il Giardino Romantico

每到中秋就會想到以前沒有月餅吃的童年。雖然在異鄉，母親大人在幾年後學會如何親手做蛋黃酥，讓我們也終於每逢中秋能嚐到一些家鄉味。
其實我很怕收到月餅。一方面現在口味太雜，拿到我不一定愛吃。另一方面是現在有些鹹月餅，就是愛給你放點肉。拿人家禮也不好意思多解釋：ㄟ！我吃素耶！
還好今年拿的柚子比月餅多。
不過唯一收到的這一盒月餅真的很值得介紹。

One uneventful evening, while on my way home after an ordinary private tutor session, I was somehow driven towards finding a Sherlock Holmes book to occupy my free times in the mornings.  While I strolled into the Eslite across from National Taiwan University, I was extremely disturbed by the fact that I could not readily find any copy of Holmes.  After some ten-minute search, I finally found a decent copy - The Adventures and Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes by Modern Man Library. 
記得當天晚上結束家教後回家的路上到台大對面的誠品，試圖想找一本福爾摩斯小說來看。但令人失望的是，找了老半天，才找到一本。原本以為這種經典之作應該很容易找到才是，怎麼花了我幾十分鐘才找到？不過最後終究還是找到了一本包含『探險記』和『回憶錄』的福爾摩斯。
  [Image from Amazon.com]
I have known Holmes since childhood.  But I'm afraid the acquaintance was mediocre.  For those books were abridged, and worse, translated.  Then, of course, I found him again in excerpts in my eighth grade literature book.  After a few years, I began tutoring students with adequate reading abilities to read abridged classics.  I had the pleasure to join in his adventures once again.  Then, a couple of years after dating a very knowledgeable gentleman, I had the opportunity to get to know this reputable detective through the phenomenal performance of Jeremy Brett. 
相信許多人都與我一樣，從小就聽說過這位偉大的偵探與他的醫生好友。不過童年讀的不過只是簡短版，而且還是中文的。到了junior high，終於有機會讀到原著。但可惜的是，還是一小段文字而已。大學畢業之後，教了幾年美語，終於讓我有機會教導一些閱讀能力足以閱讀簡短版的原文經典小說的學生。此時，又讓我再次有機會閱讀福爾摩斯的故事。又在此時，與一位博學多問的紳士交往幾年後，讓我有榮幸能夠透過Jeremy Brett的演出讓我能夠真正認識這位傳奇人物。
But I must admit that up to this point, never had I given myself the change to read the original writings of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. 
可是在此之前，我卻從來都沒有正式的認識Sir Arthur Conan Doyle 筆下的福爾摩斯。
After having devoured both the Adventures AND the Memoirs, I craved for more.  To my astonishment, it was not an easy mission.  I wished to peruse the Return of Sherlock Holmes, Study in Scarlet, Sign of Four, and The Case Book of Sherlock Holmes.  Yet, I could only find one or two that would be readily available if I were to order them online.  Others, I had to wait.  
在我以最快的速度完成『探險記』及『回憶錄』後，我馬上欲罷不能，又想在多讀一些。不過，這尋書記真的沒有我想像中的簡單。在網路上收尋的結果，只有一兩本可以馬上購買成功的。其他本都顯示：目前無存貨。
I waited till the weekend, and went down to Bookman, which has a reputation for a superb collection of literary and language related books.  Again, I was disappointed.  However, I still walked out of the bookstore with a copy of Oxford University Press's Study in Scarlet.  Then I walked over to Eslite once more, in hope of being able to find a better bargain, for 'Scarlet' was quite above my budget.  What was I to find there, but a Collector's Library version of the Case Book of Sherlock Holmes.
好不容易等到了週末，我馬上奔到書林。書林有名的是他擁有大量的文學書籍。不過還是讓我失望了。因為我還是只找到一兩本而已。不想兩手空空的回家，我還是帶了一本『血字的研究』回家，雖然他的價格稍稍超越了我的預算。之後，又再次跑回誠品[書林也位於台大對面]，這次很幸運的找到了一本『新探索』。當然，他的價格還是超出了我的預算。
[Image from Oxford University Press]
  [Image from Amazon.com]
With both books way beyond my original budget, I went home quite satisfied with the result of my book-hunt.
雖然遠遠超越我的預算，我還是抱著這兩本書半滿足的回家繼續啃書。
Sunday was quite uneventful.  Rather than allowing myself to be seduced by the idiot box, I got my lazy bum out of the house and went downtown with my two newly acquired Holmes.  Imagining that I would buy a couple of donuts and a coffee, I was rather excited to be reading Holmes out in the sun, breathing fresh air, whilst listening to some Yehudi Menuhin. 
