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@allaponomareva
Good bye Tumblr, hello Word Press!
It’s been great 3 years with Tumblr! But it’s time to merge and expand! I’m combining this blog with my photography website into one www.allaponomareva.com - Photo Essays and Travel Tips on a Budget of an EFL Teacher.
Don’t worry, most of the content from this blog (the best posts) is already on the new site and check out the new design, social media lovin’ and of course a place to comment!
Hope to see you there!
The LOVE Project: Hanani and Taylor
AP: Where are you guys from?
Taylor: I’m from North Carolina, USA
Hanani: I’m from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
AP: How long have you been in Korea?
Taylor: 1.5 months
AP: What did you think when you first saw Hanani?
Taylor: When I first saw her, she was on her cell phone the whole time. And I was thinking: “What’s going on here? I didn’t think I would be hanging out with her again.” Then she called me, we hung out the second time and it was really fun.
Hanani: Originally we met online, through a dating website. We chatted for a while online (maybe 4 months), eventually exchanged numbers and that’s how we initially met.
Taylor: Yes, when we first met, she was going through something and I was going through something too. The timing just wasn’t great. But we had our second date and it was really fun. We went to Melaka, Malaysia together (on our third date), where I was trying to hold her hand.
Hanani: I was thinking: “Why is this strange guy trying to hold my hand?” I didn’t let him hold it. (Laughs)
AP: Wait, on the first date, not all went down the drain since you ended up seeing each other again. What happened exactly on the first date?
Taylor: She picked me up, we went to a coffee shop together. She was texting with an ex-boyfriend a lot, still going through some stuff.
Hanani: Yea, I was trying to get the stuff with the ex over and done with and unfortunately, Taylor was there witnessing it all.
Taylor: And then at the end of the date, on a top of it all, she passed me the bill to pay. (Laughs)
AP: Wow! And what changed?
Hanani: I thought that he was a nice guy and I was being rude, so I messaged him afterwards to meet again. I knew that I should definitely not be on my phone next time and actually try to have a conversation.
Taylor: And we did, we chatted and got this delicious Roti Tissue desert, which looks like a Harry Potter hat but is a very delicate, crunchy, sugar-coated bread. You can eat it with condensed milk or just by itself.
I think I tried wearing it on our date and she laughed.
Hanani: Yes, you tried, just tried. (Laughs)
AP: What is your favorite thing to do together?
Taylor: Travel.
Hanani: Yes, we travel a lot together. Back home in Kuala Lumpur we traveled a lot. We also lived in Bangkok together, but we didn’t travel too much, it was just a hassle there.
AP: What is the one word that would sum up Taylor?
Hanani: Messy, haha no, he is charming!
Taylor: I would say - endearing or caring.
AP: What do you think would be each other’s last meal?
Hanani: Takboki (Korean rice sticks in spicy sauce).
Taylor: My spaghetti.
Hanani: Because we always eat his spaghetti at home (laughs)
Taylor: No, let me change that - Tom Yum.
Hanani: Yes, Tom Yum!
If you would like to be a part of the LOVE Project or would like to contribute in any way, get in touch!
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=11305969
Alla0909 at gmail dot com
Looking to fill the following categories:
In LOVE for/since
First: LOVE Yourself - a portrait
Unconditional LOVE - a pet story
Grow, laugh, LOVE - a kid’s story.
A City of LOVEly places
A little LOVE goes a long way - A home-cooked meal
LOVEly friends
Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival 2016
In case you didn’t know, every city in Korea is famous for one thing or another (strawberries, technology, the dish of Bi Bim Bop, pears, ginseng, etc). Come spring, the city of Jinhae, celebrates it’s Cherry Blossom trees during a 10 day festival, known as Jinhae Gunghangje Festival. This year the festival ran from March 31 to April 10 and welcomed crowds of self-stick equipped, super eager and very romantic (how can you not) visitors. Oh yea, I was one of them, considering I’ve never visited Jinhae in my seven years in Korea. This year was mine!
I booked my ticket with Enjoy Korea, one of many adventure companies, catering to foreign and Korean wannabe travelers. Luckily for me, they’ve arranged a bus to pick us up from my city of Daejeon, as opposed to having to go up to Seoul (where most tours start off) and then backtrack down South. At 9 am we were off from Daedong Station, taking us about 4 hours (with much anticipated traffic) to get to our destination.
My mission was clear - capture anything and everything and then some! Alone I roamed the streets of Jinhae, not knowing my way around, just following where the Cherry Trees took me. And they took me all over town! They were everywhere! On every street I turned! It was spectacular!
We had 5 hours, before the bus picked us up to take us to the next location on our agenda (Busan for Holi Hai Festival - equally as fantastic!)
