Snapshots

On the beginning of my trip from Xi'an to Kaifeng, a middle-aged man sat across from me against the window. He placed his rectangular styrofoam containers on the small table that separated us, popped them open, split his cheap, wooden chopsticks, and started slurping his rice. Each individual grain glowed in the sunlight, creating more shades of white than I formerly thought possible.

All I could do was sit there, pen and paper in hand, appreciating the moment. Something about this image was incredibly striking. It was a very humble, human moment, yet the colors, lines, shapes, and light all coalesced into a perfect composition. However, even as I started to write these words, the moment had passed. He had already stepped away to toss the rubbage, while declining the additional food that his family offered.

I oftentimes feel that I view my surroundings through a picture frame. On the occasions that I try to capture them with my camera, more often than not, they become part of my series entitled "Chinese People Glaring at Not-So Stealthy Ningqi.'" I wasn't willing to jeopardize this moment, particularly not with another eight hours left on the train. The other photos? Well, they're pretty amusing--perhaps you'll enjoy them.

Muslim Quarter, Xi'an (1/1/11)
I was more interested in the geometric repetition and colors than this vendor, but she got in there, too

South Gate, Xi'an (2/3/11)

Shanbei Performance inside South Gate, Xi'an (4/6/11)

Small Goose Pagoda, New Years Festival, Xi'an (2/12/11)

Construction site near Provincial Gymnasium, Xi'an (3/26/11)

Antique Market, Xi'an (3/26/11)
(Beard. Love. So worth it)

Muslim Quarter, Xi'an (3/26/11)
That huge thing is called "Dragon Fruit." It's very smelly.
I think their facial expressions summarize the moment. Immediately
after this shot, the woman in green started saying:
"YOU WANNA TAKE A PHOTO, PAY! STUPID FOREIGNERS,
I COULD KILL EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM."
(Whoops...)

Iron Pagoda, Kaifeng, Henan (3/30/11)

Luoyang, Henan (3/31/11)