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《肯塔基手札》2009 年由苗栗縣政府國際文化觀光局出版

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肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

部落格短記 20050724
台灣→日本→西雅圖

2005/7/23 上午十點,與父母弟妹揮別後,EF的第一
批交換學生搭上了美國聯合航空直奔日本東京。

首度搭上飛機,心裡雀躍與興奮難掩,坐在靠窗旁的走
道位,一起航的第一件事莫過於拍照,飛機加速奔馳後才飛
離地面,壓力逐漸增大,耳膜些微的壓迫直至飛機在空中直
線航行後才恢復正常。

臺灣飛到東京約三小時左右,中間有令我期待已久的午
餐時間,以前一直聽說的「空廚」總算能見識見識!

"Seafood or chicken?"空姐禮貌的向每一位乘客詢問
午餐要吃什麼?我毫不猶疑的選擇海鮮,一盒用鋁箔紙包裝

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(遺珠網路分享)肯塔基手札
High School Year in Kentucky

的正是主食海鮮,其他就是少不了的飲料、麵包、生菜沙拉。
我期待的緩緩拆封鋁箔包裝--海鮮!

海鮮=新竹米粉+三顆蝦球……。

抵達日本東京國際機場後,有兩個多小時的轉機時間,
我們只能待在機場裡,逛逛免稅店,發現新鮮事。日本機場
跟剛出境的中正機場大同小異(除了手扶梯特別長),逛了
幾家免稅店,突然發現台灣的 7-11 真便宜。大家身上幾乎
都剩兌換好的美金,在機場的免稅店使用以 1 美金抵 108
日圓消費,消費後再折合台幣,所有商品幾乎都不便
宜.....。

下午四點四十在日本登機,預計飛行時間八小時,我的
眼皮也重重的下垂,得先打個盹兒。不記得究竟飛了多久,
我的手錶一直保持在台灣時間,所以大概是晚上六點,撲鼻
的香味誘人的傳出,吃了滿足的晚餐,看了一部電影之後,
我再度沉沉睡去。

當我的手錶到了 7/24 的 00:00 時,窗外已從黑夜進入


白天,空姐開始為大家送上早餐,八小時的飛行時間也只剩
下最後的兩小時。下了飛機,西雅圖時間是 2005/7/23 上午
十點,這種飛躍子午線的感覺真特別,舟「機」勞頓了一天,
日期與時間竟和出發的中正機場相同。

入境美國時必須填寫兩張單子,同款的字條有各式語言
供大家選擇,英文、日文、德文、法文、西班牙文......
等等,這世界人口數佔最多的 Chinese 竟沒有可以選
擇……。

3
肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

部落格短記 20050830
My School
This is my school --
McCreary Central High
School. I have 4 classes a
day. The first class starts
from 8:00a.m., and end
at 3:00p.m. I met lots of
friends, they're friendly.
Teachers are nice to me;
even sometimes I can't understand what they said. They are
always patient to describe what's that means.

I take school bus everyday. The school bus not only


belongs to my school. They belong to this county, so there are
all students from elementary school to high school in the same
bus, just like our public bus in Taiwan.

I have free breakfast and lunch in school. People in the


U.S. like salty food, and they seldom eat vegetable. They drink
soda as our water. They like fried food most........ I think I'll be
fat after this year.

The schedules here are the same everyday. So I can enjoy


every subject, becau-se all subjects were chosen by me.

There is a hurricane in the sky. Here is windy with rain.


In general, Kentucky is really hot. They turn on air-conditioner
inside all day. So, even it's hot outside, I still wear my jacket.

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(遺珠網路分享)肯塔基手札
High School Year in Kentucky

部落格短記 20050902
Rice

I cooked dinner for my host family tonight. I made


Chinese traditional food, stir-fry
fry rice and tea. They seldom use
soy sauce, so we went to super-market
market to buy that and rice
first. Grandma helped me to cook rice, but we put too more
water, so the rice tasted very sticky. Chinese usually drinks hot
tea; American likes to put some ice cubes and sugar inside.
When we made tea with ice cube and sugar, it tasted better
for them.

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肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

部落格短記 20050907
Camper Camping
9/4(Sun.)is my host family's family meeting. Everybody
prepare some foods to share, I ate very full. After lunch, my
host mother's sister's family will go to camping. They invited
me to join them. So my host brother and I go with them. There
is another exchange student live with them, she's from
Germany, her name is Anna.

We went to a National Park to camping. They used tent


and camper(RV) for camping. That was my first time to live in
camper. Everything was fresh to me. There are kitchen,
bathroom, and bedroom in the camper. Outside is beautiful
natural. We enjoyed the BBQ dinner with fresh air, fragrance,
and sunshine. Because of the wonderful environment, the
food taste more delicious.

9/5(Mon.) is Labor's day. We never regarded Labor's day


as a holiday in Taiwan, but they do. So I have 3 days weekend.
We still stay in the National Park until Monday. And visit a
mineral cave and a railway for shipping mineral. Anna and I
both are senior in school, so we took lots of picture for school
year book.

We rode bikes on winding road in hillside. When we were


in down slope, it was very comfortable. On the opposite, we
were very tired in upslope. I really enjoyed in these 3 days
weekend. From Cumberland Falls to National Park, I love the
beautiful natural!!!

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(遺珠網路分享)肯塔基手札
High School Year in Kentucky

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肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

部落格短記 20050908
Madrigal Singers
I joined the school madrigal, and this TUE(9/6). is my first
time performance.

Because of Cumberland Lake Hospital has a new building,


so they invited us to sing. (My classmate said that MCHS
Madrigal is the best choir in McCreary County.) We sing 2
songs, one for beginning, the other for ending. Beginning song
is <Star Spangled Banner> which is American national anthem,
ending song is <My Old Kentucky Home>. I enjoyed singing
very much.

After singing, we had a big lunch. There are 3 floors for


food, First floor for appetizer, basement for main food, Second
floor for dessert. There are Mexican food and American food
for main food. And the dessert has a chocolate fall. We can eat
every fruit and cookies with chocolate. It's really delicious.

Everybody was very full. When we were waiting school


bus, one of classmates ask me "Do you know about
martial(Chinese Kung Fu)?" That's a good question. I have
answered this question many times so far. American thought
every Asian knows Kung Fu!? My answer is I had learned a
little bit Taekwondo(跆拳道) in my childhood. So they asked
me to show them Taekwondo. You can see that photo that a
lady and I have a cool posture! It's a fun day. I thought today
let me with friends closer.

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(遺珠網路分享)肯塔基手札
High School Year in Kentucky

部落格短記 20050908
Football Game
I'm not a sport fan, but
yesterday there's the first
football game in school. I
was curious about football,
so, I watched the game.

Classmates told me I
have to wear gold or brown
color T-shirt to school. Because these 2 colors are our school
color. And students went crazy all day because of the ball
game at night. Fourth period, every student got together in
the gym to encourage the football players.

No matter freshman, sophomore, junior ,or senior,


everyone yelled and shouted for their own grade. Than all
students shouted for school slogan "Go Raiders!"

The football game took placed at7:30. Cheerleaders


started cheering and Players started running, but the audience
didn't seem excited. A few of them shouted only if we got a
point. It made me confused. The football games in the movies
are exciting, but why not here?

I'm proud of my school, because we won the game, even


though the game itself wasn't exciting to me.

I though Quidditch(魁地奇), the sport in <Harry Potter>,


just like football, but it takes place in the sky!

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肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

1
月光

在肯德基州(Kentucky)已度過將近一個月,美國高中
生活也已逐漸適應,雖然有時上課仍會鴨子聽雷,但老師對
我總諸多包涵。大家對我的耐心,讓我開始步上軌道。

9/16~9/17 在肯德基大學(University Of Kentucky)


有一場年度合唱盛宴--Bluegrass Music Festival。我因
加入了學校合唱團,也成為這場盛宴中的一份子。從我住的
小鎮乘著三小時的學校巴士才能抵達目的地,一路上大家談
天玩牌,興起時還一同高歌這兩天要合唱的曲目。

完全沉浸在合唱的兩天,讓我有一趟相當美好的音樂旅
程,陶醉在自己與四百多位來自二十二所不同高中合唱團的
同學合唱歌聲中,感受到音樂給人的震撼與感動。

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(遺珠網路分享)肯塔基手札
High School Year in Kentucky

在回程時,已是 9/17 晚上九點,這裡與台灣時差恰巧


十二小時,所以台灣正展開新的一天,而這裡的月亮才甫升
起呢!

我以為在回程巴士上,大家該是倒頭就睡,沒想到竟是
興奮狂歡,雖是伸手不見五指一片漆黑,但一首首我從未聞
的鄉村、流行、搖滾歌曲從同學們亢奮的口中唱出,整台巴
士就像是個大型音響在高速公路上不停播送、奔馳。我自認
是適應力很強的人,再陌生的環境都能盡力克服,但這次我
卻無法融入其中,只得當個觀眾隨音樂微微擺動,以及欣賞
窗外風景。

這裡的高速公路並沒有路燈,窗外唯一清晰明亮只有那
顆又大又圓的月亮。月光灑入車窗,這時我才想起電子信箱
中家人及朋友從「遙遠的台灣」捎來的中秋節祝福。這是出
國迄今我首次為台灣冠上「遙遠」二字,更首次體會何謂「每
逢佳節倍思親」。

應我要求,大夥兒一同合唱了一首我相當喜愛的歌曲-
-艾爾頓強的《Can You Feel the Love Tonight?》。雖然
在台灣家人朋友無法聆賞當晚的歌聲,但藉著月光,已傳遞
到你們的心中……。

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肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

部落格短記 20050924
童子軍露營

依稀記得七年前,我在台中清泉崗童軍營地參加三五童
軍節的大露營,隨著領隊過五關斬六將,玩傳統童玩,滾鐵
圈打陀螺,高聲唱著「中國童子軍歌」,著藍色制服,男童
軍叫小狼,女童軍叫小蛙,原本夜宿戶外帳棚,因蚊蟲之故
將帳棚搭在活動中心裡頭......今天又再讓我再回味那身
雷同的童軍制服。

接待家庭裡的頑皮小弟 Jacob 也是小童軍,今天有一場


童軍的大露營。不一樣的是我們用 camper 取代帳棚;他們
射箭玩 BB 槍而不滾鐵圈打陀螺;「中國童子軍歌」變成"I
pledge allegiance, to the flag of the United States Of
America......";我們用三指敬禮他們只用兩指.....