I came across food stalls with various delicacies of grilled meats, Jeon (Korean pancake with leeks, kimchi or seafood), Makkoli (Rice wine), International foods (or attempts at them) and of course - bondegi (boiled silkwarm pupae).
I saw kids enjoy themselves in various contraptions that made my own head spin.
I saw a Caricature Artist do a really great job and then got myself cloned.
Lastly, I finally found the spot that I was searching for all day - the Yeojwacheon Stream. No wonder I couldn’t locate it all day, it was hiding with hoards of people walking alongside it. Jeez! Talk about packing it like sardines!
We can complain all we want about the traffic or the crowds of people, all trying to do exactly the same thing I was doing - enjoying this wonderful festival, which apparently celebrates over 340,000 Cherry Trees!
And if it wasn’t for people, I wouldn’t have had my favorite picture from my day at Jinhae. Here it is...
Just kidding! The next one...
The LOVE Project
How many days have you been together?
392
What did you think when you first saw her?
Sunhan: "Just ... foreigner. *laughs* "
Brittany's reaction: "What!"
What did you think when you first saw him?
Brittany: "Ah so there's a cute instructor here...I think I'll come climbing every day!"
Sunhan's reaction: ㅋㅋㅋ *smile*
Where did you meet and who approached whom?
Brittany: A week or so prior to the day we met, I had gone to Daegu to visit an English teacher friend of mine. He (the friend) introduced me to rock climbing and I immediately liked the sport, so I decided I to find a climbing gym in Daejeon once I returned. I was already a member of another gym, and asked the staff there (in my broken Korean) if they knew about rock climbing and could recommend any climbing gyms. They told me of one in Tanbang-dong and that there was a staff member there who lived in the US for a while and could speak English well.
I went to the gym alone one day after work and Sunhan was one of the first people I met. He was a climbing instructor and was helping me find the right size shoes when I realized he was NOT the one who spoke English well. Barely at all, actually. I was a little bummed, but decided to try to improve my Korean so I could try to talk to him.
Fast forward a few weeks and he came in one day with a new hat and I thought, 'OH! I totally just learned the word for 'hat' in Korean!" so I hit him with a smooth "모자 좋아해요" and he responded with "thanks." SO ROMANTIC, I know ...hahaha, but apparently it made an impact! The next thing I knew I had a friend request from him on Facebook. We used Facebook chat as a way to communicate more so we could translate things that we needed to, and ..yea, the rest is history. :)
*Sidenote: His English has improved SO much! And my Korean is decent as well ;)
What is your favorite thing to do together and where?
If you hadn't figured it out already - rock climbing! Either at an indoor climbing gym, at the outdoor wall at Yuseong, or outdoors on some real rocks! We also both like exercise in general, so sometimes we will hit up the Korean public exercise parks together for a quick workout.
What would be his last meal?
Brittany: "Ramen. Oooh, that spiiiicy as hell ramen. What's it called?"
Sunhan: "불닭볶음면."
Brittany: "Right. He will literally cry while eating it... but he says he likes it, so..."
What would be her last meal?
Sunhan: "Baklava!"
Brittany: "Hahaha....glad he thought of that as a meal. I'm Greek and sometimes my parents send me baklava.^^"
What is the one word the sums him up?
Brittany: "I can't choose just one! I have to say genuine and selfless."
What is the one word the sums her up?
Sunhan: "Passionate."
If you would like to be a part of the LOVE Project or would like to contribute in any way, get in touch!
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=11305969
Alla0909 at gmail dot com
Looking to fill the following categories:
Loving South Korea since…
In LOVE for/since
First: LOVE Yourself - a portrait
Unconditional LOVE - a pet story
Grow, laugh, LOVE - a kid’s story.
A City of LOVEly places
A little LOVE goes a long way - A home-cooked meal
LOVEly friends
Chiang Mai’s walls are alive with the sound of...
Art!
It is one of the first things that I noticed about the quaint town of Chiang Mai. You don’t have to walk far until you stumble on the next picture, graffiti, painting, collage or caricature. It feels great to walk around the streets of a city, where the officials don’t mind this type of artistic expression. In Korea, graffiti is hard to come by, even though the concrete jungle of Korea could use some color!
The LOVE Project
The music was playing, multi-colored dust flying, conga lines moving, cameras clicking, sand crunching under our feet, bodies swaying, alcohol spilling, samosas consuming, yelling, singing and smiling...
Holi Festival - known as the festival of color, spring and of sharing love. Originally from Nepal and India, but now celebrated all over the world! It was undoubtedly one of the funnest festivals I’ve been to in Korea, despite it being the messiest. I Loved it!
Holi Hai in Busan, you should have been there!
