Sea Breezes

On the sizzling shore smoke and shadows fluctuate in and out ofexistence, disappearing without a trace. Under the glorious sun theghoulish horn-eyed ghost crab gazes upon the crashing tides whileimmersed in the cool sea breeze. Two species of fiddler crabs (Uca Lactea& Uca arcuata) arrive with the tides. They gleefully romp through thewaters on the beach and invite the sea breezes ashore by waving theirthick claws.

In days of yore, the lust for trade brought the Dutch, the heroicallybrilliant Koxinga and the Japanese. Additionally, there were the Sirayaaborigines, also vying for power, who eventually managed the vast swathof sea near Taijiang—leaving behind an indelible cultural mark in theannals of history.

The blazing sun, crabs, miniscule fish, and shrimp gestate in the shadowsof the mangroves. The spotted mangrove’s roots, standing erect in thewater, are reminiscent of a medieval European damsel’s exquisite gown.The white mangrove extends its arms gripping firmly the surroundingmud, expanding its territory. Its roots resemble snorkels piercing throughthe muddy waters; snorkels that breathe in the salty sea breeze.

The rough and wild Taiwan Strait, the tenacious flora, the lively crabs areall gorgeous embodiments of Mother Nature’s aesthetic sense and desirefor survival.

• upper：Sea Breezes
• left：Uca arcuata / Chou Min-Hsiung