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(遺珠網路分享)肯塔基手札
High School Year in Kentucky

在上回 camper camping 一週之後,接待家庭的爸爸


Jess 也為家中「添購」一台 camper,這次露營首次啟用了
我們的新 camper,讓夜宿更有家的感覺,不過卻少了帳棚
的野味。Jacob 的表姊 Ashley 也加入了這次露營,我們兩
個高中大孩子可沒有像小童軍們能闖關遊戲,只得繞著營地
兜圈子走動,稍嫌無聊些,不過卻讓我想起上回 camping
時,Felicia 的姊姊說:露營的目的就全身放鬆,不想任何
雜事,坐著發呆也好,親近大自然也好,反正忘掉一切瑣事
就對了!

到了傍晚時,我們到營地附近的湖畔釣魚,第一次拿起
魚竿,猛勁一甩,見浮標沉進水面時,微微收線,恰當時機
再用力一拉,享受魚兒上鉤的喜悅。初學者的我,釣魚成績
顯然不亮眼,不過我們四人的總成績也不過三條小魚......

露營時,竟然碰到我第一天抵達 Kentucky 的 arrived


family,也是現在的 RC(區域接待員)
,我為第一天忙碌行
程而忽略的照相紀念在今天補上一張。

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肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

部落格短記 20051004
哲學家皇帝
記得高中國文曾讀陳之藩的「哲學家皇帝」,提及美國
的教育以及美國青年的人生觀,「作卑微的工作,樹高伊之
自尊」,現在我可印證了!

因駕駛年紀限制不同,美國同學16歲就可以開車上學,
許多同學也都駕使自己的小客車上學、打工,聊天之中他告
訴我:手機、保險、加油費......都由他的打工支出,幾乎
全然是個自己為自己負責的大人了!

學校各科老師也會為同學想了賺零頭的機會,與各廠商
合作,銷售季節商品、食物、年曆等等,然後有 30%~60%的
營利,錢並不會直接給我們,而當我們校外教學付旅費時,
之前賺越多,需要繳得就越少。

迄今我已經銷售了三種不同商品,總是銷售成績最好的,
因為接待家庭的媽媽幫我拿到她工作的醫院向同事推銷,真
是太感謝了!

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(遺珠網路分享)肯塔基手札
High School Year in Kentucky

部落格短記 20051016
Church
Almost every American are Christian, they go to church
every Sunday. I have no choice but to obey, I go to church, too.
Most of Christian are friendly, they're nice to me, even I like to
ask some question about their god from The Da Vinci Code.

In my opinion, I think church is not interesting. Most of


time, we listen to preacher preaching. They have Sunday
School, it classified students (based on age) to different group.
When the first day I arrived KY, the church I went has young
group for Sunday School. We had some activities (of course,
talk about Jesus and HOLY BIBLE), it was not boring. But now
the church I go has only children group, so young adult will sit
with adult and listen to preach.

Last time, the preacher in my church gave me a HOLY


BIBLE, and there's my name printed on the book. He hopes I
can read it some time. "Do in Rome as Romans do." I'll try to
read and know their god.

This Sunday, our church has second time big dinner.(We


ate the meal at about 12:00. Felicia told me, if the meal before
12:00, we called that lunch; after 12:00, we called that dinner.
The meal at about 17:00, we called that supper.) Every family
cooked one meal to share. I prepared stir-rice this time. I
thought they like it, because when we finished the big dinner,
the rest of rice are not much.

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肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

部落格短記 20051027
肯塔基全州合唱團評選
在幾週的練習後,老師從合唱團中精選十人參加每年舉
辦的"All-state Choral Adjudication",這是個合唱團的
一個評判,全州各校合唱團都會派人參加,雖然我還沒全然
弄清楚這評判結果的真正用意,但聽說是個頗重要的合唱團
評判。

自詡歌聲不錯,也就成為參與的十人之一,成員中有
Soprano, Alto, and Bass 各三人 Tenor 一人,而我就是那
個唯一。

今天早上,我們十人
坐上校車,前往 London,
KY 的檢定場地。兩小時
的車程,我們練習了幾回,
(也因為"我就是那個唯
一 Tenor",而我們有三
組四部合唱,所以我與每
一組各練習了幾回)為避免喉嚨沙啞,我吃了一堆喉糖,吃
到呼出的空氣都散發薄荷香。

下午展開正式評判,三次合唱一次獨唱與視唱,成績卷
握在評判手中,些許的緊張讓我手心直冒汗,不過感覺頗順
利的,相信有不錯的成績。

晚上六點,已經在家準備用晚餐,合唱團老師突然致電,
好消息一樁:我竟是各校 Tenor 中成績最高的,也正式成為
「肯塔基全州合唱團」的一員。這陣子的練習一切都值得
了......

16
(遺珠網路分享)肯塔基手札
High School Year in Kentucky

部落格短記 20051114
DollyWood

星期五(11/11)是 Veteran's Day,放假一天,一連三


天假期,Felicia, Jacob, Jessica,和我四人一同旅遊度假
去,而 Jess 則跟朋友去打獵!我們將近中午才出發,目的
地是 Pigeon Forge,也就是 Smoky Mountain 的所在地,除
了把上回還來不及欣賞到的一切在這回補上,但主要是為了
週六要前往 DollyWood!DollyWood 是主題樂園,主題是啥?
是 Dolly!Dolly 是歌手,出過N張唱片,我較有印象的一
首是"I will always love you"。

週五下午我們先逛了 Flea Market,印象中的跳蚤市場


該是在二手貨裡尋寶,可是這裡卻像是世貿展場,各商家擺
攤銷售,價格大多不低於市價,所以我只抱著開眼界的心情
逛街;場外的攤子有著雷同我們夜市裡能見到的一律十元店,

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肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

一籃籃商品通通一元(USD)起,盜版商品層出不窮,但日常
生活用品就不講究這麼多了;我們一連逛了四家,四家都是
Chinese 老闆,這種情況我總愛秀幾句中文給其他人開開眼
界!

晚上 Felicia 說要帶我們看黑熊,卻把車停在一家 Gift


Shop 前,我以為她打消念頭了,沒想到黑熊就在店裡!商
店底有個入口,「五隻黑熊,觀賞:大人$2,小孩$1」,走進
之後,有個 15 坪大的透天鐵籠,五隻黑熊隔著兩道鐵杆,
無精打采的觀賞著人類拿著照相機閃光燈閃個不停,笑容早
已擠不出來,只是一心想著曾經在大自然裡繽紛的生活,何
只 15 坪天地呀?

晚上七點多,驅車駛進沿路的旅館,幾乎都掛上了"NO
VACANCY",總算最後找到了一家 Family Inn,為明天
DollyWood 養飽體力囉!

週六上午,我們八點多就離開旅館,前行 DollyWood,
九點多抵達,早起鳥兒有著相當不錯的停車位,入口還不太
擁擠,入園拍照留念後,便開始使用遊樂設施,遊樂設施並
無特別,大自然美景才是這裡的最大特色,老舊古物在園內
也有不少,車牌、冰淇淋機、車子.....,最棒的是這裡有
一台蒸氣火車 Dolly Express,而且可以搭乘繞園 15 分鐘,
我們搭乘下午 5:15 班次,十一月的太陽比較早下班,寒風
陣陣,車長帶領著大家向其他遊園者祝賀 Marry Christmas,
列車撥著聖誕節音樂,Winter Holidays 的腳步近了,園內
滿是聖誕燈飾,在夜裡看來格外的有氣氛,隨著列車移動欣
賞,好不享受!

我們玩到晚上七點才離開,其中不少時間花在排隊上,

18
(遺珠網路分享)肯塔基手札
High School Year in Kentucky

就連出口也大排長龍,工作人員連緊急逃生出口都開了才舒
緩些。原本預計今天要回家,卻因嚴重塞車而放棄,駛入另
一個景點--Gatlinburg,今晚"NO VACANCY"的情況比較不
嚴重,因為週日上午許多人要上教堂,週六晚上找旅館自然
比較容易些;找到旅館後,我們開車入市區吃晚餐,但塞了
一半小時的車回到原點,找不著停車位,所以回旅館叫
pizza,等了四十分鐘,pizza 才送到,飽餐後我們累得倒
頭就睡,今晚的旅館比昨日樸素簡單,但因疲倦卻更感到舒
適,Good night!

