The tense tentacles of modernization seem, these days, to be barred outside the main gates of the parks. Almost at daybreak, among the blossoms of native and exotic flowers, to the early singing of birds, the citizens of Taipei launch the ritual morning exercises.
Taipei New Park, near the bustling Taipei Railway Station, is a convenient exercise resort. In one corner of the park, hundred of people join hands in concentric circles, and turn, sway, stamp, and clap hands to the strains of folk music. The young ladies dance gracefully; their elders follow, many more awkwardly, but with equal enthusiasm. The not-very-open grounds, dotted with trees, are usually fully occupied.
Mrs. Wu, aged 58, is typical of the many older people who frequent the park. She dons a T-shirt and jogging shoes to participate dutifully every morning in the 6 a.m. activities.
She explains: "My children have all grown up and are occupied with their businesses and their families. Since the park is only a stone's throw from my home, I was happy to join the folk dancers. At first, I felt sore all over. But, after practicing dances from all over the world, my figure and health have really benefited."
Folk-dancing- Unseen here, many just like to watch. (File photo)
Many such dancing groups scalier in the park early - some under the trees, some next to the lagoon - while aged people sit on nearby rocks to watch. Couples join the activities hand-in-hand, though housewives and professional women comprise the bulk of the dancers. Normally, they spend about an hour in the park, then proceed with the day's work after a morning shower.
In addition to folk dancing, the participants also take part in popular disco dancing routines. As the first notes sound, hips sway, arms stretch, and legs move according to the instructions from each group leader. After several numbers, clothes are drenched with sweat and, from time to time, handkerchiefs emerge to mop dewy brows.
Off to one side can be seen several people practicing yoga. Others focus their powers of concentration on Chinese kung-fu, fencing, and boxing. Yet other groups are engaged in running, rope skip ping, skating, and playing badminton.
A group of old men can be seen carrying swinging cages of exercising house birds along the stone paths, while in the shade of some trees, early-bird students browse through text books. The fresh air and pleasing landscape make the park an ideal place for meditation.
Some of the grand old ladies living in the neighborhood are drawn to the park for walking, just looking around, and otherwise idling away the time after other family members have gone on to schools or offices. "It's so nice to live here," said one elegant lady, gray hair shining. "The beautiful landscape and the fresh air are no different from that on the Yangminshan (Grass Mountain) - only we don't have to travel that far. I have made many friends here. Sometimes we exchange views on serious matters or simply gossip about everything."
An occasional foreign resident jogs round the perimeter. (File photo)
Once in a while, foreign residents, who prefer their own favorite morning exercises, can be seen jogging around the perimeter of the park.
As the sun burns off the morning mists, the early exercisers begin to drift away. But for the park, another busy, bustling day is just arriving.
No one knows exactly why this park is also active at noon. According to one of the Chinese folk dance instructors, noon-time exercisers appeared in April this year.
She said, "In the beginning, some career women working in the neighbor hood capitalized on their noon hours to do some exercises; they are probably not early risers. Another instructor and I decided to work with them. Every member of our group pays US$5 a month as an instruction fee. Though only a half-year old, the noontime activity has drawn wide attention, and the number of participants grows with time."
Parks abound in quiet corners for reading or ambling. (File photo)
For convenience, most join folk dance activities with their own partners. Newcomers follow the veterans' movements. Most of them are clever enough to quickly catch the tempo. Those who really have a hard time are recipients of the instructors' special guidance. Though, up to now, they have learned dozens of dances, instructors admit that some feel frustrated at the difficulty in catching up with the part of the schedule they had missed.
Asked if noon exercises might have a negative impact on afternoon work, a Miss Lin in a chi outfit responded: "I don't think so, some of us wanted a change in our everyday lives. Others bank on the exercises to reduce weight. Still others, who ate used to chit chatting or shopping at noon, wanted a more health giving pastime ... and, also, to save money." Therefore, unless it rains, the park is always full of music and laughter, morning and noon. - By Huang Yu-mei