tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87278230986760885352024-03-15T03:58:36.515+07:00Allen's WorldAn insight into an expatriate's life in Thailand with an emphasis on photography, culture, personal observations as well as some of my philosophy.Allen A Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17334569605267708874noreply@blogger.comBlogger662125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727823098676088535.post-9493784660120716742020-09-13T20:32:00.001+07:002020-09-13T20:33:53.007+07:00Life Ends, Life Goes On<p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vfn3GxDeRp78xtYYjYENKHAgejTRC8C2dco9Jw-rbJ6OudqwHYFlRw93f0MP_5KW5LvLc0-BWEEjz6FkC-Yi8ONgDOIzdbd4NVyLmfgmTePhg6zE0koB-pj5cUONBkDuu0vIzIJ151F5/s1000/DSC_1332+-+Email.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vfn3GxDeRp78xtYYjYENKHAgejTRC8C2dco9Jw-rbJ6OudqwHYFlRw93f0MP_5KW5LvLc0-BWEEjz6FkC-Yi8ONgDOIzdbd4NVyLmfgmTePhg6zE0koB-pj5cUONBkDuu0vIzIJ151F5/w335-h500/DSC_1332+-+Email.jpg" width="335" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p> </p><p>Here in Isaan, I have written of the rhythm of time marked by the cycle
of work in the fields surrounding my wife's home village, Baan Thasang
(Thasang Village). Time is also marked by the passage of life's
milestones within the extended Lao Loum family as well as within the
many small villages that dot the Korat Plateau of Northeast Thailand.<br />
</p><p>Last week, one of Duang’s Uncles died. He died at home like most of
the villagers in Isaan do when their time has arrived. He died at 75
years of age from liver cancer which is a medical condition
that many Lao Loum people suffer with. Isaan is the capital for liver cancer in Thailand.</p><p>Typically there is a
three day funeral ritual in the Lao Loum culture. The three day period
allows the family time to prepare for the cremation of the deceased. I
also suspect that the three day period also has connections and
connotations to Buddhism. In Buddhism the number, 3, is very special.
During rituals, people will bow their heads three times; and repeat
certain words three times. When making offerings people will burn three
joss (incense) sticks, and light three small yellow candles. When
people place gold leaf on statues, it is three squares of gold. "Three"
is significant in that it represents "Buddha", "The Teachings of
Buddha", and "The Buddhist Religious Community".</p><p>A vigil is maintained for the three days that the coffin is in place at
the home. Each evening at 6:00 P.M. of the first two days of the
ritual, Monks visit the home and chant.<br />
<br />
During the first two days, family and friends are busy making
arrangements for the cremation on the third day. A field kitchen is set
up to prepare food for people who will be participating in the three
day ritual. Tables and plastic chairs are rented and set up. Canopies
are rented and set up to shelter people from the sun and the possibility
of rain. Drinking water, Lao whiskey, soft drinks need to be purchased
for each table for each day. Beef and pork are purchased and chopped
into a paste like consistency to make laap, a Lao Loum specialty dish.
Women are busy preparing papaya to make "Pauk Pauk" - spicy papaya
salad, a staple of Isaan cuisine.</p><p>Upon his death, his family
contacted the Monks of the village Wat who helped with the arrangements
for his funeral.
His family cleansed and tended to his body prior to laying him in repose
inside of his home. </p><p>On the day of a person's death, the family cleans the body and places it
in a disposable coffin. The disposable coffin, which will be consumed
in the cremation fire, is then placed inside of a rented refrigerated
coffin. Typically the refrigerated coffin is kept inside the home.</p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsE5_qKuj4wsGgcOgE5SlrMOnEtVrhdQNkgPb4X59qLo99WvaMz26mPdbET6eDpedoSl44D-9mJBIea9AvmSRKpurpTToMAU2G4GbB0tQfi6UIGf8vqZH2TgiNg22bNOhc7s5g9D-t24t2/s640/DSC_0992+-+Email.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsE5_qKuj4wsGgcOgE5SlrMOnEtVrhdQNkgPb4X59qLo99WvaMz26mPdbET6eDpedoSl44D-9mJBIea9AvmSRKpurpTToMAU2G4GbB0tQfi6UIGf8vqZH2TgiNg22bNOhc7s5g9D-t24t2/w500-h335/DSC_0992+-+Email.jpg" width="500" /></a></div> <p></p><p>Offerings are placed on top of the coffin. Plastic
flowers, real flowers, and strings of blinking lights are strung along
the length of the coffin. On the floor in front of the coffin, a shrine is set up where people can make offerings, burn incense, and
light candles as they pay their respect to the deceased. </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDnxbWY2G4jGq1b8IHqV94dWmRxFWt8ytfeen9-Gn6n9P-Qajedi_Rsit-V04pjIVVLgjILoCb96eKPCGdl4BaeJpDKC5LnVLaDimLZuBLq3dStScIme3TwNvDV2SO9ew45xrADsAxpRd/s640/DSC_1015+-+Email.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDnxbWY2G4jGq1b8IHqV94dWmRxFWt8ytfeen9-Gn6n9P-Qajedi_Rsit-V04pjIVVLgjILoCb96eKPCGdl4BaeJpDKC5LnVLaDimLZuBLq3dStScIme3TwNvDV2SO9ew45xrADsAxpRd/w500-h335/DSC_1015+-+Email.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>In front of the coffin as well as above it, special
memorial wreath like objects are placed. To the side of the coffin, a
large framed photograph of the deceased person is placed on an easel.
Next to the photograph, there is an area where donations of rice are
collected in the name of the deceased. People when they come to pay
their respects donate cash and/or rice to assist the family and to make
merit. The cash is used to help defray the costs of the funeral,
offered to the Monks as part of merit making ritual for the
deceased, and the rice is donated to the Monks who will provide it to
people who are unable to afford food from local markets.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCi-aNCzx4H26idbKmDfJBAHyXV-Mt9CxltfPdlbky0fWEhBXCqUe2zo5FHpgHkpAN9mnXHn_3L88ZfiY9aOLc7f6ZSqIMnV8YDp4c0yBmWJ8WsJ841ZLmwPplUXb9yNgtK7Uq6cnQg7op/s640/DSC_0994+-+Email.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCi-aNCzx4H26idbKmDfJBAHyXV-Mt9CxltfPdlbky0fWEhBXCqUe2zo5FHpgHkpAN9mnXHn_3L88ZfiY9aOLc7f6ZSqIMnV8YDp4c0yBmWJ8WsJ841ZLmwPplUXb9yNgtK7Uq6cnQg7op/w335-h500/DSC_0994+-+Email.jpg" width="335" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>He had been placed inside of a simple white coffin. On one of his wrists there were several strings of plain cotton
string similar to butcher’s string that were tied around her wrist
during a Bai Sii ceremony. The strings were tied around his wrist, in
the Animist belief, to bind the 32 spirits that are contained within
people and required to maintain good health. The Bai Sii ceremony is
also used to wish people good luck and prosperity. </p><p>In Isaan, many of the rituals and beliefs from
the Animist, Brahman and Hindu religions have been assimilated and
adopted into the Buddhist rituals. The deceased man’s hands were
placed into a wai (position similar to traditional Western praying
position) with a single yellow candle between his clasped hands, along with paper money, coins, and a sprig of floral buds. The
candle is about the size of a typical birthday cake candle is used as an
offering during merit making rituals. The men who handle the final preparation of the body just before the cremation, take the paper money. The coins which melt in the heat of the cremation furnace are retrieved from the ashes and bone fragments the next morning. The molten coin fragments are often placed in a small vial that is worn around the neck of a son.<br /></p><p>The white coffin was placed
inside of an elaborately decorated refrigerated outer metal container
that is rented for the mourning period. The refrigerated container is
plugged into an electrical outlet in the main room of the home and
preserved the body for the next three days. </p><p>Outside of the home, several rented
canopies had been erected along side of the home and in the backyard.
