Tai O
in Our Eyes
Irene Flanhardt
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Stranger
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Artist
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Has her own gallery in Tai O, “Flanhardt Galerie and Atelier”
When we were on the way to the Tai O Heritage Hotel, we saw the banner of a gallery.
Because it showed “The Charm of Tai O”, we decided to go inside to have a look.
We found that there was no door bell. We forgot to knock the door first and we just tried to open the door.
After we opened the door, we saw Irene.
She was a little bit surprised because she said few people visited her gallery.
It was the first day that she used the banner to attract people and we were the first visitor on that day.
She introduced herself. She was an artists and recently stayed at Tai O to discover the beauty of Tai O.
She had took many photos about Tai O to record the history.
One stilt house were burned in accident. She went to the site immediately to take the photo for record.
We asked her why she chose Tai O as her target.
Irene: The preservation work is good and many things in Tai O keep its original style. There are many themes in Tai O, such as stilt house, dolphin...as well as their life style. Many of this are worth to record.
She opened her book “The Charm of Tai O” and showed the photos to us.
Irene: One stilt house were burned in accident. I went to the site and take the photo immediately when I knew. This photo is valuable because the house has already rebuilt.
We: How long you have stayed at Tai O?
Irene: At least 4 years. Because it is impossible for you to stay at Tai O only for a day or a week to understand the place. Are you all students?
We: Oh, yes.
Irene: The book “The Charm of Tai O” can help you to understand Tai O. I use at least 4 years to record the place through photography. Because you are students, I can give you 10% discount and it you buy the book here, you can receive my signature!
The book “The Charm of Tai O” costed $230.
It was a little big burden for us so we didn’t buy but it was really a wonderful book to see the change of Tai O in these 4 years.
Not only indigenous inhabitants think Tai O is a beautiful place, but also a stranger.