Ballad of the Beautiful Isle Rolling on the River with BritCham Chums

British Chamber of Commerce (BritCham) Taipei
First-Class Cruise Offers Fun, Food and Fanfare

By Stephen A. Nelson

September-October, 2005

One of the BritCham's most successful social events was a three-hour evening dinner cruise on the Keelung River in Taipei. Featuring food, fun and fanfare... it was so successful that it spawned a sequel.

Here's my verse version of what happened on that voyage - with apologies to the Ballad of Gilligan's Isle.

Travel Taiwan: Six Wonders of Alishan Kayaking Adventures

British Chamber of Commerce (BritCham) Taipei
Outdoor Adventures in Taiwan's Outback

By Stephen A. Nelson

September-October, 2005

In carving a niche for itself among the chambers of commerce in Taiwan, BritCham strove to be the "number one social-networking site" for expat and local business people.

To that end, it offered Travel Adventures to members and friends. Sometimes this meant a "weekend getaway" to a famed part of The Beautiful Island such as Mount Ali (Alishan). Other times it involved a day outing to a hidden part of Greater Taipei.

Britain's Cultural Diplomacy: Official Unofficial Diplomats in 'Chinese Taipei'

British Chamber of Commerce (BritCham) Taipei
Dancing the Diplomatic Dialectic

By Stephen A. Nelson

March-April, 2006

Due to pressure from China, Taiwan suffers from its persona non grata status in the United Nations, as well as from a lack of international recognition. It has no formal diplomatic ties with Britain.

But Britain does have informal ties with Taiwan, mainly through the British Trade and Cultural Office in Taipei and The British Council.

This story introduced readers to Britain's two new "unofficial" diplomats.

The Star in the East: Celebrating Scotland's Bard in Taiwan

British Chamber of Commerce (BritCham) Taipei
Scots Lead Celebration Honouring Robert Burns

By Stephen A. Nelson

March-April, 2006

Each year at the end of January, Scots around the world celebrate their national bard: Robert (Rabbie) Burns.

In addition to eating haggis and reading Burns' poetry in the Scots tongue, a key part of the celebrations involves singing a tribute to The Bard. That musical tribute is called The Star of Rabbie Burns.

Given the number of Scots who have lived in Taiwan over the past 150 years, maybe this wasn't the first time that a Burns Supper had been celebrated in Taiwan.

But it was certainly the first time it had been celebrated by the BritCham - and no doubt it was a first for the Taiwanese who joined the feast.

Nelson's Column: Tapei's BritCham Marks Battle of Trafalgar

The Spirit of Christmas Presents