Mexico (October, 2017) – As we delightfully wandered Oaxaca, specifically in time for Dia de los Muertos. It was a full week of impromptu processions; admiring costumes during the day and well into the evening. As the evening light dwindled down the wilder the costumes that emerged; ghosts, devils, catrinas, mythological beasts. It really was a magical time in an illusionary world, with several midnight tacos runs. 

India (May, 2017) – As we rejoice in lighting our diya, honouring the ethereal "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance". I can't help but having flashbacks of the rather rambunctious group of youngsters battling it out with the mud pile in Kumartoli. The mud; a quintessential component of godly crafts. Stuck in the mud or playing around, hard at work or hardly working, duality is always at the heart of the matter.

France (March, 2022) – While gallivanting the city streets we wandered down to see what remains of Notre Dame. It was highly upsetting to see the hallowed building in partial ruins. It was hard to escape the juxtaposition of reconstruction with emotions running high. The giant and I circled back to reality walking along the banks, people watching and reminiscing of our yesteryears. 

Uzbekistan (November, 2019) –  After a long day of roaming the last of the historical sights we skirted around the maze of passages surrounding the Bibi-Khanym mosque. Taking turns trying to maneuver the dainty narrows between motor vehicle and merchant carts. With great excitement we found a little restaurant with a perfect view within a stonesthrow of the majestic mosaic domed roofs. We watched the evening sky illuminate with its descending blue hues, eating hearty plov, as a final farewell to Samarkand.

India (May, 2017) – Turns out when you roam around in a befuddled state, amid a vast array of horticulture with your camera in hand, it means you are open for business. While distracted from my original intention, I ended up with a line-up of flower vendors wanting portraits. A little jasmine here, a few lotus buds over there, marigolds hanging out just about everywhere. Miraculously, we left with our delightful haul of blooms and a bounty of memorable clicks.