週日睡到自然醒,早午餐合併吃,回到昨晚那塞一個半
小時車的市區路上,駛入停車塔停車,逛街!這裡最多的店
面是 Gift Shop,美國人頗喜歡小飾品妝點家裡,而這類東
西一概 Made In China 或 Taiwan,所以就算再可愛對我都
毫無吸引力,因為這些東西台灣都買得到,這裡加稅加運費
加海關,我只需用心用眼睛看用嘴巴嚐鮮就心滿意足;街上
商家裝置藝術爭鮮爭艷,眼睛實在來不及休息,而金氏世界
紀錄博物館在這裡也有一分館,可惜我無緣參觀;街景艷麗
襯底的是 Smoiky Mountain,人為與自然的對話,嘈雜與寧
靜的對比,和諧與不和諧的在我眼前不斷發生著......

回家的路上,我們經過一家不知賣什麼的店面,外頭放
著眼熟的橘色轎車--General Lee;美國很ㄏㄤ的一部電
視劇 Duke of Hazzard,這部電視劇大概三十年前拍攝的,
幾個月前也才剛翻成電影上映,而這台轎車正是劇中的
General Lee,而這家店的所有人就是劇中的主角,我們毫
不猶豫的下車拍照。回車上後,我們直奔家中,三天的行程
充實又有趣,但也相當疲憊,今天我可得早早上床睡覺,
Tomorrow is a new beginning!

19
肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

部落格短記 20051121
Newspaper

In McCreary County, there are 2 newspapers. THE VOICE


is more friendly to me, because I can read it once a week in
school. (They provide school newspaper for free.) Caleb is
Jacob's friend, his father, Andrew Powell, is an editor in THE
VOICE. So, I got an opportunity to visit the editors' office.

THE VOICE is a local newspaper, so it's not so big as a


national paper, it's only as big as your house. In fact, thanks for
the computer technology, a tiny editors' office is enough to
make a good newspaper.

There are 8 desks in the office, and every desk has an


iMac computer. I had met one of the editors, Greg Bird, he has

20
(遺珠網路分享)肯塔基手札
High School Year in Kentucky

a special column in the newspaper, and he reports our school


news a lot, so he is very famous in MCHS.

Andrew introduce the details about their newspaper for


us, and he also shows me the latest issue on the computer, let
me compare to the real newspaper. It's awesome!

I asked how they know the "news" happened. He told me


they have a police scanner let they listen to. The police
scanner scans every kinds of frequency, including of policemen
and firefighters' interphone and emergency news. When they
hear somewhere happened something, they bring camera and
drive there.

I told him what I thought about the difference between


Taiwan's newspaper and their newspaper. They encourage
students a lot, they must have school news in every issue; we
have spaces to let reader contribute their articles, feeling, and
opinion. Let reader feel that he/she is not only a reader but
also a member of the newspaper. Both newspapers have their
own advantages.

Anyway, I like to contribute my article to newspaper in


Taiwan, that's why I'm so interested to newspaper.

21
肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

2
感恩節大餐
美國每年十一月最
後一周的星期四是感恩
節(Thanksgiving)
,是
兩大節日之一(另一個是
聖誕節),我的接待家庭
每年會輪流在家族的各
家庭之一共享「感恩節大
餐」,今年正輪到我的接
待家庭。

我們的感恩節大餐選在週六中午
我們的感恩節大餐選在週六中午,週五晚上 Felicia
(接待媽媽)的姊妹們來到家裡
的姊妹們來到家裡,烤火雞、焙南瓜派、做馬
鈴薯泥,她們的兒子們是 Jacob(接待弟弟)的表兄弟,小
Jacob
男生們全沉醉在電玩世界裡,我與另一位德國的交換學生和
「一群媽媽們」在廚房準備明日中午的大餐
在廚房準備明日中午的大餐。

我們為感恩節大餐準備徹夜,週六我直到十點多才被火
雞的香味燻醒,待我盥洗後,家族的成員也陸續抵達
家族的成員也陸續抵達,Play
Station 2 再度熱鬧開打。大人們忙著中午的大餐
大人們忙著中午的大餐,小孩們
忙著衝電視螢幕裡的那個什麼戰士的經驗值,談天歡笑聲夾
雜在熱鬧的氣氛中……

我不由自主想起每每過年時,家族也在除夕或初一晚上
在我家圍爐,小朋友們玩鬧、年輕人們打牌
年輕人們打牌、大人們乾杯聊
天……。每一個文化都有自己的特色節日
每一個文化都有自己的特色節日,但家庭團聚都是
節日中不可或缺的最佳感情聯繫
節日中不可或缺的最佳感情聯繫。

[2005/12/8 國語日報 青春版]

22
(遺珠網路分享)肯塔基手札
High School Year in Kentucky

部落格短記 20051205
Christmas Choral

Tonight is my very first time formal performance.


Although, madrigal often be invited to perform, but we always
sing the same songs. But this time is different. We prepared
about 8 songs, and we both sang and danced. All the songs are
talking about Christmas.

We started practicing at 2 months ago. At first, I enjoyed


singing and dancing. But when we practiced constantly, the
same song again and again everyday, I fell a little bit tired of
that. But Christmas performance only once a year and it sells
tickets. We have to sing perfect. OK! "Practice makes perfect."
Stop complaining.

How did I do tonight? I guess it's OK. I felt nervous.


Although I wasn't in the first line, but I still can see a lot of
audience. It's been a long time I didn’t stand in front of large
amount of people. Feeling nervous is normal, right?

23
肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

部落格短記 20051216
Final
Today is Friday, it's the very last school day. But because
of too cold, there are some ices on the road, so we get one
more holiday! (I have heard about "snow day" before, it just
like our "typhoon day" in Taiwan. But they told me that "snow
day" depends upon the ice on the road. If ice on the road, it's
dangerous on the way to school.)

Yesterday was first final day. I had test on first and third
period. (And today should be the second final day, there are
tests on the second and fourth period.) My second period is
physics, I done my physics final already. Fourth period is art,
we will do open book test. As for the first period (madrigal)
and third period (English) tests, I really have self-confident on
that. Because I had learned music before, and English teacher
help us to get good grade.

We made posters on Wednesday. The details on posters


are vocabulary definition, author's life and typical bookmaking,
and something important we had read in novels. Teacher also
made us study guide. We can put something we thought we
need in test on a small piece of paper, and we can use that
paper in test. Anyway, the test style is really different from
Taiwan.

The most difficult part in all tests is "open response". You


have to write a short essay to reply the question. I hoped I did
it ok.

24
(遺珠網路分享)肯塔基手札
High School Year in Kentucky

部落格短記 20060104
新學期展開
今天是開學第三天,不過因為聖誕假期前的周五期末考
因路面結冰而休假,故開學前兩天,我們仍使用上學期課表,
並完成期末考。所以昨天是上學期的課程結束,物理老師與
大家擁抱「記得回來看我唷!」

我的新課表除了首堂的合唱課不變,剩下三節是:網頁
設計、美國史、心理學。美國史老師很風趣,雖然今天只是
講解課堂規則,但同學仍笑聲不斷,相信他是很有帶動氣氛
能力的老師,歷史在他手中將變得生動有趣!他還在課堂近
尾聲的二十分鐘前,以對答方式與我一同介紹台灣,我說了
「十二生肖」、「McCreary Couny 與台灣之不同」和回答大
家對於台灣的疑惑(之前有人問過台灣有沒有狗,今天有人
問台灣有沒有動物,這......),老師則向同學解釋大陸與
台灣之間和美國三方的特殊政治關係,雖然他把美國說得像
是個「保護台灣的勇者」:若中國武力犯台,美國將替台灣
抵抗,但......勇者仍就把自己的利益放前頭,所謂的「美
國將替台灣抵抗」已概括了太大範圍,至於背後動機他可沒
提到的囉!但這都是政治問題,我無須多說什麼,因為,今
天又有人問:你討厭中國人嗎?

心理學的老師很瘋狂,他的課堂,笑聲比歷史課還大,
但他的美式幽默我比較不能體會,至於他今天上課的內容,
記憶最深的是他說:Your parents are liars.(你的父母都
是說謊者),似乎就是要說「不要輕易相信別人」 。這讓我想
起以前聽過一個故事:不知是哪一國父母為教導子女「人心
是險惡的,不要輕易相信別人」說完就把孩子抱上餐桌,要
他跳下來,並告訴他說:「跳下來!我會接住你!」但當孩

25
肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

子跳下的剎那,卻立刻縮手,讓他摔個鼻青臉腫,但毫不同
情的又說:「不是告訴過你了?『不要輕易相信別人』

心理學還有一項作業,回家讀課本第一部分,我讀到一
半,看到這段....

A long time ago, three very wise, but blind, men were out
on the journey when they come across a sleeping elephant.
Because they could not see the elephant, they did not know
what was blocking their way, so they set about to discover
what they could about the obstacle.

As it happened, each man put his hands on a different


section of the elephant, examining it in great detail and with
much thought. The fist man, having felt the elephant's trunk,
described a creature that was long, wormlike, and quite
flexible. "No, no! You must be mistaken," said the second man
who was seated astride the elephant. "This creature is wide,
very round, and does not move very much." The man who was
holding one of the elephant's tusks added his description of a
small, hard, pointed creature......

哇!這是「瞎子摸象」,課本藉此故事來說「人類的複
雜行為是必須要一些相關的方式才能了解的,不能偏頗,以
偏概全。」上學期英文課上到一位作家 Edger Allen Poe,
他有一篇作品(詩)是 Anabel lee,我便興奮的告訴老師:
台灣的英文課本有這首詩唷(龍騰版)!現在也可以很高興
的與大家分享,美國的心理學課本引用「瞎子摸象」呢!

