Here and There

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Pintung: Liukue II

Suspension bridge over Highway Nr.3, nicknamed Formosa Highway

Pintung: Liukue

At the southern end of the Central Mountain Range

The village of Meinung (美濃) has preserved much of the culture and traditions of the Hakka people, which are one of the four peoples of Taiwan (the others being Taiwanese, Chinese and 12 different Aboriginal peoples). The Hakka are wellknown for their attitude of hardwork and togetherness, and since their immigration to the island have grouped together to form successful agricultural communes that dot the island which produce abundant and high-quality crops and rice. Most famous for their paper-umbrellas and signature blue dresses for women, in the village we could also see lots of toys made of bamboo and broken tin cans and jugs that bring back nostalgic memories of a Taiwan

Kaohsiung: Chiaotou Sugar Plant II

dragonfly made of kitchen utensils

spider made of old motorcycle parts

Mock rocket, reminder of the tense situation that exists between Taiwan and China. Today, there are over 1000 missiles pointed towards Taiwan, as China claims that this island is an "inseparable part of the Motherland", and has sworn to use military means to retake the island.

Kaohsiung: Chiaotou Sugar Plant

The Chiaotou Sugar Plant is a large complex which used to be a big sugar cane plantation. There are many Japanese style dormitories and warehouses there, but unfortunately most are now neglected.
Some artists have tried to preserve this heritage by forming a commune there.

Kaohsiung: aquarium IV

A very strange and shy fish, which lives with half its body burried in the sand. When you leave, it pops out its body, only to retreat when you draw near. Fascinating!