Jonathan Biddle – Made in Taiwan

Category: Made in Taiwan

Thoughts from an Industrial Designer living in Taiwan.

  • Sydney

    Against several self-imposed raised odds of not making it to Australia, here I am … G’day!

    Sydney is fantastic, and justifiably feels proud of itself, but without being smug. The cityscape is ever changing, giving you chance glances of the Sydney Harbour bridge through vintage Ned Kelley tenaments and crystalline high rises. The Opera House is simply EPIC and takes your breath away in its form and thoughtful detailing. And the food mixes masculline meat pies with white wine and oysters – a theme that defines the city somewhat.

    It’s certainly very ‘Californian’ – everyone looks like they are a personal trainer, or at least running during lunch break. You can understand why they are so blinking good at sport!

    I’m hanging out with Richard and Claerwen – Rich was a colleague from the Web-Imps days of 1999 – and I am feeling pretty blessed again that I was able to meet up with several more friends from Taipei and Canada in the evening.

    I’m impressed with Sydney. Another city has been added to the list of those that I would love to live in or raise a family – which is exactly what Richard and Claerwen chose to do.


    Brunch of Champions – oysters and white wine at the fish market kicked off the day nicely


    Approaching Sydney Harbour Bridge on the ferry – Keep Clear


    Engineering Details


    Approaching the Opera House on foot, and about 500 Mb of photo opportunities


    In the middle of being blown away… I was surprised how fantastic the building was, especially as it is so old


    Exploring…


    Infinity


    Internal details, lifted straight from NASA


    The Max Power ‘Utes’ were just fantastic. Deeply cool, and unforgivably crass at the same time


    Cheers to Sydney!

    The story of a British Industrial Designer in Taiwan…

  • HK -> Sydney

    Here I am in Hong Kong once again after a bit of a scary trip to the airport, with a taxi driver that had clearly never driven on the motorway before.

    A bit more relaxed now…. and ready for the leg to Australia!

    The story of a British Industrial Designer in Taiwan…

  • Louis Vuitton Dental Clinic


    Louis Vuitton moves into the dental health care industry

    The story of a British Industrial Designer in Taiwan…

  • Zhong He Camping


    Excellent photo from Gerd of life as a scooter rider

    The story of a British Industrial Designer in Taiwan…

  • Graveyard Sessions

    The weather in Taiwan is perfect. What else to do except shred the rad!

    Momental

    The story of a British Industrial Designer in Taiwan…

  • Welsh Rarebits

    One half of my family lives in Wales, but don’t hold that against them. The Biddle unit decamped to the South, primarily focussing on good mountains, food and beer. Here are some wee piccies:

    Trecking in The Brecon Beacons

    Mum & Dad at one of the amazing waterfalls of the day


    ‘Now, the GPS says there is one more left to find today…’ – Lady Mio has the last laugh


    The Welsh contingent in force (with exception to newl-wed cousins Huw and Alex … Congratulations!)

    The story of a British Industrial Designer in Taiwan…

  • Edinburgh Hogmanay

    100,000 drunk revellers descended on Princes Street in Edinburgh for the annual Hogmanay bash, and at the last minute Phil and I decided to join them by taking the train up to Scotland. It was really worth it, since I got to see old Glasgow buddies Craig and Ali, plus Masters pals Andrew and Kyle. Plus, of course, I saw Scotland and recharged my Whiskey batteries.

    The street was full of horny Glaswegian girls, drunk Aussies and high numbers of bemuzed looking Chinese visitors. Drunk Chinese conversation of course meant that I lost the group within about 3 minutes – and feverish multiplexed cell phone calls to the guys only made matters worse.

    Phil and I on Princes Street

    After the bells, we retreated to my first proper arty party in over a year and a half – a very nice reminder of life in Glasgow. I also met a nice chap who happened to be sales manager for premium Glenmorangie whiskies and I humored him through an extensive sampling session, well into the morning.

    Kids – part of the installation, it seems

    Craig looking pensive / drunk

    A stonking hangover, healed only by the MacDonalds (the only open food hole in the morning) was partially soothed by the wonderful train ride, passing by Durham, York and Newcastle – all bathed in clear winter sunlight. Something you do not get in Taiwan.

    The story of a British Industrial Designer in Taiwan…

  • In the Bleak Mid Winter

    The mountain biking in Taiwan this past year has been one of the major highlights, and a regular feature on schedule. I started riding at about 14, and my main riding buddy has always been my Dad. Many of our most memorable rides have been found in the gap between Christmas and New Year when the Peak District seems to deliver crisp, cold, clear weather.

    Somewhat contrasting the sub-tropical riding of Taiwan, today was one of the coldest mountain bike rides I have ever experienced. Starting at Chatsworth House, we ascended through fields of snow and frost, with the rock-hard mud punishing any mistakes. By the top of the first climb our extremeties were aflame with cold and both of us felt nauseous as our lungs attempted to return to the car. And you know it is really cold when your water bottles freeze, dishing up rather unwelcome Slush Puppies.

    You have never tasted a more welcome pint of beer and pub fireplace, I assure you.


    Dad Braves the elements


    Old skool bikes – the lack of suspension was a real surprise


    The boys on tour

    The story of a British Industrial Designer in Taiwan…

  • Christmas in England

    After almost one year away, it is fantastic to be back. As a contrast to last year, which felt more like coming up for air, this year I feel much more confident and relaxed to be home. Much has happened in the last year, so I can only guess what is likely to happen in the next twelve months.

    Mum!

    Wandering back from the pub after a swift jar on Christmas Day

    Grub’s up – home cooked food after a year away tasted so sweet


    Dad gives Mum the lowdown on her present – the new GPS device – on a Boxing Day stroll in the local fields


    I’m dreamin’ of a white Christmas


    Grandpa works it for the camera


    We are family

    The story of a British Industrial Designer in Taiwan…

  • Anke&Lars

    George and I prepared a belated housewarming brunch to say farewell to Anke and Lars – two of the first friends I made in Taipei, and a pair that I will miss in the coming months.

    I’ll miss their vitality, enthusiasm to entertain at their apartment and ability to make me feel lazy! Some of the most memorable times in Taiwan have been with them … but who knows, after their move to Shanghai perhaps we will be sipping tea on their balcony sooner than expected.


    Ludvig, George, Martin (obscured), Marta, Anke, Lars, Michael, Tanja and Moi in our wee garden

    See you soon!

    Postscript:
    In the series of ‘no, this is their real farewell dinner’ dinners, this really was the final farewell dinner. It was very nice to be surrounded by the guys that have made the Taiwan experience what it is, and a few bottles of wine certainly did not hurt matters one jot.

    Xie Guang Ling!
    The story of a British Industrial Designer in Taiwan…