星期天沒什麼是。與其在家受電視的誘惑，我悠閒的晃到市中心去。當然，帶著我的兩本書，想說買兩個甜甜圈，配著咖啡，聽著小提琴協奏曲，一邊進入福爾摩斯的世界。能夠在新鮮空氣[市貿那的空氣比起永和清晰多了]中閱讀真是人生一大享受之一呀！
Of course, a trip downtown was always a hassle for me.  It costs a fortune to get there by cab, and it is extremely time consuming to get there by public transport.  Knowing that I am also a bit claustrophobic, you would probably understand why on occasions, I'd rather spend a fortune than suffocate myself in the subterranean transport system.  Therefore, I had to make every trip downtown worthwhile.  That means, as always, a trip to Page One.
不過你要知道，每一次去市中心對我來說都是一件艱辛萬苦之事。搭乘小黃嘛～貴！搭乘大眾運輸工具嘛～人擠人的！你知道我就是怕人擠人。不難想像若我錢包有多餘的銀子，我一定選擇搭乘小黃，不讓自己受罪。但無論如何，每一次我都不會讓自己白跑一趟。要直回票價，就表示一定得去Page One晃晃。
What should I find there, but a set of Barnes and Noble Classics of The Complete Sherlock Holmes!  Readily available!  At an absolutely bargaining price of 296NT per book [comes in two volumes].  The best part was that, as cheap as it was, English books happened to be on sale!  Once in a blue moon, I have actually gotten a better deal  here than the other bookstores! 
在那，我終於找到了！兩本完全收錄的福爾摩斯。每一本的價格只有296，而且破天荒的竟然連Page One也在打折！這次我竟然在全台北市最貴的書店裡找到了這麼划算的書。真是難得一見呀。
[Images from Amazon.com]
So now that I have come to a complete satisfaction over my little book hunt, I must spend sometime to discuss my reflections upon the different versions.
所以接下來就讓我簡短的介紹各種不同書版社的福爾摩斯吧。
The Modern Man's Library version seems a good place to start for first-time readers.  It is rather well annotated, so as to give the reader who has not yet come to a good understanding of Holmes' time a good supplement. 
Modern Man's Library 是個不錯的開端。因為裡頭包含了重要細節的解說。如果是第一次閱讀福爾摩斯，這將會是一個很不錯的選擇。你能夠很輕鬆的就上手。
The Oxford version is only recommended if the reader should chose to do an extremely detailed study of the author, the character[s], and historical backgrounds. 
Oxford出版的我只推薦給希望非常深入研究作者或故事的讀者們。
The Collector's Library version is only good for its portable size.  This is also a good version for a 'collection'.  Other than that, I wouldn't recommend it.  For, with the exact content, you could easily purchase a cheaper copy.
The Collector's Library 版本唯一的好處就是好攜帶。而且如果只是要拿來收藏的話，也是個不錯的選擇。因為他的外觀真的很有質感。但是同樣的價錢，能夠買到更便宜的版本，內容也不變，為何要折磨自己的荷包呢！？
Last, but certainly not least, my highly recommended version, the Barnes and Noble Classics of The Complete Sherlock Holmes.  Why, with all the money I had spend buying the previously mentioned copies, I could buy myself another set!  Why not?  If you feel inclined towards this version, then no doubt you have already had some background to help you gain a better understanding of Holmes and the stories themselves.  If that is true, then I wouldn't worry about the notes.  For I have found while perusing 'Scarlet' that if I engage myself with flipping back and forth to the notes and the story, I'd soon lose interest in the story itself.  That is part of the reason why I only recommend the Oxford version if the reader were to engage in a detailed examination of the work. 
最後，這個Barnes and Noble Classics 版本就是我要大力推薦的版本。因為兩本加起來的價錢，都還不到之前提到那三個版本加起來的價格呢！如果你已經對福爾摩斯有初步的認識，這一本是絕對的選擇。因為我發現當我閱讀Oxford出版的版本時，反覆的從故事翻到註解，看完註解，又回到故事：在這樣的過程中，我很容易就對故事本身失去興趣。也因為如此，該版本我只推薦給需要深入研究的讀者們。
Now, finally, I can sit back and enjoy my adventures with Holmes to my heart's content.  Let me just state one more thing as a conclusion: there is nothing more enjoyable than reading the adventures of Holmes and Watson, while sipping away a decent cup of coffee [or tea], with some violin sonata playing by the ears.
現在我終於可以坐下來慢慢享受我和福爾摩斯的約會囉！不過為結束此篇文章，容我多嘴的再多說幾句：喝杯咖啡[或英式茶別在這時候喝烏龍啊～]，並聽些小提琴協奏或獨奏曲，一邊閱讀福爾摩斯，才能夠達到最高的享受樂趣喔！

