Photoblogging Taiwan
Please respect artist's rights. Photos may be used with written permisson only.March 26 Taiwan Protest March
On March 26th citizens of Taiwan marched across Taipei in protest of the "Anti-Succession Law" that China passed the previous week. Hundreds of thousands participated in the event. Many coming from outlying areas of Taiwan by busses provided by the organizers of the event in hopes of having a million protesters in the streets. The crowds could be heard chanting and singing as they took over downtown Taipei's streets for over 2 hours. Some people complained later that there were too many slogans to represent a unified voice to the world. Others made note that the earthquake in Indonesia eclipsed the Taiwanese rally and therefore it had little effect on public opinion in the West.
I stood on the base of a light standard to get the first photo and while I was there taking pictures of the crowd (along with other free-lance photo-journalists) they were taking pictures of me! *laughing* I may never get used to being an oddity here. When the crowd saw that I was undecorated with peace symbols I was innundated with flags, ribbons and buttons that support Taiwanese independence! Good souveniers but I was quick to put them away before I got to the school - I'm sure the situation is politically charged and I don't want to bring any controversy on myself.
This is one of my favorite pictures. Two simple words: "Freedom" and "Peace." Have we taken them for granted in Canada? It is astonishing to see such public support for one ideal. The raw emotions and visible pride of these people for their country is very impressive.
Some witty alliteration by this signmaker at the rear of the parade.There was certainly a wide variety of sentiments expressed - all pro Taiwanese.One sign that I didn't capture clearly on film read "Commie Pigs Sod Off." You can just make out the green lettering in the right of the picture below.
Even dogs were outfitted with flags and ribbons for the march.
A small boy watches from the sidelines.
Another one of my favorite pictures from today.
Is there fruit here?
Photos from a trip to the morning market in Kaohsiung.
The fruit down south is plentiful and inexpensive. Notice the Taiwanese habit of providing everything in baggies.
Melons and pineapples. The ribbon laden fruit was seen later that day in front of shops and homes. The fruit was used as part of traditional dinners for the ancestors during NewYear celebrations.
Bannanas for sale on the side of the road. These ladies are packing up at the end of the Saturday morning market.
Size matters
It is common to see billboards that are 2 stories tall even in Taiwan's smaller centers. I remain impressed by the scope of the advertising here. The consumers here are very savy.
I-Lan City
Interesting Compound in I-Lan City close to the river.
Bench by the path that runs along the river's banks.
Spectacular greenery in I-Lan city after the rains.
You can see the mountains in the distance. I longed to go climbing but at this point in my travels was also seeking work.
Taroko Gorge
Simply Beautiful. The sign here distinctly said "Don't pick the rocks." I could hardly restrain myself, picked some up and ended up discarding them due to guilty feelings. This night I got my first allergic reaction and I wonder if it had anything to do with the rocks?
Guardian lion at the end of a bridge. By request for my English friend Gavin.
The weather was cold and a bit gloomy, but the view of the road winding through the Gorge was amazing. 
Rosy cheeks from the cold wind make me look less than flattering?
Wild hair from the wind. Impressed by the power of the surf at the side of the ocean, I was crazy enough to go running on the sand to where I felt closer to nature. All the other tourists played it safe by staying on the concrete. You can see it was cold enough that I have both my lightweight jackets on this day. This was the first stop on the way to the gorge.
I'm in the jungle! Definately my happiest in Hualien of all my travels.
A little blurry from my cold shaking hands, but what an impressive view!
This is from the bridge with 100 different stone lions. They are placed on both sides of the bridge and are to guard it. I'm not sure what they are guarding it from though.
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