Last night, I travelled to Tsing Hua University (NTHU) in Hsinchu for a presentation by Green Party City Council candidates Li Ying-hsuan (李盈萱) and Song Jia-lun (宋佳倫) to the NTHU Thinkers Club. Vice Chairman of the Council of Labor Affairs Pan Shiwei was billed to attend but was a no-show. The theme of the presentation was, broadly, "Youth: Looking at our world, focusing on our future". The event was held in the Socrates Cafe, an eclectic and atmospheric cafe in the heart of the campus (a blogger's review here). Li and Song spoke for about one hour about their campaigns and the issues facing young people in Taiwan and around the world. After their presentation, all members of the audience were 'invited' to give their comments - all volunteered except the first chap asked who declined. Highlights of this part of the evening included a 15 year old student who was very concerned about his future and already thinking ahead about the possible problems he would face after finishing his education, a middle aged gentleman who urged students to study hard and they will succeed and not to worry about debt (Ms. Li later explained to me that his views were representative of conservative or stereotypical opinion) and a handsome NTHU university professor who claimed to be a 'friend of the green party' and who, as he rose to speak, elicited from student members of the audience excited whispers of 'Laoshr', much like he was a movie star. Above all, the comments were overwhelmingly well thought and expressed and the atmosphere of the session friendly and relaxed. Club students were on hand to help with video and projectors. Here are some pics (Captions under the pics):
Behind the bar at the cafe - gloriously cluttered ....
Lots of books to peruse and some to buy ... apparently also stocking a number of French language items.
The club listens ....
... while the recorder videos Ms. Li speaking.
Ms. Li: The Verdict. A careful, thoughtful and warm speaker.
The candidates answer questions. Ms. Song is to the right.
I was told that there are four cats that roam the cafe. This is one of tens of cat themed items dotted around the place.
And this is the real deal. An insanely friendly cat who strolled up to me on the bar then jumped down to sit on my lap before returning to the bar to rest its head on my arm to watch the proceedings and snooze. For a cat to be that chilled with a stranger it has either taken a heavy dose of catnip or it's being treated like a cow in India and knows no-one is going to mess with it. Either way .. utterly adorable.
Hard to see but top right in the cake array is a kind of chocolate moose that is delectable. The cafe is known for its cakes.
Summary: A very interesting an enjoyable meeting. See the NTHU Thinkers website for more info / follow up.