The LOVE Project
Love is all around us…
It showcases itself in the the things we eat or drink, our habits, pets, pleasurable experiences, the people we encounter and in the places we visit. It is always present, letting us know of it’s existence through ceremonies, photographs, letters, blogs, repeated actions, diaries, books, melodies and smiles. Love is present at birth and hopefully... at death. It is the one thing that we all want to achieve from others, but also strive to truly love ourselves from inside out. It knows no boundaries, no language barriers or regulations. No matter who we love, how, or why - love is a part of our lives.
The LOVE Project Series is a way to document Love and it’s manifestations all around us though the best way I know how - photography. It will be challenging, attempting to encompass this powerful concept in a 2 dimensional photograph, but a project has to have its guidelines. A short interview or write up will accompany each one.
So, to give you an idea of what you can expect to come, I’m looking for eager participants to take part in the Love Project Series. Of course, if you’re a couple, I’d love to hear your story. If you own an amazing pet that you call a human name and sleep with in your bed. If you are gastronomically talented and love whipping out something fantastic in the comfort of your own home. If you have your favorite spot in this city that you frequent more than you care to admit to. If you’re a parent (enough said.) If you have a dear friend that you shamelessly admit to loving. If you are an avid fan of everything, anything, or something Korean, tell me about it. If you, foxy lady, would like to create and preserve the memories of your sexy self, I’d love to photograph the most beautiful version of YOU!
If you would like to be a part of the LOVE Project or would like to contribute in any way, get in touch!
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=11305969
Alla0909 at gmail dot com
Looking to fill the following categories:
Loving South Korea since…
In LOVE for/since
First: LOVE Yourself - a portrait
Unconditional LOVE - a pet story
Grow, laugh, LOVE - a kid’s story
A City of LOVEly places
A little LOVE goes a long way - A home-cooked meal
LOVEly friends
Cherry Blossoms in Daejeon
At last! We can turn off our ondols (heated floors), unbutton those blazers, crack the windows and feel the wind through our hair on our ride to school! Spring is here and its here to stay ( at least till June). Celebration dance is happening as you read this...:P
With the changing of the seasons in Korea (and we have 4 of them!), come the long waited blossoms of the Cherry Trees - aka Sakura in some parts of the world and Pot Kot (벚꽃) in Korean. 아싸!
Whether or not you are new to Daejeon, you may not have known of all the places to see these pink beauties in this city and there are a few. Since Cherry Blossoms bloom for about 10-14 days, and the timing changes from year to year, you may not have a chance to see them all, but you sure may try!
Sintangjin (신탄진)
Some years the festival in Sintanjin is on, some - its not. Either way, the trees are blooming without the noisy crowds and stinky Beondegi (silky worm larvae) street food.
Buses to get you to Sintanjin, look for KT&G company and pink trees:
2, 71, 72, 75, 703, 704, 705
Gyeryeong Mountain (계룡산)
Apparently, Gyeryeong Mountain, like Sintanjin, also has its own Cherry Blossom Festival. Sadly, it is not very well advertised. The road, leading to Donghaksa Temple is the place to be for the cherry trees fanatics and their selfie sticks.
Buses to Gyeryeongsan: 107, 48
KAIST Campus and the Gapcheon River alongside
While the campus may have beautiful spots of Cherry Trees, in front of the university, there is a nice, long road, which is covered with them. It goes from about EXPO Park Intersection to the intersection past Yuseong Homeplus. Excellent photographic opportunities on the road itself and across the river, on the opposite side. Try to visit this spot at dusk as the river’s reflections and lit up night lights create for a very romantic atmosphere.
Buses to KAIST: 104, 121, 604
Subway stop: Wolpyeong-dong and walk about 10 mins (across the street from Emart Traders and Homeplus).
Mokwon University (목원대학교)
While there are many bunches of Cherry Trees around Daejeon, I personally enjoy spots where you can picnic under them due to their abundance. My uni is definitely the spot for that. Through the main gate, go straight towards the library (M building) and look on the right hand side, you can’t miss them.
Buses to Mokwon: 312, 706, 106, 603
Taemi Park (태미공원)
Recommended by a Korean friend, again for its Cherry Blossom abundance, this park has been off my radar, but she says it draws the crowds for all the right reasons during this time. Let’s all go!
Buses to Taemi Park: 119,108, 615, 311, 201
Subway stop: Seodaejeon Negori + walk 15 minutes
Do you know of a Cherry Blossoms location around Daejeon that I may have missed? Let me know!
The LOVE Project
“Light is easy to love. Show me your darkness.” -R. Queen
Anjali
Here are a few more images from Anjali’s session we did at my home studio.
Taken with either a 50mm 1.4 or 85mm lens on Canon 5dmark2.
