January 26, 2010

SOMETHING IN THE CORNER

Nishi Shinjuku, TokyoNishi Shinjuku, TokyoASTRONOMICAL CLOCK at Shinjuku i-LAND
Always staying at the same hotel for business trips to Tokyo, I did not tend to walk around hotel area after whole day meeting and the dinner gathering. So I missed something interesting and pretty.

This time because staying at different hotel, I had a chance to take different route in the same area, I found some locations with nice night view which I have seem them in Japanese drama before. Surprisingly they are not far away from the hotel which I used to stay, but I never got closer enough to see them.

I think people always miss something interesting and beautiful because they are lack of curiosity and the passion to explore, so do I.

DO YOU?

January 5, 2010

WELL PRESERVED HUKOU OLD STREET (湖口老街)

Hukou old street/湖口老街Hukou old street/湖口老街Hukou old street/湖口老街
Long time ago when I worked as a commercial film producer, I had a commercial film shot at Hukou old street. Hukou old street was not such a popular tourist site at that time and was a perfect place to tell stories of early Taiwan.

Now Hukou old street became a famous tourist site of HsinChu County. It may not be as the origin, but I still prefer it than other old streets. Because it keeps more original flavour, with less non-sense souvenir shops and less visitors. But what I don't like is they allow cars driving though the old street during holidays.

If you like to see some Taiwanese old streets, don't miss Hukou old street.

More photos

January 3, 2010

OLD SOLDIERS NEVER DIE, THEY JUST FADE AWAY

M733 Amphibious Personal Carrier
M733 Amphibious Personal Carrier/ the logo of ROC Marines
M733 Amphibious Personal Carrier
Hukou Township (湖口鄉) is famous of its old streets and the largest army tank base. To show the special history of Hukou Township, the township government requested some decommissioned tanks to be displayed at some tourist sites.

Near the parking lot of Hukou old street, there is a very special military vehicle which is the M733 amphibious personal carrier. According to the description, this vehicle served in ROC Marine Corps, a special model from M116 Husky in 60'.

It is hard to find any information about this special armour vehicle, either specifications and service history. Anyway, it did serve in ROC Marine Corp and be a part of national defence force of Taiwan, now retired and tries to tell its story to visitors.

After taking some photos, I though what General Douglas MacArthur said "OLD SOLDIERS NEVER DIE, THEY JUST FADE AWAY" is really a good description of this military vehicle.