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| Architectural tiles at Bi-Shan Temple (click for detail) |
Walking around Taipei and Taiwan, I often come across scenes that might not add up to an individual post, but are too interesting just to file away. I have decided to initiate an occasional series using these photographic odds and ends.
There is no particular rhyme or reason for featuring these; they might be beautiful, scenic, interesting, scary, or humorous. Please let me know which ones you like.
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From the balcony at Bi-Shan Temple, Neihu and Taipei seem to flow into the seams of the mountains:
A particularly Art Deco-looking dragonfly posed for this photo:
These spiky trees are seen all over Taiwan, and are often planted as ornamentals. I love their rather extreme look, although I question the wisdom of planting them along city streets due to those rather vicious thorns.
Click on the photo to get a better look at this huge spider (leg-span a good six inches), waiting for its next victim.
Finally, here are some fireworks that I recently saw from my balcony. This is a feature of living in a big city--I often see these displays, and although I am not sure of their origin, they certainly make things festive:
Hello Jim:
ReplyDeleteOh how we love these snippets of Taipei/Taiwan life and are so pleased that you have decided to make an occasional series out of your intriguing snapshots.
The tiles of the Bi-Shan temple are most interesting. We wonder what material they are made from as they seem to have an almost metallic quality to them. And, of course, we are sure that there is much symbolism contained in the tiles but we have no knowledge of this at all.
Fireworks are a rare treat for us in Budapest and, we are sure, are nothing compared with the displays you regularly see. However, what seems to be the case here in Hungary is that the deeper the recession, the more flamboyant the fireworks. Perhaps they make people feel better?
Hello Jane and Lance, Those were brown-glazed ceramic tiles at Bi-Shan; I think the metallic look was just an artifact of the strong sunlight. Elaborate and symbolic tiles are a great feature of traditional Chinese buildings, and I plan to get to them in some detail, but in the meantime I couldn't resist posting this single picture.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right about elaborate fireworks as an economic indicator. Last July 4th in America, I was wondering why, given the huge expense, so many large displays were being staged.
Dear Parnassus - am I permitted to call you Jim?
ReplyDeleteI loved having a glimpse into your world.
I do recognise the ornamental tiles as being similar to those I have seen in China, but those trees do look very brutal.
You have captured the fireworks really well, a difficult medium to photograph.
I agree with Jane and Lance about the flamboyance of the fireworks during this recession, just look at the amount that were fired off during the opening and closing of the London Olympics.
Hello Rosemary, I would be happy to have you call me Jim. The tile-work is wonderful here, and one of the few full survivors of traditional Chinese design.
DeleteThe main problem in capturing fireworks is the well-known shutter delay of most digital cameras--by the time the lens opens, the fireworks have already faded.
Thanks kid, and I thought David was the name. Nice meeting you Jim. Kevin
ReplyDeleteHi Kevin, David--where did that name come from? By the way, we've been having rainy typhoon weather here, so I haven't yet gotten to a book store to look for the magazine featuring your house.
DeleteThe view of the mountains is breathtaking and very dramatic. Reminds me a bit of Hong Kong. And those spiky trees give me the goosebumps! Very weird looking. I quite like this post, and hope you'll share more of Taiwan.
ReplyDeleteLoi
Hello Loi, Bi-Shan does provide a wonderful vantage point, but unfortunately that day was kind of hazy, and it was difficult to get good pictures. In addition to the scenery and the temple, there was also a kind of flexible foot-bridge built over a gorge, which someone had thought a good idea to paint purple.
DeleteI like all of them--and put together they give the the feel of/a glimpse into a place I've never been.
ReplyDeleteHello Jen, You have expressed my feeling here so well--living in a "foreign" country, every time I go exploring, that sense of exoticism and new adventures is always present.
DeleteHello, Parnassus,
ReplyDeleteI think your new series is a great idea! My favorites (since you've asked) are those spectacular temple tiles, the Art Deco dragonfly and the curious tree. One wonders what there is about that tree that it has protected itself so fiercely!
Hi Mark, I am going to have to do a little research on those thorn trees. I am glad that you like the figural tiles, as there are so many shapes and colors of them that I never tire of examining them, and they will look great in a photo-essay.
DeleteWhat a pretty dragonfly!
ReplyDeleteHi Ann, I'm glad you noticed that. There were a number around, but they were hard to photograph when flying, until this one decided to cooperate.
DeleteDear Parnassus
ReplyDeleteThank so much for your kind comment .From your balcony you have nice view especially at night with those fireworks ! About the Latin expression "Road to Parnassus" , I asked two teacher of Greek Philology and they told me that in Greek daily use we don't say this . They were told though that the meaning is metaphorical and mean what you say.
Olympia
Hello Olympia, I am lucky that my balcony faces a parkway so that there is a less-obstructed view.
DeleteThank you for asking about the phrase "Road to Parnassus". I guess it shows that foreigners always perceive a culture or place differently than the locals do.
Your view of Taipei from the temple seems very similar to that of Hong Kong and Victoria Harbour from our walk. (Except HK has much taller skyscrapers.) Your thorny tree is also similar to one outside my bedroom here at the house, which for security reasons is lit all night, and is rather a delight this way.
ReplyDeleteHello Columnist, Taiwan is also mountainous, which accounts for these spectacular views. Once on a visit to Mount Tamalpais in California, famous for its Redwood groves in Muir Woods, I surprised to look down and see a spreading panorama of San Francisco.
DeleteI can imagine how the security lighting would make a living sculpture out of your thorn tree.
I just found your beautiful blog, through mutual blogging friends.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to reading your post and as your latest follower, I am happy to have found you
Helen
Hello Helen, I am very glad you enjoyed my blog, and thank you for your kind comments. I hope that the articles I have planned for the future will continue to please you.
DeleteDear Parnassus,
ReplyDeleteRead your comment on Oldthings, Olympia's post about Greek Moussaka. You sure can substitute the little Chinese Aubergines; size is not a problem. Certainly you will have some soy-based meat products in your area, like I used in my Vegan version in my post: http://mariettesbacktobasics.blogspot.com/2012/09/olympias-greek-moussaka-vegan-style.html
Now you know what Olympia was talking about!
My husband has been to Taipei on business trips but I've never been. Only to Japan, Indonesia, Singapore and India.
Interesting photos you showed here!
Hugs to you,
Mariette
Hello Mariette, Thank you for the clarification. I just visited your post which has more instructions as well as beautiful pictures.
DeleteIt looks like you have been many places in Asia, but do visit Taiwan if you get the chance. In addition to scenery of which I have presented a very small sample, many people feel that Taiwan food is the real high point.
Back again... PLEASE do take your word verification off, that way you certainly will get more comments and probably more followers too. It is real easy, read here: http://bit.ly/wuDl5h
ReplyDeleteHugs to you,
Mariette
Hello Mariette, Thanks for pointing this out. I have just fixed it--again! The problem is that Blogger keeps changing my configuration and switching things around.
DeleteEin Feuerwek an Informationen, gefällt mir sehr gut...
ReplyDeleteLieben Gruß
CL
What beautiful photos you have on your blog, Clouds in the Sky. I am impressed with all those fantastic close-ups of nature.
Deletecool photos! LOVE that tree! I would love to have some. The photo made my heart beat faster, that's how much I loved them!!
ReplyDeletebest,
joan
Hello Joan, I agree with you about those trees, they have an incredible sculptural quality and presence. Unfortunately, I don't think they would grow in New Hampshire. However, this settles it, I am due for a trip to the Taipei Botanical Garden to find out more about them.
Delete