Taipei Air Station

Another Look at the CCK Museum

2012-01-26T10:22:00.000-10:00

Many of you will remember viewing our videos of the American Footsteps Museum on CCK Air Base last year.

I thought it might be appropriate to again run these three videos for the folks that have recently found our blog. I know there are many folks who were stationed at CCK and have only recently found the spare time to begin searching the web for sites that discuss CCK.

Here they are, the three video presentations, quite informal, made while walking around inside the CCK Museum.

Be sure to open each video to "Full Screen" view, it's so much easier to see the videos more clearly if you open full screen view.

Each video is approximately 10 minutes in length.

I'm sure you'll see something that you will remember from your days at CCK.

If you would like to contribute something from your assignment at CCK that might be added to the items on display in the museum, please email Gene at - nantogene@gmail.com

Gene is our coordinator with CCK for the museum.

Your comments are always appreciated, please leave a note in a comment below.

In and Around Taipei - 1974

2012-01-25T10:10:00.000-10:00

We're taking a break from our Taiwan Tour posts, which will resume in a day or two.
Today instead, we'll look at a few photographs taken in 1974 in and around Taipei.

George Lane, who worked for STRATCOM and USACC visited Taiwan on a number of occasions, taking these and other beautiful photographs.

Please help us identify the location of these photos.

On final approach (flaps down) to Sungshan, 1974.

Is this the Danshui or Keelung River? I don't recognize the island.

Chungshan North Road? I see the Singapore Airlines office just across the street.

No idea, close to the Main Station?

The yellow taxi moving by, this must have been one of the first Yellow taxis in Taipei.

Beautiful.......

Taipei Main Station. 1974.

You can just about hear the water falling into the pool, makes me thirsty ....

Is this an old commuter train?

Somewhere down in Ximen area?

I don't recognize this photo.

There is an Army truck parked, a bus, lots of bicycles and pedicabs.

And, a noddle stand.

Standing on the steps of the National Taiwan Museum looking straight down the street toward the old Taipei Main Station.

Stock photo of the National Taiwan Museum and the 228 Peace Park.

The photo just above this, was taken from these steps on the museum, looking north, toward Taipei Main Station.

National Palace Museum in 1974.

The grounds and museum are quite a bit different today.

Thank you George Lane for sharing your beautiful photographs.

George tells me he has many slides in the process of being digitized and we may soon see more of these 1970's photographs from George's collections.

Please leave your comments on these photographs below.

I am sure many will appreciate knowing where these were taken.

So long ago, but still in our hearts.

Return to Taiwan Tour - On the Bus - Day 6

2012-01-22T07:05:00.003-10:00

The day opened with a burst of direct sunlight showing into the hotel room. Peeking out the window, the clouds and blue sky brought a warmth to my heart.

We packed up, and made our way to the dining room on the first floor, arriving just as the doors opened.

After breakfast, we took our bags outside the front door where our bus was parked. It was a beautiful day.

The gate to Kenting National Forest Recreation Area, just across the highway from our hotel.

Just to the left kitty corner across the street, lots of stores and a McDonald's.

To the left of this photo was a road that went south toward the beach, a short block away.

This building is one of a few buildings that is believed to have been associated with a MAAG Taiwan R&R site run by the Taiwan government.

This gives you a better idea of the area.

The building in the above photo (pink) can be seen in this photo on the right side.

Matching up the trees on the right of this photo with the trees on the left of the above photo.

Gene believes the cottages were located in the trees just beyond the yellow building and trees to the right of this photo.

The beach, just to the left of the above photo.

What a wonderful place to spend a few days! A cottage, western food, a club.
What more could you ask for?

There was a short piece on this R&R site on the Internet a few years ago.
It still shows up but when it opens, the page has been deleted.

If anyone can help fill in the blanks on this Center, we would appreciate your thoughts.
Maybe you spent some time here?

Everyone was waiting for us; we jumped on the bus and were off.

First stop this morning.

Lots of beautiful views from the lookout areas.

We got back in our bus and headed west toward Kaohsiung.

We pulled into a Tourist Stop which sold all kinds of fresh and dried fruit.

It was a bathroom break as well as a chance to sample all of the fresh and dry fruit.

I'm sure some of our folks took home a few bags of the dry fruit.

We came into Kaohsiung and went directly to the tunnel under the port that took us to Cijin District, an island in the harbor, where a giant seafood dinner awaited us.

Our restaurant. A couple of blocks from the fisherman's boats.

Nothing but fresh seafood here.

Swimming in the tank, these shrimp recently arrived at the restaurant.

They were scooped up and boiled, here is our appetizer dish.

Most of the dishes, the shrimp long gone.

When the fish arrived, it was gone moments later.

After dinner we walked a short block down to the water where the fishing boats were tied up.

All quiet here.

We got back in our bus and drove to the north end of the island.

Our driver let us off the bus as the street ended.

Today was Saturday, lots of parents, young people and children were on the island.

A pony ride anyone. Not sure what was in the red boxes here.

This is where our group split up.

Holly, was bothered walking uphill and my knee was swollen, so we walked down the street to the Ferry landing to sit and wait for the rest of the group who were going up the hill to visit the Cihou fort and light house.

Here at the corner, at the hospital, we begin walking a few blocks to the Ferry Landing.

There's the Ferry Landing building just ahead.

The streets in this area of the island are blocked off to traffic.

We found a seat just by the police station to wait for rest of the group.

On the map, the fort and lighthouse are pointed out.

Gene and the rest of our group are on top of the hill in the old fort area.

Looking back to where the bus dropped us off.

L to R: Holly, Twan, Gene, Ted.

The air quality was very poor today, look out in the distance.

Quite a change from the Pacific Coast and Kenting yesterday.


Old bunkers at the fort

The Cihou Lighthouse.

Looks like it's in great shape.

Kaohsiung Harbor from the Lighthouse at Cihou.

As the camera swings northward across the north port entrance.

Terrible air quality. There was no wind today.

Walking down from the fort and lighthouse, we passed this very old house.

Just outside the Ferry Landing Pedicabs waiting for fares.

These pedicabs are for tourists or locals who want to ride only on a few streets in this area.

Pedicabs are no longer a form of transportation on city streets.

We're getting in line to board the ferry which will take us back to the city landing.

This area, streets closed to traffic. Police station just to right.

Gene, Holly and Twan walk to the ferry.
Looks like it could use a paint job.....

We're off, see ya.

We're leaving, here's a ferry arriving from the other side of the harbor.

We'll close for today.

Tomorrow, more from our 2 day stay in Kaohsiung.

Chinese New Year 2012 - The Year of the Dragon

2012-01-22T06:55:00.001-10:00

Taiwan celebrates Chinese New Year beginning on New Years Eve Sunday; New Years Day on Monday, 23 January 2012 and through next weekend.

Happy New Year... 新年快樂.

The year of the dragon

HERE a link to the Taiwan Government Information Office look at Lunar New Year.

Return to Taiwan Tour - On the Bus - Day 5

2012-01-17T11:09:00.000-10:00

We wake-up this morning in Zhiben, I peek out the window, it's still cloudy, but, not raining just now.

Before breakfast we take our bags down to the bus, then head to the hotel dining room for breakfast.

By 8:30 AM we are back in our bus. The parking lot is just about empty. The Chinese tourist buses have already headed out.

Today, we are driving to the south of the island. Take a look at the map, posted at the bottom of today's story.

The highway to the south runs along the Pacific coast shoreline for a time before crossing the island.

Our first rest room stop today, an isolated point along the east coast.

The rain is threatening again.

The rest area was on the ocean side of the the highway, to my back.

I'm standing along the highway here.

Across the street, you can see Ted checking out the area.

On this corner, across the road is the entrance to an Aborigine area.

The overpass with yellow and black stripes supports railroad tracks.

Campaign posters flying everywhere, the big elections take place on 14 December.

The eagle, a symbol of strength, seen around the world.

Look at the carvings along the wall.

We didn't have time to venture into the hills of the Aborigine area, it was time to leave.

A short distance down the road, Highway 9 turns right and makes it's way across the island.

After another restroom stop, we find ourselves in Hengchun.

