Da Xi Japanese architecture for Treasure Tuesday

 

Dàxī, a township in Taiwan, is renowned for its longstanding tradition of soy production. Beyond its culinary significance, the area is distinguished by a remarkable preservation of Japanese-era architecture—residences and structures that date back to the period of Japanese colonial rule from 1895 to 1945. These wooden houses, with their delicate carpentry, tiled roofs, and modest elegance, evoke a quiet nostalgia and stand as enduring symbols of a bygone era.

Curiously, unlike many post-colonial societies where resentment often lingers toward former occupiers, Taiwan exhibits a notably different sentiment. There exists, particularly among older generations, a sense of admiration and even fondness for the period of Japanese rule—often in contrast to the more complex and strained relationship with mainland China. This enduring affection is reflected not only in the preservation of architecture but in aspects of culture, infrastructure, and education that were shaped during the colonial era.

For me, these Japanese-era dwellings possess a certain wistful charm. Their presence stirs reflections on history, identity, and the nuanced nature of collective memory—a testament to how architecture can quietly narrate the legacy of a place and its people.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Intimacy may be defined as the state in which one feels no fear in revealing one's true self before another, untroubled by the prospect of judgment or estrangement.

SanXia Temple, Taipei for Treasure Tuesday

 

Sanxia Temple, renowned for its devotion to the Three Pure Ones—the primordial deities of Daoism—stands as a revered site of worship and cultural heritage. This historic temple, nestled in the heart of Sanxia, Taipei, is celebrated for its intricate craftsmanship and deep spiritual significance.

At the time of my visit, the temple’s front entrance was undergoing renovation, a testament to the ongoing efforts to preserve its architectural grandeur. Unfortunately, my time was limited, preventing me from fully capturing its beauty through photography. Nevertheless, I was able to take a few frames, offering a glimpse into this sacred and storied sanctuary.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Treasure Tuesday

On my first day handling referrals within the community, I encountered six so-called urgent cases—none of which were true medical emergencies. Rather, the urgency stemmed from the desire to annul the legal autonomy of elderly nursing home residents, enabling their children to access their bank accounts and real estate. It was a stark reminder of the grotesque realities I have so often witnessed in the geriatric care industry. Genuine concern from family members is, more often than not, absent. Almost every elderly resident I spoke with shared the same lament: "I have not seen any of my grandchildren in years." Loneliness and isolation weigh heavily upon them all.

Wufeng Lin Family Garden, Middle Taiwan for Treasure Tuesday

 

Last year, I shared a brief post about this remarkable place. As I am currently in Taiwan attending to my mother’s affairs, I will be adding more photographs from that trip.

The descendant of this esteemed family home continues to play a significant role in the island’s political sphere. In light of this, I shall refrain from commenting on the political landscape of what is often regarded as a renegade province of China.

What captivates me most are the intricate Chinese ornaments and sculptures. In my youth, I failed to appreciate such cultural heritage, instead dreaming of traveling to New York or exploring Norway’s towering mountains. Yet, as the years have passed, I have developed a profound appreciation for the traditions and artistry inherent to my own ethnic background. It is curious how life unfolds.

Even during this visit, I found myself deeply drawn to the beauty of abandonment in urban exploration.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Treasure Tuesday

During our visit to my mother's hometown, Zhongli, there were numerous matters to attend to. We reunited with our cousins and learned the sorrowful news that our nephew had recently taken his own life at the age of 35. Amidst the solemn atmosphere, my brother happened upon an old eatery specialising in Hakka cuisine, where we shared a delightful meal.

Among the traditional dishes, I shared a photograph of stir-fried pig intestines prepared with ginger, white vinegar, and fermented soybeans. Joel, as always, reacted with exaggerated discomfort, dry heaving at the mere sight of the dish when I sent it to his phone. Undeterred, I shall now present it here for all to appreciate.

The junction between duodenum and jejunum 

Gluten ball soup with spring onion and shallows (chicken bone stock)

Heavenly Queen Temple, Footscray for Treasure Tuesday

 

The Heavenly Queen Temple suffered damage during the flood two years prior. When we visited, the majority of the structures were still under construction. Situated on the bend of the Yarra River, just near the border of Melbourne City, the temple remains secluded from the surrounding urban environment.

Joel, desiring to sample the Pho in Footscray, selected this destination for us to explore with our prime lenses.

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Laowa 9mm f5.6 

Linking Treasure Tuesday 

Melbourne Street Signs for Sign2

 

There are different sorts of architecture in the city

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FE 35mm f1.4 GM

Linking Sign 2

Bendigo Stupa of Universal Compassion for Treasure Tuesday

 

This stupa is so close to my Bendigo home. It is free. It is always quite peaceful to walk in its gardens. The biggest emerald jade Buddha in southern hemisphere is located in this stupa (how many countries are there in southern hemisphere anyway?). 

Sony A7RIV

FE 24mm f1.4 GM

Linking Treasure Tuesday and My Corner of World

Melbourne State Library

 

This library has been popular for photo blogger in my town. 

Sony A7RIV

Laowa 9mm f5.6 

This is linking Random Thursday