Underneath two canopies in the front yard, tables and plastic chairs
were set up for serving meals to funeral attendees. The two canopies
were occupied by women. A canopy on the side of the house was occupied
by men. Lao Loum men and women sit separately at Buddhist rituals and
many social functions. On the tables were large bottles of soft drinks
and large bottles of beer. At the men’s tables, the men had a couple
bottles of Kao Lao (a brand of moonshine whiskey also known as Lao Lao)
that they were hitting pretty strongly. The other two canopies covered
cooking stations where mounds of food were being prepped and cooked for
the funeral guests. Several charcoal fires and propane gas burners were
blazing away with pots of rice, soups, and boiling concoctions. At a
small desk just to the side of the door into the house, there was a bowl
where people made their offerings. A person recorded the name and
amount of the donation. The money as well as the ledger would later be
offered to the Monks at the Wat as part of the ritual. Donating money to
the Monks at a funeral earns merit for the deceased as well as for you.
The money is used to maintain the Wat – the center of village religious
and social life. </p><p></p><p>There is an interesting aspect of funerals here in Isaan. There is no
legal gambling here in Thailand other than in a national lottery. The gambling is conducted off to the side. I understand that
for approximately $30 to the "right" policeman, you can get a "permit"
which ensures that your gambling operation will not be "interfered"
with. From what Duang tells me, gambling at a funeral can be good for
you, something about having "good luck" At the funerals that I
have attended some people are always playing cards (gambling). There was no card playing at
this funeral. However at the Wat where the body was cremated, independent vendors for the national lottery wandered about selling tickets to people very eager to try their luck. It is believed that gambling at a funeral will be good luck for people. I don't understand how or why, I just report what I am told and see.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKieeKX1hJIAgEnc-bFg0776E_ovOFftVEcfdasGNI0ArpOoRTwa85izrELgzC4FILXoR3T3V8Z5fGjlugxiMuoQDIuGMNa_fbBmr2f3Si9k0kMzAHTNMtI5ZHKL3llpb3vE3s77r5ZKl_/s640/DSC_1150+-+Email.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKieeKX1hJIAgEnc-bFg0776E_ovOFftVEcfdasGNI0ArpOoRTwa85izrELgzC4FILXoR3T3V8Z5fGjlugxiMuoQDIuGMNa_fbBmr2f3Si9k0kMzAHTNMtI5ZHKL3llpb3vE3s77r5ZKl_/w335-h500/DSC_1150+-+Email.jpg" width="335" /></a></div><p></p><p>The lack of emotion at funerals is apparently a reflection of Buddhist
philosophy and beliefs. I never saw any demonstration of emotion, or
grief throughout the ceremony just as I had not at the previous funerals.
The belief in reincarnation, and therefore the continuous cycle of
birth, death, and rebirth until Enlightenment is achieved removes much
of the finality that Christianity associates with death. We speak of
life everlasting and being reunited after our time is completed on Earth
but we behave much differently when someone actually does pass on. What
I did see all afternoon long during this Buddhist ritual was caring,
solemn, and respectful consideration for the departed person. </p><p>On the third day, the day of cremation, People started arriving around
9:00 A.M. After paying their respects to the deceased, they sat at
tables and commenced to eat and drink. As often happens here in Isaan
the men and women drifted off to segregated groups. The atmosphere was
of a grand social gathering as if an affirmation that life goes
on although death has taken away a person from the community. Part of
this may be attributable to the Buddhists preparing all their life for
the moment of their death and the openness of the Lao Loum death
rituals. Death is not a dark secret to be ignored and hidden from view.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVaNxIqZw58vxc_uxtWS9CnrXYxsZxkgzIyi5QcJ5ByJ4fTx0-CMAoRN9UFmtlAmYTgHg5ZlRA3IlVndD70vta7pt4T0-it5C7apk6exMDsV7bLHqHXJECpLWGA3GmGT7t7EagWYmEMAp/s640/DSC_1057-Email.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVaNxIqZw58vxc_uxtWS9CnrXYxsZxkgzIyi5QcJ5ByJ4fTx0-CMAoRN9UFmtlAmYTgHg5ZlRA3IlVndD70vta7pt4T0-it5C7apk6exMDsV7bLHqHXJECpLWGA3GmGT7t7EagWYmEMAp/w335-h500/DSC_1057-Email.jpg" width="335" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Inside the man's home, several Monks, and family
members were seated on the floor with the body inside of the
refrigerated container. Atop the rented refrigerated container, several large artificial
flower arrangements, some candles, three cloth bags filled with items for the senior Monks, some buckets of offerings to be made to other Monks, and some
plants were placed as a sort of altar. Off to the side of the container
an 11" x 17" framed photograph of the man which appeared to be taken
off of his National I D card was supported by a tripod stand. The Monks
and people inside chanted some prayers. People underneath the awnings
joined in the chanting. A deceased person earns merit by having more
Monks participating in the funeral ritual. In
Thai culture, a son shaves his head, shaves his eyebrows, dons Monk’s
clothing, and becomes a Monk for the three days between his parent’s
death and their cremation. This act earns merit for the deceased to help
them in their next life.