Off camera flash shot through a 30′’ Octagonal Softbox with a grid.
Do you need a new Social Media profile or a headshot. Give Alla Ponomareva Photography a shout!
Dancing in Daejeon
Dancing lessons for me took a nice long nap (between the ages of 8 and 24). As a teenager, of course I got down to some Backstreet Boys at Homecomings and Proms and an occasional Russian Techno Dance Party at a friend’s house, but I didn’t take actual classes until I got myself employed and ready to mingle in South Korea.
Salsa:
The teachers at Noche de Salsa in Dunsandong were always friendly and welcoming of all levels and since we were all beginners, that’s what we learned - Beginner 1. There was no need to bring a partner, since partners were always rotated throughout the class. There wasn’t always a balanced amount of females vs males, but it was manageable. You also got a chance to meet and interact with your dancing partners (Koreans as well as foreigners). During my time there, a friend of mine ended up meeting, dating and eventually marrying a lovely Korean girl and now they have two children together. Go Salsa classes!
Currently, they have Beginner 1 class, which lasts 5 weeks and costs 50,000 krw. Beginner 2 class is just as long, but is 60,000 krw. Discount is given to those who transfer money before the first day of classes.
Classes take place during the week and also on Saturdays in the evenings. For more information go to Noche de Salsa’s facebook page here.
My most memorable moment came not from Beginners classes but from a “Performance Class.” Usually taken after both or at least one beginners class is finished. Performance class is an intensive class with the goal of performing the routine at the end in front of the live audience. It was incredibly time consuming, especially towards the end. We purchased our performance dresses and shoes from Gmarket (but other arrangements could be made in town).
The night of the performance was completely nerve-wracking especially when the studio started to fill up. The lights went dim, the music started to play and with our glittering dresses we made our way on stage...
The decision to be hoisted up in the air like a baby Simba was not my own, but that’s what I got for not understanding enough Korean and just smiling and nodding at whatever people ask me. It’s not the best strategy in my “Foreigner Toolkit of body language”, but most of the time it’s not as embarrassing...
LOVE Project: First, love yourself!
Alla Ponomareva: Anjali, where are you from and what do you do here?
Anjali Richter: I’m from the US, but teach here in Daejeon in an Elementary School. I’m starting my 5th year living and working in Daejeon.
AP: This project -- “LOVE: First love yourself” is meant to showcase various people and their personalities and what makes them unique, would it be through a hobby, passion or our personal aesthetics. Have you always felt comfortable inside your own body and skin?
AR: Hells no, I was always too dark for my environment. I’m of an Indian descent and I grew up with a lot of Mexicans and Latinos and always looked more like them than like Indians. High school was kind of painful, because I was the only dark person. When I moved to Minnesota, it felt like I was the only minority in my city, which is fine, because I was used to being alone. Not quite alone alone, but just race didn’t matter to me, it never came up as a subject.
AP: Did you have a similar experience at your university too?
AR: At university, there were some Indian students, but they felt like I wasn’t Indian enough. Feeling different and looking different is the issue that I had to tackle, because I don’t see myself as being different, when I look in the mirror I just see me. It’s when other people project their differences, it reminds you that you’re not like the others.
My parents have always said that looks fade and personality and characters remain and that’s what I’ve been trying to focus on instead of dwelling on other people’s negative comments about my looks.
Over the years though, I’ve learned that people weren’t tearing me down because I’m ugly or of my looks, it’s just that they were insecure or felt intimidated, because I wouldn’t date them (but it took me 20 some years to realize).
AP: What do you think of Racism in Korea?
AR: I hear a lot of Caucasians or other people, who are not used to racism back home, they get it here in Korea and then get super offended.
In my experience, I’m used to looking and feeling different, but in Korea, I actually get a lot of compliments on my looks. Korean people tend to dissect different parts and compliment on either eyes, lips, hair, style or sum it all up in “Wow, you’re pretty!” package. In Korea, I feel like compliments are completely objective which has been so motivating and encouraging. To me, they don’t have an agenda, familiar ties or obligations to give me compliments, they are just raw and not subjective. I really like that about Korea. They have nothing to gain by complimenting my very different looks and I appreciate that for making me actually feel good about myself. Being here, has made me turn and be more realistic about who I am. I’ve realized that physically speaking, there are features about me that can’t be changed (unless it’s plastic surgery, but who wants that), but still they transcend nationality, gender and age and location. It was true in America too, but I always felt like compliments were coming from family, friends or were always followed by a BUT…
When people objectify me in Korea, the last thing I think about is negative. In my experience, Korean people don’t think “Oh you’re ugly!” It’s more like “Oh you’re different!” I didn’t feel like that back home, in Minnesota kids are mean, they weren’t very nice to my self esteem.