Here's a nice explanation about the town.

The main attraction in Hengchun, the old wall of the city.

Our bus, stopped to let us out along the outer wall at the North Gate.

And, the SUN is shinning again, the air clean and dry!

The North Gate.

I wanted you to see the size of these bricks.

A suppose there is a story of why bricks were this small.

All of those who have come before us....what stories they must have.

Here we are today, passing through the area, wondering about the men who build this wall..

Our thoughts and imagination can only go so far, but at times, we catch just a glimpse, in a sliver of light, from the other side, of which we cannot fully see or understand, but know in our hearts - the best is yet to come.....

The wall, inside the gate, looking off toward the west.

Shirley, getting a photo along the inner wall.

Inside the wall. Ted and Gene making their way to the ramp that goes up to the top of the wall.

Along the top, beautiful view of the mountains.

Leaving the wall.. Shirley and Gene here, followed by Ted and Ann.

We drove south, stopping at the first beach that was close along the highway.

We parked in this lot, just off the beach.

Across the highway, not much, small hotels, a few restaurants.

Here's an idea of where we are.

The beach stop.

The wind was whipping, clean fresh air off the Pacific, we're enjoying the day.

Here, half of our group, L to R: Holly, Ted, Gene, Kent.

It's lunch time, we had reservations at a small restaurant just a short distance back up the road.

The restaurant, the open brown door next to the "open" sign in the window.

The fellow who runs the eatery, a local man, is the chef.
He grew up in this building, his parents old home, which he's converted into a French Restaurant. He loves France and spends a month or more there every year.

I think most of us were very hungry for western food.

We were served a cream of tomato soup and plates of freshly baked French bread, with basil olive oil, just delicious.

Then a salad, followed by the main dishes, pastas, and pizza, very tasty, and a wonderful glass of iced tea with fresh lime.

Dessert - ice cream cake with a hot caramelized sugar cover.

No left-overs today, our tummies were full.

It was time for a nap.. but, we've off again, too many sights yet to see this afternoon.

We made a number of stops this afternoon.

Here we were, at the southern point.

Good sign. There were places along some of these trails where you could get into trouble.

The wind was strong, fresh cool, clean air blowing in from the Pacific.

Looking north on the tip of Taiwan.

Twan, Shirley and our driver down at the lookout area.

The wind was really blowing.

We drove up the road to see the old light house.

Had to park a distance away and walk down.

Along the walk to the lighthouse we passed the weather bureau radar dome.

Shore line, lots of old coral.

Probably 90 percent of these folks were from China.
Lots of China tourists on buses all around the island.
The positive side, loads of money flowing in to the local economy.

Ted and Ann.

Park entrance.

If you're old enough, free.

Ready to send the visitors back to their hotels.

I was stuck here, at the park entrance, my leg just couldn't handle the long walks to the various sites around the park.

I sat down on one of these benches around the park entrance.
I saw this couple walk in and later posing for some marriage photos.

Everyone soon returned to the bus area.

We loaded up and headed to Kenting and our hotel.

Our Hotel in Kenting. The Agong.

It sat along the main drag in Kenting.

After we cleaned up and got situated, we headed east along the main street looking for the best place to eat.

We settled on a pizza and pasta restaurant.

After dinner, we strolled up and down the street checking out the Night Market and stores.

Tomorrow, we're back on the bus exploring a bit more of Kenting before heading west for Kaohsiung.

See you tomorrow.

Return to Taiwan Tour 2011 - On the Bus Day 4 - Continuted

2012-01-14T09:39:00.000-10:00

We drove out of the Forest Park and back onto the highway

We had lunch reservations at a Aborigine restaurant a few miles south

Can you pronounce the restaurant name?

We walked inside, moving past the wash-up sink.

The entrance to the restaurant dining room.

This sculpture, a man carrying a fish, the theme of the restaurant

A reserved table for another party.

Our table.

Shortly, the beer and food begin to arrive at our table.

This fish was raised on the grounds. It was tasty, lots of white meat.

The food begin to arrive at our table.

Someone pulled the skin back from the meat of the fish.

The bamboo tub of rice, wild rice, nutty flavor, it was good.

A large fresh vegetable plate, lots of mixed flavors, a rewarding challenge to your taste buds.

And, plenty of Taiwan beer.

The kitchen sent out a large pan of mixed meat, fish, shell fish and vegetables in hot soup. The lady then added a number of "hot" stones to the pan which quickly brought the soup mixture to a boil and cooked all of the ingredients.

Everyone was stuffed.

Flavors not common to most of our palates, but food we all eat in different ways.

The remains of a great meal, the bones of our fish, picked clean.

As we scattered to the rest rooms, we entered another dining room.

This is probably an overflow room or used for larger parties.

Notice the woven ceiling and chairs. Probably bamboo on the table tops.

Yes, now I see it.

On the way back from the restroom area, the owls are watching.

Too large a piece to take home in a suitcase.

Lots of "stuff" all around the outside of the restaurant.

Our lunch fish was taken from this pond.

There is a constant replenishing of fresh water, on the left.

Lots of foliage, the lushness of the trees and plants.

I noticed these carvings just inside a room as I was walking along outside the restaurant.

I stepped inside to get this photo. Nice carvings.

Our bus is waiting, we load and drive a couple of miles to the Hualien Sugar Factory.

Entrance to the old sugar factory area

Photo of the old sugar refinery, now closed.

We all headed to the ice cream shop.
All of the ice cream products are manufactured on site using only local ingredients.

Here are two servings, a cone with scoops of peanut and coconut and a dish of taro with red beans. Very tasty and smooth.

Looking toward the ice cream shop, which is located on the other side of the red pavilion under the beige awning.

The folks standing straight across on the other side are in the ice cream shop area.

Other shops in the area. The green building in the back ground, remains of the refinery.

We spent an hour or so here, eating ice cream and browsing some of the shops.

We loaded up on the bus and got back onto the highway, driving south.

Our next stop, the Tropic of Cancer marker park on Highway 9

Ann is walking toward the marker. Ted and Shirley already at the top.

Lots of displays up and down the hill.

All along both sides, patio type structures with tables offering visitors a place to escape the elements.

Looking out on another river valley in the distance. It was beautiful here.
The photo does not do the scene justice.

Standing close to our bus, L to R, Holly, Twan and our driver.

Another view of the river valley. Ann and Ted in background.

We're back in the bus, Gene and the driver are sharing a joke.

We're heading toward our day's end destination in Zhiben.

We were talking about the countryside and raising crops as we drove south.

Twan had our driver turn off the highway and drive along some of the beautiful rice fields.

We went down this narrow road, not stopping, just looking out, this was my best photo, rice fields as far as you can see.

As we got close to Zhiben, the weather turned to showers and low clouds.

We arrive at the hotel, got our room keys and took up our bags.

I'm looking out over the railing of the walkway in front of my room. It was about 5:00 PM or so. Our hotel was one of the older ones in this area of town.
There is a river on the other side of those trees along the street.

Looking the opposite direction into the parking lot.

The large tour buses begin to pull in off loading Chinese tourists.

Before long, the lot was full of buses.

The Hot Springs pool area.

The Hot Springs.

The pool at the far end, with running showers, here in the front, the pool, after having been cleaned, is being refilled with hot spring water.

Some of our group went in for a soak in the pools.

There were soaking tubs in every room with hot spring water.

We had our dinner meal in the hotel dining room.

Everyone was tired and most of us turned-in early.

Tomorrow, we're off for the southern most tip of Taiwan.

We finally see the sun and clear skies.

See you tomorrow.

Return to Taiwan Tour 2011 - On the Bus - Day 4

2012-01-12T11:42:00.000-10:00

We had breakfast in the hotel dining room and got aboard our bus.

First unannounced stop this morning, the post office to get stamps and mail post cards to friends abroad.

Again this morning, traffic was light as we headed through town and made our way south on Highway 9.

It had rained overnight, the road was damp, showers on and off, not completely overcast, but at times, rain showers passed overhead.

In a short time, we turned left off the highway and made our way down a number of unmarked roads toward a private landing strip and B&B owned by a friend of Gene.

