“What is your favorite place?” This is a question I get often, and at the risk of sounding pretentious, it is nearly impossible to answer. I have had the great fortune to travel all over the world, and for various reasons, I have dozens of […]
Author: Jeff Bell
Snapshots of Nong Khiaw – The Adventure Capital of Laos
After five days of sunset cruises, overpriced lattes, and western food in the tourist enclave of Luang Prabang, I forgot that Laos is one of the wildest countries in Asia. I was rudely reminded of this fact when we went to the bus station and […]
Trekking in Nong Khiaw, or An Unexpected New Year’s Party
As I stood there dressed in Hmong celebratory regalia holding a shot of homemade rice whiskey about to lead a dance among highland villagers, I pondered our serendipitous turn-of-events. I signed up for a trek in the mountains of Laos to see waterfalls and nature […]
My Top 10 Photos of 2019
Each December, I sort through my photos from the last 12 months and pick my ten best. This exercise allows me to reflect on the year and also see if my photography is improving. During the process, I rediscover old photos buried in the pile, […]
21 Leftover Photos from Uzbekistan
Here are a series of portraits and snapshots of Uzbekistan that didn’t make it into my other photo essays from the country. Instead of leaving them on my hard drive where no one will see them, I decided to put them on my blog where…almost […]
Uzbekistan in Black and White
Uzbekistan is a great country for black and white photography enthusiasts. The bright desert light creates deep shadows and stark contrast, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. The bold yet simple architecture serves as a perfect backdrop for stylish people. And at night, […]
Uzbekistan Travel Notes, Tips, and Advice
I am assuming that everyone who has read my posts about Uzbekistan has been inspired to visit this amazing Central Asian country. Here are some notes that may aide in your planning. Uzbekistan is a Carnivore’s Utopia, but Vegetarians Can Eat Well Too, Sort Of […]
Is Uzbekistan Ready for A Tourism Boom? Or, #$%& This Stupid ATM!!!
Uzbekistan seems poised to the next great travel destination as word of the stunning Silk Road cities, mountain treks, and welcoming culture has gotten out. In recent years, the government has invested millions in infrastructure, set up an online visa system, and eased entry requirements. With […]
21 Photos of Samarqand, the Most Impressive City in Uzbekistan
Samarqand is the most impressive city in Uzbekistan. Indeed, with gargantuan mosques, ornate mausoleums, tree-lined streets, and sprawling parks, it is one of the most impressive cities anywhere. Yet, it was my least favorite city in Uzbekistan, mainly because it is spread out and quite […]
21 Photos of the Ancient Silk Road City of Bukhara
I awoke my first morning in Bukhara before dawn, bundled up to brave the chilly autumn air, and walked out of my guesthouse without a plan. I wanted to take photos, but I didn’t know where to start. In the distance, the illuminated Great Kalon […]
21 Photos of Khiva, The Spectacular Walled City in Remote Uzbekistan
In the remote southwest corner of Uzbekistan lies the spectacular town of Khiva. Surrounded by an imposing wall, and packed full of tile-encrusted mosques, minarets, madrasas, mansions, and mausoleums, the city is one of the world’s best-kept secrets. But it won’t stay a secret for […]
Western Oklahoma in Photos, Part IV
Let’s finish off this series with a few black and white shots. This concludes my series of photos from Western Oklahoma. Thanks to everyone who took the time to look at these photos and comment. Next, I’ll be writing about my three-week trip […]
Planet Bell 