I finally managed to scan in my negatives from my summer trip to Thailand and Cambodia. Out of four rolls (36 exp. each) I came out with ten frames that impressed me. The photo shop that I have been using ever since I started taking up photography as a hobby has finally switched from chemical printing to digital, what does this mean? It means that they have destroyed the only reason to continue shooting with Black and White film (versus digital). The reason in continuing to shoot film for my black and white compositions is that the only way you can get true greyscale to print is through the chemical process, when you print digitally it uses the CMYK (cyan-magenta-yellow-black) 4 band process, when the printer sees grey it combines the right amount of the four colors to acheive the grey tone. The end result ends up being either “cool” or “warm,” cool having a bluish tint/fringing and warm having a pinkish tint/fringing.

With this I have decided that I will begin developing my own film, and scanning my negatives. When I find a photo I think is print worthy, I will take it to one of the few B&W labs in Seattle and have it hand printed. At least until I have the space to set up my own darkroom.

With that, I bring you my 10 photos from my trip that I hold in high regard, with comments and location:

PHOTO #1

Giant demon statue in the courtyard of the Royal Palace in Bangkok, Thailand. I found this giant statue intriguing, in order to capture its grandure I used my 135mm lens from below the statue looking up.

PHOTO #2

Demon statue in the courtyard of the temple Wat U Mong (Thera Jan) on the outskirts of Chiangmai, Thailand. I was very happy to find this photo came out as well as it did, the light was very low, my shutter must have been at 1/15 of a second, still hands indeed. This photos detail makes it a good composition, in my opinion, notice the spider webs connecting the chin to the shoulder. I love the greyscale.

PHOTO #3

Corner of a prison cell at the Tuol Sleng Museum, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This French colonial school was turned into a processing prison for all prisoners of the Khmer Rouge. Thousands of people were brutally slaughtered here. The blood stains on the floor are a constant reminder of this. I couldn’t find words while visiting this place.

PHOTO #4

Tuol Sleng Museum, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Eerie, the only source of light in the stairwell.

PHOTO #5

Tuol Sleng Museum, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Wider shot of the jail cell/torture room.

PHOTO #6

Looking across the moat to the Bayon Temple outside of Siem Riep, Cambodia, my favorite temple of them all, if I had to choose one.

PHOTO #7

Temple trekking outside of Siem Riep, Cambodia. The Khmer people had no system of measurement when they built these temples, only line of sight.

PHOTO #8

More temple trekking outside of Siem Riep, Cambodia. Apsaras carved into a pillar.

PHOTO #9

More temple trekking outside of Siem Riep, Cambodia. Small girl in the courtyard of Ta Prohm. She, like so many other children, was selling goods to help her family. People in Cambodia are so kind, it is completely unfair that they have to suffer so much hardship.

PHOTO #10

More temple trekking outside of Siem Riep, Cambodia. Ta Prohm, the jungle temple. All of the temples used to look as this one until restoration started. The trees are destroying these ancient structures. This is the temple that was used in Tomb Raider, the film.

It is evening now. Julie and I went into town on the island today. We needed more money for food, and decided to make a day of it. It was very hot. There are no cars on Phi Phi Don, so at least it wasn’t smoggy and hot. I bought an anklet to wear, but it broke tonight during dinner. Julie and I walked up through the jungle to a look look out point from which we could see both sides of the main strip of the island. I saw a millipede on the way up. We checked out the beach on the other side after our hike, and we weren’t too impressed. It was overcrowded and loud, and big. We were very thankful that we are staying at our beach.

Tonight after dinner the hotel played the movie ‘The Beach’ which was filmed on Phi Phi Ley, where we are planning to day trip tomorrow. The movie put me in a wierd mood. The theme deals with two big topics; one being the attempt to travel and not do what everyone else does, even though you end up doing just that, and secondly, the concept of our generations idea of paradise, and how to acquire this.

On the first topic, I found myself questioning my goals of travel. I do want to have an experience that is all together my own, however, I do not see how what one does is the ultimate determinant of this. I believe it is up to the individual to use their experience in the seeking of self identification. During this trip thus far, I have discovered new things about me, I am realizing that the magic I want to experience so bad does not really exist, and does not await me on some remote beach with a bunch of hippies. Maybe I am depressed, or just home sick, but currently I wish there were more magic in my travels. Maybe this is only a pipe dream, put on by travel companies and airline companies.

The second concept of paradise is interesting. Most youths and idealists in my day feel that they can create a utopian society as long as they have fun and the right people. This is total bullshit as a society needs generations to acquire the appropriate means to deal with such sociological complexities as death, civil duty, emotional carnage, and governmental hierarchy (checks and balances) in order to assume full functionality.