AP: Do you have a message for anyone who may be in the same multicultural or multi-ethnic situation that you’ve experienced?
AR: Taking compliments has always been a horrible trait of mine. Now that I’m in my 30’s, I’m hoping that younger generations who may have had similar experiences as me would just embrace each compliment. Even though we think we see ourselves clearly, sometimes people around us may have a better image of who we are. Don’t try to dissect it or figure out people’s intentions that lie behind their words. Appreciate the fact that someone took the time to notice something special about you and comment on it, be grateful and thankful.
“I’ve realized that physically speaking, there are features about me that can’t be changed (unless it’s plastic surgery, but who wants that), but still they transcend nationality, gender and age and location” Anjali Richter.
If you would like to be a part of the LOVE Project or would like to contribute in any way, get in touch!
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=11305969
Alla0909 at gmail dot com
Looking to fill the following categories: In LOVE for/since First: LOVE Yourself - a portrait Unconditional LOVE - a pet story Grow, laugh, LOVE - a kid’s story. A City of LOVEly places A little LOVE goes a long way - A home-cooked meal LOVEly friends Loving South Korea since…
Here are a few more images from Christopher’s Victorian session. How lucky am I to have found someone passionate enough to have a costume like this in South Korea. Like an actor, he was completely submerged into this character, posing and talking, while I could hardly catch up with his on the spot facial expressions and mannerisms.
Shot with a single flash, shot through a 60′ octagonal softbox.
Post processed in Lightroom and Picmonkey (dagguereotype is the bomb!)
If you’re interested in one of a kind photography session, similar to this or with our own twist, get in touch!
Facebook: Alla Ponomareva
Website: www.allaponomareva.smugmug.com
What to do in Bali on a rainy day
If the forecast calls for rain and you think that your perfect day of sight seeing may be ruined - don’t despair! You may not get those clear, sunny blue skies in your travel photographs of Bali, full of lush green fields, smiling locals and purring Kopi Luwak cats.
Rainy conditions might be the perfect chance for you to sight see the island not risking your life on an ancient scooter/motorcycle, but in the comforts of your personal Aircon blowing, driver navigated, protective metal on all four sides - the TAXI!!!
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not usually the one to splurge, when other (more reasonable and inexpensive) methods can be used. But hiring a taxi for $50 (as of February 2016) for 8 hours (gas inclusive, tolls - not) on a rainy day to see a pretty expansive island, with its fair share of mediocre quality roads - in retrospect - was a great idea! So if you’re in the same predicament (weather or limited time in Bali), do so because:
1. A driver knows where to go and how to get there, just pick a place!
While staying in Cangu, we requested to see the rice fields of a place I could never pronounce right - Tegalalang, then pop over to Ubud, then drive South West to the Uluwatu Temple and lastly, to the East Coast and our next accommodation in Sanur. It took 8 hours and I’m sure it would have taken longer if it wasn’t for the knowledge and the sense of humor of our taxi driver.
2. On a rainy day, you can take as many images as you want in the comfort of your own taxi. The people around you have no idea and it helps if it’s a Sunday and they are coming back from some kind of religious event, dressed in their best. The following images were taken from the inside of a moving car.
3. In a rented vehicle, there is no need to worry about parking, fees or gas, because its all taken care of by the driver.
While visiting the popular spot of Tegalalang (Tag-Alla-lang should be easy enough to remember with my name in it!), we were in and out like bank robbers. Alright, almost as fast as robbers, but got persuaded by sweet little children to buy their Bali postcards. Begging children - they melt anyone’s heart, especially on a cold, rainy day....
Can you spot a rice farmer in the next photograph?
4. Your driver will probably take you to try Bali’s famous coffee - Kafe Luwak.
We thought it was $50/cup, but it was more like $4.50 with a tour, a taste room and a very friendly guide.
The verdict: Since I’m not a coffee drinker (occasional Cafe Latte doesn’t count), Kafe Luwak was just a super strong cup of black coffee. My husband said - “Overrated, I liked Chiang Mai’s “Mountain Coffee” better!”
I couldn’t agree more!
So what else can I say about renting a taxi for a day in Bali - it was easy to do, we felt care free and most importantly - safe! As much as I enjoy the excitement of a rented scooter, something needs to be said for multiple accidents we’ve witnessed or have heard - that just don’t sound like my idea of an adventure to the emergency room in a foreign country.
So if you find yourself watching the rain droplets on your hostel’s window, make some room in your budget for an all day sight-seeing tour via taxi!
P.S. Droplets can make for some pretty cool photos too!
The LOVE Project: First, love yourself!
Christopher Maslon, interviewed by Alla Ponomareva
AP: First things first, tell us please, where are you from?
