Long Shan Temple, Math models, kawasaki B1 125

Long Shan Temple

One of the big activities of the Chinese New Year is to go to the temple. This is a chance to get the Gods on your side for the coming new year. One of the most popular temples in Taipei is the Long Shan Temple in the WanHua district. One of the subway stops is just a block away from the temple so it is convenient to pay your respects during this busy season. Here is the outer gate of the temple.

Inside the gate the temple is in a courtyard with the temple in the center. Here the offerings are made to the Gods, incense is burned and the Gods entreated to bless the coming new year.

 The temple complex covers about an entire city block. Because it is popular, it has the money to be beautifully decorated. With a waterfalls,

 hanging lanterns,

 and a pond of the biggest koi that I have ever seen.

 It is the donations to the temple that provide the money for such a large complex. There are offices inside the temple complex to phone in your offering, the Gods accept money transfers, checks and all major credit cards.

Math Model
 
 Now that my eyes are good enough to read books and newspapers. I have been going to National Taiwan University(NTU) library. I can't take out books there but I can read them in the library. The math library is particularly good, bigger than both the University of Washington and the University of Minnesota math libraries. The
NTU Math building recently had a model displaying omnitruncated didecaplex made with zometools. It was impressive.

Yuen Foong B1 125

When I saw this motorcycle on the streets of Taipei, I thought Kawasaki had released a retrobike from 50 years ago. But I was wrong it is a reburbished motorcycle from 50 years ago. The Kawasaki B1 125 or as sold in Taiwan the Yuen Foong B1 125.
They were in production from 1966 to 197? )It was a pretty bike.