Jun-ChengYi-EnSi-NingChi-HengHsuan-Wei Wen-HanYu-TungHsuan-ChungYu-Ting　 Instructors & Parents

by Chi-Heng Chen
The time between May and December last year was the first time I have ever talked to so many people in my life. We started as a bunch of shy and reserved kids. However, in order to conduct this research and get to know Taipei 101, we had to interview locals, and Americans. We even interviewed significant figures such as Chairman Diana Chen, General Manager Hong-Ming Lin, Architect Chung-Ping Wang and Mayor Ying-Jeou Ma.

The most memorable part was to interview President Hong-Ming Lin. He was friendly, just like a soft-hearted giant. No matter what questions we asked, he was very kind to answer them all. He even guided us to the observation deck. Not only did he explain to us the structure of Taipei 101 high-speed elevator but also he took us to see the beautiful view of Taipei basin. At the end, he gave us a collection of postcards with sceneries on it!

We also interviewed Mr. Dou-Sheng Chen, a civil engineer. Not only was he a well-known geologist but also a kind teacher. He told us things about the infrastructure of Taipei 101 like how deep Taipei 101 is rooted underground. He also explained the events of fault lines and mudslides. I felt kindness from the way he spoke. He was very nice to us and was happy to take pictures with us. He did not show any trace of reluctance or impatience at all.

We also interviewed Jason’s Market Place located in Taipei 101. The manager gave us a tour around the supermarket. He showed us special mushrooms and gigantic king crabs that have funny look. When I saw the price tags, I thought they were really expensive. At the end of the interview, the manager gave each of us a pencil case. It was great!

In the end, we visited the Taipei 101 observation deck. We first went to the outdoor observation deck on the 91st floor and then to the indoor observation deck located on the 89th floor. Through powerful telescopes, we were able to see our school library, and buildings, rivers, roads and hills that we never knew about. We learned about new sceneries and enjoyed the beauty of our land as well.

Last summer, we even took study trips to Paris. While we were there, we asked what locals knew about Taipei 101. I thought it was difficult at first. But once I got to interview the first person, I couldn’t stop interviewing the next. I have realized that foreigners aren’t as scary as I used to think. On the contrary, they are quite interesting.

Participating in this Taipei 101 research project not only allowed me to learn how to write children’s poetry, interview foreigners, but also helped me know Taipei 101. I have become much more courageous than I used to be. I was brave enough to interview Taiwanese people, shops, important figures as well as foreigners.