This was the second time I have seen this film. I got alot more from it the second time; most likely time and place being qa huge determinant.

I am feeling completely mind fucked at the present moment.

Arose this morning fully restored and energized. We have a pet gecko in our bungalow that I named ‘Spanky.’ He only comes out at night, who knows where he is when he is not out.

Julie and I walked the beach this morning after breakfast to collect shells. We found alot of good ones, however, I would love to to find a conch, like in “Lord of the Flies.” It rained, but it was nice. Just finished lunch. We are going into town, from where we will climb to the ‘View Point’ where you can see the entire side of the island.

Our final day in Chiangmai was good. I wanted to go out into the mountains and get away from the city. The tallest peak in Thailand, Doi Intanon, is reachable by car, and only a few hours outsdie of Chiang Mai. We woke up and had a more western breakfast. I didn’t want anything too exotic, as we would be in a car all day, no where near a restroom.

We took a truck to Chom Thom, actually, they are called Sawngthaew (wich literally means ‘two benches’) as they have two plank benches in the back with a canopy. The ride went through the country. I liked this, as it gave me a chance to see the real Thailand. Once we got to Chom Thom our guidebook said it would be easy to get to the mountain. It wasn’t. Well, kind of. More expensive at least than it should have been; 2,000 Baht, about USD $40.00. We stopped at a beautiful waterfall on the way up, and the sun came up just in time to see the water glisten. The air here felt great! It reminded me of Seattle, damp, cool, and clean.

I thought the truck we were in was going to explode, as the 2 hour climb was very steep. We made it to the top of the mountain to have no view, as we were in the middle of a giant cloud. This was okay, as the weather made me feel trancendant, like I was in the heart of nowhere. At the summit, a short walk from the parking lot, there is a shrine. It was very cool and etheral, tucked away in the mist.

Julie did some last minute shopping before we went back to the hotel to prepare for our flight to Phuket the next morning. We took two flights, one to Bangkok, the next to Phuket. Our second flight was delayed for about 2 hours. When we arrived in Phuket we took a bus to Kata in the southwest, to stay for a night, as the ferry to Phi Phi only leaves in the morning on the off-season. We were taken to a tour agency on the way to Kata (barf). I guess it is typical, however, they couldn’t sell anything to Julie and I, as we gave them the cold shoulder. The hotel in Kata was nice, I finally got a decent shower, meal, and a good nights rest.  They also had a pool that Julie and I waited around in, after the sun went down.

We left Kata early this morning to catch the boat to Phi Phi. The ride was fast at just under 2 hours. The hotel/Bungalow we are staying at had a long tail boat ready to take us to our beach. The bungalow and beach are perfect!

We have white sand and blue water everywhere.

Today, we went to a very private/secluded bech about a half of a mile through the jungle. I saw a monkey on the way! We laid around on the beach for about 4 hours. The only others there weretwo European girls. It was so relaxing to swim in the clear, warm water, lay in the sun, and reapeat.

Right now I am just chillin’ on the deck of our bungalow listening to the crash of waves and tropical bird song. Bliss.

It’s Juie’s birtday! YAY! We are currently enjoying the air conditioning of Starbucks. Yes, it is not like me, however, they play american music, and serve safe, cold drinks, not to mention great people watching opportunities! The Chiang Mai Night Bazzaar is right outside.

Last night we met a woman from Virginia at the restaurant after our meal. We spoke of politics, humanitarian deeds, and met her adopted daughter, Sophia (see’s from Cambodia!). It was a perfect ay to finish the evening. We walked back tohrough the night bazzaar, bought some trinkets, and went back to our hotel for a shower, and a rest.

Woke up to an upset stomach. No more cheap restaurants for a while for me. Ugh.

This morning we ventured out into the morning for some breakfast. I wanted to soup, as did Julie. We walked to a restaurant that Laurel (lady from Virginia) ad reccomended last evening. They were closed so we walked around until we found a cheap place; already braking my oath of no cheap food. I had more Tum Yum, Julie had noodles. We then proceeded to an internet cafe’ to find our hotels in Phuket and Phi Phi Don. I love walking everywhere, it makes my mind and body slow it’s internal pace to a healthy level.

We went back to the hotel afterwards; I needed a shower. We then found a Tuk-Tuk to take us to Wat U Dong, a remote temple that has tunnels which lead to secluded Buddha shrines, where you can have a nice, cool, calming meditation. There were few people there, making it all the better. Upon coming back to the city we were hungry and decided to try the recommended place oonce again. They were open, and required the removal of our shoes, like many homes, hotels, and guesthouses do here. We had another fish, white angel fish or something like that, with fried noodle and prawns, accompanied by Chang beer for me - Julie had another young coconut. It was delightful. Time for more people watching and a story by Mr. Phillip K. Dick.

