‘Forever Young’ Series – Taijiang oldies embark on study tour

The elderly generation that grew up in Tainan’s Taijiang District remains enthusiastic about learning, and as far as curiosity for exploring their native homeland is concerned, they more than equal that of the younger generation. This winter, these Taijiang oldies went on a study tour, kicking off by putting their agile hands to work in the production of handcrafted brushes. While engaged in the brush-making process, they were kind enough to share their stories.

On completion of the brush-making class, they made their way to Dadaogong Temple (大道公) to study the art of drawing lots and divination. With the drawing of each inscribed bamboo stick (used for divination), deep hearty laughs could be heard echoing throughout the temple.

Next on the agenda, was a visit to Gong Qin Liao (公親寮), where village mayor Mr. Wang introduced the area’s history. On mention of traditional architecture in the area, everyone excitedly asked if a tour would be possible. In spite of the fact tour coaches were unable to enter the intended area of the visit, the eager group of oldies were adamant on visiting the old houses, and decided to make the journey on foot.

On arrival, one person shouted out, “This is the old home of my in-laws! I helped build this place,” after which the elderly man began recounting his family’s story.

Seeing the passion and concern of these elderly residents towards their native town was testimony to the truth of the old expression “One is never too old to learn.”

We should all remember that just as young people require study trips, so too does the elder generation.

‘Forever Young’ Series – Taijiang oldies embark on study tour
URL:https://www.peopo.org/news/228459

(以下是中文對照)
長青系列報導-阿公阿嬤台江遊學去

自小在台南市台江區生長的阿公阿嬤們，心中仍對學習抱有非常大的熱情，對於探索家鄉所懷的好奇心更不輸給年輕人，今年冬天，阿公阿嬤台江遊學去。從朝皇宮開始，阿公阿嬤們動手綁掃帚，雙手靈活的做起手工藝，阿公一邊綁著掃帚，一邊說著自己的故事。完成平安掃帚後，阿公阿嬤們開始抽大道公學習籤，每抽出一支籤，就歡笑聲連連，阿公阿嬤興奮的問著籤詩的意思，開心的說著大道公要他們學習。拜訪公親寮時，先由王里長向大家解說公親寮的歷史，聽到里長提到老厝，阿公阿嬤們興奮的問可不可以去參觀，因為遊覽車無法到達，大家興致勃勃的散步到老厝拜訪。看到老厝，某位阿公大聲的說，這是我親家的老厝，我還有幫忙蓋呢！阿公開始做起解說，和大家分享他的故事。看著長輩們對學習的熱情，對鄉土的關心，我們了解到，活到老，一定要學到老，不只有年輕人需要遊學，老年人也需要遊學。