There is a strong sense of nationalism and pride that we felt immediately from our guide, as well as from the grandeur of the beauty of the memorial buildings and museums around the bustling city. Though the strong Chinese influence here is acknowledged, it was surprising to hear the importance of the indigenous mix in the population...that is the lineage from the aboriginal peoples that were here for centuries before the trade-seeking Europeans and the Japanese took claims. In fact, when China first laid claim, only Chinese men were allowed to immigrate, so that at least one parent was always "native" to Taiwan. When Mao was advancing the "cultural revolution" in mainland China, he was responsible for simplifying the chinese language to promote literacy. The classical chinese written language and ancient writings can only be read by the Taiwanese now, as they preserved its knowledge in their superior educational system. Sun-Yat-Sen and Chiang-Kai-Shek promoted the political and educational stability that aided the framework for a "democratic economy."
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| Chiang-Kai-Shek Memorial |
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| View of Taipei from Memorial |
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