Thailand
Thailand....Kingdom of Siam, or commonly known as the "Land of Smiles" is exactly that. Thailand is a country of wonderful customs, rich heritage, beautiful landscapes, genuinely kind people and fantastic cuisine. I first went to Thailand in March of 2007 for a Bangkok --> Southern Islands trip and revisited for a SE Asia backpack tour two months later.
These photos were taken in Bangkok, its surrounding countryside and around the island of Phuket in the South Thailand Sea. I plan to revisit Thailand soon and focus on the Northern part of the country, which I didn't get to visit due to theft and illness in Vietnam/Cambodia.
Vietnam
Vietnam to me was a mystery defined by American movies and Veteran lore. There were elements of truth to those ideas, but mostly I found Vietnam to be much the same as Thailand--a rich landscape of kind people, delicious food, striking contrasts and surprises around every corner.
One week in Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) was merely a glimpse at this intriguing country. I would have loved to have spent more time touring the countryside.
Cambodia
Cambodia....Land of the Khmer Empire and steeped in history. The name alone suggests justapositions of poverty, beauty, violence and Buddhist peacefulness. It didn't disappoint either. Its often harsh travel conditions, weather, potential for illness deters many to visit this wonderful country. For a price, you can avoid those pitfalls--however, when backpacking you will experience a trek you won't soon forget.
Join me on a few photos from Phenom Penh to Siem Reab, home of the famous Angkor Wat temple.
Minnesota
I moved to Saint Paul, MN 7 years ago after living in the Southwest for most of my life. The change of seasons is spectacular and the multitude of outdoor activities available year-round make this a photog's ideal location. I have barely begun to explore all the scenic byways and parks along with the many unique cities and towns.
Enjoy what I have and I will be adding more in the future as I hit the road in the Upper Midwest.'
Katrina
After Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, I volunteered for the American Red Cross as a government liaison for three months. In that time I saw incredible destruction and amazing scenes of survival. I was stationed in Biloxi/Gulfport, MS, but assisted from Pascagoula, AL to the border of Louisiana.
These pictures were mostly taken in the last couple weeks of September with a disposable camera. We were encouraged not to bring anything of value since they didn't know where we would be sleeping, or the ability to secure anything. I wish I would have had my camera with me and a tripod to take some panoramas. Oh well. I think you will get the point from those I took. All in all the experience was very rewarding and humbling.