If parents do not have sons, grandsons and nephews take on the
responsibility and duty to the deceased. </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9JKJ4svn03p7Kxvais3LFynRnBrrSXn8uu_jw42HAkHQzNZlhMboWp0EyvitOuoY004rlmYguNzTI_W82wWu4l3kkK8KfIqnuSqcRKPc3CxBnmBgcsCgptrFtJbqeWCRJyk_Xx2phTtr/s640/DSC_1051-Email.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9JKJ4svn03p7Kxvais3LFynRnBrrSXn8uu_jw42HAkHQzNZlhMboWp0EyvitOuoY004rlmYguNzTI_W82wWu4l3kkK8KfIqnuSqcRKPc3CxBnmBgcsCgptrFtJbqeWCRJyk_Xx2phTtr/w335-h500/DSC_1051-Email.jpg" width="335" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>After the chanting and merit making ritual inside of the home was
completed a man drove a pickup truck up to the home. Other men started
taking pieces of ornate sculpted gold colored wood out of the house and
placed it in the truck. Later personal effects such as cushions, and
bags of clothing were added to this truck. Several
village men and male relatives went into the home. They rolled the
refrigerated container out of the home and respectfully placed it in the
back of the pickup truck. As the body exited the home, a string of
firecrackers were lit off to scare away any local Pii (spirits or
ghosts). </p><p>By now many people dressed mostly in dark clothing started to
form up around the truck transporting the body. The Monks appeared
and went to the front of the truck. A man produced a long white rope , sacred "Sai Sein" thread
that was attached to the coffin in the truck. The other end of the rope was held by
each Monk in the lead followed by several people that appeared to be
relatives. The remainder of the people followed escorting the truck that
transported the body. One of the village men carried an ornate pressed
metal offering bowl filled with puffed rice and sprinkled it along the
route. Many people carried offerings for the Monks. </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNjQxgEGJBVNfUBStrYR69BAfTMJ2U5Iyv2cwHHqcnU4ymOdps8FoU-q2xn2wwKgQ6KeB08QUCYiFHe1jjb_E3Ve3OwpCJZ4n7yxUohzTd9dDV6_CWyrdXSIt0Y9H_LcxENVC3fOlEMbx/s640/DSC_1086+-+Email.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNjQxgEGJBVNfUBStrYR69BAfTMJ2U5Iyv2cwHHqcnU4ymOdps8FoU-q2xn2wwKgQ6KeB08QUCYiFHe1jjb_E3Ve3OwpCJZ4n7yxUohzTd9dDV6_CWyrdXSIt0Y9H_LcxENVC3fOlEMbx/w500-h335/DSC_1086+-+Email.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The procession slowly marched to the Wat inside of Nong Daeng Village with
the silence of procession occasionally interrupted by firing noisy
whirling fireworks high into the sky. To get to the Wat the procession
had to cross and walk along the main farm road. A couple of times,
tandem trucks were forced to
share the road with the procession. As the procession entered into the
Wat grounds a large firecracker was set off hopefully to scare the
spirits. <br /></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-R0lGkWEYoT4Mx4zyWDd_oi62-xyIH0Yt8fz1bENnPIo9-2terb7o8lQLICS7rQaAmLxrMvNUVwrA58xffRwWhk0gfkmA3kWyGR4Uz-SdXfHKL7bkGhXk72Gji_QKMK0fpINrpzGODuk/s640/DSC_1100+-+Email.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-R0lGkWEYoT4Mx4zyWDd_oi62-xyIH0Yt8fz1bENnPIo9-2terb7o8lQLICS7rQaAmLxrMvNUVwrA58xffRwWhk0gfkmA3kWyGR4Uz-SdXfHKL7bkGhXk72Gji_QKMK0fpINrpzGODuk/w500-h335/DSC_1100+-+Email.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The funeral procession circled the
Wat's crematorium three times. Most of the people upon completing the
circumambulation of the crematorium entered the simple pavilion, bot, next to
the crematorium and sat upon sahts (colorful woven reed mats) placed on
the tiled floor. Other people sat outside in the rows of plastic chairs
that had been set up outside of the bot. Some of the village men removed
the refrigerated coffin from the truck and carefully placed it on the
concrete slab in front of the crematorium. It was opened and the simple
white coffin was removed and carried up the stairs to the doors of the
furnace. The coffin was placed upon two metal sawhorses. Some other men
then unloaded the man’s personal possessions and placed them alongside
of the crematorium on the ground to be burned separately. </p><p>People then went into the simple temple where offerings were made to the seated Monks. Like the number three, nine is a very good
number in Buddhist beliefs. Nine Monks is considered to be a good number
for occasions such as weddings, house blessings, and funerals. During
the offering ceremony, young girls passed out small containers of
chilled soft drinks and water. </p><p>The offering ceremony appeared to be like
so many of the other ceremonies that I have attended for all kinds of
different reasons.
In observing the ritual, I did not see anyone that I would consider to
be a "professional" in these matters. There were no funeral director or
mortuary representatives. Once in awhile the local Monk provided a
little direction to the local men but for all intentions it appeared
that the lay people were handling the rites. I asked Duang about this
and found out that it was the villagers and family that handle the
funeral activities with guidance from the Monks. </p><p>There is no "big
company" involved in funerals. The family washes and prepares the body.
Villagers, friends, and neighbors pay their respects by handling other
activities. Once again I have witnessed a strong sense of community in
Isaan.
I am now well known about the village, family and surrounding area so I
was encouraged by many people to go about and photograph the ceremony. </p><p>The ritual at the bot, involved chanting by the Monks and the mourners. A Layman, who was a former Monk and experienced in spiritual as well as ritual matters lead the mourners. The conclusion of this part of the ritual involved family members making offerings of cash and daily goods to the attending Monks.</p><p>A man then started a narrative about the deceased man and his life. He concluded by individually calling out the names of attending dignitaries. The dignitaries are government officials and members of the Police forces. When their name is called the walk up and accept offerings of Monk's robes. After accepting the robes, they walk up the stairs to the closed coffin, pay their respects, and place the robe on top of the coffin. They respectfully stand on the other side of the coffin and await the arrival of a Senior Monk to make the offering of the robe to him.</p><p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamku5dSFCv5WksTOncCSAjK0jIUAWDPUv2Fkzk3lLvVMPcIN6DZ9XmmeS1qmsmWOizCeqfEzLwevejW0xOFWRoYX_gk1uUzddhuvCmdbbolSsVfxb5MAkQkajadXctrgCvEST1nZemqTO/s640/DSC_1168+-+Email.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamku5dSFCv5WksTOncCSAjK0jIUAWDPUv2Fkzk3lLvVMPcIN6DZ9XmmeS1qmsmWOizCeqfEzLwevejW0xOFWRoYX_gk1uUzddhuvCmdbbolSsVfxb5MAkQkajadXctrgCvEST1nZemqTO/w419-h625/DSC_1168+-+Email.jpg" width="419" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>After the offering of robes, the man calls out the names of family. Each person goes to the base of the crematorium to accept an offering of a towel or cloth meant to be offered to the Monks. After accepting the offering, the family member climbs the stairs to the coffin, pays their respects, places the offering on top the coffin, and returns to their seat. Once all the towels have been placed on top of the coffin, the Monks go up to the coffin and accept the offerings.<br /></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShHz6xyHoYf9tzWnOpTVfnDazxxPyYQlr1SPZcarzYBdLF80oKvft6HVXiAMkVJTzyysny8QGQT-x-uDoZDHThAgyMRJwvmwBalO2UzyZr30SnHqptlW14UeH-sMw6c6VMdaNfVI4ia8_/s640/DSC_1194+-+Email.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShHz6xyHoYf9tzWnOpTVfnDazxxPyYQlr1SPZcarzYBdLF80oKvft6HVXiAMkVJTzyysny8QGQT-x-uDoZDHThAgyMRJwvmwBalO2UzyZr30SnHqptlW14UeH-sMw6c6VMdaNfVI4ia8_/w335-h500/DSC_1194+-+Email.jpg" width="335" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>A man then read the names, and home villages of extended family members and selected mourners. As their name was read, they stood up,
