FEDORAS AFIELD: Images Of Fedoras Worn Town & Country

[delectans]

I am posting this pictorial from 'L'Ile Formosa', half a world, 195 longitudinal degrees and 13 time zones from our home in Minnesota.




Chasing the setting Sun. Lindbergh Terminal, MSP. August 2nd.



Last minute gate change. OPTIMO Montecristi.



Arrival at LAX as the midnight hour approaches.



Placid waters in the harbor at dawn, as serious sports fishermen head out into the Catalina Channel. August 3rd.



Enjoying the early morning solitude and Mom's beautiful flowers.



Low-tide study of barnacles on our dock.



One of four Montecristis I took along on our journey.




Once again the toquilla straw is caressed by a gentle Pacific breeze...



...and even Neptune himself approves.

[delectans]

The house finally begins to stir as my family awaken, a few at a time. My lovely 17-year-old niece Carrie takes a liking to my Montecristi...







...as does 7-year-old Nicole. Diminutive in size but not spirit, she sports my size 7-1/2+ lid with panache.



Ryan with his first cousins. As an only child, Ryan is especially close to my brother's four wonderful kids, and we really treasure these all-too-infrequent and much-too-brief family reunions. From L to R: Ryan; Allen; Sarah; Carrie; and Nicole. OPTIMO Montecristis all!



Allen and Ryan having a word.



Color coordinated shirts and jeans: My Mom's idea for our family gathering! We enjoyed a wonderful day-and-a-half of Sun and Sea together before Lydia, Ryan and I set off for the Orient.



At the Tom Bradley International Terminal, LAX. August 4th.



I have always admired the proportions and architecture of this Gateway to the World.



A young traveller with considerable style.



There is something about stewardesses and pillbox hats that just seems right. Should be required uniform for all airline stewardesses.

[delectans]

Our chariot for the cross-globe flight: EVA Boeing 777-300ER.



Taxiing out onto runway 24L, and taking off to the West.



Ascending past the misty California coastline.



The enormously powerful General Electric GE90 turbofan, one of a pair propelling the long-range 777 variant. A single GE90 is capable of powering a Boeing 747 during cruise!



Breakfast...or is it supper?



Descending towards the coast of 'L'Ile Formosa', now known as Taiwan, R.O.C..



Final approach to TPE, the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, at 10PM local time, August 5th.



We may have arrived in Taiwan, but we are still over an hour of road construction traffic away from Taipei.

[delectans]

Up before dawn on August 6th and anxious to start the day in Taipei. The forecast of rain and wind did not deter me from wearing my Montecristi, as I was armed with an emergency plastic bag and carried an umbrella. Yes, that bear I am holding is actually an umbrella!



Taipei sits at the same latitude as Miami, the sub-tropical heat and humidity having an immediate effect on our skin and the toquilla of my Montecristi.



Street corner food and fruit merchants abound.



The variety and quality of Taiwan's fruit and vegetables is mind-boggling. Here, succulent and juicy guavas which we found to be irresistible.



Strolling across the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Park, in the shadow of the Taipei 101, on the way to breakfast.



Traditional Chinese breakfast of freshly baked and toasted sesame flat bread and Chinese doughnut, accompanied by hot soy milk.



Morning rush hour, with bicycles, motorcycles, motor scooters, taxis, buses, cars, and pedestrians participating in a boisterous but somehow improbably organized ballet of chaotic motion.



Mature, lichen-covered trees line the boulevards around the park, and throughout the city of Taipei.

[delectans]

A contrast of old and new: Compact fluorescent bulb in the lanterns that border the park entrances.



Lunch at one of myriad small, specialty restaurants that dot the countless narrow, barely one-car-width one-way streets and alleyways throughout Taipei.



Pedestrians are afforded many safety considerations in this metropolis of 7 million. This is a 'pedestrian-only' path along a small side street. Note the figure of a man wearing a hat, a fedora, perhaps?



Taipei 101 enshrouded by mist, as a steady and heavy downpour ensues. Tropical Storm Saola hit Taiwan hard less than a week before our arrival, causing widespread flooding and landslides. Much of the island is still recovering from her aftermath.



My little 'bear' umbrella seemed but a mere parasol in the torrential rain.




To be continued as I am able...

[randooch]

Al, your contributions to the Lounge are truly astounding. You've saved me countless thousands of dollars in air fare.


Thanks so much for the efforts you make to bring your travels front and center!

[Chepstow]

Al, truly fantastic photos and very well documented, a outstanding trip. Thank you Al for sharing that with us!

[BR Gordon]

Al, Great travelogue with beautiful photos. As usual, your family, immediate and extended, looks to be enjoying themselves.

[jlee562]

Geeze Al, now I have a craving for some beef noodle! Or Taiwan hot pot....or any night market street food for that matter! Thanks as always for sharing, great pics.

[alanfgag]

What a fabulous idea to bring along kids to carry the hats! As always, wonderful settings and photos.