Open Sesame

Siraya--2
  
 
 
 

The Introducer...

Cheng-hsiung Wan ->

Mr. Wan is the president and founder of the association. He created a large number of musical instruments. He and his neighbors and family worked together to build the "little cottages" in Siraya Green Valley. He is truly good at building houses, writing songs, composing, making instruments, cooking, weaving bamboos, and singing. His children also inherit his gifts, showing their talents in art and photography. They are all versatile people. Mr. Wan has been dedicated to promoting the idea of group identity and spreading the fine Siraya culture.

 

In Grandpa Wang's hands, even bowls and chopsticks can make wonderful music.

 
 

scenes...

Following the winding roads, the green bamboo forest is about one or two kilometers long on both sides of the road. A house could be seen there. The house is a paradise built by Grandpa Wan, also the meeting place for the Siraya Culture Association and summer camps. At the entrance of the road, there is a big sign that reads "Green Valley Declaration," exhibiting the Siraya people's hardworking and persistence, and the strong oath to defend the mountainous landscape. Secluded surroundings and the overflowing greenness catch everyone's eye.

 
 
 
 

The ducks that appear occasionally and swagger along make all present smile heartfelt smiles. The construction materials in Green Valley are totally natural-- built by bamboos. Inside the house are numerous Siraya bamboo instruments, and Mr. Wan's photography, plus many historical farming tools. There are some lines printed on the fround. If one has a closer look, he will find some leaf imprints. Surprises are to be found everywhere. The house is often used as a briefing room for tourists, also a classroom for Siraya kids. Of course, many children from the adjacent kindergartens or primary schools come here as a field tour, an important spot for getting to the local culture.

 

 
 
 

The "shell flower rice dumplings" in Green Valley are quite famous. The freshly cooked rice dumplings spread flavors that quickly raise one's appetite. After finishing Grandma Wan's own-made rice dumpling, one may have a walk in the back mountain.
The terrain here is lower, with the high-rise woodland around. Since scantily deforested, the pleasant insect chirping could be heard. Mr. Wan has taped many precious sounds and videotaped the place also. It is said that frog croaking at summer night can be heard all the time!

 

Leaf imprints on the ground.

 
     
     
     
       
 

Surrounded by water and mountain in green, what a pretty Siraya Green Valley.

 

Here you can find lots of clippings about the association.

         
 
Editors: Ying Lu, Chih Yin, Hsiao Yu, Ming Hsun