walked over to the stairs of the crematorium, received a plain white envelope, climbed the stairs to the coffin and placed it on a metal tray atop the coffin. The money will later be offered it
to the Monks. In
making the offering, the family members earned merit for the deceased as
well as for themselves – thanks to the generosity of the deceased’s
immediate family. </p><p>After the envelopes of cash had been collected and returned to the family at the bot, the
remainder of the people including many children of all ages lined up at the foot of the stairs. At
the base of the stairway there were two large bowls with little packets
made out of bamboo strips and paper. people climbed the
stairs of the crematorium to place good luck tokens, "Daht Mi Jon" on
trays positioned on top of the closed coffin. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkQ3zoxxFA9mU-nFLZT-HN3-Jj1nH-KrrNCYOEJkmXFRr4zHQG6DxficED16AyaV6du0FAYOOwHtFe0Yfi-_1aCWA6Je0GBcmQUNA7WZRCKJG05UtWNuJszUxRcDnnEHrjLE-VfsfE6x3/s640/DSC_1271+-+Email.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkQ3zoxxFA9mU-nFLZT-HN3-Jj1nH-KrrNCYOEJkmXFRr4zHQG6DxficED16AyaV6du0FAYOOwHtFe0Yfi-_1aCWA6Je0GBcmQUNA7WZRCKJG05UtWNuJszUxRcDnnEHrjLE-VfsfE6x3/w419-h625/DSC_1271+-+Email.jpg" width="419" /></a></p><p>After the offering ritual of Daht Mi Jon was completed,
some men removed the lid on the coffin for the next part of the ritual. The Daht Mi Jon were placed inside of the coffin to be consumed by the flames.<br /></p><p>A
nephew had prepared several green coconuts using a long knife to cut
off the tops to open up a small hole to exact the clear liquid inside.
The other end of the coconut had been cut square so that the coconuts be
stable when placed on the concrete slab next to the coffin. <br /></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Rq-dcmjitLhSm13aXT2DKVrNki1RVS-070vzi8unzmBegdwhnhxEXL_Cg7ITXu8bbSiCdR7go8ATNnDEuxMqkagE5wAsll_V7_rBjPujPQSLVgtxMP092F7N40ufDp9ShTA6qZ0f6xi1/s1000/DSC_1296-Email.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Rq-dcmjitLhSm13aXT2DKVrNki1RVS-070vzi8unzmBegdwhnhxEXL_Cg7ITXu8bbSiCdR7go8ATNnDEuxMqkagE5wAsll_V7_rBjPujPQSLVgtxMP092F7N40ufDp9ShTA6qZ0f6xi1/w419-h625/DSC_1296-Email.jpg" width="419" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>All the Monks then climbed the stairs to the coffin for opening of the coffin. Men with sickles cut the strings that had secured a shroud around the body, as well as the strings that had trussed up the body prior to rigeur mortis setting in. The eldest son leaned over the coffin and, using his teeth, removed the handkerchief covering his father's face. The. Monks then commenced pouring coconut water on the corpse and said their final farewells.</p><p>By
now the family had appeared and climbed up the steps of the crematorium
to where the coffin rested. They started taking the coconuts and
emptying the contents on the corpse.
Duang has told me that everyone in Isaan has their face "washed" with
coconut liquid because everyone likes green coconut water and it cleans
the face. The purpose of the offerings is to nourish the spirit and
cleanse as well as cool the spirit for its upcoming journey. </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimz-njnqV9tNkm2QGkCyarn5Jm5eNHQ_WBtvVhLrFc087ODbR75JzjPLNHdi2rLaOwRJDOWs8Pp8ZPMtHx4zyio2jZSzznE5LmmpozvpjNEcdMOuMDMlfVpIVgcW9wH6FkQn93ymLE68SN/s1000/DSC_1321-Email.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimz-njnqV9tNkm2QGkCyarn5Jm5eNHQ_WBtvVhLrFc087ODbR75JzjPLNHdi2rLaOwRJDOWs8Pp8ZPMtHx4zyio2jZSzznE5LmmpozvpjNEcdMOuMDMlfVpIVgcW9wH6FkQn93ymLE68SN/w419-h625/DSC_1321-Email.jpg" width="419" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p>Children witness and participate along with the community in the death
rituals of family, friends, and neighbors. Death is as much a life
milestone for the Lao Loum community as birth, Monk ordination, and
marriage. To a certain extent, while the ritual is solemn, respectful;
it was also a sort of celebration in the sense it recognized that life
is suffering and that the deceased person's suffering in this life had
ceased.<br />
<br />
The daht mi jon were collected and placed on the corpse inside of the
coffin. A cane knife was used to punch drainage/ventilation holes
inside of the coffin. The holes allowed the coconut water to drain out
and to assist in the combustion when the coffin was placed in the oven.<br />
</p><p></p><p></p><p>The corpse was temporarily turned on its side so that coconut shells could be placed at the bottom of the coffin. The body was then turned back on its back supported by the coconut shells.<br />
<br />
The coffin was then lifted off of the metal saw horses and placed upon a
bed of charcoal atop a metal wheeled carriage. The sides of the coffin
were doused with about two liters of hydrocarbon fluid - it was not
diesel, it smelled very strong but I suspect that it was not gasoline.
It might have been naphtha since when it was ignited it was not as
explosive as gasoline. The carriage was rolled into the oven, the doors
were closed and secured. A Monk took a burning decoration and placed
it inside of an ignition port on the oven door to start the cremation
fire.<br /></p><p>
As the fire started, a string of very firecrackers went off. The
fireworks were set off to scare away any bad spirits that were in the
area as the woman's spirit was released by the fire. I doubt any
spirits would hang around after such fusillade.<br />
<br />
As the fireworks were going off, a couple of the relatives started
throwing handfuls of candy, coins, and other mementos from the
crematorium steps to the awaiting children and adults below. This act
represents the renunciation of material goods by the deceased persons
spirit as it commences it journey.</p><p><br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cybxirnWBuec0DzwWkDBXAhS-s6sneVKKWDyN6nkR7W988KonAI69NeeEOeoORT2iTHwlqSCIMSx0vaUzb0UHDrpVkHkjcZTDe8SRQ898JPUaZ3qu-0PvVpkBpl7F_gQfsioyHTCKpuK/s640/DSC_1345+-+Email.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cybxirnWBuec0DzwWkDBXAhS-s6sneVKKWDyN6nkR7W988KonAI69NeeEOeoORT2iTHwlqSCIMSx0vaUzb0UHDrpVkHkjcZTDe8SRQ898JPUaZ3qu-0PvVpkBpl7F_gQfsioyHTCKpuK/w335-h500/DSC_1345+-+Email.jpg" width="335" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><br />The Lao Loum funeral rituals
demonstrate the strong sense of family and community that helps to bind the
people together. The social fabric of Lao Loum culture is colorful and
tightly woven.
