The Soldier

This soldier is on duty at the martyrs' shrine in Taipei, Taiwan. Thanks

for your time and critiques. Regards, Jean-Marc

This is a fine street portrait, Jean-Marc. Very good use of light to set the mood and make the subject stand out. Compliments, nice document!

Jean-Marc, I always enjoy your images of Taiwan. I like the very 'Chinese' colours here. It is interesting to see what another person chooses to photograph in a country that isn't their own. I have been to 'the mainland' but not to Taiwan. Some of my Chinese students asked me recently whether I considered Taiwan a separate political state or part of the People's Republic and I was able to get them to understand that though I knew both arguments I had no opinion one way or the other. In fact when I studied geography in school Taiwan was still known as Formosa and China was in the middle of the Cultural Revolution and we never heard anything about it. They got my point. Regards, Adrienne

Thanks Adrienne for your comment. I agree this photo is a bit "touristic" but I liked the look of the this soldier. I tried with this image to pay respect to him and the ones he represents there. I really pitied him since he was standing still in the sun by 35 deg C.

I like your diplomatic answer to your students about Taiwan. I guess that the best answer. We are now leaving in a world where more & more people travel so borders while still existing on the maps are more and more senseless. I reckon the situation between main land China and Taiwan has improved a lot recently. Being only a guest in this country, I don't feel appropriate to make any statements as I'm sure I still have a lot to learn. Thanks and best regards from Taipei.