As we arrived, we some of the equipment used in constructing the private landing strip.

The grass landing strip can be seen just across the road, in back of that shed.

Low hanging clouds...

New aircraft hangers under construction

Dogs everywhere in Taiwan, 90% are black and are of the same Heinz 57 variety

It's time to get going.

Gene calls everyone back as Shirley jumps the water puddles heading for the bus.

The B&B building is at the end of the hanger, the two story unit.

The road back to Highway 9.

We're off to Lake Liyu.

You get the general layout of the lake and surrounding areas.

Check out these clouds. I was intrigued with how low they hung along the sloops.

We walked up to the shop area to look around, like normal tourists. Never know what you might find in a tourist shop.

A short VIDEO about the lake.

Our bus is parked across the street, left edge of the photo above.

These folks have bicycles for rent.

How about this cool looking green 2 seater.

There are bicycles trails all over this area.

Not many visitors here this wet, weekday, morning.

On weekends this place must be packed with local folks.

More bikes, strap you child in the front seat and take off.

Here at the lake, real quiet. The rain showers kept folks away.

On the way out to our bus, everyone was reminded of the rules on trash

We were off to the Chihnan Forest Park, a short drive south.

We entered the forest park and our first stop was the Logging Equipment Museum which displayed some of the equipment used to cut and move timber off these mountains.

A really nice building, probably just refurbished.

Walk carefully, slick tile ahead, it's been raining and the tile was damp.

Thankfully, the museum put out a piece of carpet to help dry off shoes. Nice gesture..

Before I went inside the museum, I had to take a few photos from the sidewalk. Here looking back down on the lake area we just visited.

This area was lush... It smelled so sweet.

And, those clouds, a continuing delight.

Some of the equipment displayed inside the museum.

Gene, pointing out what's ahead.

One of the old cable cars and an explanation of how they were use.

Gene and Shirley off to the right.

The Forest Trail begins here.

I was taking it in, so beautiful, absolutely quiet, sweet air, what a blessing.

It might be time to get one of those bamboo poles.

We moved over to the Nature Center building.

Large wood carving to the right.

This building was originally one of Chiang Ki-shek's homes.

The government maintained many homes throughout Taiwan for Chiang's use.

When we walked into the building, after being greeted by the employees, the first thing we encountered was a hair dryer, what an idea.

Just to the left, behind the white drapes, an audio/visual theater.

We were invited inside and shown a 20 minute or so video on a large movie screen.

An excellent film explaining the history of this area, the forest and logging with many of old pieces showing the logging taking place.

The mountain area has been closed to logging for a number of years.

Holly and Shirley examining the many varieties of wood found in these mountains.

Just yesterday I was excited over the loads of butterflies at the hotel in the mountains where we had lunch. Here is one tray of specimens. These are not small butterflies.

You saw the displays of specimens of the trees of this area, in a photo above.

Here is my favorite, the camphor. It still had that beautiful smell, I just put my finger in the center of the log, rubbed it and inhaled. Ummmmmm.

Outside the building, on the front patio area, these photos. What a view.

Not a wonder why the home was built on this location, mountains behind, lake view ahead.

Back in the days when Chiang visited here, the trees would have been much shorter, affording a clearer view of the property, lake and mountains in the distance.

I stepped off the patio and moseyed around the area in front of the visitor center.

After reading a different snake bite sign, you know, I think next time I'll wear leather boots.

The morning hours have expired, everyone is hungry.

It's time to eat, and we have reservations at a restaurant not far down the road.

Our bus is waiting, we load up and are on the way.

We'll pick up in tomorrow's post.

Return to Taiwan Tour 2011 - On the Bus - Day 3 - The Sun Sets

2012-01-10T11:30:00.002-10:00

On our last post, we were on the bus, driving out of the Marble Factory.

A short distance down Highway 9, we came across a small museum which was the headquarters of a Farm Co-op of some sort.

There were a number of large displays of old equipment and items used by farmers in days past.

Old Japanese style bicycles on display; how most of the farmers traveled back in the day.

I recently watched an episode of the TV show, "American Restoration" where someone brought in an old Japanese bicycle to be restored.

If my memory serves me right, it cost the man $1,000.00 for the restoration.

From seed to fruits and vegetables ready for market, the bicycle was the only means of transportation for most farmers.

In later years, many farmers were able to move into newer forms of transportation.

These displays were on the second floor.

A good part of the first floor was a retail store offering bags of every type of preserved fruit and nuts grown on Taiwan. I sampled a number of fruits, they were excellent. We purchased a few bags for snacks.

Just outside the building, a Carp pond. These fellows are hungry.

We left the museum and drove south toward Hualien.

The photo of this sign didn't turn out well.

Here are the words on the sign. (Emphasis below is mine)

The "Pine Garden", built between 1943 and 1944, used to be the office of the "Naval Administration". That site, the neighboring "Broadcast Bureau" (built on May 1, 1944, current site of Broadcasting Corporation of China, [BCC], Hualien Station) and the "Coastal Broadcasting Station" (Long Distance Telecommunications Bureau), were recognized as significant features on Meilun Mountains, along with dense pinewoods. The Pine Garden was a recreational retreat for ranking military officials during the Japanese rule. It was said that the site was where the Japanese air fighters were stationed beside South Airport or Peinu Airport, ready for their suicide assignments. South Airport is close to Kuanghua Industrial Zone and Pulp Mill today.

In the later stages of WWII, the Japanese government took this site as a key military command center. This was because it was in the estuary of Meilun Creek, overlooking the entire Meilun Creek estuary, Hualien Harbor and the Pacific. While at the site, they could easily dominate the boats of the sea and airplanes landing and taking off at South Airport.

This site was taken over by the Republic of China government in the wake of the end of WWII under the charge of the Headquarters of the Army in 1947. Subsequently, it was the vacation resort of the American armed forces until the United States quit. It was taken over by National Property Bureau in 1977 and was put under management by the Vocational Advisory Commission for Retired Servicemen of the Cabinet in the ensuing year. In 1996, the Vocational Advisory Commission for Retired Servicemen once considered selling the site for"hotel construction" but tailed because of a protest from the local community people. On July13, 2000, Hualien County Government officially classified it a "Special Historic Attraction Zone". On December 20, 2001, it was officially recognized as one of "Taiwan Top 100 Historic Charms".

Two interesting points:

Used as an "R&R" retreat for Japanese Pilots before their suicide assignments.

After the war, used as a "vacation resort" for the US Military.

I've not run across anything to substantiate either point....

It's close to dusk, this photo, looks south, southwest.

A small run of the Meilun Creek can be seen along the stone wall above.

Looking toward the Pacific.

Back in the day, Pine Hill would have clearly overlooked all of this area.

A closer look toward the red harbor light and the Meilun Creek as it empties into the Pacific.

This photo taken just to right of the photo above. A cargo ship is leaving the port.

You can understand why the Japanese liked this position overlooking Hualien.

It's just about dark, you can see the lights of Hualien's downtown area in the background.

It's time to head back to our hotel.

What a day! The grandeur of Taroko, the beauty of the mountains, our Aborigine food lunch, the Marble Factory, the museum and finally, the old Pine Garden, which is running over with history.

A wonderful day.

As we walk out to our bus, a last photo of the Pine Garden Barracks.

So much history here, but little, if any, saved.

Tomorrow, we head southward into more of the beautiful country side of Taiwan.

See you tomorrow.

Photos used throughout these posts of our, Return to Taiwan Trip, were furnished by Ted and Ann, Gene and Twan and myself.

Return to Taiwan Tour 2011 - On the Bus - Day 3 - 2d Continuation

2012-01-09T11:38:00.000-10:00

This Day 3 post is getting rather long. I hope I haven't bored you.

The way I look at it, the more you can see of the tour, the more Taiwan and it's beauty will lay in your heart.

Yesterday we closed at a hotel (cabins) in the mountains.

Today, we begin at the flower beds just outside the hotel dining room. I know some one will think, "FLOWER BEDS!" Yes, lots of beauty in these beds.

Most of us are retired, why take a few moments, look over and enjoy the photos...