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The entire service had lasted four hours.
This ritual was simple, touching, and very dignified. I was once again
very impressed with the sense of caring, sense of community and respect
exhibited by all the people. It was interesting as well as reassuring to
see how the people took care of each other with dignity and compassion. <br /></div>
<br /><br /><br /><br />Allen A Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17334569605267708874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727823098676088535.post-79754785623263099732020-09-13T11:27:00.000+07:002020-09-13T20:33:03.096+07:00Isaan Funeral - 24 October 2009 (2552)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlwFaRaCBLB-b4At8JJg8zgKcFNguWNzalfKO-eFY0ZMysE_yJN4Zg23lIIoe2ya6KRF2NRT5m_PNfHGeir3HErtOM-y88QBNxwml4ry6vdeHK1eVyC9LbrM9lq65kjGhJBLunyCjSQc/s1600-h/DSC_5198-copyright.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396408141732368834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlwFaRaCBLB-b4At8JJg8zgKcFNguWNzalfKO-eFY0ZMysE_yJN4Zg23lIIoe2ya6KRF2NRT5m_PNfHGeir3HErtOM-y88QBNxwml4ry6vdeHK1eVyC9LbrM9lq65kjGhJBLunyCjSQc/s400/DSC_5198-copyright.jpg" style="display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>
Saturday, 24 October, we went to see Duang's younger brother perform in a small village north of here towards the Lao border. He is an entertainer and puts on Mahlam Lao shows in the area. He is carrying on the family tradition from his father who used to perform shows and later taught many of the current local performers.
Mahlam Lao shows are performed to celebrate many events an occasions. We have attended shows that celebrated engagements, weddings, New Years, fund raisers for Wats, the start of the Rainy Season, the end of the Rainy Season, handicraft fairs, Monk Ordinations, "Thank You" from local politician, one year anniversary of a wife's death, - just about any and all reasons, justifications, or excuses to get together and have a party. Yesterday's event was a new reason for us - a funeral.
A village man had died three days ago. He was cremated at the local Wat earlier in the morning before our arrival at 10:00 A. M. Breaking from tradition, his family was having a party to celebrate his death rather than waiting a year. Many Lao Loum people wait for the first anniversary of the decease's death to have the party. This wait gives them time to earn and save money to pay for the celebration. The man's children had the money readily available so the celebration was held on the same day as his cremation.
The stage for the show was set up on a vacant lot across the street from the man's home. Three large awnings were set up in the man's yard and two awnings set up in the next door neighbor's yard. I suspect that the neighbor was also a relative as is pretty much the case throughout Isaan - families live close to each other. The village street between the two houses and stage was filled with vendors selling ice cream, soft drinks, and cooked foods. Further down the street and off to the side there was a "Jolly Jumper" type amusement for the children to enjoy.
The show started off pretty much as typical - some rocking music and go-go girls dancing. After about 5 songs, the show entered into what I call the traditional phase. During the "traditional phase" of the shows, the music is old time Lao. The rhythm is supplied by a wind bamboo mouth organ called a "khene". The khene makes a sound similar to harmonica and accordion and in my opinion - a little bit of bag pipe thrown into the mix. There is not much a melody to the songs but a definite hypnotic beat and rhythm from the khen. A singer accompanies the khene and sings traditional Lao music - folk music. the music is sung in a long drawn out style with many single words song out across a wide range of tones somewhat like yodeling. The music is definitely not for everyone's tastes. I enjoy its primitive tribal nature as well as its sense of linking to the past.
The songs appear to fall into two basic categories - laments of a dispossessed people living far from their family, a lost kingdom and culture, or lost love, the struggles of day to day living off of a poor land; the second category is free verse between a male and female singer with sexual intonations.
Today, apparently due to the reason for the celebration, there was not any free verse bet wen a male and female singer. The traditional music was limited to the laments sung by the female singer of the show. During one of the sadder songs, the youngest daughter of the deceased man, danced in her grief with a framed photograph of her father.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXAHDgYZWKrrGWMjj9UGtL3rFBrk6YYO2sGbszO8ZjThQ-oLMHIrpnl_6Z1GHvZ4MdIjY2Sj1QjpKgvPeulgt4XLvR1BkGeqEjtDWOecZTghFCHn8Mog5PQL_XxYf9tMiGjnbqL1S9Jo/s1600-h/DSC_4997-copyright.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396406975393130786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXAHDgYZWKrrGWMjj9UGtL3rFBrk6YYO2sGbszO8ZjThQ-oLMHIrpnl_6Z1GHvZ4MdIjY2Sj1QjpKgvPeulgt4XLvR1BkGeqEjtDWOecZTghFCHn8Mog5PQL_XxYf9tMiGjnbqL1S9Jo/s400/DSC_4997-copyright.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>
She had come back to Isaan from Bangkok where she works. This is very often the case in Isaan. To earn a living and to help support their family, young men and women leave Isaan to perform menial labor, heavy labor or to service the adult entertainment industry in the big cities outside of Isaan. This daughter had not seen her father everyday and had not taken care of him all the time so in her grief there was most likely some remorse as well as guilt. In Isaan, the youngest daughter is expected to care for her parents. In return for this burden and obligation, it is the youngest daughter who inherits the parent's property when they die. There are strong social pressures for the youngest daughter to "take care of her parents".
The deceased man loved to dance and particularly liked the song that his daughter was dancing to. The song was requested and dedicated to his memory so that she could make a personal goodbye. The song was about dying and all the people being sad at death but wishing him well so that he could rise and care for the people who had died before him. As the youngest daughter danced some relatives came up to join her for a while. They were giving her emotional support and telling her not to be sad because all people die. In Buddhism, death is seen as much as a beginning as an end. With the end of this life, there is the opportunity to start of a new life - hopefully a better life. It is the optimism of a possible better new life that the people celebrate and focus on. She was the only person that I observed to be noticeably grieving.
After the traditional phase ended, the show was like any other mahlam lao or mahlam lao sing performance - rocking music, go-go dancing, heavy drinking, and people dancing up a storm. Everyone was enjoying themselves immensely. People of all ages participated in the event. It was a family event.
