Although no longer working for Rotary, I’m a Rotarian. My friend, Rotary Director Emmanuel Katongole, asked my assistance in putting together his annual Convention Kampala Dinner. In return he would support my trip to Taiwan for the 2026 Rotary Convention. Rotary Foundation Trustee (and now RI Director) Marty Peak Helman offered to share her room. How could I turn down such an offer?
I enjoyed the Convention and also had an opportunity to see a bit of Taipei and the surrounding area. Indulge me in a bit of self-centered photography. So many photo ops.
The Rotary Convention
With thirty guests expected for the dinner, Emmanuel and 300 other Ugandan Rotarians were dismayed to have their visas cancelled. Emmanuel insisted that the dinner go forward. He joined us by cell phone. RI President-elect (now President) Yinka Babalola and his circle joined the party, and Yinka shared his thoughts on Rotary and Africa. It was a delightful event although our host was very much missed.
I emceed a couple of podcasts from the Peace Exchange Studio, hosted by the Rotary Peace Fellow Alumni Association and Rtn. Al Jubitz.
Fellow Rotary E-Club for World Peace members Julie Boswell and this year’s Club President, Raymond Shields
At a calligraphy demonstration I was gifted with a Year of the Horse painting to take home
Taipei’s Old City
A selection of photos from the Daan and Zhongzhang Districts in the oldest part of Taipei, including the extraordinary Lung-Shan Temple.
The Chaing Kai-shek Memorial
The New City
At the farthest northwest corner of Taipei lies the Beitou District, not quite as old but full of charm.
There’s a song that claims there’s an Irish pub in every city; there is also a Turkish food stall not far down every road.
A quick trip to Mt. Qixing gave a panoramic view of Taipai in a beautiful setting teeming with wildlife.