A Lady Bug... in the blur of the photo, at least two butterflies

Butterflies here and below

This butterfly was very big, kind of like the boulders in the river.

Some of the cabins, these just to the right, outside the dining room.

These cabins sit across a large grass area from the dining room.

Lush mountains above and around.

I saw NO mosquitoes! Unbelievable..

Motorcycle photo courtesy of Gulf Man Collection Blog

As we left the hotel area, the Rural Route Mailman was pulling out. He is driving a Taiwan Postal van, notice their distinct green color. Most mail in Taiwan is delivered by postal men and women riding small motorcycles.

We jumped in our bus, can you guess which bus is ours. (two buses in the Postal Truck photo,)

and made our way a short distance down the hill to a small group of buildings which display some of the history of the local Aborigine tribes of this area.

I ran this through Photoshop and darkened it up so it would be easier on the eyes.

Let's take a rest, close your eyes and relax, it's absolutely quiet up here. So peaceful....

Left to right - unknown, Ted with hands on stomach, Gene, Ann, unknown just behind Ann.

People gathered around this Poinsettia bush, it was November and the beautiful flowers were in bloom.

We gathered back on our bus and drove downward along the river.

Some interesting information about this area.

Remarkable what these men did, 226 lost their lives!

A difficult job, in a dangerous place at a precarious time in Taiwan's history.

We entered the Taroko Gorge at this same gate, 51 years after this photo was taken.

One last look at Taroko Gorge - the beautiful blue water against the white marble.

No where else but TAIWAN.....

We drove out of the hotel area down to Highway 8, turned right and proceeded east until we reached Highway 9, where we turned right.

Our first stop was a marble factory and showroom.

We received a special tour of the factory area.

Look at the various colors and the size of the slabs and sheets

Here men are cutting the marble on one of the large machines, lots of water flowing around.

Nice piece - how about a new dining room table, big enough for your family?

Some cut to measure orders awaiting shipment.

Tile Warehouse Hualien...

These have been sitting here a long time.

Marble and Jade, big stone, big plant, big operation.

Some of the items outside the door to the sales area.

This would be ideal for a porch, cool marble in the summer. It's sized for adults, although it was probably manufactured for local folks who are shorter and would want a shorter chair.

Nice horse for the Grand Children

More carvings. Standing by the door, Shirley and Holly.

We entered the Sales Area

This eagle cut from green marble caught my eye.

Lots of jewelry cases. The store was set-up with the least expensive in this area. As you walked down toward the far wall, the more expensive pieces were displayed.

Along the side walls, these type of pieces were displayed.

Just next to this display was a large circular marble table with marble chairs. The shop sent out a large kettle of hot tea with nice marble cups.

I believe a couple of the ladies on our tour bought pieces from the shop.
Here Twan and Shirley are inspecting a ring.

We left the Marble Factor complex and made our way down Highway 9 to a small museum and store run by some local farmers

We're stopping for today. There are only 2 more stops on our Day 3 route.

Tomorrow, the museum and a building allegedly used by Japanese Kamikaze Pilots for R&R.

Return to Taiwan Tour 2011 - On the Bus - Day 3 Continued --

2012-01-08T12:39:00.002-10:00

Yesterday, we were just coming up toward our next stop, Tianxiang,

I want to remind you to click on any photo, which will open-up and fill out your computer screen.

Don't be confused with the spelling of the village. Chinese characters can be translated into English with various spellings.

We're at the village, just across this bridge on the left is the Silks Place Taroko Hotel.

Most of us got off the bus here.

The hotel, on a clearer day, taken from a little farther back down the road. (stock photo)

Here is another bridge just to the left of where our bus stopped. There's a Temple up in the hill.
.

Ted is speaking with a Buddhist, who is soliciting donations at the bridge entrance. At the far end of this bridge, a few yards up the sidewalk, steps begin on a long and steep walk upward toward the Temple.

A better view of the far side of the bridge. Notice Ted walking across.

More sites across the bridge toward the Temple, farther upward.

Standing next to the red bridge, looking down on the river, here's a hiker.

This and the photos following give you an idea of the size of the river and boulders.

Here you can see the two rivers merging, notice the water color of the two rivers.

A wider shot of the above photo. The boulder here.. huge! The hiker is seen on river bed.

Walking up and across the bridge across the darker water river. The village is background.

In the village, looking back at the area where all the previous photos were taken.

Looking from the parking lot in the village, up Highway 8. Not much in the village. Quiet.

I turned around and took this photo. A taxi waiting for a fare, our bus and driver also waiting.

Time to leave, here, walking down the parking lot to our bus.

We drove back down Highway 8 east through Taroko Gorge.

Another stop along the highway that we missed on our way up.

A long shot of the above photo. There is a walkway that zig zags up the mountain. It begins just to left on the mountain side, you can see some folks walking on the trail in this photo. If you look upward from the temple in the distance, you can see the trail cut into the mountain as it winds it's way along upward. There is a pagoda way up toward the top of this mountain, the only way to visit is by hiking up along the trail.

We load up and head for our next stop, a Aborigine resort where we'll enjoy a great lunch!

Our lunch stop.

Open this link to the Leader Village Taroko and read about the village.

Also watch a video taken at the village, audio is in Chinese, but the pictures help explain it.

We're greeted by this warrior statue.

This was a great lunch.

Top left, green salad (note the stick of fresh okra) a bowl of pork flavoured clear soup with vegetables, a large serving of rice served in a large piece of bamboo, I don't recall what the bowl in the right corner contained. In the center, green steamed vegetables, including a slice of baked sweet potato, front left, the main course, BBQ fish, a plate of various BBQ mushrooms and a dish of medium fresh salsa. Chop sticks and a fork. Hot tea and a serve yourself area for drinks and desserts.

This was the view from our dining room.

I walked outside and onto the lawn and took this photo.

The (hotel) cabins are in the background.

There were flower beds just off the dining room and they were loaded with all sorts of bugs and butterflies.

Tomorrow, we will finish-up day three. We've still got a lot to see, We've just stepped out of the dining room and there are a number of photos of this area yet to see as well as the marble factory and a small museum. Really interesting stuff - see you tomorrow.

Return to Taiwan Tour 2011 - On the Bus - Day 3

2012-01-06T12:39:00.005-10:00

After a comfortable night in our Hualien hotel, we were up early. We're staying another night, so no need to pack suitcases today.

Into the elevator and down to the first floor, around the corner and walked down the steps to the basement dining room. The hotel only serves Breakfast for guests. The hotel is relatively new and the dining room was spotless. The wait folks were extra helpful. I had eggs cooked to order. Everyone had their fill of good food, which was served in a serve yourself cafeteria style.

We met at the front door sometime around 8:00 AM and were soon on our way, passing through the downtown area of Hualien. The streets were not crowded with traffic, which was a surprise.

We drove northward toward the Taroko Gorge National Park Headquarters, stopping along the way for photos.

The old entrance road to Taroko Gorge on Highway 8.
The new road is across the river on the right.

We're back in the bus, heading across the river on this bridge toward the Park Headquarters and the new road upward toward Taroko Gorge.

We spent about an hour in the Park Headquarters main building, looking around at the photographs and displays, and did some time shopping... I even got myself a Bush Hat from one of the shops. Everyone told me it looked good on me, hummm. That rain started again, everyone walked quickly toward our bus, our driver was wonderful, first class service for the tour. Here he holds the door for Ann and Twan. I took this photo, notice the rain drops that have landed on the lens of my camera. Everyone loads up,. we're off to some of the most beautiful scenery you will ever see.. Taroko Gorge..

We traveled up the river, turning off here on the old road, stopping for the first time to take photos.

This old road is one-way along here.A few hundred yards up this road, you return to two-way traffic and a newer road.

I guess the first thing to understand when you look at these photographs of Taroko Gorge is, these original roads were built by hand out of solid rock, constructed by military men who had followed Chiang Ki-shek to Taiwan from China.

As we traveled upward along the river, around every corner, I was amazed over and over at the sheer beauty of the area. Things along the river are so enormous in size, it becomes difficult to comprehend what you are seeing with your eyes. Yes, it is difficult.....