After awhile, I ended up at the dead man's home. Underneath one of the erected awnings, men were assembling "basahts". Basahts are like spirit houses. These were made out of bamboo and banana stalks. Men had taken large banana stalks and peeled them to create strips of material that could be cut into decorative and ornate pieces to adorn the houses that are made out of woven fresh bamboo strips.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTztFZ8xiUe3mMK31P0WXC6ikgeJ5HJtVNkWonwl5HG9VOthVS8weZUBUtZqlHuI4J3ex3P_t91dZOk7cBDeZDecCrrh9iUEFK39Ky9cBaowNvHPwgfmOONMDdKBXmv1ow6e4L0jYYqog/s1600-h/DSC_5168-copyright.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396410879432462946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTztFZ8xiUe3mMK31P0WXC6ikgeJ5HJtVNkWonwl5HG9VOthVS8weZUBUtZqlHuI4J3ex3P_t91dZOk7cBDeZDecCrrh9iUEFK39Ky9cBaowNvHPwgfmOONMDdKBXmv1ow6e4L0jYYqog/s400/DSC_5168-copyright.jpg" style="display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>
There were two of these "houses". One was for the dead man and the other was for his wife who had died prior to him. Inside of each of the basahts, sticky rice and other food items were placed for "Phii" (spirits, ghosts). On the table alongside of the bashats were offerings to the Monks such as sahts, tea kettles, candles, soap, matches, and pillows. Offering these to the Monks along with money would earn merit for the deceased people to help them on their journey to the next life. Merit will also be earned by the people who contribute to the offerings. Later in the afternoon the basahts as well as offerings were carried on the men's shoulders in a procession to the Wat. The procession was typical for Isaan - loud music, dancing, and drinking whiskey or beer. It was a celebration like any other more traditional recognized in the West as for happier events.
The basahts will remain at the Wat outside of the buildings for about a month. The offers will facilitate the acceptance of the departed into the spirit world. After the basahts have decayed to some point, the Monks will take care of disposing of them.
It may appear intrusive for a stranger who is the only foreigner at this type of event, who is a Christian and not a Buddhist let alone an Animist, to be walking around taking photographs. It may appear to us that way but not to the Lao Loum people. The man's family took me by the elbow and brought me closer to take photographs of anything that I wanted to. They were concerned about me having something to eat. People kept offering me beer and whiskey. I did not feel like a stranger or any bit uncomfortable for long. They readily and willingly answered all questions that I had - of course Duang had to do a great deal of translating! I am constantly amazed and surprised at the openness and friendliness of the Lao Loum people.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYPXOfILQ4dMDRS1aREemiuIfcZ1Dl86syD_O3iG5ru9MtF3SZ6XMVsbq8Cnd1RAlYKgrfjXMOR4i78t3jCqKbbmgIHsOZAOHdiiWMxSJm96m8icpJajcIPsuqOOYvMHmzGitCOjR4QU/s1600-h/DSC_5289-copyright.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396417833682862146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYPXOfILQ4dMDRS1aREemiuIfcZ1Dl86syD_O3iG5ru9MtF3SZ6XMVsbq8Cnd1RAlYKgrfjXMOR4i78t3jCqKbbmgIHsOZAOHdiiWMxSJm96m8icpJajcIPsuqOOYvMHmzGitCOjR4QU/s400/DSC_5289-copyright.jpg" style="display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>
Towards the end of the afternoon, there was another religious ritual. The deceased man's family went up on stage and kneeled down facing the people. Two large photographs of the man and his wife were held so that the people could see. A large metal tray of food and drink as well as candles and some plant offerings were also on the tray. These were to help the man on his journey up. The relatives were praying as the female singer and khene player performed a traditional Lao funeral song. Once in a while, some of the people in the audience went up to the stage to offer condolences and money. It was a very touching and fitting tribute.
My brother-in-law then performed a requested song dedicated to the deceased man.
After what we thought was going to be a typical show but turned out to be another insight into the rich tapestry of Lao Loum culture and life, we returned home. Today as I finish this blog, I will go out and wash the new truck. After driving out to Tahsang Village the other day, the truck needs cleaning however according to Duang, the truck could not be cleaned for three days after it was blessed. I can't complain - it wasn't like when we moved into our house and had to wait for it to be blessed before we could ...Allen A Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17334569605267708874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727823098676088535.post-16334469137886848332020-03-29T13:55:00.001+07:002020-03-29T13:55:28.017+07:00I've seen ...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyLFHTIRWVJC65y1Bi3lYz_QE7ImVAgq6O4Jpx5RbA1_18OE63e9YKT_csdUFrB4YFz6i6xJsbj-vcq0YJdHMB84fZ9LOM5fiF-nK2qvhfqdc-2yNjLRmSOvTXfwEgYkyH_oReKphpuaL/s1600/DSC_2130-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyLFHTIRWVJC65y1Bi3lYz_QE7ImVAgq6O4Jpx5RbA1_18OE63e9YKT_csdUFrB4YFz6i6xJsbj-vcq0YJdHMB84fZ9LOM5fiF-nK2qvhfqdc-2yNjLRmSOvTXfwEgYkyH_oReKphpuaL/s400/DSC_2130-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A big hit in 1970 was "Fire and Rain" by James Taylor. It seemed just about anytime of the day or night it's lyrics could be heard in and around the University of Rhode Island - as well as many other locations around the world I am certain.<br />
<br />
<span><span>"I've seen fire and I've seen rain</span><br /><span>I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end</span><br /><span>I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend ... "</span></span><br />
<span><span><br /></span></span>
<span><span>In my life, I too have seen fire and I have also seen rain.</span></span><br />
<span><span><br /></span></span>
<span><span>I have seen sunny days that I thought would never end - literally and figuratively.</span></span><br />
<span><span><br /></span></span>
<span><span>I have seen lonely times when I could not find a friend.</span></span><br />
<span><span><br /></span></span>
<span><span>Although James Taylor did not mention it in his song, I have also seen many wasted days with people who I thought were my friends.</span></span><br />
<span><span><br /></span></span>
<span><span>Those were all learning experiences and became the foundation upon which my life has been built.</span></span><br />
<span><span><br /></span></span>
<span><span>Since I was 9 years old, I have been photographing my world. I started with an 8 or 10 shot Kodak box camera with a fixed lens.</span></span><br />
<span><span><br /></span></span>
<span><span>As technology evolved, so did my cameras change. My first 35mm camera was a Kowa 35mm circa 1968 which I still have.</span></span><br />
<span><span><br /></span></span>
<span><span>I have always had a wanderlust and using a camera has allowed me to share the sights and scenes that I have encountered along the way.</span></span><br />
<span><span><br /></span></span>
<span><span>Today with the wonders of digital photography and the Internet, I am able to share so much and so much easily with so many people - throughout the world.</span></span><br />