CM: I’m from Monson, Massachusetts, it’s a small town of about 7,000 people.
AP: What do you do in Korea?
CM: I’m a Professor at Daejeon Health and Sciences College, now known as HIT - Health Institute of Technology. I’ve been teaching English in Korea for 14 years, but I have worked at HIT for the last 10.
AP: So, where do you draw your passion for this portrait?
CM: I guess my childhood, something that I saw when I was younger. I’m not quite sure what it was. Perhaps - the movie Moulin Rouge, the 1880s, the French Glass Exhibition, the London Glass Exhibition, where people wore top hats and coats and women were dressed up to the nines. It’s just sexy, its a gorgeous time to have been alive.
AP: So, if you could, would you trade it all and live in a different era?
CM: Definitely. Either the era that we portrayed today - the 1880s. Or the era of Edward VI of England (who was King Henry VIII only living son), so we’re talking around 1553. Every time I see their clothing, I get very excited.
AP: What would your wife say about living in that time frame? Would she enjoy it as much as you?
CM: She is pretty cool. She probably would live at that time with me. I think that she is build for just about anything. She is a tough nut, I’ll tell ya. I think she is tougher than me.
AP: That sounds surprising, coming from a body builder! Aren’t you also an artist, please tell us about what you do in your free time.
CM: I’d love to, thanks for bringing it up. I’m a Neo-Pop artist. I started really getting into Pop Art when I was in High School. I can remember my Art Teacher, named Bill Divine, he said let’s have an Art History Class. Then, he flashed through 20th Century artists and there was Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Rauschenberg and others. All of a sudden, he flashed Andy Warhol’s 100 cans of Campbell’s Soup and I went: “Uhhhhhh!” that was the moment and I said: “I’m going to be a pop artist!” And of course pop now is not as it was, we have a resurgence, a thing called Neo-Pop, with a famous spray painter like Banksy. I’m sure most are familiar with his work.
AP: I bet they are, if they don’t know what he looks like (most probably don’t), I’m sure they are familiar with at least one of his pieces.
Christopher, how can people get in touch with you or find your work?
CM: I’m on Facebook, of course. You’ve already mentioned that I’m a body builder (very proud, at 40-some years old!):
https://www.facebook.com/MaslonAthleteNaturalBodybuildingAspFitnessMiodel/
My art can be found here:
https://www.facebook.com/christophermaslonart/
And my personal Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/christopher.maslon
If you would like to be a part of the LOVE Project or would like to contribute in any way, get in touch!
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=11305969
alla0909 at gmail dot com
Looking to fill the following categories:
In LOVE for/since First: LOVE Yourself - a portrait Unconditional LOVE - a pet story Grow, laugh, LOVE - a kid’s story. A City of LOVEly places A little LOVE goes a long way - A home-cooked meal LOVEly friends Loving South Korea since…
Things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand
1. Walk to discover city art.
2. Drink coffee at “Mountain Coffee.” They say its the strongest coffee around, freshly grown and roasted from Doy Luang, Chiang Dao. Visit them to find out for yourself, but after having Vietnamese and Balinese (Kafe Luwak), a cup of cafe late from Mountain Coffee was the most aromatic and delicious (and I don’t even like coffee). https://www.facebook.com/mountain.coffee
3. Ride a bike around the city. It’s cheap, relatively safe and everyone’s doing it (no, not like hiring a hooker). Oh yea and if you’re really adventurous to drive on the other side of the street, then hire a motorcycle while you’re at it. You can have a road trip to nearby towns and sights, just don’t forget to keep saying: “Left, left, left.”
4. Try Kao Soi at a place on the corner of Intrawarorot and Prapokklao Soi 12 - I know, not very specific, but trust me, its orgazmic, compared to Kao Soi in any other establishment. The broth of Coconut Milk is sweet, yet salty and sour, full of noodles, crunchy toppings, green onion and the meat of our choice (I went with fried pork - oh yea, I was going for a Heart Stopper!) This dish will haunt my dreams until I have it again - it was that amazing (and I don’t even like pork that much.)
5. Shop, ship, then shop some more. Don’t worry if your shopping habits get the best of you, I know I can’t live without more summer dresses, silk lamps, fridge magnets, clever saying T-shirts, spices, tea and other nick nacks. Just ship it all home from a local post office for a reasonable rate (especially via a slow-ass boat).
6. Live a little, stay at $5/night guesthouses. Yes, in Chiang Mai, you can find even cheaper establishments (dorm-style is the cheapest), but haven’t you always wondered. I did! Will there be bed bugs, roaches, little children crying in the corner? Nope, just a cozy room, a bed, a personal toilet - no swimming pool, soap/shampoo in the bathroom or bars on the window. So there! I’ve stayed in a super cheap accommodation and live to tell the story!