Our adventure in Bangkok ended today. I cannot say that i am sorry that it is. The first day was magical, however, more than that was too much. The smog, crowds, and con-artists were getting to me.

Our flight to Chiang Mai left at 6:45am today, upon arrival we took a cab to our choice guesthouse to find that they had no rooms available. We are instead staying at an okay guesthouse now, however, it could be better, but no real complaints here. We went to the main temple of the city today, it is practically in ruins, yet still breathe taking. The place was empty except for a few monks here and there, and of course the stray dogs that are everywhere. We had some lunch at a little ramshackle of a place, it was good, however, I had to use the restroom 30 minutes later.

We decided (after I took a shower) to get a Thai style massage. They are famous in Chiang Mai, and are cheap! I got a two hour full body massage for about USD $25.00. It was bliss. Deep tissu all the way. That little Thai lady broke me into a million pieces!

We are currently sitting in a bar/restaurant drinking some beers after finishing a delicious meal of fis, curry, and papya salad, all while admioring a river front view. I could not ask for more. My spirit is completely refreshed.

Since we skipped a day on the way over here, it seems like this entry is a day later than it should be. Technicalities aside.

Yesterday Julie and I went ot the Royal Palace here in Bangkok! It was about a billion degrees with 99% humidity, and fabulous! We stayed at a very nice hotel for the first two nights as we wanted to have a good place to adjust. Even though it was super nice it was only like $50.00 USD a night. So anyway, back to the fun.We went to the Palace via Taxi. The Palace was breathe taking. So much intriquicy, it was difficult to take it all in. Their were so many different kinds of people, many Buddhists there on pilgrimige made it very easy to feel out of control spirituality. Incense burning, people bowing to shrines in prayer, and lotus blossoms everywhere. I was sweting all over the place. Everybody here thinks that Julie is Thai and starts speaking to her in Thai, it’s humorous. She cannot wait until we are in Cambodia where she will be able to respond and partake in conversation.

It kind of sucks seeing all of these white guys with Thai girls, don’t really know if they are an actual couple, or ‘hired help.’ It als omakes me wonder if other people look at Julie and I like that. The only thing that differenciates Julie from the others, visually, is that she looks like a traveller w/ a backpack and sandals, where the others look all dolled up and local. Julie also only speaks English.

After the Royal Palace we were heading for Wat Pho, where the famous reclining Buddha is located. We were targeted by some scam artists, however we didn’t fall for their story the the temple was closed.  All they wanted to do was to take us “shopping” for commision.

We walked to Wat Pho. It was all that I could have dreamed for.  Taking my shoes off and meditating in front of these giant symbols was transendant beyond words. For the first time in my life I was graced by Buddhist surroundings for meditation, as well as otherBuddhists. Now, I don’t consider myself a Busddhist, but I do accept alot of ideas and motives which are Buddhist. This experience changed me, or rather, made me feel much more myself.  Discovered. I was able to sit in and pray with the monks of the monastary/teple. The chanting, insense, giat golden Buddha, people, amazing! After spending about 4 hours here we walked around, ate some curry, Julie bought mangosteens, of which I just now questionedquestioned when she ate them, as I didn’t witness any eating of mangosteens.  She said it must have been during one of my 3 daily showers. We then walked around this park where there were hundreds of booths set up by monks who were teching Buddhist tradition and such. We also saw some school age girls doing an apsara dance.  It was super cute. We then caught a cab back to the hotel, cooled down, showered, then we went to the giant MBK shopping centre to shop. It was kind of boring, but interesting to see all of the people. We ended the evening with Korean BBQ and a movie, ‘Pirates of the Carribean.’ I cannot wait to be out of the big city.

Today we changed hotels, as the fancy one was pricey. Now we are in a little guest house, they have two poodles downstairs taking care of the place.

Today we walked through the madness of Chinatown; that was fucking crazy! Biggest Chinatown I have seen! Ate Dim Sum, came back to MBK for more shopping and some ice cream. Currently I am chiling out after my second shower of the day enjoying the A.C. on my skin.

In Japan/Tokyo airport for about 4 hours of layover. Kind of sucks, but it is completely worth it! The chairs here are very clean and comfortable. I am still working on the realization that this is actually hapeening.

I am beginning to know the feeling of being a minority. It is interesting, as well as alienating.

We have completed the first leg of our journey. Seattle to San Francisco. I was feeling a bit sick, being that we had to wake up at 3:30am in order to catch our 6:00am flight. I kin of fell asleep on the plane.

Yesterday was crazy! I had a bunch of stuff to finalize at work, and some last minute errands to run. However, this stress quickly became anxiety for the adventure ahead.

I have been looking forward to visting Asia since I was 14 years old. I am oversaturated with emotion right now.