Benjamin: Orientation to Meifeng Farm

We had to wake up even earlier than the previous day. The first activity was bird watching. I was very impressed with how the guides manage to distinguish different bird calls when they all sound the same to me. I feel that one attribute of a talented ornithologist is acuteness. They could even spot a moth pupa hanging from the top of a tree (which by the way, is so minuscule relative to the size of the tree)! With binoculars in hand, we went for a short hike, in the process checking out various species of birds. However, they were most often flying too quickly for me to catch sight of them. Therefore, it was a little disappointing as I was not able to relate to the video and guidebook images. Nonetheless, the guides were really generous with their sharing of information about bird behaviour, mating and reproduction. Along the trail, the guides also did a fantastic job in explaining the characteristics of some interesting plant species.

Upon our return from the hike, we participated in a short morning exercise session with the people there. I have to compliment their efforts in making that practice a routine. It really rejuvenates one from the morning slumber and works out your muscles too. After breakfast (which we have been dreadfully awaiting since the start of the morning hike), we were introduced to anything and everything about Meifeng Farm. We played a game before we commenced and it was interesting to know what our first impression of our fellow participants was. The flowers that I came across were probably the most beautiful I've ever seen in my life. They were blooming and healthy. The highlight was when we were told that certain species had edible parts. We were like throngs of kids lining up to get a taste of them. Besides flowers, we observed other things like cacti, lavender, dried flowers, cultivation of spinach, and of course not forgetting navigation of a maze. It was through this session that I realized how comprehensive the farm was in terms of varieties of crops and plants, hence justifying it as a professional and established education and research institute.

The afternoon segment began with a lecture on table waste composting and organic vegetables. Here, I learnt the Taiwanese usage of the term 'pwun', a colloquial for food waste. With one of the highest population densities in the world, it is thus necessary for the nation to employ effective strategies to deal with food wastes, and I think Taiwan is doing very well in this aspect. I also learnt of the healthy aspects of organic food. The lecturer used himself as a good example: He is a regular drinker with a beer belly, yet is still strong and fit at 73 years of age, which he attributed to the consumption of organic food.

Next up was some farm-work experience, including plug seedling planting, clearing of weeds, sugar-beet and spinach harvesting, and lastly, juice-making. Now, I sincerely appreciate the diligence of farmers in removing weeds, because it is no easy task. It takes tremendous strain on the back when you bend over to pull out the weeds, which have virtually overrun the entire plantation. Kudos to them for their hard work, perseverance and patience.

At night, we had a session to observe insects, which included moths, caterpillars and my favourite rhinoceros beetle. The way insects perform techniques of camouflage and mimicry is truly ingenious. We also took some time to appreciate the glistening stars in the night sky. It was really a 'creepy' and 'silent' night.