I hadn't even realized it until a few weeks ago, but xmas 2011 was my 4th xmas celebrated in as many continents. Admittedly, I use the word "celebrated" pretty loosely as I'm neither religious, nor into the gift-giving, commercial bonanza that Dec 25th has turned itself into. Traveling, and my first xmas away in 2009, was a much needed break from the hustle and bustle that the end of the year inevitably brings back 'home' in Canada.Read More
A sea of orange pouring through the streets. 12600 monks, in their exceptionally bright robes like 12600 burning candles.
The occasion was the alms giving ceremony in Chiang Mai, with the public urged to bring donations of canned & non-perishable food. This year, the donations would be turned over to the victims of the disastrous flooding that has recently taken place in Thailand and made news headlines around the world.
On an early morning last month, I woke up to witness the ceremony.Read More
The last lunar eclipse of 2011 happened this evening. For the uninitiated, this event happens when the earth casts its shadow from the sun onto the moon, and it happens roughly 2 times a year on average. If you see it, and whether or not it's full or partial depends on where you are on our lovely planet Earth.
Even though the clouds conspired to obstruct my view for much of the evening, we were able to sneak a peek here and there. This shot, taken as the eclipse crawled towards totality, was about as clear as a shot that I could get.Read More
I was recently (or months ago, but who's counting) nominated by Annie of Wayward Traveler and Dave of What's Dave Doing to take part in the "My 7 Links" project. The brainchild of the fine folks @ Tripbase, it's a neat way to look back at what is coming close to two years here at Skinny Backpacker.
1. My Most Beautiful Post: Underworld Live Redux
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Life isn't all that easy in Tanzania, and that goes for double if you have a disability. Often a family can't take care of their handicapped members as they are too much of a burden on already stressed households. With little or no support, they are left to fend for themselves on the streets. This women worked at a leather workshop in Moshi that employs disadvantaged and disabled workers called Shah Industries.
Shot June 17th, 2008Read More
Lost. Well only kind of.
My travel partner had a thing for the Lord of the Rings, and apparently some filming was done in the area in and around Mt Potts in New Zealand's Rangitata Valley. I can't say that it was for sure, but I can say that...Read More
A little wink. I'm sure he would if he could (he can't, no eyelids).
Snapping photos from a distance, keeping as quiet as I can, while he waits for that one move that will have him frightened and running off. Such is the game we play.
This time, I won. I got this shot before he jetted off, maybe to check the sunrise.
Shot March 30th, 2010Read More
Blood. Brains. Outstretched arms. Vacant stares.
It seems no one was immune. Firefighters, newlyweds, panhandlers, interstellar supersoldiers, even a guy who was obviously bitten while on the toilet. The latter was found walking the streets with his pants down to his ankles & holding a copy of Men's Health magazine, all while slowly shuffling up the Broadway Bridge from the Vimy Memorial in downtown Saskatoon.Read More
Shot on New Zealand's Bay of Plenty, this photo brings out all of what I was feeling on that warm summer eve. Warm rays of sun glaring over the mountains in the distance. Long shadows letting me know that with time, how much things change. The cool ocean waves, and the endless beach. When I was there, I was only there.
Shot on Feb 2nd, 201Read More
What do you see in the ice?
You can see more of my Antarctica photos in my first Antarctic photo essay "Unreal Antarctica"
December 18th, 2010Read More