<span><span><br /></span></span>
<span><span>As I have matured, my photography has also matured. Prior to 1987, I estimate that 90% of my photographs were of landscapes and animals. Since then, my photographs are more like 90% of people and 10% of landscapes.</span></span><br />
<span><span><br /></span></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeisZ8MGEeGJknBOJ2kAHtJT3JHqTjXr4g6CzNOEe1YHa4JDQjwwlwvJSaQMnW0gMFfVqB3bFH4AmcKpiOoeug2L5A8mDnHgUA2uSkTsb2jcYSlD1UTZxiJsbELteTekPhOe6wsTVu94X/s1600/_DSC4102+Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeisZ8MGEeGJknBOJ2kAHtJT3JHqTjXr4g6CzNOEe1YHa4JDQjwwlwvJSaQMnW0gMFfVqB3bFH4AmcKpiOoeug2L5A8mDnHgUA2uSkTsb2jcYSlD1UTZxiJsbELteTekPhOe6wsTVu94X/s400/_DSC4102+Edit+Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hamar Maiden in Ethiopia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span><span><br /></span></span>
<span><span><br /></span></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span><span>My goal and ambition in photography</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> are to show extraordinary people doing ordinary things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In so doing, I wish to show how different
people can appear, to provide a glimpse of other cultures, to celebrate the
diversity of mankind, and to demonstrate that despite our appearances we are so
much alike.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9Tpgak-XAc3p1g0OnjDnHLSIafxD9zYrfK11aDdCoIpo5bgC7cWtqY7idEPrkg9J5QJQbcIboppuHEi1DvJyFsGWwtSzIHs9_L3OjP_HQnBc7mddv6bmYZUF6h4rBVTCRA1sT1RceGcE/s1600/_DSC3123-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9Tpgak-XAc3p1g0OnjDnHLSIafxD9zYrfK11aDdCoIpo5bgC7cWtqY7idEPrkg9J5QJQbcIboppuHEi1DvJyFsGWwtSzIHs9_L3OjP_HQnBc7mddv6bmYZUF6h4rBVTCRA1sT1RceGcE/s400/_DSC3123-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suri Women Smoking in Ethiopia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<span><span></span></span><span><span></span></span><span><span></span></span><span><span></span></span><span><span>
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I consider
my work to be documentary style photography in that my goal is to capture a
real and true moment at a specific point in time; sort of like “If you had been
there then, this is what you should have seen”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As such there is very little posing, imposed direction or post
processing manipulation in my work. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtX0d_P3h5R3IkAYek3eH12RfZOXIsYcUF1FUBnCeb2glgAkpASnN7XfyJBPcdlfEATRFJEx7wLwUSScFrP5hCo6ZRrYxkcs3rK8aeVQ9znAMuKhtEW0Ct_a7VGmyn-PN0dOmeWc7MXn3K/s1600/DSC_8666-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtX0d_P3h5R3IkAYek3eH12RfZOXIsYcUF1FUBnCeb2glgAkpASnN7XfyJBPcdlfEATRFJEx7wLwUSScFrP5hCo6ZRrYxkcs3rK8aeVQ9znAMuKhtEW0Ct_a7VGmyn-PN0dOmeWc7MXn3K/s400/DSC_8666-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bhutanese Monk Preparing for Cham Performance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Although my genre can be considered
documentary photography, which some people believe can only be done in black
and white, I prefer to work in color for no other reason than the fact, for me,
color more accurately and more completely captures the scene.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJHB5nxoPP9xnLov8sGOrUJ7D8X5ZkqyOPUHURo8v43qXHMqcRDWoTUJzad2000YSf5ripvVzM3Vmus7Uh43rypsSJeUUKIRSb2w62nhvaRnoGQeoqQxq1SPM0ta-48dBfpVVUOx2j621/s1600/DSC_9602+-+edited+-+email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJHB5nxoPP9xnLov8sGOrUJ7D8X5ZkqyOPUHURo8v43qXHMqcRDWoTUJzad2000YSf5ripvVzM3Vmus7Uh43rypsSJeUUKIRSb2w62nhvaRnoGQeoqQxq1SPM0ta-48dBfpVVUOx2j621/s400/DSC_9602+-+edited+-+email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cham Performance in Central Bhutan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> My journeys now are to find, witness and photograph those unique cultures, people and rituals which define the limits of the human experience. Mankind is immensely diverse and with countless perspectives. I have the opportunity and resources available to seek them out. I enjoy sharing these findings with other people.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtBKnQnt7P68nAW2uhVHf4TCjnEvkx34uBYqSYZyoNyu305U0xi8oLgk9sbwdQBqj-mZuh3Mc6pNCVhG8A6HKmb00glHgviUNOJyuDEWSZ3HuHkiKVRFxKKeQzma14SQkmbuMjbnnQw1l/s1600/DSC_c0008-email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtBKnQnt7P68nAW2uhVHf4TCjnEvkx34uBYqSYZyoNyu305U0xi8oLgk9sbwdQBqj-mZuh3Mc6pNCVhG8A6HKmb00glHgviUNOJyuDEWSZ3HuHkiKVRFxKKeQzma14SQkmbuMjbnnQw1l/s400/DSC_c0008-email.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Devotee Participating in Vegetarian Festival, Phuket, Thailand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Many of the opportunities that I have to photograph people and to begin to learn of their culture as well as way of life are at festivals and special events.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Life events such as weddings, funerals, initiations, ordinations define a person's life and typically showcase a culture. These are events that a people revere and are typically proud of.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CXaacqFC3ZLaAF4YDRhFeldon5XbcT3BZyR_jx0q2YtsDEPuyh9HFV1Ruf_FccyWLXs63N6Nd5OYEGYqW5WkCIaXpV2o9XI0ICFuTBsPMQEA3A0ZVMrqVS9nSZl2DrUe3ySeMlR7Rdr8/s1600/DSC_0261-email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CXaacqFC3ZLaAF4YDRhFeldon5XbcT3BZyR_jx0q2YtsDEPuyh9HFV1Ruf_FccyWLXs63N6Nd5OYEGYqW5WkCIaXpV2o9XI0ICFuTBsPMQEA3A0ZVMrqVS9nSZl2DrUe3ySeMlR7Rdr8/s400/DSC_0261-email.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hmong Girl at New Years Festival in Laos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> In my quest to </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">show extraordinary people doing ordinary things, I have to the opportunity to learn some and to start to understand a little of people's religions. I have discussed and witnessed Animist, Brahman, Hindu, Islam and the various traditions of Buddhism with practitioners, devotees, and clergy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I avoid discussing politics for it seems to be more an emotional issue than one's faith. Most people are very willing to talk to you about their religion. If you know a little about their religion to begin with and show respect, it is a great ice breaker in getting to know people. Showing respect is not the same as agreeing with what is being shared with you. Showing respect is accepting what you are being told as what the people believe and how it guides their daily life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="665" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjEhR_NHw9rC42m-Sw6nFLALqlJyW0Nb32yVSLSMWOOCH0tM-90OMyJjjo8DQbwy0He19jN6iXt4yT6NIwQSBoe6qR4zKg5LTrzvq_kiX0E0e1oXcge6KMVFOzoN3LuA6fX5sz-yKcD_Y/s400/DSC_4751-email.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="265" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monks in NE Thailand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Most of the events and opportunities that I have seen have been happy, joyous or, at worst, solemn occasions in the lives of the people. In Thailand several of the occasions have been funerals. The funerals are much different from the funerals that I had attended in the USA. Several of my blog entries are about the funerals and funeral ritual of Theravada Buddhists here in Isaan.<br /><span><span></span></span><span><span></span></span><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="786" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnefNw9uROYQJczL2tQrcQHHswsavvR5_zG8l9R-mmzhlfxvx1rm-hdryxmTqGcoGxz16C2tZkjROLXcUc9cF9PUYek3foitk_2jwBWuDkERqUMl7nWnLC9to-CW52qqt_0k5axD3yFJb/s400/DSC_3536-email.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="313" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Mourner in NE Thailand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</span></span><span><span></span></span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span><span>My main concerns in photographing the people is that the
