Madagascar (March, 2010) – On our walk through the Anja Reserve; we did not encounter traditional icons of god despite the translation of the name, Anjanaharibe means the "Place of the Great God. Instead we did encounter several lemur colonies, a variety of chameleons and a multitude of flora. We climbed through the nooks and crannies, along stone markers and through grottos with dense foliage. Cacti grew out of crevasses in the rocks; orchids mixed among the grasses on the ground and air ferns hung from the branches and trunks of trees. What I remember most intensely was the sensation of being watched; the Maki are curious creatures, in terms of showcase lemurs have the upper hand in voyeurism.

Canada (August, 2021) – As I reflect on the last few years; a fairly constant thought occurs. Milling about the neighbourhood streets for my evening walk was an unyielding primordial urge during the city lockdowns.  With the return to routine office runs and my faulty knees, it appears the usual evening salutes and bright covid smiles are a memory of a season passed. 

France (March, 2022) – In preparation of hibernation; I've been fixated on the last glimmers of daylight. Always mindful that the evening's embrace arrives earlier than desired. As the winds shift and winter season draws closer, I am reminded that eventually the perpetual spring will return. 

Madagascar (March, 2010) – While journeying we often found that children were the bridge into a community. Their natural curiosity and fearlessness more readily mitigated perceived prejudices the weary adult may have had about us, the trio of foreigners.  Curiosity is the one word that clearly describes the adventure from the Malgache standpoint and of ours: the tourists.

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.