Views from Paris

Chicago from Above

We take so much of what we see on a daily basis for granted, but there are marvels around us everywhere. Marvels of engineering. Marvels of imagination. Marvels of art. Marvels of nature. I'm taking this year to open my eyes again.

Who is that man?

How many stranger's pictures have we been in? I mean, how many people around the world took a snapshot and we happened to be lurking in the background, unknown to both the photographer and ourselves? There could be hundreds of photos of us out there that we will never see, yet others will enjoy. Some friends and family gathering around a pleasant picture and never knowing the strangers in the background. Maybe they even bump into us later on the street, thinking to themselves, "I know that guy from somewhere."

Well this picture was intentional. I meant to catch this lonely man, on a lonely street, in a lonely town in the mountains of Ecuador. He doesn't know it, but we're all looking at him and pondering and speculating, and never really knowing. . . Who is that man?


And who is this young man? I could muse for days or weeks if I studied this photograph carefully. I know he is from an indian tribe in the Amazon. I know he does not have much, evidenced by his torn clothing. But beyond the surface what else could I gather about this man? If I studied long enough could I see into his soul? Could I really know what the expression on his face means, what he is thinking and feeling, his hopes and dreams? He has a heart-shaped pendant across his neck, who gave it to him? Was it his first love? Who is he really, I wonder. . .

Ukraine Remembers

My visit to the Ukraine was an extraordinary one. The accomplishments and atrocities throughout the nation's history are all remembered, and firmly rooted in the people's consciousness. It is a country that holds steadfast to its memories, while cautiously embracing the future.


The cultural significance of its native music and dress and its ornately decorated chapels is not lost on its people.



Symbols of it's communist past intermingle with monuments of its fight for independence.


The scars of their past are firmly stamped on their faces. You cannot help walking down the street and feel the weight they carry. I suppose one can be nothing except cautious when one knows the past so intimately.

A Trip Into Ecuador's Amazon

On our way to the Amazon, Tim and myself found the remnants of a recent volcanic explosion.


This picture of Matt sort of summed up our elation at breaking free from the city of Quito and finding the road less traveled.


My first taste of live ants. These small lemon ants actually taste just like lemons. They can be found in the leaves of certain trees there. It is an interesting symbiotic relationship they share with the tree they live in. The lemon ant gives off a toxin that is a repellent to other foliage and allows the tree to take roots uninhibited, while the tree provides shelter to the ant.

Matt and I crossing a stream.

What's a trip into a jungle without a ride on a vine? Well, shortly after this photograph was snapped I crashed into that tree. So much for my claim of being one of Tarzan's long lost relatives.


I read a quote once, "The best things in life aren't things." Here's the proof. This waterfall showered us from about 200 ft. It was a moment of pure elation, where all you can do is laugh hysterically and enjoy. I felt a million miles away from it all. I'm glad to have shared it with such good friends.

Portraits from the Philippines Part 1

A Filipino Sunset

This picture was taken on the island of Negros, Philippines. These statues stand at a colonial era Catholic church in the coastal town of Dumaguete. When the Spanish conquered the Philippine Islands in the 16th century they came with words and concepts the Filipinos had never heard. Words like "trabajo" (work) and "tiempo" (time) were foreign to them. A hunting and gathering society had no need for such ideas.



To this day many Filipinos still have no use for such Western concepts. They work until they've made enough money for the day, then retreat to their family and friends. For that I tip my hat. Here's a great example. A man at his garlic stand. He's made enough money for the day. That warrants a nap!