26
(遺珠網路分享)肯塔基手札
High School Year in Kentucky

部落格短記 20060113
麥把我ㄍㄧㄥ大了

上學期的一堂物理課,我們做了一個實驗,主要是觀察
地心引力與加速度對重量的改變:在電梯裡放一個磅秤,站
上測量體重後記錄;啟動電梯下降兩層,觀察體重之變化並
記錄;接著啟動電梯上升兩層,觀察體重之變化並記錄。這
題目早已在台灣的物理課本上過,但實驗倒從沒做過。但這
不是我上完物理實驗的最大發現,而是體重計上的數字把我
下了一大跳!我竟然體重增加了30磅(約 8 公斤)!哇塞!
Super Size Me,竟真實的發生在我身上!

我還好是個男生,比較不需要「斤斤」計較,但這年頭
吹的「瘦身風」無不吹入每個人的腦細胞,我也不希望半年
後回家褲子都穿不下(雖然我已買了三條新牛仔褲.....)

所以除了規律的伏地挺身與仰臥起坐,還需要更多運動才
行。

上周,Felicia 收到一個包裹,裡頭是她上個月電視購

27
肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

物的一捲DVD,我僅看到封面就笑得停不下來--健美先
生。因 Jess 曾把他的新年月曆,sexy women 秀給我看,我
便開玩笑的問 Felicia,你也需要些 sexy men 的圖片呀?
大家都大笑之後,才了解那片DVD的用途:健身DVD!
Felicia 為了止住笑聲,還玩笑的推說DVD是為我買的!

咱們扯平,低頭瞧瞧肚皮,腳指頭都快被遮住了(『快
被』而已,還沒那麼嚴重!)並指明以對方為教練,互相監
督。也因為我們都同時「球員兼裁判」,又拖了一周,DV
D才正式進入播放器展開任務。

畫面視窗右下角有倒數時間,半小時,並不太長。想剛
到這裡與他們分享我的學校時,總驕傲的說出「竹中的十八
尖山越野賽跑」,半小時,那有什麼問題?Let's go!

等到五分鐘過去,我開始喘了,全身都有不聽使喚的贅
肉搖來晃去,健美先生還仍在電視裡繼續喊著"Keep
moving!","Ya! Good job!".......

十五分鐘過去,地板運動真把我累壞了,但「堅持下去」
仍是貫徹始終的唯一信念......總算完成三十分重的運動,
嗯!感覺甩掉一圈贅肉,輕鬆了許多......Felicia 從冰箱
拿出兩隻冰棒與我分享當作健身後的獎勵。

阿......冰棒......

※註:《Super Size Me》,近幾年的一部紀錄片電影,


這部電影的製作人自己當白老鼠吃整個月的麥當勞之紀錄
片,其中譯片名:《麥把我ㄍㄧㄥ大了》或《麥胖報告》。

等等!我們的冰棒是代糖做的,零卡路里,ok?

28
(遺珠網路分享)肯塔基手札
High School Year in Kentucky

部落格短記 20060114
下雪了!
期待已久,
終於下雪了,
雪花紛飛,雖
然小得看不清
楚,同學說雪
顆粒還有更大
的可能,但我
仍是興奮的相
機快門按不停。
今天早上到了
Baptist
Church, London, KY,參加肯塔基全州合唱團的首次練習,
唱歌當下與唱後的心情都很喜悅;與其這麼說喜悅,倒不如
說這生平的第一場雪,像糖粉般由天上降落,灑在我眼前,
灑上我心頭,喜滋滋的甜味真讓人享受!

回到家時,Jacob 已著好厚重衣服與手套出來迎接我,
我隨手握起雪球就往他身上砸,哇!原來雪握在手裡的感覺,
就像綿綿冰一樣。他馬上回擊,不過我得先進門讓已冰得通
紅的雙手帶上手套,我們雪球戰才正式展開。

之後我們把在彈簧床上累積的一層雪聚集起來,製作了
一個小小雪人;Jacob 說要教我做「雪天使」
,我充滿好奇,
原來是躺在雪地上成大字型,四肢來回擺動,把雪地畫出天
使的寬袖衣褲,雖然玩得不亦樂乎,但躺在雪地上那沁入的
冰涼,即使我穿了四件大衣也無法抵擋。

29
肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

部落格短記 20060115
Bye! Snow!
We enjoyed
the snow yesterday
very much, Jacob
and I both made
wishes; we hoped it
will continue snow
today. But, it quit.

We waked up
at 9:00, and walked
around the house, the snow was still there, but the sun was
coming out, too. We used the snow on the floor to fight, even
got some and tasted it. The taste of snow wasn't good,
although we added some chocolate and sugar. After eating,
Felicia told me, the first snow of the year is not clean. It
includes a lot of dirt. After the first snow, if it snow some other
day, we will make snow ice cream. It's awful good!

Oh.....I just ate some dirty snow.....

At noon, the snow on the grass was almost melted, only


some of that under the shadow wasn't melted. Our snowman,
JC(Jacob said our name both have "JC" inside, so the name of
snowman we built is JC), it became thinner and thinner. And
one of our cat pee on that, it looks poor.

Well, bye, snow! Hope to see you again.

30
(遺珠網路分享)肯塔基手札
High School Year in Kentucky

部落格短記 20060120
理髮幻想曲 2006

記得三個月前,Felicia 問過我幾回"Do you want to


cut your hair?"我總是毅然決然的回答"No way!"更花時間
解釋台灣的髮禁制度,還把女生髮型的"watermelon"頭介紹
一番,於是我說:除非我看起來像女生,否則,不剪頭髮!

經歷半年的累積,我的髮型可以說等同於「髮禁時代的
國中女生」,雖然我自己覺得風一吹來髮絲飄飄,Oh....真
詩情畫意,乾脆留整年頭髮,看能否及肩;不過頭髮垂下刺
眼睛刺脖子,母親也覺得「不夠有精神」,於是終於下定決
心理髮去!

接待家庭的外公是理髮師,剪髮免費算賺到,但其實心
裡不這麼想,大概有股「年輕人就該給年輕人剪出年輕髮型
嘛!」,所以心裡有個疙瘩晃來晃去……。

31
肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

這個外公很有趣,他是第一個在我說完 Taiwan 接的句


子不僅有 China 還有 Sun Yet-san(孫中山)的人,我便說
他肯定讀了很多書,結果這句話便成了他在 Felicia 面前最
愛加入的口頭禪:"He said I read a lot...."他更是喋喋
不休,記得有一回他跟我聊天從「刺青」講到「邪惡」串到
「耶穌」連到「宗教」接到「亞洲」進到「印度」飛到「台
灣」追到「大陸」朔到「歷史」......我詞窮了....可是還
沒完......。

我坐上理髮台,他剪髮的習慣是讓客人背對鏡子,但我
依舊習慣性的在面對新理髮師面前讓他們盡情發揮「剪一個
你覺得適合我的髮型」。但,他是第一個「不聽話」的理髮
師:「頭髮是你的,你自己決定。」喔......,那就剪掉一
半,style 由你決定。

我因為背對鏡子,壓根兒不知道變成什麼樣子了,所以
乾脆認他宰割,直到面對鏡子的那一剎那.....

哈!這是.....這是我.....,也許已經我已看慣長髮,
怎麼正看背看就不順眼,不過我倒肯定一件事──為何台灣
的髮型書都只哈日而不哈美了.....

外公指著牆上數十年前的畢業證書,說那是學剪 style
的,也許他看見我對鏡直笑,便欣喜的問:「你現在相信我
會剪 style 吧!」

我永遠不會告訴他,那"笑"叫做"苦笑"呀............

※註:注意看照片,外公很有創意的把理髮器加了吸塵器,
難怪他地板老是乾乾淨淨的。

32
(遺珠網路分享)肯塔基手札
High School Year in Kentucky

部落格短記 20060123
Nice haircut
"Hello! Jacky! What's up?" At school hallway, friends and I
always said hello to each other like that. But today (1/23) is
totally different.

"Hello! Jacky! Nice haircut." Some of them even said "I


like your new hair style." It is so sweet. Because, at first, I still
can't use to my new hair style. (In fact, I think it's a little bit
weird.) But I almost change my feeling today. Their
commendation let me have self-confident of my new hair
style.

Wow! You see! This is the power of commendation! But


anyway, I always need at least one day to adapt my new hair
style.

