Genoa, Italy. We happened to pass several men repairing fishing nets at Genoa's harbor. I'm inspired by the lovely autumnal color palette of their nets as well as the patience and skill it must take to make these repairs.
Ni hao. Spent six months teaching English at Yunnan Normal University as part of my University's faculty exchange. We had a great time, met wonderful people, and took 1000s of pictures. Got to do some touring at the beginning of the trip around China in January, and again near the end in July. Spent two weeks in Tibet touring across country, but learned no Tibetan language. Lhasa is now a Chinese city, sad to say. This was not my first trip to China. Back in the 1980s & 90s made several trips there as guest of the Ministry of Justice to learn about the Chinese justice system.
How interesting! Bet those were great experiences. That part of the world is so different from the USA...I've only been to the Far East once and that was in the 70s but found every aspect of it fascinating. And I agree—the people were very hospitable and extremely kind. Will we be seeing any of your photos? Would love to see some contrasts or pairings between South Dakota and Tibet if you have them (and I know you do). Justice and English, huh? That's quite an interesting combination as well.
My major field of study has always been sociology. One of my specialities was criminal and juvenile justice. Had an opportunity to go to China, a country I've always found fascinating, with the Eisenhower Foundation. That is Milton Eisenhower, Dwight's brother. They assembled groups of scholars, and researchers to tour criminal and juvenile justice institutions and facilities. We met with local officials and toured facilities daily for about five or six week on each trip. I've made enough trips to China over the years to see great changes in the society. Wound up teaching English because that was their need, and I was classified as a "native speaker." Had to learn how to teach English as a "foreign" language.
I've never thought of pairing Tibetan and SD photos. Both are rural and agricultural, but so different. Found Tibet to be more exotic than I ever would have imagined. Rural Tibet is like a trip back to the 14th Century. People still dress in handmade, almost tribal clothing. They carry long knives or short swords, and live a life not unlike 12th to 14th century Europe. While they grow barley, mostly they make their living herding animals, yak, but also sheep and goats. The animals provide both food and clothing materials. Being Buddhists, they never slaughter animals to eat, but they do eat meat.
Wow! Would be very interested to hear your views on the US vs. rest of the world statistics on number of prisoners and what should be done about it. Also would love to see your photos from the Orient should you ever choose to post them. When I traveled to Egypt 32 years ago, driving beside the Nile, I had a similar impression of having been transported to an earlier century. It seems we in the industrialized countries can learn much from those cultures. How lucky we are if we can travel and have open minds to our experiences. Not so many Westerners travel to Tibet; what an enriching experience that must have been! I wish you could share your experiences, impressions and more of what you learned.
Hi Martha. We have a mutual friend in Texas who pointed me in the direction of your blog after his 2010 trip to see you guys in Vienna. My wife and I travel to Austria every 2-3 years and will be there again for this holiday season, Vienna to Salzburg. I am not certain if you are aware of a site/service called Bravo Your City. It is a VC funded site run by a Korean woman which is redefining travel publishing. The take away is the site is a collection of local people writing for global travelers. One can publish Micro-City Guides of lands they are familiar with on a "local basis". I have included the link here only for the reason that I find your work so above and beyond expectations...a site of true excellence and fantastic photography. So many of your shots are framed with the keen eye of the artist you are while your depth of field in many shots is that of a professional. I especially like your use of water for reflections of your subject matter...amazing stillness you are able to find in the lakes, etc. I just got off the phone with RC (My wife and I live in Florida..originally a New Yorker and San Franciscan) and we were perusing your blog. So the idea hit me you might enjoy the following links: http://www.bravoyourcity.com/
Thanks so much for the tip, WA; I appreciate your encouragement and will follow up on your suggestion. Now trying to figure out who our mutual friend might be as we have had about 80 visitors since we moved here and quite a few in 2010. Any hints?
Welcome back to Austria! This is a beautiful time of year and we've had some snow the past few days which adds to the ambiance. I'd show some photos on my blog but am having issues with Blogger right now.
