Nocturnal Emission Write-up – Please Critique

The German magazine (Max) that requested a photo of mine (“Nocturnal Emission”) last week has asked for a short write-up to represent the image. Please keep in mind I wrote this in only a few minutes and it’s pretty much a first draft effort. I’m posting it here for some constructive feedback. I know it’s a bit cheezy, so go easy on me! 😉 Having lived in Jakarta, Indonesia for the past four years, I have captured many aspects ofRead more

Into the Abyss

What are the convulsions of a city in comparison with the insurrections of the soul? Man is a depth still greater than the people. Jean Valjean at that very moment was the prey of a terrible upheaval. Every sort of gulf had opened again within him. He also was trembling, like Paris, on the brink of an obscure and formidable revolution. A few hours had sufficed to bring this about. His destiny and his conscience had suddenly been covered withRead more

When the Sun Comes Up

I was going to write about this weekend’s experience, but seeing as Treespotter did such a wonderful job of it, I’ll refer you to this post on his blog. I may still throw my perspectives out there, but he pretty much covers it with style. The sound of progress as concrete poured and metal hammered in place. The huge cranes crawled and spun removing impossible loads. Neon glitters show where things are and hide the uncovered walls. It camouflages darkRead more

“Medan Merdeka is dominated by the towering National Monument. Local wags have taken to calling the Russian-built tower commemorating Indonesia’s independence “Sukarno’s last erection.” Some of this bitterness may stem from the fact that the World Bank supplied funds for 77 pounds of pure gold to coat the “flame of freedom” atop the column while many Indonesians starved.”Read more

Weathered Wood and Blisters in the Sun

A villager poses for a moment as I pass through his kampung (traditional Indonesian village). Their homes are built on stilts along a river leading to the ocean. The traditional fishing village and tradepost has been around for hundreds of years, with little change evident. Octopus drying in the sun. Interesting smells wafting about this area – pretty much indescribable with words. Sunda Kelapa, Jakarta, IndonesiaRead more