Take you time looking over these photos, try to figure out how large the stones are, the size of the river bed in relation to the walls of the river. Take you time. Once in awhile you will see a photo that will bring your thoughts and understanding to a explanation point and a whisper of Damn or Gosh!

Looking out the bus window, tunnel coming up, the river flows below.
You began to get a feel for the size of everything.

It's raining, look where we'll be driving ahead, and a red bridge can be seen up the road.

Cihmu Bridge, where two rivers meet. One runs from center, the other comes in from the right.

I turned to the rear and took this photo. Notice the closeness of the road to the mountain side and the river.

Here, the river flows through the white marble.

You begin to get a feel for the size of these rocks.
Take a look at the rocks laying out in front here.
Big huh?

This marker describes the rivers that meet under the bridge.

How can you describe these photographs? Beyond words.....

We've been here quite awhile, it's starting to rain again, our bus is waiting, time to head across the bridge to our bus. I need a drink of water and a rest, my knee is beginning to act up.

How about a couple of these for souvenirs?
These boulders are large, but up ahead, larger ones.

Thought I was joking huh? These babies would cover the tunnel entrance with room to spare.

We're just about at our destination, Tianxiang, it's just around the corner.

I want to post as many of these beautiful photos as I can. This drive up Taroko Gorge was so inspiring. It brought me to thoughts I seldom tarry on. How everything in these canyons came into being, how long it took.

Who could imagine white marble canyons with fresh blue water flowing along them. Too much to take in at one time for me.

I had seen these canyons two years ago, but this time, they were overwhelming, maybe being older has something to do with it.

Tomorrow, we will continue with our Trip Report for Day 3. Lots more from Taroko Gorge.

Return to Taiwan Tour 2011 - On the Bus - Day 2

2012-01-05T09:33:00.000-10:00

Tuesday - 8 November 2011..

A good night's sleep always helps refresh the body. It was raining most of the night, but the split air conditioning kept the humidity in our rooms at a decent level.

We had scheduled our departure for early afternoon, allowing everyone time to enjoy the many sights of the village area.

Dawn brought scattered clouds, the rain showers had diminished.

After breakfast, we loaded our suitcases onto our bus and sent the driver on his way. He would drive along Highway 9 southward, meeting us later in the afternoon at the Taroko Railroad Station.

Some of you will wonder why the bus left without us. Where Highway 9 meets the mountains south of Yilan the highway begins to hug the coast line and mountains all the way south until you reach the Highway 8 intersection (see map below) We were in the rainy season, and many mud and rock slides have occurred along that stretch of highway in the past, wiping out the road and taking many lives.

We decided to take the train on this stretch of our journey to preclude any chance of trouble, and, the rail trip, which would be a little over a hour long, would let everyone experience a trip on one of Taiwan's Railroads.

Our group was on their own this morning, nothing scheduled, and we scattered within the village area to explore and enjoy the many venues.

There were many things here, click below, you'll get a good idea of what is available at the National Center for Traditional Arts Luodong in Yilan.

There was a museum, lots of retail shops with local area and Taiwan handicraft items as well as Do It Yourself (DIY) shops were you could make your own handicraft items if you cared to. The hotel gave us chits to enter a number of these DIY shops. If you were not interested in making your own, you could use the chit in trade for an item someone else had made and left with the shop. This whole DIY thing was interesting, something that most of us would never take the time to do if we had a choice.

By mid morning, school kids started to arrive in the village by the bus loads. Most were middle school children, who are, at the age of being loud and anxious. There was a lot of noise and movement throughout the grounds. Most of our group just moseyed around and explored the many shops.

Because of my leg cast, I ended up at the Starbucks shop sitting most of the morning out, taking my time consuming a couple of cups of coffee and the newest item on their menu, cranberry coffee cake. Good cake.

I had to show you this Coke machine. It's short! I had never seen anything like it before. The style is vaguely familiar though. Not sure if you put coins in the machine, or you get your bottled drink from the little shop. Notice the bottled drinks on the corner of the counter, Fanta Orange, Sprite and Coke. Oh, on the end of the pink plastic rope looking thing, is a bottle opener.

About 12:00 noon or so, we loaded in taxi cabs and drove to the Luodong Railroad Station.

We had reservations, so we proceeded directly to the tracks and took a bench seat waiting the arrival of our train.

Track side, a few minutes later, our train would arrive on the track to my back. Photo looks northward. (From an old guy to a old guy with a cane)

Two or three trains passed by while we waited. Here, one of the Express Trains blew past, probably traveling 50 mph or more, on it's way north.

Sure enough, right on time, the train pulled in.Everyone found their reserved chair, and relaxed in wide, comfortable seating.

All Aboard!

It was a quiet, enjoyable ride. This car was so well insulated, it was hard to hear any noise outside.

This house is typical of this area along the coastal plain. When buildings are constructed,. fill is trucked in and the old rice patties disappear. Kind of like the farmland in the US, being overtaken by housing developments and shopping centers.

We had one stop after we boarded our train. Then the train entered into a series of tunnels. Some were miles long. Occasionally, as we left a tunnel, you could see the Pacific Ocean, the tracks were really quite close to the water here.

Tickets Please! Here is our Train Conductor verifies and punches every one's ticket, notice the darkened windows, we are inside one of the tunnels.

We're close to our destination stop. All along this area are a number of Cement plants. The one in the distance is huge. It has it's own port to bring in sand and send out cement via ships.

A closer view of the BIG cement plant. Gage the size of this plant by the electric tower, painted orange and white. Next to the smoke stack, the electric tower is tiny!

Our stop, Taroko Station.
Straight ahead, in this photo, between the mountain on the left and the mountain in the distance, is the river that runs down Taroko Gorge and just up to the right, empties into the Pacific Ocean.

At Taroko Station. Passengers must walk down about 20 feet of stairs, then walk under the railroad tracks and walk back up 20 feet of steps to the station landing. Our Tour Guide Twan, asked the Taroko Station personnel if there was a way across the tracks, they sent this young woman over to the platform. She ran this elevator down to track level, which allowed me to by-pass the underground stairway. Kudos to the Taiwan Railroad Administration. Thank you......

Inside the station, the platform we arrived on can be seen through the windows straight ahead.
Notice the time, 2:30 PM. About an hour or so train ride for us.

Our bus was waiting outside the front door, just to the back of this photo.

We headed back north on Highway 9, across the river and into the mountains, passing through one tunnel before pulling over.

We came out of this tunnel and pulled over here.

Here are photos of the area, all from this point.

It was sprinkling, you can see the low clouds up the coast. Beautiful site. Notice the highway winding along the mountain just up to the left, there is another tunnel (pink color) in the distance.

The beach just below our lookout, so tropical and green. Beautiful....

Click on this photo for an easier read.

We got our photos, then got back on the bus and headed for Hualien.

Along a back road toward Hualien, we came upon an old grave yard, with hundreds of structures containing the deceased. These seen here were typical of the hundreds that stretched along this road and in the acreage surroundings.

We passed the Air Force Base in Hualien. They were holding some type of exercise, lots of military folks were set-up in areas of the fence line and runway area. We could only see over the fence in a few places, so it was impossible to say how large the exercise was.

We stopped at what we thought was another distillery. Unfortunately, the plant was not open, so we looked around the store. A few folks sampled the goods. Again?

Our next stop, an old Japanese Shinto Shrine in Hualien.

We departed the Shrine and headed to downtown Hualien for our evening dinner. We ate at a dumpling restaurant and we consumed a few dozen wonderful dumplings along with an assortment of soups and other dishes.

After dinner we headed for our hotel, with a stop at McDonald's to pick-up some desserts.

Our hotel rooms in Hualien, we slept here two nights.

The bath, very nice.

After we had checked-in, I believe all of us headed for the laundry, a couple of blocks away to take care of our wet and dirty clothes.

CLICK ON THE MAP, it will expand to fill you screen for better viewing, on the map your mouse pointer will turn into a magnifying glass. Just click your mouse and the map will open into an even larger picture, extremely clear....

Off to bed......

Tomorrow, Day 3 of our tour, a day filled with the indescribable beauty of Taroko Gorge.

