greetings from sunny taiwan! just arrived over a week ago, though it already feels like three months here. must be the day i left behind somewhere. the heat here is so intense, i find it really hard to keep my clothes on. everything gets a very slow start in the morning, then usually working or drinking taiwan beer, eating beetle nut into the night, even though heat doesn't seem to abate with the evening. my chinese, even after 2.68/3 of a decade, though rusty, is not so far away - seems a translator is very much what this place needs.

north of taipei, at the dream community, run by gordon tsai & family: they escaped from china in the 40's, and aquired much of the land in this area called shijr (resting place of the tide). so he sells apartment in the residential buildings to support his art 'habit': he runs art classes, anually brings artists from around the world, builds a huge arts parade, raises goats, geese, chickens and rabbits; on site, there are two restaurants, a dance studio, puppet theatre, outdoor cafe w/ concert stage, etc.

(the photo on left is the goat, the right is gordon)

last week i was to play the lead in 'the handsome goat', a show co-ordinated by 'hotglue' emily (at right), to showcase the dancing, piano, roller skating and painting skills of 80 dream community students. the handsome goat (me) falls in love with the beautiful unicorn, and must dance to win her love...but he's got four left feet. well, alas! a typhoon came on thursday; huge winds, torrential downpours! great fun! The show was postponed to next saturday. Next day, sunday, i will go with another artist to the mid-south of taiwan to teach and co-create a small parade for the following saturday.

as for the gLoBaL uKuLeLe oDySsEy, i have been jamming with a reluctant er-hu (two stringed chinese violin) player, who also happens to be the manager of the two restaurants here, and gordon's sister. she had me play in the outdoor stage of the 'tree cafe' last night - my first solo gig. it was a light house...just as well, as the sound there made even me cringe..which isn't easy. she had me do two sets anyway, and paid me handsomely with beer!

had an opportunity to play with a local band who performs in yong kang park in taipei each saturday. they sing chinese and taiwanese songs and have kiddies dancing and old folks singing along...always a huge crowd. they do not accept money, either, only beer. by the end of the evening, there were dozens of bags full of beers in front of the stage area. (see photo below left: 'a rabid bunny in taipei')

have also been catching up with some excellent old friends...

lancelot bourne (that's his name), pictured right, who i haven't seen in about 5 years, just happened to be in taiwan when i arrived. we bumped into each other un-announced 7 years ago here in taiwan after not having seen each other for 7 years since we worked in the same restaurant together in santa fe, nm! also, my excellent soul-ed mate, juen-juen (juen-juen tzai!) stopped by to play catch up. everything is so clear! even 7 years past, it was not shocking to meet either of them! hope all is fantastical with y'all back home! eternal love,

randall