All I can tell you about fishing nets is that the ones you found have great colors and textures. Thanks for your post.
ReplyDeleteNi hao. Spent six months teaching English at Yunnan Normal University as part of my University's faculty exchange. We had a great time, met wonderful people, and took 1000s of pictures. Got to do some touring at the beginning of the trip around China in January, and again near the end in July. Spent two weeks in Tibet touring across country, but learned no Tibetan language. Lhasa is now a Chinese city, sad to say. This was not my first trip to China. Back in the 1980s & 90s made several trips there as guest of the Ministry of Justice to learn about the Chinese justice system.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting! Bet those were great experiences. That part of the world is so different from the USA...I've only been to the Far East once and that was in the 70s but found every aspect of it fascinating. And I agree—the people were very hospitable and extremely kind. Will we be seeing any of your photos? Would love to see some contrasts or pairings between South Dakota and Tibet if you have them (and I know you do). Justice and English, huh? That's quite an interesting combination as well.
DeleteMy major field of study has always been sociology. One of my specialities was criminal and juvenile justice. Had an opportunity to go to China, a country I've always found fascinating, with the Eisenhower Foundation. That is Milton Eisenhower, Dwight's brother. They assembled groups of scholars, and researchers to tour criminal and juvenile justice institutions and facilities. We met with local officials and toured facilities daily for about five or six week on each trip. I've made enough trips to China over the years to see great changes in the society. Wound up teaching English because that was their need, and I was classified as a "native speaker." Had to learn how to teach English as a "foreign" language.
DeleteI've never thought of pairing Tibetan and SD photos. Both are rural and agricultural, but so different. Found Tibet to be more exotic than I ever would have imagined. Rural Tibet is like a trip back to the 14th Century. People still dress in handmade, almost tribal clothing. They carry long knives or short swords, and live a life not unlike 12th to 14th century Europe. While they grow barley, mostly they make their living herding animals, yak, but also sheep and goats. The animals provide both food and clothing materials. Being Buddhists, they never slaughter animals to eat, but they do eat meat.
Wow! Would be very interested to hear your views on the US vs. rest of the world statistics on number of prisoners and what should be done about it. Also would love to see your photos from the Orient should you ever choose to post them. When I traveled to Egypt 32 years ago, driving beside the Nile, I had a similar impression of having been transported to an earlier century. It seems we in the industrialized countries can learn much from those cultures. How lucky we are if we can travel and have open minds to our experiences. Not so many Westerners travel to Tibet; what an enriching experience that must have been! I wish you could share your experiences, impressions and more of what you learned.
DeleteHi Martha. We have a mutual friend in Texas who pointed me in the direction of your blog after his 2010 trip to see you guys in Vienna. My wife and I travel to Austria every 2-3 years and will be there again for this holiday season, Vienna to Salzburg. I am not certain if you are aware of a site/service called Bravo Your City. It is a VC funded site run by a Korean woman which is redefining travel publishing. The take away is the site is a collection of local people writing for global travelers. One can publish Micro-City Guides of lands they are familiar with on a "local basis". I have included the link here only for the reason that I find your work so above and beyond expectations...a site of true excellence and fantastic photography. So many of your shots are framed with the keen eye of the artist you are while your depth of field in many shots is that of a professional. I especially like your use of water for reflections of your subject matter...amazing stillness you are able to find in the lakes, etc. I just got off the phone with RC (My wife and I live in Florida..originally a New Yorker and San Franciscan) and we were perusing your blog. So the idea hit me you might enjoy the following links:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bravoyourcity.com/
Sincerely, WA
Thanks so much for the tip, WA; I appreciate your encouragement and will follow up on your suggestion. Now trying to figure out who our mutual friend might be as we have had about 80 visitors since we moved here and quite a few in 2010. Any hints?
DeleteWelcome back to Austria! This is a beautiful time of year and we've had some snow the past few days which adds to the ambiance. I'd show some photos on my blog but am having issues with Blogger right now.