從圖片右下方就可得知這是在九月九日在市政府前的廣場舉辦的活動。
當天有各式各樣的廠商，但環繞著的主題只有一個：貓咪狗狗！
在活動前幾週確定當天沒事之後馬上告知Animals Taiwan
以上是當天攤位中所能看到的一些商品。

從泰雅達利走到車站約要半個小時。不過那是以我一邊走、一邊享受風景的速度。
It took me about thirty minutes to walk from the lodging down to the bus station.  But that's because of the intermittent stops for photo shots and view enjoyment.
如果回程的風景沒那麼美，也許可以節省十分鐘。約二十分就到了！？
It would probably take a lot less than thirty whole minutes if the view hadn't been so beautiful.
這些是下山途中拍下的風景。

也許是旅遊節目看太多。到達住宿地點前，一直告訴自己這一定是個很棒的地方！
Perhaps from watching too many travel shows, I've been imagining this place as impeccably wonderful.
不過無論實際上與所期望的相差多少，有一點是無法改變的：我是來這放鬆的。所以沒有任何人、或事情可以破壞我這與自己獨處的夜晚！
However reality differentiates from expectations, there is one thing that is unchangeable:  Nobody nor anybody could have sabotaged this perfect night I had all by myself!
泰雅達利 The Lodging

接著，我繼續往上爬。上次沒走到的地方，這次繼續挑戰。其實好奇的是到底上頭有什麼？
Then, I continued climbing higher.  Exploring new land. 
找到的地方，豈是區區幾張照片能容納的下的？因此我用攝影功能把他帶回來。此地，看似還尚未開放。我先帶大家先睹為快：
What I found there, was simply too much for one picture to hold.  So, here is a video clip of the extraordinary place I discovered, that apparently is not yet open to public.
[這裡本來是要放影片，可是還是一直放不上來。日後若上傳成功，在麻煩大家跑一趟過來看看吧！！]