33
肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

3
城市的魅力
我的接待家庭位在肯德基州的一個小縣,是個典型的鄉
村,這裡地大人狹,兩戶人家之間總有一小段距離,整個縣
內的最高建築物是兩層樓,生活腳步簡單且不徐不急……

總喜歡往資訊豐富的地方跑,城市便是我心嚮往之處,
最近因為代表學校合唱團參加年度的「肯德基全州合唱團」
(Kentucky All-state Choir),讓我有個四天三夜的好機
會到城市走走。我的目標是 Louisville,是肯德基州的大
城市之一。

當車子逐漸駛入 Louisville,路旁建築物逐漸
「長高」

高樓大廈台灣到處都是,並不足為奇,但也許睽違半年,竟
有股驚奇與興奮莫名在心中流動,彷彿成了十足的鄉下老鼠!
我們因練唱時間之故,車子直接駛進旅館,直到翌日我才有
時間到街上晃晃。

走在寬大的磚塊人行道上,街燈與行道樹交錯置落,我
邊看著藍底白字的路牌,邊望向金屬味十足的商業大樓、有
著圓柱與石階的古典式建築,以及必定突然聳立的小塔,掛
著鐘與十字架的教堂建
築,大家似乎說好的分
區呈現,不會商業大廈
旁邊有座教堂的突兀來
呈現強烈對比。

人行道在高樓與大
馬路之間,車流量不曾
歇息過,但走在其間並

34
(遺珠網路分享)肯塔基手札
High School Year in Kentucky

不覺得壓迫或囂躁;每幾公尺固定置放的垃圾筒,造型美觀
漆得綠油油的,一座座與城市映襯的公車站牌,轉角路口置
列整齊的自動售報機……,奇妙的是路旁沒有出現亂停放的
汽機車,地上沒有落出垃圾筒外的垃圾,售報機與公車站牌
上沒有張貼任何小標籤小廣告,大樓的窗上沒有一張張煞風
景的紅紙寫著「大樓出租」,所有人行道與大樓都有為殘障
人士與嬰兒車預備充足的無障礙空間……

我突然回想起台北、新竹、台中,幾個比較熟悉的大城
市,想試著從中抓取類似的回憶與印象,但卻「百思不得其
回憶」。也許怪台灣面積小,所以車子不得不在路上亂停,
所以人行道不能做得寬敞,所以為了把握空間得處處貼上小
標籤小廣告,所以沒地方置垃圾筒導致處處見到飲料罐在地
上踢來踢去……。

但是話說回來,只有一個乾淨整潔,井然有序的城市,
才有魅力,才能震懾視覺,才能讓更多外國人感受到曾經的
Formosa,仍是座傲人的美麗之島...。

[2006/3/15 國語日報 青春版 ]

35
肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

部落格短記 20060217
The Hospital

My hostsister Jessica, a 2-year-old girl, has a very rare


disease, NKH(Nonketotic Hyperglycinemia). It's possible not
every doctor know this disease. Because some doctors told my
host parents she has diabetes when she was born.(Owing to
the word Hyperglycinemia's pronuciation is really close to
"Hyperglycemic Crises (高血糖急症)".) But the dibatets'
medicine didn't work on Jessica, so they kept finding doctor to
help her. Finally, they found a doctor who knew about this.

What's NKH disease? I don't really know how to describe


to you. In my opinion, it's kind of a vegetable(植物人). She
can't move by herself(except when she is screaming or

36
(遺珠網路分享)肯塔基手札
High School Year in Kentucky

puking.), and she can't even eat by mouth. So, there's a hole
on her belly, she can only eat by cannula(插管). Everyday, she
just lie on bed and do nothing. Sometimes she pee or
poo-poo(如廁的俗語) or feel bed, she will screaming and
crying without moving her body. It break my heart every time.
I think she is so poor. But, my host parents still love her so
much, it's so affecting.

She feel sick these days. I can feel the air full of upset in
our house. Especially my host parents, they seem to lost their
smile. Today(2/16) after school, only Jess was in the house.
And he told us Jessica was in Hospital. We prepared Felicia's
stuff and brought to hospital. She stayed in hospital with
Jessica.

When we arrived hospital, grandmom was there. Jessica


was breathing with oxygen tent(氧氣罩), and her face was
white. We looked at her and gave her kisses. Felicia was
preparing her medicine. I asked Felicia, "Does she feel better?"
She couldn't make sure. After all, Jessica can't talk her feeling
to us. But doctor said that she is getting better. It's a good
news.

We stayed in hospital for about 3 hours. Her aunt came to


see her. There was a man from church who visited us with his
family, too. He led us to pray and gave her best wishes. Before
the visitors left, everyone of them gave her a kiss and said "I
love you, sisi." She got god's love and all of our love. I believe
she will feel better as soon as possible. God bless her!

37
肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

部落格短記 20060225
Meeting Tyler

Tyler was one of my classmates in English class last


semester; this semester he transferred to another school, but
we still keep in touch online at MSN messenger. Joey is his best
friend; I met him also at English class last semester, although
we don't have the same class this semester, we still often see
each other at school lunch time.

Few weeks ago, I met Tyler online at midnight. He told me


"Joey is here now!" and also invited me to be there some time.
I'm glad his invitation, and after three weeks, I went his house
and spent a night.

Tyler's family is hospitality. Feb. 24 after school, Tyler and


his stepfather picked me at school. After we back to his house,
Joey came there in few minutes. We went to his room first. His
room is in basement. Then he showed me his family's photos,

38
(遺珠網路分享)肯塔基手札
High School Year in Kentucky

and told me his grand mom is Japanese, no wonder I felt he


looked like half Japanese when I saw him at the very first time.
He has 3 beautiful sisters, 2 of them are older than him, and 1
of them is almost looked like real Japanese.

Before supper, I shared some candy from Taiwan, and


showed my school photos. They said Hsin Chu High School, is
so beautiful. I'm sure it's true. American schools are just like
castles, concrete hide all the beautiful nature scenery and
air-conditioner instead of fresh air.

Because his sister is like a Japanese friend who I mat at


Language and Culture Camp, so I also shared some camp
photos. Tyler thought Asian girls are prettier than American. It
makes me think of the Chinese old saying "外國的月亮比較
圓." I have some friends in Taiwan also thought American girls
are prettier.

We had a great supper; Tyler's mom cooks really well. She


made some rice. During the exchange year so far, I haven’t
eaten the rice so delicious, especially she cooked with pot and
stove not electric rice cooker. After a big dinner, we chat
together about 2 hours. It was a good chatting. At the same
time, Tyler and his older brother played wrestling, I also
enjoyed watching.

When we went back Tyler's bedroom, it's almost midnight.


We felt a little bit sleepy, but still turned on TV to find a good
movie if there is any good one. Suddenly, we saw a channel
"NEXT ON: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" Than we started

39
肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

watching. Gosh! This is the bloodiest movie I have ever


watched. If you want me tell my feeling about this movie, I can
only say.........what a bloody hell.

The movie was end at 3:00 in the morning. My eyes had


already half closed. I felt asleep less than 5 minutes. When we
woke up, it's almost lunch time. Tyler's mom made some
biscuits and gravy. I love it. We three played football in the
afternoon. American loves football so much. Tyler and Joey
throw football straight and far, I can't do as well as them, but I
think I learned something.

I left at 3:00 in the afternoon. I had really good time there,


and enjoyed getting alone them.

40
(遺珠網路分享)肯塔基手札
High School Year in Kentucky

部落格短記 20060309
高中合唱團評選
KMEA(Kentucky Music Education Assocation)
每年除了舉辦 All-state Chior 的徵選之外,也定期舉辦高
中合唱團的評比,感覺就像學鋼琴的人,每一段時間便參加
「鋼琴檢定」
;學跆拳道的人,也會固定時間「升級」 ,從白
帶到黃帶紅帶黑帶.......

今天,全校的三個合唱團:Madrigal、Concert Chior、
Girls Ensemble 都參加了這項評選。Madrigal 的成員規定
穿著燕尾服,我特別一早起床「梳妝打扮」。我依然坐校車
上學,這麼豪華的穿著實在奪得眾多眼光,還好早上的陽光
不大,校車裡頭陰沉沉的,大家看不清楚,才不至於颳起一
陣旋風.......(haha......)

八點,兩台校車駛出校區。昨天老師特交代"No iPod!"
(iPod 不知何時被借代為 MP3 隨身聽,難怪蘋果公司大賺
錢),我只好把 MP3 隨身聽放家裡,在校車上和同學聊天之
外,我帶了本書。最近正加速度的讀著《追風箏的孩子》,
作者描寫細膩,不論是感情或場景:阿米爾與哈山間的兄弟
感情,戰爭地阿富汗與天堂般的美國相較,字裡行間似乎都
緊連一起不留空格的催促著我閱讀這故事。

車程約一小時,但有段山路九彎十八拐,這像是催吐劑

在我胃裡發酵,從不暈車的我竟感覺極不舒服,這才想起早
餐只吃了兩小塊餡餅般的東西,但灌了 500c.c.的咖啡,液
體在胃中翻攪得太厲害所造成的。

41
肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

我們抵達了目的地 University of Cumberland(去年


名為 Cumberland College,今年才改名為 University of
Cumberland。我這才知道原來美國也玩這種「某某學院正式
升格大學」的改名(或「改制」)遊戲,我問了一些人,改名
前後有差嗎?有人回答『聽起來比較高級吧!至於內部,好
像沒變.....』)Concert Chior、Girls Ensemble 的評比在
上午,Madrigal 則欣賞整早上的合唱表演。

我聆聽各校合唱團時,把自己假定為評審給分,我聽出
來了老師平常上課要求我們唱歌的口型與發聲點的不同所
造成的音樂品質好壞。老師要求我們唱歌時要像《Home
Alone》
(小鬼當家)劇照上的兩手貼頰的模樣,聲音先在嘴
巴裡共鳴,傳出才好聽。

我們學校合唱團服是件 Polo 衫,其他許多校的團服真


的就像電影裡教堂唱詩般的服裝,這讓 Concert Chior、
Girls Ensemble 在眾合唱團間看來走在時尚尖端。至於
Madrigal 的 tuxedo,則讓同學想起了成龍的《燕尾服》

Jacky 在此種情況下總是無法避免喬裝一下 Jackie 揮舞著
功夫.........

輪到我們時,大家都充滿自信的上台,因為台上有共鳴
的效果,唱出來的品質聽得讓自己都很感動。我們總是拿下
好成績,練習與自信領著大家在每次表演或評比中都獲好
評。

又是個充滿音樂饗宴的一天,真好!