7. Visit Long Neck tribe village Karen, but group-less. Organized tours may take you on a whirlwind of activities, bunched in a-couple-of-hours-worth-of-fun. I suggest visiting the Karen village in a small group or solo. You’ll have a better chance to catch them at ease (sowing, making scarves, playing with their kids). You may even sneak a chance at chatting them up to discover what their lives entail, where they come from and get a sincere smile.
8. Get clothes tailored. This goes for traveling in most places in Southeast Asia. Do your research online (Trip Adviser is a good place to start), then go around a couple of shops to compare prices, see their window displays (who’d like a shirt dated from 1980?) and don’t be afraid to say no or walk away. Once you find a great tailor with wonderful services, you’re only a phone call away from getting the next custom-tailored batch, because your measurements are always on file.
9. Don’t be a wimp and get a full body massage. “Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes.” You remember it well! For only 4-5$ your whole being can be tenderized on the daily bases. Thai massage is not for the faint of heart, but don’t you like to feel like you’ve exercised and had a massage? They stretch, twist, push, crack, abuse the heck out of your muscles, but it hurts SOOO GOOOOD!
Wimpy Kids out there, can settle for a Dr. Fish dead-skin-eating extravaganza.
10. Research your retirement options. We’ve met a very spry 70-some year old lady who was on the lookout for the next best retirement place. With cheap transportation, accommodation, fantastic food - she might be on to something...
Speaking of food...
11. Eat yourself silly at the Sunday’s night market
12. Don’t go to a Cooking school
Just watch how the pros do it at local street stalls, which are everywhere. Kitchen on wheels with a stove and even a seating area = all on 2 or 3 wheels. Just pull out your GoPro, press Record and Voila! Oh yea, don’t forget to pay!
The LOVE Project
Love is all around us…
It showcases itself in the the things we eat or drink, our habits, pets, pleasurable experiences, the people we encounter and in the places we visit. It is always present, letting us know of it’s existence through ceremonies, photographs, letters, blogs, repeated actions, diaries, books, melodies and smiles. Love is present at birth and hopefully... at death. It is the one thing that we all want to achieve from others, but also strive to truly love ourselves from inside out. It knows no boundaries, no language barriers or regulations. No matter who we love, how, or why - love is a part of our lives.
The LOVE Project Series is a way to document Love and it’s manifestations all around us though the best way I know how - photography. It will be challenging, attempting to encompass this powerful concept in a 2 dimensional photograph, but a project has to have its guidelines. A short interview or write up will accompany each one.
So, to give you an idea of what you can expect to come, I’m looking for eager participants to take part in the Love Project Series. Of course, if you’re a couple, I’d love to hear your story. If you own an amazing pet that you call a human name and sleep with in your bed. If you are gastronomically talented and love whipping out something fantastic in the comfort of your own home. If you have your favorite spot in this city that you frequent more than you care to admit to. If you’re a parent (enough said.) If you have a dear friend that you shamelessly admit to loving. If you are an avid fan of everything, anything, or something Korean, tell me about it. If you, foxy lady, would like to create and preserve the memories of your sexy self, I’d love to photograph the most beautiful version of YOU!
It seems only fair to begin the project, dabbling in the familiar territory.
Star Crossed lovers - Alla and Garrett In love for over 2520 days (depending on who you ask)
What did you think when you first saw her?
Garrett: “That she was WAY too pretty to be grounded. There's a saying about books and covers that I feel is relevant here.”
What did you think when you first saw him?
Alla: “Wow, a new foreigner in town. Is he even cute?” (I know, so vain)
Where did you meet and who approached whom?
Garrett: “It really depends on what 'saw her' means. There are actually two different times that I first saw her which makes for an entertaining story -- one creepy depending on whom you ask and one charming.
In 2008, I was planning on coming to Korea. As we do, most of us try to get a decent lay of the land before arrive: names of foods, a couple of key phrases, will I have running water? You know, basic stuff like that. At the time, I was a massive meat head so having access to a gym was of utmost importance. When I typed in "Masan South Korea health club gym" I clicked on the very first link that came up. It was straight to an expat blog. The blogger chronicled her time in Korea and mentioned doing yoga at a health club. I didn't think much of it at the time other than I was happy to know that yes, there was at least 1 health club in a city of 400,000 people.
Fast forward 6 months to a night where I was soju-drunk (one of the worst drunks one can endure for the record) with co-workers in Masan, Korea. As we left the singing room, and piled out of the elevator, we passed an attractive "foreigner". With both of the aforementioned descriptors being relatively rare, my Korean coworkers giggled and whispered in delight. "Garrett, talk to her!" one of them said. "Me? Now? Can't. Too much soju." I slurred matching the language level I'd been hearing all evening. Well, as luck would have it, I didn't have to embarrass myself because the young woman said, "Excuse me, are you new here?". The woman would later introduce me to her friend circle a few of whom still remain good friends to this day. Something about her seemed familiar and I couldn't, for the life of me, place it.
