Welcome
Muslim man, Karen Village Long-neck, Indian Prostitute, Karen Villager, Indian Boy, Celebrating Holi
Since 1999 we have been living in and traveling throughout Asia. As of February 2011 we live in Turkey. Our travels have taken us to India and Thailand many times as well as Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bhutan, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and even across Antarctica to Argentina.
We want to share some of these experiences with you through photography and the written word. We hope you enjoy the viewing and the reading.
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NOTE: Many of these stories were written during our first year living in India, starting in 1999. Before re-posting them on this website, I read them again.
My ethnocentric tendencies and symptoms of culture shock are evident in the writing. I had some uneasiness reading quite a few passages knowing that others may see me as judgmental, and rightly so. My intention was to magnify the differences in cultures and to record my reaction and interaction with it. Sometimes that didn’t come across well. I regret that.
If you have ever traveled in a foreign land you may show me some grace. We love the Indian people and have many wonderful memories of living in and traveling there.
NOTE #2: Please keep in mind that the first post I made is at the bottom of the list of stories. For example, if you want to start from the beginning you will need to click on the category “Himalayan Bike Tour” and scroll down to the bottom of the page where it says, “Himalayan Bike Trip: Calcutta to Bhutan and Back”. That is the beginning.
Blessings,
Marc and Ann
Introducing Turkey
Making Friends Fast in Turkey
We’ve been in Turkey for going on a month. I guess you could say we are Turks now. Oh wait, Turks can say more than good morning, hello, good bye, and a few other niceties in Turkish. I’m not a Turk yet, but I’m working on the language. What Turks and Americans understand alike is [...]
Walk a Mile in My Town. You’ll be Glad You Did.
I met a new friend today. Well, that is not entirely accurate. Özgür and I have spoken quite a few times before, but only a brief “hello”, “how much”, “goodbye”, “see you later”; He in broken English, me in even worse Turkish. Özgür works at a refreshment stand at one of the parks between my [...]