Happy as a clam In Taichung

Text and photos by Taichung City Government
Translated by Naomi Lai

Name: Warren Sevander
Nationality: U.S.A.
Profession: Teacher at St. James Education Institute

Besides composing poetry, American Christian poet Warren Sevander enjoys traveling the world and exploring all the miracles of love in different places. In 2009, he left the Twin Cities area in Minnesota to visit a friend in Wuri township, Taichung county. Since then, he has traveled all over Taiwan.

New life in a new country
Although Warren visited Tainan, Puli, Aowanda and Taipei during his explorations, in the end he found Taichung's friendly atmosphere most inviting. When he first came to Taiwan, he enjoyed walking around the WuQuan Parkway and Art Museum areas. During his strolls, he would be greeted by many local citizens, asking how he was doing, where he was from and if he needed help. He found this home-like warmth deeply touching and it became the main reason he chose Taichung as the place to start a new life.

Warren loves literature and hopes to teach English in Taiwan while serving in his Christian faith. He notes: "I didn't think I could find a Christian language institute near the Art Museum where I could teach the public English and writing while leading people in English Bible reading, singing hymns and participating in community service during the church activities over the weekends."

"I'm envious of the thick family atmosphere here and the way people interact with one another," he adds.

He has noticed that in order to provide educational content outside of regular activities at language institutes, the teachers need to become part of the student groups. Taiwanese parents' care and attention toward their children's education from elementary to high school also greatly contrasts the American way of encouraging independence.

When in Rome, get inspired
Over the recent Mid-Autumn Festival, Warren witnessed Taiwanese barbecuing prowess. While most Americans do their barbecues in their own backyards, he participated in a local BBQ event at the friendly invitation of his neighbors, recalling that the aromas were "most unique". That night he savored various local Taiwanese delicacies, including Taiwanese sausages, meat on sticks and Taiwanese tempura. He was also intrigued by Taiwanese roast chicken, eaten by hand with plastic gloves.

Having published three poetry anthologies, Warren's inspirations come from his experiences around the world. Having lived in many American cities, he has learned to expand his creative writing based on his life in different places. Today, he spends his weekends in Taichung visiting the Art Museum or watching a movie at the Universal Cinema. What does he think of living in this exotic country? He responds, "I am happy as a clam!"

For this 60-year-old poet, Taichung has become a friendly new home and the source of inspiration for his fourth anthology.