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 to Japan […]
Western Oklahoma in Photos, Part III
The camera records what is in front of it, but it doesn’t always tell the entire story. Since I’ve started posting photos of western Oklahoma on my blog and Instagram, I’ve had many comments about the apparently derelict condition of my home state. As a result, […]
Western Oklahoma in Photos, Part II
Note: I took these photos during July 2019. Photos from Western Oklahoma, Part I Let’s Connect: Instagram | Email
Western Oklahoma in Photos – Part I
Oklahoma is beautiful and photographically interesting. Growing up in Oklahoma, I never saw it this way. Now that I live abroad, I see the charm in the little cafes, the majesty in the open spaces, and the character of the small towns. Sometimes in life, […]
Photo Essay: The Monks of Thailand
When I first moved to Thailand, I felt nervous when taking photos of monks or talking to them because I didn’t know the etiquette, but over the years I have met many fascinating monks and found that they are often approachable, well-traveled, and dedicated men. […]
Phimai – The Coolest Place in Thailand that you Don’t Know About
While visiting the 12th century Khmer ruins in Phimai, Thailand, I happened upon six women dressed in resplendent yellow dresses. “Tam mai suai?” – Why pretty? – I asked. The friendly ladies said that they were headed to a festival with lots of dancing and […]
Thai New Year in Isaan Year Two: The Triumphant Return
“JIM! HEY, JIM!” Someone called from the darkness under a stilt house. I assumed the person was calling for me, since no one in Thailand can say my name correctly, and since I’d just met a bunch of new people the day before at a […]
Planet Bell 