42
(遺珠網路分享)肯塔基手札
High School Year in Kentucky

部落格短記 20060316
Angry about a stupid class
I have a web design class this semester. My definition of
"Web design" is a computer class to teach you how to use
computer to make a website. Is my definition right? If I'm
wrong, the article below is nonsense. If I'm right, I have to ask,
why school don't use COMPUTER to teach WEB DESIGN? I
can't agree a computer class teach Microsoft Front Page by
text book only. It's just like a PE class only sit in the gym and
watch basketball video, than let you practice soccer to instead
of basketball.

I had asked teachers about this, she said:"We don't have


Microsoft Front Page this software. I don't even know I'll teach
Web Design when I come to this school." Is this a good excuse?
I can't agree, neither. Making a website, as you know, Front
page is not the only software you can work with. If she could
teach class how to use some other software to make a web
site and also use text book (sure, the text book is teaching the
software we are using), I'll happy to learn. But she just teaches
Front Page by text book, and test test test. I can't believe this
belongs to American Education system. In Taiwan, we call this
kind teaching skill is “cramming in the fashion of
force-feeding”(填鴨式教育). So after this class, students
know the definition of the words from Computer, but they still
don't know how to make a web site. It's equal learn nothing. If
I just want to learn computer definition, I should stay home
and read my dictionary. Why I need to go to school? I know

43
肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

she wants us to know the basic thing of computer. It's a good


idea. But I just can't accept if only learn that basic.

I complain about this is just want to say, we should learn


by what we have. Many ways can still go to the same target.
But don't teach an invisible stuff.

44
(遺珠網路分享)肯塔基手札
High School Year in Kentucky

部落格短記 20060317
包裹旅行
出國迄今,父母已幫我寄了三四
個包裹,我們都有了個寄件後 10 天
內會收到的默契,然而這個 2006/3/1
從台灣寄出的包裹,裡頭有著我計畫
好明天起出遊一週要帶上路閱讀的
書籍,卻等到 2006/3/12 還沒收到,
趕緊打了通電話詢問。

媽咪先是打電話問了中華郵政,
中華郵政的答覆是「已在美國當地郵
局招領」,我實在不敢置信,因為每天會經過家門的郵差跟
接待家庭很熟,她也知道這一帶區域會有來自台灣的包裹非
我莫屬,況且之前的包裹有兩次她還周日休假幫我送來,我
實在不可置信會有「招領」這種事發生。媽咪把包裹的寄件
編號給我,到美國郵局網站查詢結果讓我大吃一驚:「該地
址無法遞送.....被送至 Memphis, TN」

我問了 Jess,Memphis 離這裡有多遠(我們距田納西州


(TN)最近的一個縣僅十五分鐘車程),原本期待近到能驅車
前往領包裹,豈知竟要10小時車程,這當然是行不通的辦
法,我只好開始打電話。

第一通電話打給當地郵局,她說:「不知道耶,沒聽說
這包裹」顯然我們的對話間有誤會,我只好道謝後說掰掰。
第二通電話是美國郵局的免付費服務專線,這是語音電話,
但全部用「對話」與電腦人對答,但它僅有基本的查詢功能,
我藉此查到了 Memphis 郵局電話。

45
肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

"Hello! May I help you?"


"Ya...I have an international package........"我詳細的描述
一遍來龍去脈。
"Ok. I'll transfer to another person who can help you."
"Thank you"
數秒鐘後.......
數秒鐘後.......

"Hello! May I help you?"


"Ya...I have an international package........"我詳細的再 再描
述一遍來龍去脈。
"Ok. Hold on just a second. I'll transfer to main office."
數秒鐘後.......
數秒鐘後.......

"Hello."這聲音低沉,中年女子,主管般威嚴口氣。

我第三次敘述著來龍去脈。

她冷冷的回答,那包裹應該已被送回台灣了。

"Taiwan's post office told me the package is now in your


post office, and they ask me to pick up." I said.
"Sir, I'm telling you. That's not ture. The package be sent
back to Taiwan."
我大概懇求三次,拜託請用,Would you please,用這
包裹編號查查看我的包裹是否在貴局裡。

到我第四次說時,她才肯聽我念包裹編號。

這就是所謂的公家單位,官做越大越沒有服務熱忱,自
以為是大官(那些真的大官就更別提了),要不是我包裹在
你手裡,我肯定開罵,真是搞不清楚狀況。腐敗!

46
(遺珠網路分享)肯塔基手札
High School Year in Kentucky

她把編號輸入了她的電腦,話筒裡傳出清脆的鍵盤聲。

"Ok, sir. The package is undelivered. It should be sent


back to Taiwan."
"Would you use this number to check the package. It may
be still in Memphis post office." I said.
她肯定心想這世上還有如此難纏的人,總算回答:

"Sir, I have no time to check it today. I'll do it tomorrow."


我留下了聯絡電話,她也答應回電話。

25 小時後.........
小時後.........

我放學回到家,趕緊問 Jess 郵局回電了嗎?以昨天的


官僚制度下的服務態度可得知,她不會回電,我甚至覺得她
連查都沒查。我當然不會放棄,國際包裹可不是只貼了一張
39cents 郵票的信函,包裹若真的寄回台灣,中華郵政也可
能不需付這責任,然後包裹消失,消費者權益受損。

我又撥了通電話到 Memphis Post Office,這次僅轉接


一次電話便到 Mail office,我說:

"Hello! I called yesterday and asked about a package from


Taiwan."
"Right! I found the package."她的口氣頓時謙恭有
禮,向我解釋著快遞單上的資料運送時被磨損,看不出收件
者是誰,所以才無法遞交。她跟我要了地址,將把這包裹寄
給我,

今天,我又上網查了一次包裹訊息:包裹重新坐上飛機,
飛回肯德基州,好一趟包裹旅行,還真艱辛刺激呀!

47
肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

部落格短記 20060414
春假過後

春假之後,第一天開學總是令人難受,因為不再能睡到
自然醒,而本週是這區學校的「暖身周」,為下星期將舉行
一年一度的州考試(State Test)暖身(國小至高中都參與州
考試)。美國據說每州都有自己的州考試,目的是要了解各
校的教學是否達到教育目的,教育成果是否達到各年級該有
的程度。肯德基的州考試叫「貓考試(CATS test)」(C
ATS=Commonwealth Accountability Testing System),
這考試對學校是個壓力,至於學生.......州考試的壓力大
概可比擬為台灣學生的「周」考試,至少我看到的同學沒什
麼感覺;也聽說了這區學校歷年考試成果都略低於政府所期
望(或要求)的結果(真的是城鄉差距)。既然這種考試對
於學生的壓力不大,那就要有誘因,除了考試當天提供豐富

48
(遺珠網路分享)肯塔基手札
High School Year in Kentucky

自助式午餐之外,各校優秀者在明年將免費招待至佛羅里達
州的迪士尼樂園一周。

12年級學生(Senior,相當於台灣高三)所要考的是寫
作,要求每個學生都要有一定的表達能力,我們練習的範例
都與大家息息相關,例如台灣去年「中等學校以下福利社禁
受垃圾食物」的議題,最近在肯德基州的學校正紅;學校的
自動販賣機將移除垃圾食物與含糖汽水,目前雖然還沒嚴令
執行,但自動販賣機在上學時間(8:00~15:00)不運作。很多
同學提出反彈,而這時你便必須練習寫封信給編輯(Letter
to editor),你要如何闡述為何反對。

這星期的第一與第二節課做的就是這些事,而第三與第
四節課則輪流執行原本的第一第二節課與第三第四節課。

另外要提的是,心理學與歷史課老師這周課堂都提到肯
德基州內最近頗大的教育新聞,有一位 University of the
Cumberlands(它原本是所 college,今年改制為 University,
是所學生人數僅約是新竹高中一半的小學校;歷史老師說他
們改名的用意是要吸引一些亞洲學生,來提升學校競爭力,
而亞洲區的學生若要到美國讀書,通常喜歡選「大學」
University,而不喜歡「學院」College)的學生,因為在
自己的網站說「我是同性戀」,然後便被學校退學。這實在
是件很妙的事,因為這是所基督教大學,也藉此可知那時我
看《斷背山》之前,同學與接待媽媽為何如此反對這部電影。

兩位老師都提到這新聞,但持不同看法。心理學老師不
覺得把他退學有什麼錯,畢竟他違反校規(該校校規:在校
學生若未結婚則不可有性行為與異性或同性),不過這馬上
被推翻了,因為那位同學只在網站上的性向填上"gay",而

49
肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

並沒人知道他是否有發生性行為;歷史老師則撇開同性戀這
議題而說:「這所大學雖為私立大學,但它接受政府補助,
也就說它是半個私立大學,不能隨便開除學生;在某州有所
私立大學僅收白人學生,黑人或外國人門都沒有,但這所大
學是純私立大學,它不接受政府補助,每一筆錢都是學生繳
給學校或私人企業贊助,他們可以全權的訂定要怎樣膚色的
學生。」(當然我亞洲人就不屑去你那種學校)

這個新聞連續在報上出現了幾天,果然有一天的標題是
原本政府要撥給該校的預算可能將被凍結(Legislators
oppose pharmacy proposal),而今天的新聞是記者專訪這
名學生,標題是「同性戀與基督教徒(Gay and Christian) 」
我讀完後便詢問 Felicia 對這件事的看法,也特別強調這名
學生他說他曾受洗,是基督教徒,Felicia 說: 「如果他是
虔誠基督教徒,他就不會當同性戀。」我打破沙鍋想知道,
究竟聖經難道有說人不能為同性戀嗎?(人可以選擇性向嗎?
有沒有人心理或腦神經科學的專家可以說明一下?)
Felicia 馬上翻出聖經,還幫我打電話給教堂的傳教士,我
們搜索到以下結果:

●Males did shameful things with males and thus


received in their own persons the due penalty for their
perversity.
~Romans 1:27
●男和男行可羞恥的事、就在自己身上受這妄為當得的報
應。
~羅馬人書 第 1 章 27 節

50
(遺珠網路分享)肯塔基手札
High School Year in Kentucky

●Do you not know that the unjust will not inherit the
kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators
nor idolaters nor adulterers nor boy prostitutes nor
sodomites
~I Corinthians 6:9
●你們豈不知、不義的人不能承受神的國麼。不要自欺.無
論是淫亂的、拜偶像的、姦淫的、嫖妓的、親男色的
~歌林多前書 1 第 6 章 9 節

(以上摘自網絡中英聖經)

我們在餐桌上讀了近半小時的聖經,我也比較瞭解為何
基督教徒無法接受同性戀;對於這新聞我不予置評,但這實
在是個很多好吵的問題,他已不僅侷限在教育,甚至人權和
宗教問題都牽扯不完。

而今天 Jess 因要買輪胎的鋼圈,我們到隔壁縣


Somerest 採購,路上看到大馬路旁有一名男子,整車貼滿
"God Love"等像是「神愛世人」的各式詞彙,手持著擴音器,
對著來往的行車傳教,這讓我想起前幾年有一名傳教士跑到
動物園的獅子柵欄內向獅子傳教,我覺得這種人有點「中毒」,
中宗教的毒,不論信的是什麼教,現實人生還是現實,不會
因你信了某教而從此人生順遂,對吧?

51
肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

4
復活節彩蛋
復活節,對基督教徒而
言是非常神聖的節日,日期
在每年三月二十日後,月圓
以後的第一個星期日;當週
的星期四「逾越節」
(Passover),是耶穌與他的
傳道者上十字架前一天享用
最後一餐的日子,達文西筆
下「最後的晚餐」正式描繪
這一天的情景;星期五是耶
穌受難節(Good Friday),是
祂被釘在十字架上,為祂的
子民承受苦難的日子;星期
日是復活節(Easter),顧名思義是耶穌復活拯救世人的一
天。

去年大約這個時間,我在美國當交換學生,雖然不是基
督徒,但入境隨俗的同接待家庭上教堂,合唱團比賽時也與
同學攜手祈禱;在肯塔基州的麥奎瑞縣,除了基督教外幾乎
沒有其他宗教信仰;曾有一項統計指出,全美有八成以上的
民眾都是基督徒。

說到復活節,你一定會問為什麼要做彩蛋?我問了接待
媽媽 Felicia 與教堂牧師,大家的答案都很一致:這不過是
為了娛樂孩子的活動,但現今商業化時代把這些活動放大,
很多人記得彩蛋而忘記這是耶穌復活的日子,就像我們記得
聖誕節有聖誕老公公而忘了那天是耶穌在馬廄出生一般。

52
(遺珠網路分享)肯塔基手札
High School Year in Kentucky

從逾越節到復活節間的星期六顯得格外平凡,不過這天
正是我們預備復活節彩蛋的最佳時刻。

我們準備了五種顏色的食用色素,五杯熱水與醋,紛紛
將色素與醋倒入各杯中,早已準備好的一盒十八顆水煮蛋,
輪流被浸入綠、紫、藍、黃、紅的食用色素中。接待弟弟
Jacob 擁護著他最愛的藍色,我特別多做了幾顆綠蛋,
Felicia 則做了幾顆黃蛋。在原本的色彩乾涸後,我們取出
水彩筆用純食用色素(不加水與醋)在蛋上彩繪和寫下自己
的名字。

彩蛋大功告成!我們拍了幾張照片,把蛋放回盒子裡,
等復活節當天享用。

復活節是星期日,依照慣例要上教堂,聽牧師講道;學
生則參加團契,有一些讓你瞭解神的各項活動。我們的牧師
有著非常充分誇張的肢體語言,外加宏亮且帶著驚訝與興奮
的口音,偶爾還會驚呼大叫,若稍不專心沒跟著牧師的情緒
走,恍神到一半就會被頓時激動的牧師嚇個正著。

教堂後回到家,我以為午餐就是解決十八顆各種顏色的
水煮蛋,但若僅如此,做彩蛋便顯得太沒意義了!原來,吃
蛋之前還有個「尋蛋遊戲」,大人負責把這些彩蛋藏匿在家
門前的大院子,小孩子則提著竹籃尋寶般的找蛋。Jacob 也
許經驗豐富且眼明手快,十八顆蛋竟然一下就搜出九顆,我
的籃子則在找到五顆後停滯無變化數分鐘,才在草叢中找到
一顆綠蛋,最後尋蛋結果以十二比六劃下句點。

我們邊吃蛋,邊看著雙手由乾淨變得像陸軍迷彩裝的顏
色,享受這份「蛋蛋大餐」,度過我的第一個復活節。

53
肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

部落格短記 20060420
蒲公英
前些日子與合唱團到速食店用餐,
校車停在麥當勞停車場,我與一群人走
到隔壁的 Crystal(另一家連鎖速食店),
露天停車場間有一塊小小的草皮,陽光
金黃色的打在上面,特別顯得生意盎然;
草皮上有三五株蒲公英正盛開,我像是
想起什麼似的,彎下腰摘起一株對著它
猛吹,那是蒲公英的種子,我正在幫助
他們繁殖。同學看了直笑,好像這舉動不該發生在十八歲的
人身上似的。

那天回來後,我便用心的找尋家門前那片大草皮上的蒲
公英,一株一株的拔起來吹,果然一週後,草皮上各處都散
落著蒲公英的蹤跡。

每每一感到無聊或煩躁,就喜歡跑到院子摘幾株蒲公英,
幫助他繼續繁殖。我蹲下來,左手摸著很愛與人貼身摩擦的
家貓,右手拾著蒲公英吹氣,看著他們的種子像棉絮般隨風
飛揚,然後又快速的落下,便感覺渾身舒暢。

距離今天剩下一個半月就要回國,心裡感受五味雜陳,
又期待又緊張,無形中還夾帶了些壓力,腦子裡的想法紛亂,
就像蒲公英的種子剛被我吹起的片刻般,毫無次序與目標的
隨意飛行,在空氣中顯得意亂無緒。

還好蒲公英的生命力極旺盛,繁殖能力超強,種子們總
會找到個新生的地方,儘管被吹到了無法生長的水泥地上,
還是可以等到下一陣風,帶它落地生根.........

54
(遺珠網路分享)肯塔基手札
High School Year in Kentucky

部落格短記 20060424
賽馬與地下洞窟

上星期六(4/22)是肯德基州四月份在 Keeneland 的最
後一回賽馬(每年的四月與十一月各三回),這一區的區域
接待員(RC)帶了一票交換學生把握這最後機會。我們開了近
三小時的車到 Lexington,Keeneland 賽馬場正在我九個月
前抵達肯德基州的 Lexington 機場旁邊,那時抵達肯德基時
正下著滂沱大雨,而今天是個美麗的大晴天,週遭美景鮮活
的躍在眼前。

也因為這是入夏前 Keeneland 的最後一場賽馬,整個賽


馬場擠到一種令人無法動彈的地步,就連男廁所都得排隊使
用(一般而言,人潮處女廁擠得水泄不通,但男廁仍從容不
迫),他們甚至廁所都設計兩扇門,一扇入口,一扇出口。

我們從大門擠入觀眾席途中遇上兩大擁擠區,一區是飲

55
肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

食區,另外是下注區。賭注金額最低從兩美金起跳,贏錢的
多寡在於你下注的選手勝負以及該選手被下注的總金額。我
並沒有下注(我覺得下注看賽馬趣味可能更勝沒下注,畢竟
下了注你才有加油對象),而賽馬繞得那一大圈子,僅有幾
秒鐘時間掃過你眼前,其餘部分僅能看電視牆,感覺其實有
些無趣。

艷陽下,坐我一旁的一對情侶的男生突然開口:
"Nee-How?"我險些震驚了一會兒,正思量著回答「我很好」 ,
但口不從心的回答"I'm Fine."一問之下,他說他剛從香港
回來,之前到深圳工作,而且是在一家台商公司,它還說"The
Taiwanese products' quality are good."我一邊想透過他
的太陽眼鏡讀他眼睛的神韻是真心還是敷衍,一面道謝;我
倒不是對我們自己的產品品質不信任,只是第一次從外國人
口中聽到稱讚台灣產品品質(而不是說台灣東西好便宜),
真的倍感窩心!

