Madagascar (March, 2010) – Having arrived in the middle of nowhere; the train halted, unable to traverse any further due to damage to the tracks ahead from the cyclone earlier in the month. My companions went in search of lodgings for the night; while I followed the boisterous cheering sounds, further up a little hillside. My little jaunt led me to a small group of boys playing foosball. Upon getting closer I noticed one of the boys holding a long thin stick with a small creature on it. To my surprise he had in his possession a golden mouse lemur. It was evident that his pet needed to be kept close, having use of one hand did not seem to deter him from playing in what appeared to be the season's championship match.

Uzbekistan (November, 2019) – We arrived at the Hazrati complex during renovation. The vast majority of the mosque and madrasa were restricted from visiting. The tiny museum, adjacent to the mosque holds a beautiful kufic script quran. Printed on skin, not paper it is one of the earliest replications of the original mushaf dating as far back as the 7th century. While I can't read any of the scripts, it reignited my love of calligraphy. 

India (December, 2016) – Years later, I still soothe myself with memories of Sikkim. The view under the gaze of Guru Padmasambhava from his temple mound on Samdruptse Hill, was a sublime sight. The fresh mountain air and snow covered peaks of the Kangchenjunga, up above the whispering of clouds remains a tranquil meditative repose.

Mexico (November, 2017) – This image is in celebration of mother earth, even if the devilishly deceiving prickly, yet delightfully beautiful cacti becomes its emblem. This majestic wall of amplifying greenery was a spectacular sight to be had. I got close, stepped away, I perched up and crouched down to admire her volume and militance. Even in the harshest of conditions; mother nature has had the tenacity to stand up.

France (March, 2022) – It's interesting how a year later, the same image brings forth a completely different perspective. Somewhere lost in L'Atelier des Lumieres between the impressions of Cézanne and the abstract animations of Kandinsky, Chopin to Bowie as the soundtrack, was mesmerizing. Somehow though looking through the archive it feels apocalyptic... ground control?

Canada (December, 2012) –  For years; I would randomly see Kevin the neighbour. Framed in his window; Kevin provided that last sovereign state of calm, that last meditative fresh breath before passing through the gates of Narnia into a glorious haze of chocolate. Serendipitously, seeing the furry fluff next door was always a great omen to start my day.

Morocco (September, 2014) – While exploring Marrakech, the customary "do you mind if I take a shot" led to the duo in unison saying "oui" while simultaneously raising their water bottles. My reaction to which was an animated thank-you and an acknowledgment they made the shot better. Of course not everyone wants to be admired by the tourist gaze; here I admire the creativity, I also encourage more of it. Our week in the labyrinth of the Medina holds bittersweet nostalgia; but I'll be back there one day for more sweet banter if nothing else.