Taiwan Travelogue — CHAPTER V

1. 1. Taiwan is characterized by its intense tropical heat, situated south of the Tropic of Cancer, with the scorching sun persisting even in September.
2. 2. Lóo-bah-pîng and bah-sò-pîng are popular Taiwanese braised pork rice dishes, with bah-sò-pîng typically using cheaper minced pork.
3. 3. Aoyama-san, the narrator, strongly prefers experiencing local street food like bah-sò-pîng over formal banquets for an authentic travel immersion.
4. 4. Aoyama-san views the Empire's assimilation movements in its colonies as 'brute acts of erasing the distinctions of individual cultures.'
5. 5. Aoyama-san subtly challenged questions about women's roles in the 'Holy War' by quoting Mencius, reflecting her cynical views without open disclosure.
6. 6. Chi-chan, Aoyama-san's interpreter, demonstrated exceptional linguistic skills in multiple languages, including French, and remarkable social maturity.
7. 7. Aoyama-san's purpose in Taiwan as a novelist is to document the island's state before its native ways of life are permanently altered by imperial development.
8. 8. Chi-chan lamented the historical loss of Islander ways of life, observing that humanity often only feels pain when directly affected by cruelties.
9. 9. Aoyama-san's persistent desire to visit the Katansui River Iron Bridge led to an impromptu trip, offering a beautiful and expansive view despite initial resistance.
10. 10. Lóo-bah involves braising chunks of pork belly with skin, similar to Dōngpō pork, while bah-sò is made from braised minced pork, with cheaper pork skin variations possible.
11. 11. Chi-chan revealed a childhood dream of eating bah-sò-pîng whenever she desired, highlighting the dish's significance as a luxury in her youth.