What is Taiwan ...?

Maybe it was what I was wondering in April 1996 when I went there.

So, my first trip to Taiwan was then more than 10 years ago..... already .... 

Actually I known what is Taiwan but not how it could look.

When I was in Senoir High school, I learnt about Chiang Kai-Shek's story who escaped from Main Land China to go to Formosa island.

This story impressed me very much because at that time i really wondered how it can be possible that one man and his army could escape like that and find safe place in one Island with the China treasures.

And then, by chance and, mainly due to job, I went to Taiwan in April 1996.

Picture took in one train station of Taoyuan (1996).

This trip was only 3 days. And, unfortunatly,  after these 3 days, I did not go to Taiwan during 7 years.

My second visit was only in February 2003 and since that time, many events changed my life drastically.

I will not write all details, but just say that at first I went to Taiwan for job, without so much excitment because, for European, Taiwan is not the paradise island that we are dreaming.

But after this second trip my image of Taiwan changed drastically.

Then I continued to go there because i appreciated this country with all its good and bad points.

During these trips, I met a girl who is now my wife (we married in Taiwan) and she is living with me in Italy.

So now I still go to Taiwan, once or twice a year for job and twice for private (August holidays and Chinese new year).

I like this country and people there even if I can not explain clearly the reasons.

Recently, I found the blog of one french guy living in Taiwan:

http://lautrerive.hautetfort.com/

Usually blogs are just related to the daily life of the writers. But this one is different and propose a higher "culture level" than usual.

Especially, in this blog, there is a novel: "Paris - Taipei, Open ticket" which is about  the life of a french guy living in Taipei.

http://lautrerive.hautetfort.com/paris_-_taipei_open_ticket/

By reading this novel, I really found out the particular atmosphere of Taipei and some reasons I feel good there.

I recommand it to all the persons (especially Vincent ....).

I am sure that for the people who never went there, with this novel they will be able to catch something about this country and change the usual industrial image of Taiwan.

Milan - Taipei Open ticket ........  I do not have it ..... yet ..... but I have still time and chance to get it .... 

 Last week, after 3 years of usage and more than 4210 pictures, my digital camera died. In fact still I can switch on and see the pictures already taken, but it seems that the digital sensor has problem.

Indeed new pictures are not anymore clear....

My camera was a Canon Powershot A70.

I bought it in December 2003 for the incredible price of 399 euros...

But I do not regret anything bacause during 3 years this camera was always with me all over the world. Together we visited and took pictures of: France / Italy / Spain / Netherlands / Germany / Switzerland / Taiwan / China / Hong Kong / Thailand / India.

I know also that in the electronic devices field, every 2 years, prices are divided by 2 and performances multiplied by 2.   Indeed today we can find the model A54 (6MP) for less than 200 euros ....

In anycase, I was very statisfied of this Canon camera and now i am thinking to replace it by an other Canon model. I would like to take the chance to also up grade some functions.

First maybe change from 3.2 MP to at least 6 or 7 MP, but this is not the key issue.

The most important for me is to have a better zoom performance (x3 is not enough...) and better quality picture (more bright and sharp).

Then in the line up of Canon, I selected the following A710IS model:

Shape and ergonomy of this model are very similar to my previous camera, but with:

- 7,1 MP instead of 3.2 MP

- X6 optical zoom instead of X3

- Image Stabilizer

And all this for less than 300 euros ...... 

 In the mean time, I also investigated the Reflex models and especially the new EOS 400 D

Of course this model is a big step up compare to the previous one  and I believe it can also step up the quality of my pictures ......

But 3 things make hesitating (in priority order):

1) Size of the camera: I am afraid that I can not bring such camera with me everywhere as i used to do ...

2) By visiting some forums related to Reflex camera, I noticed that people always use very technical consideration: f22, 1/160, .....  which finally seems make photography like science and waste the pleasure to take picture ....

 3) Price of this camera is between 700 and 750 euros ..... 

But when I see on line the pictures took by EOS 400D, i am really thinking to buy it ...... even if I have one wondering: who make a beautiful picture...?

The camera or the one who operates it .... ?   

So still I need to think a little ..... and see what will the discount price proposed from January 10th during winter sales .....