晚餐後,原本預計要到 Louisville 看北美最大的年度


煙火秀,但我們因塞車且迷路而錯過,實在可惜。車子駛向
一位 Louisville 的 RC 家,也是今晚下榻處。

這位 RC 家有一面牆掛滿照片,是來自各國的學生,原
來這家裡接待過五十三位交換學生,哇!他們自己也有兒女,
但人生中目前有五十三年都多一位「外國兒女」同住,在場
的每位同學都敬佩不已。我們午夜左右就寢,有人睡地板,
有人睡沙發,共同期待著明天的地下洞窟 Mammoth Cave 國
家公園之旅。

晚上我睡在 RC 家的圖書間沙發上,前方有整面落地窗,
夜裡一片漆黑,連月光的影子都沒有,右手邊滿櫃書籍,有

56
(遺珠網路分享)肯塔基手札
High School Year in Kentucky

幾位我沒聽過的作家完整作品集,後方是辦公桌與電腦,整

個十坪大的圖書間,我一人獨享。

一人獨享漆黑的房間,外加有看得到外面的落地窗,對
於想像力豐富的人不是個理想的睡覺地點;我總能在這總地
方喚起曾經看過的驚悚片畫面,還好今天非常疲憊,否則我
大概不用睡了。

圖書間在廚房旁,而週日是教堂日,這位 RC 家的一家
之主西裝筆挺,七點多就起床吃早餐準備上教堂,我被吵醒
後就睡不回去,只能窩在沙發裡看書。

我們直到十點半才前往今天的目的地巨洞國家公園
(Mammoth Cave Natonal Park)。你如果瞧瞧美國地圖,大
部分的國家公園都在美國西部(如果把美國從中剖半),肯

57
肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

德基州也僅只兩座國家公園。Mammoth Cave 有全世界最長


的地下洞穴,目前已有 350 哩被發現(地理學家認為可能
還有 600 哩尚未被發現),有超過 250 條地下通道,最高的
穴道達 38 公尺。

下午一點多,國家公園巴士載滿兩台巴士的遊客,前往
這世界自然遺產(A World Heritage Site)一探究竟。剛進
入洞內,石壁之間時寬時窄,也很潮濕,直聽見落水聲,等
到大約走下兩、三層樓深吧,洞穴逐漸寬敞且不再潮濕,空
氣也仍新鮮,我們就像在地下螞蟻王國活動般,這樣的地下
景觀真的是令人嘆為觀止。

其中「冰凍的尼亞加拉(Frozen Niagara)」,最令人印
象深刻,它像是一條從上頭流瀉下的瀑布瞬間被冰凍,水柱
成條狀垂掛在岩壁上,那些其實是石灰岩。洞穴裡頭也有地
下河與生物,不過這些生物與蝙蝠一樣,長年在無光的環境
生長,因此失去視覺功能,而他們的存活則完全仰賴地下河
的供給。

這趟地下之旅腳程約近三小時的時間,除了驚奇之外,
更對於大自然形成的這一切感到崇敬。老子云:「人法地,
地法天,天法道,道法自然。」 正是說明著人應師法自然
的道理呀!

58
(遺珠網路分享)肯塔基手札
High School Year in Kentucky

部落格短記 20060501
童子軍露營 II
Jacob 的童
子軍一年有兩回
露營,一次在秋
季,一次在春季,
上週五起的三天
假期是本學期童
子軍的第二次露
營。

童子軍露營
主要活動是讓小
朋友闖關晉級;
記得我在國小童
子軍時,我們的
闖關內容大致是
野外求生基本技
能(例如:指南
針使用、搭帳篷),
以及童玩(例如:打陀螺、滾鐵圈);也許文化不同之故,
美國的童子軍闖關內容則是射擊、釣魚、騎自行車(美國地
大,汽車家家有,但腳踏車與機車則屬罕見)等等。

我們周五抵達本次營地,位在坎柏嵐湖(Cumberland
Lake)水庫與其水力發電廠和狼溪國家魚類孵化養殖場
(Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery)。我們抵達時已下
午三點,活動的起點是週六上午,我們有很多時間消磨。

59
肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

這座魚類孵化養殖場很有趣,那裡有一座圍起來的魚塘,
裡頭的蓄水池養著各種魚類,由人工協助繁殖,然而這些魚
並不是特別稀奇或將絕跡,只是為了滿足人類釣魚的欲望,
因為等待繁殖後,再由人工放生至一旁的狼溪,可想而知,
狼溪則是釣客聚集處。這樣的方式有一點點像是台灣的釣魚
場,然而不同的是,被人工放至狼溪的魚兒可以選擇一直游
到下游或是待在上游等著吃釣客的餌。

以前在台灣不曾釣魚(這是住在海島的好處,不必釣魚
就可以吃到鮮魚;我實在很懷念台灣的鮮魚,這裡唯一吃到
的魚是:麥當勞麥香魚......),只聽過姜太公釣魚的心甘
情願,這會兒可以嘗試,感覺頗新鮮。

第二天,童子軍活動正式展開,Felicia 帶著 Jessica
參與 Jacob 的童子軍闖關,Jess 則帶我去坎柏嵐湖釣魚。
我小心翼翼的拿起紅色釣竿準備,在第一次童子軍露營時我
已學會正確甩出釣竿,但還沒放過餌在吊勾上,所以我從整
盒新鮮的蚯蚓中取出一條,但卻猶豫半天不知如何下手,
Jess 為我做了示範,他似乎不需經過大腦思考便輕鬆的把
蚯蚓穿刺至掛鉤上,我看得戰戰兢兢,彷彿聽得見蚯蚓身軀
被穿刺而爆裂開來的聲響,噁!

我甩了五六次竿,但同一隻蚯蚓仍好端端的待在勾上,
等到第七回,有東西了!哇!Jess 也見著我的釣竿抽蓄了
一下,要我順著水流走一下並同時收線,天知道我是釣到多
大的魚,竟然線拖不起來,Jess 也過來幫忙,最後竟把魚
線扯斷了!我實在有些失望,但 Jess 說可能是卡到水底卻
誤以為魚兒上鉤。

我重新放回釣勾,並自己放上蚯蚓。蚯蚓剛從泥土取出

60
(遺珠網路分享)肯塔基手札
High School Year in Kentucky

時,大概像剛
睡醒,沒有太
多反應,直到
把他的身軀刺
入釣勾中,那
第一針開始讓
他全身蠕動拼
命掙脫,Jess
教我的放法是
S型,所以蚯
蚓的身軀還必
須被穿刺第二回,第三回,第四回,掙扎,蠕動,血跡,蚯
蚓汁液滲出,一直到甩竿的那一剎那,蚯蚓還在那勾上掙扎,
等到第一次收線,蚯蚓才安分的待在勾上,可悲的結束他短
暫的一生。(阿彌陀佛!耶穌基督!真主阿拉!.........)

也許是技巧不好(釣魚有時也講運氣),我們待在同一
個地點三小時竟然一條魚都沒有釣著,我宣告放棄先走回營
地,Jess 則繼續奮鬥。走回營地的路上,遇上 RC(交換學
生的區域接待員)也是童子軍的一年級小兒子,他們邀我轉
戰狼溪釣魚。然而又過了兩小時,我仍是空手而回(狼溪因
童子軍活動,佈滿童子軍來釣魚破關,不過絕大部分的人都
空手而回)。

週六晚上有個童子軍晚會,不過可惜天公不作美,我們
竟生不起營火,使得晚會失去不少色彩。這晚會也為整天的
童子軍活動劃下句點。

61
肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

部落格短記 20060516
基層選舉日
今天是基層選舉日,投
票項目主要有州參議員
(Kentucky State Senator)、
警長(Sheriff)、監獄長
(Jailer)..........很多
我不曾知道竟是由人民選
舉出來的公家職位。學校因
此停課一天,我的接待家庭
並沒有投票的打算,原因是不知該投給誰好,但我好奇美國
投票所與台灣有何不同,所以 Felicia 帶我到離家最近的投
票所(但非我們的投票區)。

Strunk 投票所約是兩坪大的一間小屋,有些投票區並
無設置投票所,則會使用學校或公共活動中心當投票所。美
國已開始使用電腦投票,在你秀出身分證明確認後,便進入
圈票區裡,圈票區就像台灣投票所的蓋章處,只是裡頭放置
的只有一台電子投票機。

我很想拍幾張照,監票人員為此打電話給他們的上級,
向他們說明這裡有位外國交換學生想拍他們的投票機,輾轉
問了兩位上級之後,得到的答案竟是"Better not."。我搞
不懂這是會洩漏國家機密還是威脅到美國政府.......

雖然沒拍到照,但監票人員仍秀出一張紙,上頭印著投
票機上顯示的畫面,向我說明投票機螢幕上就是如此,而她
還說明今天投票時,若你是民主黨(Democratic),你必須投
民主黨,若是共和黨(Republican)則需投選共和黨。

62
(遺珠網路分享)肯塔基手札
High School Year in Kentucky

部落格短記 20060530
誰說你不能回家?
前幾天,接待家庭帶我到 Rock Creek 露營,算是離別
前最後一回旅遊,安排了四天三夜,營地沒自來水沒電源,
很有原始味的露營,感覺別有一番風味!

今天,我舞會時的舞伴 Mina 上飛機回日本,我在美國


也僅剩一週的時間,生活愜意又單純,但無形中似乎比之前
還要忙碌。這種現象每每在倒數時都會出現的心理作用,其
實一切一如往常,但數字在減少,彷彿世界一切都將不一
樣。

邦喬飛 2005 年出了一張新專輯《Have A Nice Day》,


裡頭有一首歌我實在極度喜愛~Who says you can't go
home:

Who says you can't go home


Who says you can't go home
There's only one place they call me one of their own
Just a hometown boy born a rolling stone

Who says you can't go home


Who says you can't go back
I been all around the world and as a matter of fact
There's only one place left I want to go

雖然回家前總會有股「近鄉情更怯」的感覺,但,家是
唯一把我當作生命共同體的地方,是唯一一個離開後還想去
的地方,誰說你不能回家?

63
肯塔基手札(遺珠網路分享)
High School Year in Kentucky

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