Why is it called a "pine" apple?

I'd like to start updating my blog more frequently with little interesting stories about daily life in Taiwan. I recently heard that a couple of Agnes graduates are considering or being considered for Fulbright teaching positions in Taiwan. Seeing as I love living here so much, I should share more often. I'll start by talking about yesterday and see what stories follow from there in the next few weeks. 
Yesterday I spent the afternoon teaching English to 35 students, all over the age of 60. At the beginning of this month, my fellow Fulbright and roomie, Carol Reyes, and I began volunteer-teaching an English course at the neighborhood senior citizen center. This is not a nursing home, though older persons who cannot care for themselves can spend the day there while their families are at work. Most of the elderly people visit the facility by choice, attending various classes from yoga to traditional musical instrument practice to foreign language study. 

 

Carol and I review basic food vocabulary with corresponding photos.

 The students practice giving directions in English to me and Carol. Their English is pretty advanced.

Our first class was attended by 70 students, who are now divided into two groups that will attend on alternate weeks. The focus is listening and speaking English. We talk about how to give and ask for directions, describe the foods you like or dislike, share what you enjoy doing in your free time, and sing English songs. A special request was put in for, "Oh, Carol" and we had a blast learning it together yesterday.
The students always come up with great and interesting questions, some of which Carol and I are unable to answer. For example, "What is the specific English word for 'goat meat'?" "When do you say 'go up the street' versus 'go down the street'?" Or "Why is the fruit called a "pine" apple?" My standard answer: "I will write down your question and ask my mom."