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.

Madagascar (March, 2010) – While off roading it towards l'allée des baobab, the jeep meandered through jagged terrain and raced through mud flats. We stopped a few times to catch our breath and to marvel at various sized monstrosities that fell into view along the twisted path. Eventually we stumbled upon a gorgeous specimen, likely over a 1,000 years old. 

Canada (September, 2022) – Between budgets and bylaws; rushing around to grab lunch, a passing glimpse caught my eye. A moment of temporary suspension, of reflection, of realization. The scatter of multiple timelines and numerous projects ceased for a brief interlude. She smiled – I smiled, she resumed her task and I returned to contemplating lunch while admiring the circus skilled performance.

Uzbekistan (November, 2019) – We stopped at the market on our way out of town, back down the mountainous road to Tashkent. The brief interlude between vast amounts of melon and squash, naan and dried fruits was a relief. In the end the small basket of provisions provided sustenance on a harrowing journey I wish never to repeat. The worn tires and slippery slopes caused havoc, numerous transport vehicles disappeared into ditches. Eventually the snow was so thick we could barely see out the windshield. Basically the driver used the blurry tail-lights to gauge the distance to his speed. We arrived late and bruised from the torturous ride.

Canada (August, 2022) –  We arrived to the sounds of rhythmic vibrations; eagerly we explored the vitalized movements circulating around several groups of drummers. In observance, in admiration, deep in wonderment we spent the day taking in the happenings at the Three Fire annual pow-wow.