Taiwan

I chose the Grand Hotel as the place image, for it is a landmark building in Taipei.  I recall on my last visit to Taiwan in November 1996 my mother and I had dinner with a number of relatives at this hotel. It was a very nice restaurant.  The last visit was for the funeral of both of my mom's parents.  

Jennie was born around the capital city of Taipei, Taiwan. My mom was born during Japanese occupation.  But she largely grew up free from that influence. The Japanese occupied the island from 1895-1945.  The Japanese were driven out at the end of World War II.  She told me her mother was able to speak Japanese.

Today, my mother's two surviving brothers live in Taiwan. One of their daughters recently moved to California to go to art school.

1976, in front of mom's parents home in Taipei

(L to R) Brother & wife with child, my sister, Jennie, and uncle and wife

Recent Travel Notes About Taiwan

Despite having visited  Taiwan a number of times over my life, I know very little about it.  I wasn't very interested in culture in my younger days, or history for that matter.  Over the last half dozen years my interest in culture and history has become one of my foremost interests.  There is much left to learn.  I asked my mother what her earliest memory was from growing up. It was of running away from the Japanese.  The first 3 books below cover 20th century history up to today.  The last is a comprehensive history.  I'm sure on my next visit to Taiwan I will perceive much more.

More About Taiwan

Part of understanding someone's life is understanding the historical context in which they lived in.

Taiwan Historical Timeline 16th Century to Today

http://taiwanresources.com/info/history/chrono.htm