Return to Taiwan Tour 2011 - On the Bus - Day 1

2012-01-03T19:43:00.000-10:00

Many of you who read this blog have seen posts on these pages during the past year or so announcing our Return to Taiwan Trip. The tour of the island started on Sunday, 6 November 2011.

My friend and co-sponsor of the trip, Gene Hirte and I, talked often about folks who were stationed in Taiwan back in-the-day who might want to fly back to Taipei and experience Taiwan as it is today. We figured that many who might want to come back. were not comfortable with going it alone. So, we put together a Return to Taiwan Trip ourselves.

We received many inquiries from a host of individuals who were interested. We corresponded with all who contacted us, answering their questions and then waited to see who would finally decide to make the long journey back to Taipei.

By mid October, we heard from the last person who was still contemplating coming. We closed the books on this year's roster and made transportation and hotel arrangements.

After months of advertising, we ended up with 8 folks on the tour. We arranged for a smaller bus with 9 seats and a driver.

Our tour bus

Comfortable reclining seats with lots of leg room

Seats were 2 to a row with the walkway between. Every wide seat reclined backward to various positions, similar to an airline seat, moving far enough back to relax and catch a nap.

Plenty of leg room and comfortable.

We wanted this type of seating since our tour was13 days. The more comfortable we rode, the better we felt. Many hours were spent on the road, although we stopped to sight see often, we knew some folks would catch a quick nap from time to time. Relaxing to the hum of road noise is comforting to many.

Each seat had a holder on the wall containing a bottle of drinking water. Our bags rode in the rear of the bus. If you needed something, bags were readily available without having to stop and dig out a suitcase.

Our Headquarters Hotel in Taipei was the Hsuanmei Boutique Hotel.

The rooms were attractive, clean and the breakfast buffet offered a wide selection of dishes.

Sunday - 6 November. Sunday's weather was expected to be very wet. With agreement, the itinerary was changed and the day was spent around Taipei as weather permitted.

The Hotel Breakfast Buffet..

Quite a selection of western dishes available, on the buffet line, to the left and below.

Monday - 7 November. During breakfast our tour bus pulled up at the front door. The driver loaded our bags. We finished our breakfast, and claimed a comfortable chair on the bus.

We were soon off, it was exciting to begin.

Eleven days of touring were ahead of us, seeing Taiwan in a casual, comfortable and relaxing way.

We got away from our hotel around 0900, passing the Taiwan Beer Brewery a block or so from the hotel. I believe someone said that they had visited the brewery a day or two before and had had a brew.

Our bus drove toward Yangminshan, we missed a turn and ended up in Beitou. We just down the street from the old Japanese Bath House and along side the Taipei Metro Station in Beitou before heading toward Danshui.

Old Japanese Bath House, now a Beitou historic building.

In Danshui, we passed the entrance to

the old British Consulate.

And the entrance to the Tamsui Golf and Country Club, here, as it looked

"way" back-in-the-day...

We drove on toward the coast, stopping at the Danshui Boat Harbor for a rest and refresh.

The Danshui Fisherman's Wharf bridge and just above a new hotel built to resemble a huge ship.

It was beginning to rain off and on again, you can see the umbrellas in the photo above, it was overcast. I was hurrying toward the Family Mart (7-11 type store) As I approached the front entrance, the side walk turned to ceramic tile, my left food slipped backwards as I strode onto the tile, I lost my balance and hit the ceramic tile full force on my right knee cap. "Crack!"

I heard the sound and just knew that my knee or leg was broken. In a minute or two I was helped up and I struggled to walk around, regaining my composure, with slight pain in my knee and leg. I decided to get back in the bus and continue the tour. I had waited 43 years to take this trip and as long as I could walk, I would ride along on the tour.

We headed up Highway 2, along the northern coast toward Keelung City. There were sights to see along the coast, but the wind and rain pretty much ruled out stopping for any of the sights.

We did stop at one area along the coast and I was able to get a couple of photos. Back in-the-day, we had men assigned to the Shihmen area, right along the old highway, which has been re-worked in certain areas.

Look HERE to see the Shihmen area as it looked in the mid 1960's.

The Radar Domes, both have been rebuilt since we worked in the area.

(The rain had let up for a few moments when we jumped out of our bus and took photographs)

We passed other sights along the highway, but the rain and wind continued. No one was interested in getting soaked, so we proceeded toward Keelung City. passing the area of the old Camp McCauley, which no one could recognize because of the rain.

We stopped for lunch at Yehliu, home of the coral and stone heads.

We ate our first sea food dinner in a restaurant close to the Yehliu beach area. After lunch most of the group headed out to the beach area to see the stone formations.

Wet weather, four of our group, with those throw-away rain coats from 7-11 standing among the stone formations.

Some of the formations, with rain drops collecting on the camera lens.

The weather would not cooperate, showers off and on, steady wind and water.

We arrived in Keelung, drove down into the old port area, it was overcast, lots of rain outside the city, with streets inside Keelung reminding us of small streams. We drove up to the Buddhist Temple overlooking the port area. The weather cooperated for a few minutes as we walked up the steps to the hill top and were able to see the large Buddha and Temple, and a glimpse of the Keelung Port and harbor through the low clouds and rain.

The Da Fo Buddhist Temple in the background. I don't have any photos taken when we stopped on the trip. I took this photo in May of this year.

Shortly, we were back on the road driving toward our Ilan, our stop for the night.

We headed out of Keelung on Highway 5 toward Taipei and then turned left and took the long tunnel route south toward Ilan.

We arrived in the Ilan area around 4:00 PM or so and our rooms were not scheduled for occupancy until after 5:00 PM, so we visited a Whiskey Brewery.

We walked through the Brewery Building. The large windows, inside of building, offer visitors, bird's eye view of the manufacturing and bottling area, as well as the storage area for the wooden barrels.

After that building, we moved into the next facility, where everyone was offered a nice pour of one of their whiskey labels. Here, visitors we lining up for a sample of their finest whiskey.

I believe everyone lifted their glass for a sample sip

What an interesting complex. The company in addition to brewing whiskey, also owns the Mr.Coffee company, with large retail coffee shops and canned and bottled coffee drinks through out Taiwan.

Shortly, we were off to our hotel facility, the Forte Dongshan Villa.

By the time we arrived, it was raining again, and the sun had set an hour ago. We located our hotel and checked-in, we dropped our bags in our rooms and walked down to the restaurant for dinner.

We were tired, it has been a long first day of travel. The wet weather kept us busy.

A good hot dinner was what we needed this night. Hot tea and cold beer caped the meal.

A few minutes after this photo was taken most of us were off to our rooms for a good nights rest...

I decided to visit a hospital to check on by knee. With the help of Gene and his wife, we found a hospital in the area. After a series of x-rays, the orthopedic physician could not find any broken bones, but did find 2 chips on the knee cap. They put a half cast on the back and sides of my leg from under my foot all the way up to just under my hip, wrapped it and sent me off. I had little pain and was exhausted. The cast was heavy and clumsy.

Our second day begins early tomorrow. What new vistas will it bring?

Click on this photo map to see our bus route on Day 1 of our Trip around Taiwan.
We began in Taipei and ended our first day in the Ilan (Yilan) area.

Tomorrow, the weather clears somewhat and we're off on Day 2 as the magnificence of Taiwan begins to appear....

The Negative Approach

2012-01-02T12:30:00.000-10:00

Why don't you take more pictures? How many sights have you seen in your stay in Taiwan which filled you with awe when you first arrived, which have become so common place that you don't even see them anymore?

Those are the things that you will tell your friends about when you return home, and will you feel silly when they ask to see a picture of which some of you will not have any. Ungrammatical, but to the point.

I am sure that everyone has taken pictures of the cherry blossoms as they come into bloom in the various scenic spots near Taipei. You must have taken pictures of Taipei Zoo, Double Ten Day, New Year's decorations, the Presidential Building, City Hall, your neighbor's kids and the dog burying a bone in the petunia bed. But what about some of the really important "Chinese" and "Taiwanese" things, which you will never see in Central Park, or Washington DC or in the Grand Canyon?