As the soju cloud lifted later in the evening over Korean pancakes, it came to me like a lightening bolt. Could it be? Was it? Nah, that's impossible? After much internal deliberation I asked her with trepidation:
"Hey, I know this is going to sound weird but do you have a blog?".
"Yes, I do. Why do you ask?" she said. Don't sound like Richard Ramirez. Don't sound like Richard Ramirez. Don't... "About six months ago, I wrote you an e-mail after reading a few of your blog posts. You never wrote me back" I said. "Um, well, I've been getting a decent amount of e-mail from creepy readers so it's just easier for me to ignore them." So yeah, that's how we met for the first time ... twice.”
What is your favorite thing to do together and where?
Garrett: “Montana. Anything involving being in Montana. The air, the lack of external static, the nature and the people. I feel like it makes me a better person and likely a better partner. Really, Montana is where more of our hobbies overlap but if you forced me to pin it down to an activity, probably bombing down a dirty rode in an old-ass automobile. It's so simple but, for whatever reason, feels perfect.”
Alla: “Traveling. There is something about experiencing new cultures, foods and places that is important to growing as a person and as a couple. Not everyone is a great travel companion, so when you find one that suits you and your style, keep them!”
What would be his last meal?
Alla: ”As much as he loves food, he’d probably make sure that he could have a beer with his last meal. If they said to choose, I think he’d definitely drink his last meal, but he is not a drunk by any means.
What would be her last meal?
Garrett: “I'd say borscht because of the relative scarcity of it in pretty much any place that we go.”
Who is a better kisser?
Garrett: “Me. I try harder :)
Alla: “Our dog - Slonik, haha joking!
What is the one word the sums him up?
Alla: “Beer!”
What is the one word the sums her up?
Garrett: “Stable”
Viet-@#%&-nam!
Wonderfully amazing things I didn’t expect to encounter in Vietnam:
- Motorbikes. They were everywhere and they hold everything. We’ve witnessed some of the craziest things being transported on top of these narrow, speedy, stinky Herculese-of-an-invention bikes - refrigerators, large baskets of fish, tables, chairs, babies without helmets, flowers, dogs and my favorite captured here - 5 people at a time!
In HCMC (Saigon), we were suicidal enough to cross a motorbike-infested intersection, which (say what?!) had no traffic lights. At first, it was a minor shock to the system, with nervous giggles and thoughts: “I don’t need to go on the other side anyway, right?” But once you witness other thrill-seeking tourists doing it, you think that maybe its a part of the Vietnamese initiation. Eat street food, try Durian (stinky, prickly green fruit) or cross this intersection and you’re one of us!
Once you fight the urge to listen to your senses and wait or stop or run across like a lunatic, it is actually quite a beautiful experience. Think of it as the stars aligning, the universe is paused as you make your way across, listening to every beat of your nervous little heart, inhaling rapidly, forgetting to exhale, while your toes are crammed in your shoes, praying not to get squashed by an overloaded dude, whose balloons are covering his face to see your petrified one.
According to the locals, there is a way of surviving this or any of the Vietnamese street crossings, yes I made sure to ask around, before we made the leap:
So, take a deep breath, because you’ll need it!
Live in the moment, since there is simply no time to hesitate in case you forgot your wallet on a table behind you.
Once you walk, don’t stop.
Look in the direction of traffic, know when it changes (remember no lights and no signs/markings on the road either)
Stick together. You’ll find comfort in larger groups of people, but two is just as good as any. If you’re crossing alone (you’re a Bad-A$$ M@% F#$^!, your name goes on a wall somewhere, I’m sure)
Don’t make sudden movements.
Here is how it’s done, like a family of Bosses!
Another thing, I didn’t expect about Vietnam was - Street Food!
I’m usually weary about trying things off the cart, no matter how appetizing it may look. My reluctance is formed by the memories of almost every travel trip spending a short amount of time near the toilet, doing things I rather not discuss. It’s rare, but it’s a pain in the ass (pun intended :)
Fortunately, the Gods of no glove or hairnet wearing ladies and gents on the street were sending me good joo joos this time around. Of course the locals may have a different metabolism than us, but I’ll tell ya its a great rule of thumb - if locals are eating there, you should too!
We have tried some of the best BanMi (sandwiches), Pho, Spring Rolls, sugar cane juice and other delicacies that HCMC has to offer. Don’t listen to my hypocritical self, because every rule has an exception, especially when ICE CREAM is involved.