Gate to the Great Buddah

Bagua Mountain, Changhua Taiwan. This is my daily cardiovascular workout area. I have lost count of how many times I have walked these steps. Just beautiful, especially in the evening. It is also a nice refuge during the hot summer months because the temperature here can be as much as 5-7 degrees cooler than down in the city. Love it!

Market Day

Everyday is market day in Changhua. I could sketch this place one thousand times and every time would be different. It's hustle and bustle to the nth degree. I love the energy and so many colors, smells and characters. Noodler's Ahab flex pen with carbon black ink and watercolor in a Moleskine watercolor journal.

Anything and Everything

The Changhua City open air market. You can buy anything here from a pencil sharpener to exotic tropical fruit. You need to keep your head on a swivel because the motorcycle and foot traffic can get crazy at times. Noodler's Ahab flex pen with Noodler's black ink and watercolor in a Molskine watercolor journal.

Down in Front Please

A group of young people performing in front of the Taichung train station in Taichung, Taiwan. The woman on the left was close enough to be part of the group. Some people just don't have a clue! Rotring ArtPen with Noodler's black ink,Inktense pencils, Prismacolor colored pencils and watercolor in a Molskine watercolor journal.

Roadside Fruit

My wife and I took a couple of days R&R to the Guguan Hot Springs area for some soul soothing hot soaks. On the way, we noticed this vender and my wife wanted to stop and see what he had. Poor guy didn't have much and my wife felt sorry and bought way too much. What made me want to sketch this was the fact that the truck had "POWER STEERING" written on the side door. Why would a manufacturer even put that on a vehicle. It's ugly and useless. Don't all trucks have power steering these-days. Would this be a selling point if you where looking for a small utility truck. Whatever the reason, it struck me funny so I sketched it. Noodler's Ahab flex pen with Noodler's black ink on a Moleskine watercolor journal.

Just Enough Water for a Scenic Boat Cruise on Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan

China tourists buying tickets for a scenic cruise on Sun Moon Lake. Taiwan is experiencing a severe water reserve shortage, but the show must go on. Maybe if the water gets low enough they can put wheels on the bottom of the boats. Noodler's Ahab flex pen with Noodler's black ink in a Molskine watercolor journal.

Thinking About Better Days

I often take a ride around Bagua Mountain on my scooter. There is a very large complex there where old soldiers live out their days washing their t-shirts and staring out at the highway. It is actually a sad place (for me). These silent old gentlemen, who gave what was needed, are now sitting in the shadows-pretty much forgotten. This old fellow had a burning cigarette in his mouth and was fast asleep. I was relieved to see him wake as the burning tip approached his mouth. I think this is something he is quite accustomed to. Don't forget these guys.

Car Spa

This car wash is about 5 minutes from my house. It is, in my opinion, the best car wash in Changhua. It is operated by a husband and wife team and they really do a great job for the price.

Beautiful Checheng

Just a short train ride from Changhua is the beautiful Checheng. I often go there just to drink coffee and take in the overwhelming green of the adjacent mountain. Yes, it really is that green-even in winter. I will usually go there during the week when there is hardly anyone around. To have all that to yourself is a special feeling.A lot of my Taiwan friends say it's too boring there, but I feel that we don't always need to see, hear and smell the hustle and bustle of the typical tourist areas to enjoy ourselves. Sometimes just a cup of coffee and a green mountain is enough.