Having returned to the States "several times" and having as many times been embarrassed by the situation described above, I have resolved to take some of the following pictures for self-protection, to provide an interesting evening when the TV set is out of order, or to be honest, to stimulate my memory.

Let's start with your home. What about the sliding, glass doors, or better paper ones? Try describing those sometime to people with a drawing board - or a snapshot- handy. You will tell people about your cook, or maid or driver, won't you? Take a picture to help yourself out. Other things about the house? May I suggest the cement "pagoda" beside the fish pond, the brick wall with the "broken-glass fringe on top," - or tatami floors?

Now hit and miss, general pictures.

The old man with the long, flowing beard, dressed in old-fashioned Chinese clothes and asleep in the park bench. Or the cunning trousers designed for toddlers with the convenient gap from the back of the belt to the naval. Or those summer fashions for the same tots, complete with broad, beaming smile, bib embroidered with forget-me-nots - which ends at the hips, with no trousers at all.

How many of your friends have seen a pedicab? Boy, will you be surprised at the answer, let alone those who have seen one of the rickshaws which are now so rarely found in Taipei. Snapshots of the food-market, the theater district, school letting out in the afternoon.

A street scene, including all the signs in Chinese, and one or two in English. Lovers strolling through the park - Taiwan Fashion. An old fashioned funeral, with the uniformed band, the hired, white-clad mourners and the flowers - or the Taoist special with the body dressed and propped in a sedan-chair - or if you are lucky, the Taoist De-luxe, with the body seated in state in a porcelain jar with a glass window in front - for passers-by to see and admire.

Look around, and with apologies to Omar Khayyam remember, "The stars are setting, and the Caravan starts for the dawn of nothing - Oh, make haste!" Or more fitting, to remember the good, old Chinese proverb, "One pictures tells more than a thousand words!"

How about letting your camera speak for you?

******************************************************************************************************************

Joe Brooks writes of Taipei as it was in the mid 1950s when this article was published.

Find more information about Joe Brooks and this series of articles HERE

Editor's Note: Always looking for Photographs and stories of your time in Taiwan..

Please leave your Comments below, or e-mail me ~~ Taipeiairstation@yahoo.com

Happy New Year 2012

2011-12-31T10:12:00.016-10:00

46 Years ago today, 1 January 1966, on a sunny, crisp morning in Taipei, VP Humphrey arrives.

Vice President Humphrey's Air Force Two departed from Manila early on January 1st for the short flight to Taipei. Accompanying Mr. Humphrey on this trip, were his wife, one son and his Special Assistant Jack Valenti.

President Lyndon Johnson sent Vice President, Hubert Horatio Humphrey, Jr. to Manila to head-up the American Delegation at the Inauguration of Philippine President Elect Ferdinand Marcos which took place December 30, 1965.

As the delegation stepped off the aircraft, they were welcomed by Premier C. K. Yen (holding hat), who later (in 1975) became President of the ROC, standing next to Humphrey, his wife Muriel, Mrs. Chen (?), Humphrey's son H.H. Humphrey III. (?)

Humphrey walks the receiving line, greeted by a host of US and Taiwan government officials as well as foreign diplomatic corps dignitaries.

Here he shakes hands and is greeted by Major General Dwight B. Johnson, Chief MAAG Taiwan and his wife. I believe the US Admiral in the left background is Vice Admiral William E. Gentner Jr., Commander, USTDC.

Humphrey and Yen review Honor Guard at Sungshan AFB during arrival ceremonies.

Humphrey makes obligatory remarks to government officials, guests. newsmen and motion picture cameramen inside Sungshan VIP Lounge. C.K. Yen stands at Humphrey's right..

Humphrey and family press the flesh with US soldiers outside of VIP Lounge area.

It was reported by news sources that Humphrey met with some US Troops on R&R from Vietnam. These men could have been the troops. Probably an R&R charter aircraft landed around the same time and some of the men were invited to meet Mr. Humphrey before they headed downtown to the Sea Dragon Club for processing.

According to news reports, the Humphrey visit included these stops during his, short 7 hour visit in Taipei:

Attended a Briefing in Premier Yen's Office at the Presidential Office Building.

Laid a wreath at a Taiwan Shrine, accompanied by Admiral Ni Yueh Si, Chief General Staff
In the trees down the hill from the Grand Hotel, there is a building and some stone shrines. You would not know they were there unless you explored the area which is hard to get to unless you walk down from the hotel and look around. Pretty much hidden from view today, although back in 1966 it would have been more open.

Received by President Chiang Kai-shek at his home in Shihlin.
Wonder what their conversation covered?

Humphrey stops at his suite in the Grand Hotel.

Humphrey and family visit National Palace Museum

Muriel Humphrey visits Handicraft Center in Taipei
Said to have ordered a number of lamp shades.

VP Humphrey visits Central Park and lays wreath at the Memorial to General Chennault, Commander of US Volunteer Air Corps Flying Tigers.

Photo courtesy of Jim Caumo

This was the General Chennault Memorial as it stood on the grounds of the "Taipei New Park," in 1964.

The plaque, or the outline of it, looks to be missing.
Some years later, this Memorial was removed when the park was closed.
The park later reopened as the "228 Peace Park."
The Memorial was moved to the Museum at the ROC Air Force Base in Hualien.

My friend Wang Chun, located this Taiwan Government video of Mr. Humphrey's visit HERE. (There is no sound on the film)

The events may or may not be shown in the chronological order they occurred...
The video seems to cover the series of events of January 1st 1966 during the Humphrey visit.

Don over at the USTDC Blog has photos of Mr. Humphrey's departure as his visit to Taipei concluded later in the day, 1 January 1966. The visit lasted approximately 7 hours.

As we usher in the New Year 2012, please take a few moments to watch some of the most beautiful scenes of Taiwan you will ever see.

Ahh, this film with it's outstanding music, tugs at my heart, an old man tears up.

I do love the people and country of Taiwan......

As usual, please leave your Comment, or e-mail me at taipeiairstation@yahoo.com

It's time to watch some Football..........

Return to Taiwan Trip - "After Action Report" is in the Works

2011-12-28T07:58:00.001-10:00

Some of you who are regular readers of this Blog will recall seeing a few posts during the past year or so concerning our "Return to Taiwan Trip."

I am happy to report that the trip was very successful...

I generally stick to subjects relating to Back-in-the-Day events and times, we as US Military folks were involved in. There are thousands of stories to report (if you send them in.)

However, travel in Taiwan is something few of us took advantage of. Many folks were so involved in work that there just wasn't time to explore the island.

Now that we have reached retirement time in our lives, we have time to reflect on our past. Those thoughts of Taiwan are solid, and probably bring many smiles, warming the hearts of many. I'm sure many of you wonder what the island looks like. It's unbelievable... Driving south along the east coast, wow!! The southern tip of Taiwan, reminded me of Hawaii in many ways. Clean fresh breezes...

Be sure to read our After Action Reports as they are published,

I've started writing the After Action Report for Day 1 of the trip. Before I can upload it, I need a few more photos. We are awaiting some additional photos from folks who went on the tour.

I'll leave you with a taste of what's coming up... Beautiful, many of us never knew of this resort...

Here is the beach at Kenting where US MAAG had some resort cabins. My friend Gene pointed the area out.

The cabins have been removed, although there are some other buildings here which may have stood back in the day.

I ask you, would you have spent a few days here enjoying the sun and surf? Ahhhhhhh.....

Calling Prior US Military Residing in Taiwan

2011-12-22T14:33:00.015-10:00

In its broadest sense, an expatriate is any person living in a different country from where he or she is a citizen.

My friend, Eugene Hirte, a US Air Force retiree, who resides in Taichung with his wife, thought it might be a good idea to bring other expatriate former US Military folks residing in Taiwan together in a loosely formed group, forgoing any formal set requirements.

We have met and corresponded with some US Military expats, and suspect many others have never checked-in.

Eugene was stationed at Tainan AB June 1966 to September 1967 and later at CCK from December 1969 to December 1974.

He's already started to compile a list of former US Military folks that are married to locals and reside in Taiwan full or part time.

Currently, there are a few expats in the Taichung area that come together for breakfast once or twice a month. In addition to having a great meal, these informal gatherings around the breakfast table offer and encourage an exchange of information amongst those attending.

