Hong Kong daze

Hello Loyal Readers...
I know it's been a few days since you've heard from me. And you're all very curious about what's going on - anxious, even.

Well, I wish I had some exciting stories to tell you. But, the reality is, that I've been pretty low-key for a few days. I've been getting some mundane tasks completed, and preparing for the real part of the journey. I finally worked out all the small details with my HKG bank account. It took much longer to get it resolved than I would have anticipated. It's a good thing that I had cash on hand for the week long period that it took.

I have my Visa for Vietnam, and my one-way ticket to Ho Chi Minh City. I leave Monday afternoon, and arrive a few hours later. My original plan was to fly over to Hanoi first. After all, it's much closer. But, they've had quite a lot of rain there in the last few weeks, and many of the streets are flooded. So, I will start in the south of Vietnam. If the weather improves in the north I will venture up to Hanoi, and visit Danang and Halong Bay as well. After that, I will head to Laos and then northern Thailand. If I stay in HCMC and not head north, then I will head to Cambodia next. I love not really knowing where I will be next.

On Wednesday, I met with a fellow photographer and inspiration, Norm Yip. Norm is a Canadian that moved to HK in the 90's. He was trained and worked as an architect, but preferred to work as an artist and photographer. Norm and I both like to photograph men, but Norm is more successful at it, with 2 published books, and several other publications.

It was a great conversation with Norm. I've always felt a bit intimidated of Norm (well of his skills and success), and look to him with admiration. But sitting down with him made me realize that he is just a normal guy with a passion for photography, like me. We spent a lot of time talking about each others career path, and our respective views of photography. Norm was generous with his time, and offered great advice and critique on my photography. I am glad I had the chance to meet him.

Norm is moving away from photography, and into publishing. He is starting a new magazine in HK called S8. It will focus on the art and photography scene in Hong Kong. Norm is also helping out with a Charity Auction, that I've agreed to participate in. The proceeds will help fund a local Hotline for troubled youth. I have submitted 3 photograhs from my collection. Here is a link to the site that describes the Auction: http://www.studio8hongkong.com/horizons/

The weather has been so amazing here in Hong Kong this week. Sunny and warm, and not humid at all. I went out to take some photos during the late afternoon and early evening. The city works quite late here every day. Most people are not done work until 7 or 8 at night. That makes the markets quite busy all night. I spent some time with my friend Alfie, as well. Alfie tells me that he will be moving to Germany next year to attend university there. I wish him well.