Literary Journalist | Lan Lijuan

PRESENTER

Reportage literary writer | Lan Lijuan

Q & A

Q: How do you start your day?

A: Every day when I wake up, I like to open the window and read the colors of the sky, saying good morning to the city I am in; if passersby hear me, then I will blink. I enjoy listening to the vitality of boiling water in the kettle, having a cup of coffee or mango-flavored South African national treasure tea, and choosing a piece of music by Sibelius, Dvořák, or Brahms to add fuel to the fire of my soul.

Q: Where do you usually hang out the most?

A: The high-speed rail station, I think this is the hub for dream travelers.

What is your most frequently visited restaurant?

A: The tea house on the first floor of the National Theater attracts people for its high cost-performance ratio of half tendon half meat braised beef noodles, but I prefer vegetable and meat wonton soup, plus a couple of plates of braised snacks and a cup of sour plum juice.

Q: What is your entertainment after work?

Reading: Especially novels by Nobel Prize in Literature winners, focusing on works by Taiwanese authors. Watching movies: Preferring themes that provoke reflection and introspection, such as "Norman" and "Manchester by the Sea."

Q: What is a book you recently read? What insights or thoughts did you have after finishing it?

"The Remains of the Day" is one of the important works by Kazuo Ishiguro, the 2017 Nobel Prize in Literature laureate. The story revolves around a butler who insists on professional dignity, sacrificing personal feelings and dedicating his entire life to his profession, yet becomes an accomplice to injustice (Nazism). In his old age, the weathered rocks rub against his proud memories, the long day (remaining life) is about to end, dignity collapses, and a thousand regrets are stirred up!

This novel makes me believe even more that one should not pursue professionalism at the cost of conscience; this applies to any profession. One must first become a good person in order to be a good manager, a good journalist, a good doctor, a good legislator, a good chef... Using conscience as a standard is crucial to 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 that time, I believed that it was an important work attitude to strive towards the organization's goals in the workplace. However, by investing all my time and energy into work, it led to an imbalance in life, and I maintained inertia out of fear of change. It wasn't until my respected mentor passed away from cancer—who was also a perfectionist and workaholic—that I realized "tomorrow is not always going to come." I then asked myself: while it is indeed important to pursue the organization's goals with all my strength, where are my own dreams? Thus began a journey to the wine regions of New Zealand to explore myself. (See "Not Working to Make Wine")

Q: What advice do you have for friends who want to change but are afraid of change?

A: Write down the questions on a large sheet of paper (A4 or A3 is better): (1) Why do I want to change? (2) What do I want to change? (3) What good effects will there be after I make the change? (4) What bad consequences will there be? (5) Review the answers to (3) and (4), and ask yourself: Is there any loss? If (4) > (3), why not do it? If (3) > (4), no need for big changes, just give yourself some small changes in life to relieve the current inertia. Draw a tic-tac-toe grid on the paper, draw the things you like, and incorporate those things into your habitual life one by one. For example, change to riding a bike to work, or get off the subway one stop earlier every day, or set a rule to learn one sentence of French every day. Changing the scenery of life can also create positive effects.

Q: What do you do when you feel stressed or depressed?

Reading. Especially the novels of Nobel laureates, reflecting on my own life, makes me feel less lonely.

Q: What do you think is the most interesting or attractive place in Taiwan?

A: Taitung. Have you tried driving or biking along Provincial Highway 9, wandering along the east coast? That is the best way to face and embrace the Pacific Ocean. Simple human connections, fresh winds, and the healing power of nature. One section of the road entering the Hualien-Taitung Valley also allows you to experience the beauty of the land. I especially enjoy sliding grass at Luye Highland, overlooking the green earth between the river valley and plains.

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

Friendly and pleasant reception that makes guests feel at home.

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

A: I once stayed at the Hsiu-Rui Hotel (Section 1, Chang'an East Road). The lobby staff were friendly and welcoming. The overall design style of the hotel features playful illustrations as the main visual, guided and integrated by the Dots Good Team, transforming the children's artwork into paintings on the walls, with window decorations and cushion illustrations, creating a cheerful atmosphere during the stay. As a business hotel, the breakfast at Hsiu-Rui Hotel exceeded my expectations, offering a variety of choices that cater to Eastern tastes while also accommodating the dietary habits of Westerners.