If we have a group consisting of former US Military folks, it is possible to ask the appropriate military authorities for permission to visit some of the old military bases.

Eugene envisions having outings once or twice a year to different cities in Taiwan.

Eugene can help with information and procedures on relocation to Taiwan, requirements for Alien Registration Cards (ARC), Health cards, Driver's License and Bank accounts.

We are not soliciting anything. We're offering a way for expat US Military folks in Taiwan to come together on occasion, where we might enjoy our later years with other former military folks.

Some of us are retired, some work full and/or part time. Everyone is different.

Please consider joining with us, it should be fun, a change of pace, an at-ease time to talk story and have a few good laughs. What you did in the military is of no importance, we're all civilians now!

For more information, please email Eugene at nantougene@gmail.com

Your ideas and comments are always welcomed.

Merry Christmas from Taipei Air Station - UPDATED

2011-12-22T01:01:00.011-10:00

Christmas 2011 - Taipei's Grand Hyatt Hotel Lobby

We wish each and everyone, Merry Christmas!

Many of us spent at least one Christmas stationed in Taiwan, so long ago.
Those days have passed. Today, Taiwan celebrates Christmas in many ways.

Here's a film, taken in Taipei, photographed in December 2007, as Christmas approached.

VIDEO film presentation is HERE.

and

The Reason for the season is HERE

Our traditional post of the 1965 Christmas Menu from Club 13 at Taipei Air Station

Jim Caumo, stands on the grass area in front of the Cotton Building at Taipei Air Station, Christmas 1964. Jim worked in the Cotton Building.

Notice the Christmas lights strung along the top of 2165th Comm Squadron sign.

Jim would have had Christmas Dinner at the NCO Club. The club entrance was a few feet behind the photographer.

Tainan Air Base 1958

2011-12-18T10:26:00.000-10:00

I received these photographs from Edmund Weyn who was stationed at Tainan AB back in 1958.

Scenes from Tainan, more than 50 years ago.

Edmund's off-base rental cottage with bike transportation parked by the gate

Downtown Tainan 1958

Traffic light. Anyone recognize the corner?

The street is wide with trees destined to shade the roadway and sidewalks.

Not sure what buildings these are.

My guess, a photo of Edmund for the girl he left behind in the CONUS.

Edmund promised to send more photos, says he has lots of photos from his assignment at Tainan.

Get Yourself a Christmas Present

2011-12-15T06:10:00.002-10:00

I came across one of my favorite books while rummaging through my desk this afternoon.

I've read the book a number of times, but just couldn't resist thumbing through the pages again.
The author, John Ball writes of days and events in Taipei many of us experienced during our visits.

His story is familiar, you're drawn in like a fly on the wall, You understand the truth to each situation he encounters. It's difficult to stop, too interesting to put down.

The book...

John Ball's words in his, Author's Notes: "This book is a novel. What you read in the following pages is real and happened just as it is set down here." .... "To me it is an adventure story; if you think otherwise, then it's a safe bet that you don't know the Dragon Hotel. If perhaps you've missed this enlightening experience, the best I can do is to record the facts - you take it from there."

Some of you may have spent some time at the Dragon Hotel.

It was listed as a recommended Hotel in the 1960 Taiwan Report.

The map below, shows the approximate locations of Taipei Central City Hotels in 1960.

Double Click on this map for larger view.
The Dragon Hotel is # circle 5 on the map.
Take a few minutes acquaint yourself with the shortest route from Sung Shan AFB to the area around the old MAAG Compound, MAAG Officer's Club, Club 63 and the Grand Hotel.

The hotel was on Chang Chun Road.
In 1960, folks drove back and forth to Sung Shan AFB, the Taipei Military and civilian airport, using Nanking East Road.

If you were stationed in Taipei, it's a guarantee you'll enjoy it.

I checked and found this Internet link to ordering the book. Quite reasonable prices.

You'll find, all sorts of used copies of the book HERE.

Dragon Hotel was first printed in 1969, I don't believe any "new" copies exist.

Some of you may have had the pleasure of staying in the Dragon Hotel.

If you know anything about the Dragon Hotel, please write or leave a Comment below.

And, lastly, those who have a copy of the book on your shelf, it's time to visit Taipei and the Dragon Hotel again....

CCK Base Hospital and Dental Clinic Vet Checks-In

2011-12-14T10:36:00.003-10:00

Nice letter arrived today from John Perkins who spent his tour working in the CCK Hospital.

I worked at the CCK base hospital and the base dental clinic during my tour.

I arrived on-base 9/2/73 and departed 9/2/74. I was in Medical Admin. as a 90650.

The first 3 months were very busy processing records out to CONUS and for the wing returning to Clark AB, Philippines. After that it was like a vacation.

The work volume dropped so low that our OIC (the ranking officer on-base) cut our work week to 4 days at the dental clinic. I used the extra day off to take the incentive military hop to Taipei every Wednesday.

Also took the tour bus on-base to visit all around the island for day and weekend trips.

I wasn't a bar hopper but used to play guitar at the base chapel on talent night once a week along with a friend who played a grass banjo. We won 2nd place in a talent contest on airmen Appreciation Day. Loved the base pool at CCK.

Rented a 3 bedroom furnished home on Ta-Poon Rd. off Ta-Ya Rd. across the street from Morrison Academy for $48 a month (then.) I didn't care for the foot-long cockroaches in the house at night or the rats in the open Benjos or the rude

Taiwanese mothers who would let their toddlers urinate on the floor of the trains I took instead of using the bathrooms provided.

I liked taking the local buses (not the smoker-bus by Greyline) because the local buses would give me a military discount fare when I was in uniform,(1.3NT).

I loved listening to Wolfman Jack on AFNT and Karl Haas (Adventures in Good Music-All Classical music) on AFNT-FM.

Overall, a very good assignment.

John Perkins

Viera, FL

Earlier this year we wrote about the CCK Base Hospital and their "Unique"unit patch.

You can read that post HERE.

Many of you also probably remember Wolfman Jack.   Read about him.

Why not write and tell us about your time at CCK. taipeiairstation@yahoo.com

And, check out the CCK Facebook site.

CCK Photos from the Control Tower

2011-12-09T19:00:00.003-10:00

More beautiful photos from Steven Sitar.

Really an ideal point to take photographs. Unless you worked in the Control Tower, you don't realize the difference it makes in how you perceive the area.. You can see so much more.

Have you spotted your aircraft?

Many thanks to Steven Sitar for sharing.

Please leave your comments.

Kaohsiung Port Call in the Summer of 1954 - Part 3

2011-12-07T22:06:00.003-10:00

Scenes along the road to Tainan

This Taiwan Officer was sightseeing too and kindly posed for this picture in front of an old fort we were visiting.

Irrigation water flowing into an open aqueduct or ditch near Tainan

This tank barricade was somewhere near Tsoying.
I expect it was built during the years of Japanese rule.

This is one of several rice paddies as we drove toward Tainan in 1954.

More rice paddies on our drive to Tainan in 1954.

A movie theater in Tainan 1954

This is a side street or alley way in Tainan.

This is one of the main streets in Tainan in 1954.

I was with a bunch of sailors out touring from our ship, moored in Kaohsiung harbor.

These are military F-84 jets and C-46's at the airport in Tainan Airport in 1954.
There is a silver colored aircraft parked next to the first C-46, it looks like a C-47.
Can anyone else make out aircraft, is it a C-47?

One of the F-84 aircraft at Tainan Airport in 1954.

The Tainan airport in 1954.
The aircraft is a CAT Airlines C-46.
There a C-47 sitting off to the right.

This is a black sand beach near Tainan.
Our group of touring sailors stopped here for a swim and some fun.

Beach Party Liberty at black sand beach near Tsoying.

We were relaxing at this black sand beach near Tainan.

The Taiwan Marines were here too. This is one of the tracked vehicles they were running up and down the beach.

Many thanks to David Putnam for permitting us to post his beautiful color photographs from 1954.

I know many who visit this blog will enjoy seeing how the area looked in 1954. 57 Years Ago!

Please leave us a Comment below.