Shuanglian Market / 雙連市場

前幾週參加的大同區散步之旅中，我發現原來雙連市場現在已經是日本觀光客的行程之一，而我對於市場又有某種個人的偏愛，所以在心裡暗暗立下目標，一定要抽空到現場一探究竟。

On my walking tour around Da-tong and Zhongshan Districts a few weeks ago, I was surprised to discover that Shuanglian Market has become a major tourist attraction for Japanese visitors. Having a peculiar preference for traditional markets, I swore to take a look at the market in person one day. 

雙連市場是露天市場，以狹長的主街爲中心，往兩邊的小巷延伸，依傍著公園，所以到處都可以坐下來，這對於速寫者是很重要的條件。我選了市場盡頭小貨車聚集處，坐下來安適地沈浸在畫畫的世界，想到去年此時在歐洲約莫零到五度的氣溫下速寫，我只能說台灣真是個適合冬季速寫的勝地啊！

Shuanglian Market is an open-air market, with a long and narrow street as the center lying against a small park running parallel. More vendors and shops nestle in alleys that extend from it. This is a perfect venue for sketchers because there are benches everywhere. I chose the end of street where the fruit wagons gathered because I found it a local cultural feature here. Meanwhile, the memory of my sketching in freezing Europe last year at this time surged back. I couldn't help thinking, Taiwan is such a fantastic place in winter for sketching! 

在倫敦速寫遇到搬椅子讓我坐、想要送我魚貨的小販，在台北多半是悠閒的路人來觀看，不過也有很想入鏡的歐吉桑和我說說笑笑，還有可愛的菲佣來打招呼。雖然小販沒有閒來和我交流，我還是覺得台灣的菜市場實在是很精彩的景點，難怪日本觀光客會想來晃晃。

In London, I ran into vendors that borrowed me a chair or offered me fish for free. In Taipei, it was mostly leisurely passers-by who came for a look at my sketchbook. There was also a very friendly middle-aged man who complained about not being in the picture. One lady from Southeast Asia working as a maid here gave her compliment in English. Though I wasn't so popular among vendors here, I think traditional markets in Taiwan are second to none. I can totally understand why Japanese are curious about this part of my culture. 

市場處處有可以描繪的景點，街中間有文昌帝宮，我很有野心地想要挑戰畫廟宇，但是把廟前方的小販都畫盡了才發現這已經是一張很擁擠的圖，於是畫完之後充滿歉意地和文昌君道歉。

There were endless inspirations for me. In the middle of the street is the Temple of Wenchang Emperor, who is known for blessing people with good luck in studies and taking exams. I was ambitious enough to take on the challenge of drawing the temple. However, after I finished all the details in front of the temple, I realized the image is already full. Thus, I apologized very sincerely to Wenchang Emperor before leaving. 

下次再來吧，這樣一座市場可以用上數個月或一年來紀錄，明天我要去雲林，希望那裡的市場也如此繽紛！

I'll come back. It takes months or even a year to record such a colorful market. Tomorrow I am heading for Yunlin. Hopefully the market there is equally inspiring!