The reason why everything tangible is obsolete is because that is the natural order of this universe.  For everything, there is birth, and then there is death.  For that makes up the universal duality. 
The birth of my passion for classical music was impregnated by my first iPod - iPod shuffle.  It was the best investment I had ever made.  It helped me discover Vivaldi's invigorating depiction of the four seasons, the spell-bounding symphonies of Beethoven, and later it became my very own private tutor of Spanish, Italian, German, and even French.
After  a continual complaint about not being able to see the details of the songs I'm listening to, a new iPod soon came into my life - iPod Nano.  It was just as good, but even better.  I continued to let it inspire me.
I love not being able to decide whether I should read and listen to a symphony, or do a half-hour language session every day as I leave for work.
I love that my little personal orchestra plays exactly what I ask it to play and whenever I want it to play.  Karajan, Corelli, Kempf, and Menuhin, always at their best and at my disposal.  Just a click and turn, and they will all promptly perform their magic on me.  I am the queen in this world.
But as the days go by, the acoustics slowly fade away.  The inspiration that first started out as a fierce blazing fire, now dimming down to the last flicker.  However well they play, the mind seems to have forgotten what it felt like.  Inspiration, in the words of the Romantics is a spontaneous overflow of very powerful feelings.  Like a waterfall.  Powerful.  Unstoppable. Well, now, it dribbles drop by drop like a broken tap. 
Time to celebrate the birth of a new inspiration.  The trumpets will blow and hats will be taken off in honor of the old worn-out earphones.  They have served me well. 
Bidding farewell is indeed, difficult.  Nevertheless, sorrow ends as soon as the new arrives. 
Today my orchestra is revived.  Once again, Bartoli's Lascia Ch'io Pianga is able to squeeze out a droplet of tear.  I am the rider of the Valkyries.  The canvas of dusk in this chaotic city becomes another masterpiece of God, as my choir sings Missa Solemnis into my ears.
The concept of aesthetics is not elusive.  But you do need the right tools to help you get a good start.  I walk bravely onward from my past into the future as my mechanical pendant, my amulet, hangs blessing-fully around my neck.  No matter how the world should overwhelm me with the most nefarious sounds, I will be ready.  It is my shield and my sword.  Polished and renewed.  It's exactly the thing I need to  become even more secluded than I already am, from the rest of the world.

烏來遊記下篇因為有個影片檔上傳一直出現問題，所以還是讓兒子來表演一下。
今天要秀的是：我與紙袋。
喔！太棒了！全新的紙袋耶～
這是我的！誰都不准碰！
媽咪也不例外喔～～～～
紙袋紙袋，你別想跑～
你只屬於我一人。
別惹我喔～
不然下場就會跟『紙袋』一樣喔！
紙袋最後的下場：
再來看看我這隻瘋貓是怎麼玩紙袋的：

我又來到了烏來。
Wu-lai, I'm back.
這次不一樣的是，我是一個人單獨來的。雖然獨自一人，但有著大自然的陪伴，當然就不寂寞。這次的經驗與初次造訪的體會全然不同。因為一個人，腳步的速度可以自己決定。停留的時間可以自行決定。雖然結伴同行也是不錯的，但偶爾獨行，也是不錯的選擇。
The difference this time, is that I'm alone.  With the company of Mother Nature, however, I feel anything but lonely.  The good thing about traveling alone is that I get to decide the pace of my steps, where I should stop, and how long I should remain there.  Of course, having a friend or two wouldn't be such a bad idea, but being alone give you the opportunity to spend some quality time with your inner self.
[聖地 Holy Ground]
也許是經過幾次颱風侵襲，這次在大老遠的地方就已經能聽見瀑布聲。瞧，這次上次被我們誤認為瀑布的排水口。其實這樣看起來，也能算是個小瀑布！？
After the invasion of a few typhoons, the waterfall could be heard while still far away.  See, that's the outlet that we had mistaken as THE waterfall.  From the look of it, perhaps it is a mini-waterall?
[烏來瀑布 Wu-lai Waterfall]
瀑布變大了。水流聲更清脆了！
The waterfall has grown bigger!  The flowing water has also gotten louder and crispier!
到了瀑布面前往下一看，因為光線還看得到彩虹！不過一轉眼，就又不見了。
When you look down below, you could even catch the sight of a rainbow.  But within a blink of an eye, it would vanish.
[勇士廣場 ]
來到上次說適合野餐的觀賞瀑布的平台，決定在這休息。要記得，來到這可是要先挑戰一段階梯的呦！
I came to the waterfall viewing platform, and decided to take a little rest here.  This is, of course, after a long flight of ascending stairs.
[圖片以刪除]
瞧我一身利物浦裝，就知道我是帶著夢想來這。
Wearing my Liverpool shirt, it's almost as if I've brought my dream with me.
就連鴨舌帽也是 Liverpool FC的～  [還有我兒子的毛在上面耶～ @.@]
Even the cap. [That's my Prince Angelino's fur you see stuck on the cap...]
到這邊一定得先聊聊那件衣服。話說，那是2000[?]在清邁渡假時碰巧看到的。當時其實自己都還沒決定要去哪所學校。但現在回想起來，也許冥冥之中早就註定好了？
I found that shirt while doing some random shopping that summer back in year 2000.  I was on vacation in Chiangmai visiting my folks.  At the time, I hadn't decided yet where I'd go for my master's degree.  Now, looking back, perhaps everything had already been planned.
於是我坐在那啃我的全麥麵包。目不轉睛盯著瀑布看。大自然可真是威力無比呀！
So as I sat there chewing on my whole wheat bread, staring at the waterfall, I experienced a revelation.
嘿！毫無藝術天分的我，竟然也會畫出五分像的瀑布水彩畫！真是太神奇了！
Without any innate artistic skill, I was actually able to paint something that looked rather similar to the waterfall!  The power of Mother Nature, simply cannot be underestimated.
誰說一定要是藝術家才能動筆畫畫？記得某人曾跟我說過：『畫畫不是攝影，一定得畫的一模一樣。』每次拿起水彩筆，心裡就回想著這句話。只要自己畫的開心就好。何必一定要成為大師呢？
Whoever said only artists could paint?  I recall the words of a very wise person:  It's not photography.  And so whenever I'm holding a paintbrush, I'd remind myself that.  I'm painting because it makes me happy to do so.  There is no need to become a maestro.  We have plenty already.
未完待續...
To be continued very soon...

