Worlds apart and miles away… We have yet discovered the earth and discover its' full potential.
Simple things such as distance can greatly distinguish one culture to another. That is why, photography is a beautiful thing, our eyes are one of the most complex organs in the human bodies. It translates the things we see that can jolt our psychological senses to create some funky feelings inside, some of which are the exacts reasons why I love photography.
It's funny and coincidental at the same time that my favourite subject in school has always been history. Preserving faces, events and, dates and then recollecting such memories years and years later simply fascinates me. One of the reasons why I very much enjoy getting behind the camera and squinting my eye through the viewfinder is simply so that I can always relive the extraordinary events that I have experienced.
Most of the things that I saw during my lifetime experience travelling to some parts of Asia was simply mind boggling. To think that within the same planet, two cultures could differ so much to the point that it seems to come from another world. Although I have spent my childhood years in Indonesia (I have lived in Canada since I was 9 years old), I did not recognize its' diversity. It was not until I was in my teens that I have realized how different life is in some of these third world countries.
Not that long ago, I was privileged to have the opportunity to travel to Thailand, Philippines and back to my home country in Indonesia. My eyes were widely opened to such different cultures. I could not believe my own mind to see, think and believe that I was in a completely different world - yet, I wasn't. Some of the things I came across spoke much emotion to me. The wrinkles of pity on a certain elder's face, her boney hand in motion, fanning herself and keeping an eye on her merchandise as she sat on the markets of Chatuchak, her presence spoke more to me than a mere "seller". Truth be known, her presence spoke a great story of a wise aging woman, striving to keep a living. Let's not forget the elephant trainer sitting on the neck of his giant friend, leaning down and whispering words of encouragement with a face full of compassion, accompanied by gentle strokes on its' rugged skin as it manoeuvres through the jungles of Ubud. Is this a mere elephant ride? Or is it an extraordinary illustration of a man's deep love for animals? In these kinds of moments is where I appreciate photography the most. I believe that the best photos involve much more than a "good" camera, composition and lighting. In reality, a good photograph consists of a story that is able to speak for itself.
After my trip, I knew that there were much more to see in the world. In just a few days in such countries I was able to appreciate and embrace the beauty of diverse cultures. If I were given the chance to go back, I would. If I were given the chance to travel elsewhere, I would do so in a heartbeat.
