chen-wernik.net/

7/29/2012

Summer Activity Search Engine - All in Chinese

With this one, translators are going to be your friend. 

Here is a list and searchable site of activities available over summer (and during other times, too.

http://www.guide.edu.tw/summer.php

You can search by city, date, kind of activity, cost, and a few other perimeters.

7/28/2012

Curious Selection of Secondhand Books: Moungar Traces of Books, Wanhua

A few days ago, the kids and I ventured into West Taipei, in particular Wanhua District, including a few delightful stores and educational centers along the way.   On the way back to the train station, we came across a little bookstore carrying an interesting selection of used books, many of them for children, and quite a few in English.

They had the Harry Potter series from book two, through to "Storytime with Uncle Arthur".  We have the Uncle Arthur series back at Nana's, so I didn't pick that one up, so it's still there for the taking.

For adults, they have a really interesting range of books, and a large liquor bottle selection for sale, too.

The interior of the store is concrete and wood, and very cool and welcoming in the summer heat.  You have to ask how much each book is, and the staff will study it for a long time before giving you a price.  It's an experience!

Address: Guangzhou Street, lane 152, No. 4, 1F, Wanha District, Taipei (just around the corner from Longshan Temple, and parallel to the park)
Tel: 02-2446-2181


Second-Hand English Bookstore in Hsinchu - Over 10,000 Books! Suku Books

Suku Books opened earlier in 2012.  They boast:
A huge selection of English books (mostly for children by the looks of it)
Free coffee
Creative space
Space for rent for events
Very workable online search engine


There are a number of great images on their site to give you a good idea of the store space, like on this page.  You can search using computer, smartphone, and any APPLE products, too.

I'm really hoping someone reading this blog and living in Hsinchu can go in and leave a comment here about their experience at the store/shop.  I hope to go there over summer but time is running out!

Search engine (including prices for each book): Ask Suku.  Type in the author, title, or ISBN of the book you are looking for.

Information:
Web:SuKu.com.tw
Hours:10:00AM-8:00PM(Fri and Sat till 10:00PM)
FB http://www.facebook.com/suku.fans(share and get 5% discount)
Blog:http://suku.pixnet.net/blog
Address: Hsinchu County, Judong District, DongNing Road Sect 1, No. 207. 新竹縣竹東鎮東寧路一段207號 (easy to park by shop)
Tel: 0960-654-366

7/27/2012

Leofoo Water Park and Leofoo Safari/Fantasy Area for $999/ person

Future price will be $1299, but until September 30th, 2012, you can get an adult ticket for TWD999 per person.  This includes the original areas of Leofoo and the new water park.

The water park includes Taiwan's tallest waterslide.  It's 15 meters high. 

You have to rent a swimring thing and wear only swimsuits without buttons, snaps (anything that might scratch the slides or get caught on the ride).

Summer hours: 9am-9pm
Address: Leofoo Village Theme Park TEL:(03)5475665 FAX:(03)5475660 Guanshi Jen, HsinChu County, TWN

English website: http://www.leofoo.com.tw/VILLAGE/waterpark/en/