Lan Lijuan

PRESENTER

 

 

Lan Lijuan

Literary nonfiction writer

Q & A

Q: How do you start your day?

A: Every morning when I wake up, I like to open the window and read the colors of the sky, wishing the city I’m in a good morning; if pedestrians hear me, I give them a wink. I love listening to the energy of water bubbling in the kettle, then having a cup of coffee or mango-flavored rooibos tea. I choose a piece by Sibelius, Dvořák, or Brahms to add fuel to the hearth of my soul.

Q: Where do you usually hang out?

A: The high-speed rail station—I think of it as a hub that takes in and sends off travelers with dreams.

Q: The restaurant you go to most often?

A: At the Theater Café on the first floor of the National Theater, people come for its great-value braised beef noodle soup with tendon, but I prefer the pork-and-vegetable wonton soup, along with a couple of plates of braised snacks and a glass of sour plum juice.

Q: What do you do for fun after work?

A: Reading, especially novels by Nobel Prize laureates and works by Taiwanese writers. Watching movies: I prefer themes that lead to introspection and reflection, such as Norman and Manchester by the Sea.

Q: What is a book you’ve read recently? Did it leave you with any insights or impressions?

A: *The Remains of the Day*, one of the major works by Kazuo Ishiguro, the 2017 Nobel Prize laureate in Literature. It tells the story of a butler who, upholding his professional dignity and setting aside personal feelings, devotes his entire life to his professional duties, only to become an accomplice to injustice (the Nazis). In his twilight years, the weathered rocks scrape at his proud memories; the long day (his remaining life) is drawing to a close, his dignity crumbles, and waves of regret rise in their thousands!

This novel has made me even more certain that people should not pursue professionalism at the expense of their conscience; this applies to every profession. One must first be a good person before becoming a good butler, journalist, doctor, legislator, or chef… Only by using conscience as the foremost standard can we avoid being overwhelmed by professionalism.

Q: What motivated you to give up a good job in your early thirties and go to New Zealand to study winemaking?

A: At the time, I believed that working diligently toward an organization’s goals within the career track was an important work ethic. But devoting all my time and energy to work threw my life out of balance, and, afraid of change, I nevertheless remained stuck in my routine. It was only when my esteemed mentor died of cancer—he was also a perfectionist and a workaholic—that I was jolted into realizing that “tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.” I then asked myself: Pursuing the organization’s goals wholeheartedly is indeed important, but where are my own dreams? And so I embarked on a journey of self-discovery in New Zealand’s wine regions. (See *Leaving the Office to Make Wine* for more.)

Q: What advice would you give to people who want to change but are afraid of change?

A: On a large sheet of paper (A4 or A3—the bigger, the better), write down these questions: (1) Why do I want to change? (2) What do I want to change? (3) What positive effects will the change bring? (4) What negative consequences might there be? (5) Review your answers to (3) and (4), and ask yourself: Is there anything to lose? If (4) outweighs (3), why not do it? If (3) outweighs (4), you don’t need to make a major change; just introduce a few small changes into your life to break up your current routine. Draw a nine-square grid on the paper, sketch the things you enjoy, and then work each one into your habitual routine. For example, you could bike to work, get off the subway one stop early every day, or make yourself learn one French phrase each day. Changing the scenery of your life can also create positive effects.

Q: What do you do when you’re stressed or feeling down?

A: Reading, especially novels by Nobel Prize winners in literature. They offer a mirror for my own life, making me feel less alone.

Q: What do you find most interesting or appealing about Taiwan?

A: Taitung. Have you ever driven or cycled along Provincial Highway 9, wandering along the east coast? It’s the best way to face and embrace the Pacific. The warm, down-to-earth people, the fresh air, and the healing power of nature. One stretch of the road that enters the East Rift Valley also lets you experience the beauty of the land up close. I especially enjoy grass-sledding at Luye Highland and gazing out over the green landscape between the river valleys and plains.

Q: What do you look forward to most when staying at a hotel?

A: Friendly and pleasant, with a warm, welcoming reception.

Q: What is your impression of the hotels under Taipei Inn?

A: I have stayed at the City Hotel (Section 1, Chang'an East Road). The lobby staff were warm and welcoming. The hotel’s overall design features whimsical illustrations as its main visual theme. The Dot Benevolence team guided and brought together the artwork created by people with intellectual disabilities, transforming it into paintings on the walls, illustrations on the window grilles and cushions, and more. During my stay, it naturally lifted my spirits. For a business hotel, the breakfast at the City Hotel especially exceeded my expectations. It offered a diverse selection suited to Eastern tastes without neglecting Western dining preferences.

Q & A