Canada (February, 2021) – It's been a rather chaotic time period, most of the world is in some kind of lockdown. Here the winter freeze has elongated the sense of isolation. A melancholic feeling has been permeating my spirit; knowing almost a year has passed without any real escape from the reality which presents itself. Over the last couple days; I find myself inspired by the icicles dripping in the mid-afternoon sun, blissfully ignoring that which does not bring peace.
France (October, 2015) – I spent the afternoon absorbing an unfamiliar scene, with a familiar giant. Our destination; a long awaited biennial of photographs situation along the banks of the Seine. I was in aerial spirits, cherishing the beautiful fall weather and enthusiasm for all things Photoquai.
India (December, 2016) – Despite the ongoing construction at Do Drul Chorten; our observation transported us to blissful repose, to heightened admiration and appreciation. What amused me more than watching the circus acts involved in climbing the makeshift bamboo scaffolding, were the shadow puppets being cast on the upper elevation from the craftsmen and their tools.
Madagascar (March, 2010) – Often when I think back to my travels; it's the unexpected characters, I happened to chance upon that spring back to mind. In Brevo; the children broke the shield of hesitation through their inherent inquisitive nature. The day started with a few curious creatures, it ended however with a larger entourage initiating us into their world for a few brief moments.
Uzbekistan (November, 2019) – Deeply affected with the surroundings; we started each day walking the same path from our retreat to main street. One had to remember the intricate web of turns; one had to avoid the unnamed yet alluring tangle of passageways, unless of course one wanted to seek a real adventure. It's a cautionary tale, we found ourselves turned around in several cardinal directions and several kms away from our intended retreat on at least a couple occasions.
Mexico (November, 2017) – We peregrinated about to the myriad of galleries and museums, sauntering around in and out of artist studios. Lackadaisically meandering with a sense of awe, paralyzed in our attempt to absorb the stupefying eye-candy everywhere. Our surroundings simply marvelled; from the magical alebrijes to the strange exvoto art creations, the hand stitched textiles, the wealth of wild flora, even an impressive terracotta tile wall and least I forget, the feast of ice-cream.
Madagascar (March, 2010) – We spent the better of the day slowly motoring the rebellious currents of the Tsiribihina, the floating barge finally docked as the light started to dim. Having arrived on the banks of a rather small village, the locals started to convene to watch the wayfarers from the shore. It started out innocent enough, but within an hour anything that could be used as drum was melodically whacked. The entire cast had inadvertently turned the boat into a lively jamboree, the first of its kind for the region.