[This article is about the mistranslation of 'Knights Templar' in Chinese, found in the subtitles of the movie National Treasure.]
出門前看到正好電視在播放國家寶藏。
一直以來只要能盡量避免翻譯的時候，我都會看原文。除非真的是我不懂的語言。翻譯讓世界變得更小。這是無法否認的事實。不過常常在看電影台時看到令人吐血的翻譯時，我心裡想：這算哪們子的翻譯。比較深奧的句子與字彙不談，我就曾經看過竟然把Tuesday翻成星期四的電影字幕翻譯。
我會選擇直接看原文書的原因，除了因為效率能比較快之外，另外一個原因也是因為很多辭彙，看到原文我認得。可是看到翻譯成中文，我還得下一翻工夫去查原文。這就跟正在學英文的學生，無時無刻都要依賴字典才能理解原文小說的內容一樣吃力。
國家寶藏中提到的共濟會，我一直以為是原文的Illuminati。可是演員們說出口的卻是Knights Templar。

當我看到Febie家貼出這篇文章時，我問我自己：你平時都說愛動物、愛貓咪。對自己的貓愛的跟什麼一樣，如果今天是自己的兒子遇到這樣的事情，你會怎麼做？
我承認我剛開始有點猶豫。畢竟之前因為告知要去英國了，如今有幾堂課已經取消了。物價在漲，我還得繼續存錢，可是荷包卻縮的緊緊的。可是與其偶爾買個貓罐頭餵餵說不定平時就有覓食能力的街貓，不如實際行動。這比去當義工能做的更直接的幫助。
所以如果你們也願意的話，可否幫忙這隻跟我兒子長得好像的貓朋友，讓他能夠順利動手術？！

各位叔叔阿姨：拜託你們囉！！

[For your enjoyment of the book, no plot is revealed in the following article.]
[The cover shown here is different from the cover of the book I possess.]
The most interesting stories are those that revolve around plausible, or even existing facts.  The Da Vinci Code became an instant best-seller because Dan Brown built his story using evidence from his extensive research on real, historical events.  But the content of this fictitious work is nothing compared to what The Second Messiah sets out to reveal.
In this book, everything that started out as mere assumptions are later supported and proven by meticulously oriented experiments and research.  However, it may not be popular among Christians I would presume.
This is one of the many instances when I can reconfirm my decision never to be baptized and claim to be any ONE religion.  For if I do that, then I would forfeit the ability to view all religion objectively.  Thus, I believe my reflections on the book to be quite objective.