photographs be truthful in the depiction of the people, their cultural
and most importantly - be respectful.</span></span><br /><span><span></span></span></div>
<br /><span><span></span></span><br /><span><span></span></span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICj6J4upLrsXtmdTfTK12sDksRmfxcb-HpnloUngy0RKpe0KUsaSS9U8X8tFDKifToilIcS6OC7vrVIP-oRNN02AcHQw9J89iex1hfpJIj38oJF57XFtvj3r-FiJrtGbq8vmQunwpTiar/s1600/DSC_0015-email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICj6J4upLrsXtmdTfTK12sDksRmfxcb-HpnloUngy0RKpe0KUsaSS9U8X8tFDKifToilIcS6OC7vrVIP-oRNN02AcHQw9J89iex1hfpJIj38oJF57XFtvj3r-FiJrtGbq8vmQunwpTiar/s400/DSC_0015-email.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shan Boy Being Prepared to Become Buddhist Monk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</span></span><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</span></span><br /><span><span>"I've seen fire and I've seen rain</span><br /><span>I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end</span><br /><span>I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend ... "</span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span>However, I have seen things that I could not photograph.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span>I could take a photograph that was staring at me in the face - a photograph that was reality.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span>But I could not take the photograph that I felt was exploitative and defined the limits of what I can control. </span></span><br />
<span><span><br /></span></span>
<span><span>It was last October on the Sahel in Chad, Africa. I was attending the Gerewol Festival - the annual gathering of the nomadic Wodaabe people.</span></span><br />
<span><span><br /></span></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUBdhE_nvWAvEiXJM4J5Oou5ImZLQQpA10pn1lduVGpkQS-ILCnviIawOxdlclVIwcGcPrfWlPZljI0EVDPNJzOSu5_PdUVYZEUrq7bIMymKvqPZEo4N7zniaXz0-Ys-tn4p_s7muAivQ/s1600/_DSC1503-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUBdhE_nvWAvEiXJM4J5Oou5ImZLQQpA10pn1lduVGpkQS-ILCnviIawOxdlclVIwcGcPrfWlPZljI0EVDPNJzOSu5_PdUVYZEUrq7bIMymKvqPZEo4N7zniaXz0-Ys-tn4p_s7muAivQ/s400/_DSC1503-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wodaabe Men at Gerewol Festival, Chad</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span><span><br /></span></span>
<span><span></span></span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBl755-pDvORZFeVlKqk4W1TEqrS3VhJ_SnTs05DYZVABxuVWuWzHP0KYr6BuZ4U_EWhd3MAqRXzP9WK_ghkcCzhBoRM5ucqDm9pmAluJ_McRgpBxGzGMj_lCuW0WZAbWzplgebWO3tQ1n/s1600/_DSC2451-Edit2+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBl755-pDvORZFeVlKqk4W1TEqrS3VhJ_SnTs05DYZVABxuVWuWzHP0KYr6BuZ4U_EWhd3MAqRXzP9WK_ghkcCzhBoRM5ucqDm9pmAluJ_McRgpBxGzGMj_lCuW0WZAbWzplgebWO3tQ1n/s400/_DSC2451-Edit2+Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wodaabe Young Woman Singing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> It was around lunchtime when a few of us wandered back to our campsite and sat in the dining tent charging our batteries - literally and figuratively. Occasionally tribes people would wander by close to our tent on their way to and from their campsites. This was an opportunity for them to observe some foreigners up close and in their natural surroundings - tables, chairs, electric fan, generator, bug netting ... When traveling it is very important to know, understand, and accept that we are just a subject of curiosity as the people that we travel to see.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A small group of young women and children came by and stopped to take a closer look at us. We left the tent and approached them. It was all pleasant and light until I saw a young mother and her baby. The mother appeared to be around 15 or 16 years old. The only reason that I knew that she was a mother was the fact that was carrying a newly born baby tenderly and affectionately. The mother showed no signs that her milk had come in. The baby was very malnourished. Its ribs showed through its thin translucent skin and its eyes were sunken into the skull orbs with an empty glassy stare about them. This baby was in crisis and suffering. It was too weak to even cry. It was obvious that this baby was starving to death.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Healthy Wodaabe babies are fed a water sorghum mixture from an open cup. This new born was not able to eat that and needed more nutrition than that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ99aZWnUOdyCOGmkJ_z3vnq3aoFUoqVM4eJ1JstIKbobcpI9pc3NgbQo_OfbUgs5XOPWtaBNXNklzKqGPjbPUPffwWVthMtYgRaP-UaonPAzNwvZH6yZfl94vwodELFPq7SR8xrmWkihr/s1600/_DSC1929-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ99aZWnUOdyCOGmkJ_z3vnq3aoFUoqVM4eJ1JstIKbobcpI9pc3NgbQo_OfbUgs5XOPWtaBNXNklzKqGPjbPUPffwWVthMtYgRaP-UaonPAzNwvZH6yZfl94vwodELFPq7SR8xrmWkihr/s400/_DSC1929-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wodaabe Mother Feeds One of her Young Twins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> This put an entirely somber air about the encounter. I realized that there was nothing that I could do to save or help this child. My friend, a doctor, could not do anything to save or help this child. This is the life that many people suffer through in this world - short and suffering through no fault of their own.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This poor child would be dead, most likely, by the end of that day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There was nothing that we could do but to be respectful, take no photographs, and make a controlled return to our dining tent - more somber and aware of the fragility of life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is a moment like that which puts our life into a completely different perspective. Our powers to do good are limited. We can not always get what we want. We are often not in control. Life is ...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1wzq6dfsMLoSU0OLLMzmY57v6SnmmCdj-SEg1fA_mNp44O258Uus5FrWvQhY06uIwRCnbYa9rJ0RncahnHQSKVG8k_4sYnz8T74dBUZOAPVBsWAcv5sbaEvXmnYw0iDBh73F4tn57_ra/s1600/DSC_3087-Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1wzq6dfsMLoSU0OLLMzmY57v6SnmmCdj-SEg1fA_mNp44O258Uus5FrWvQhY06uIwRCnbYa9rJ0RncahnHQSKVG8k_4sYnz8T74dBUZOAPVBsWAcv5sbaEvXmnYw0iDBh73F4tn57_ra/s400/DSC_3087-Edit+Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saddhu - A Hindu mendicant, Holy Man</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Siddhattha Gotama, an Indian nobleman of 5th century BC, had a life crisis at the age of 29. He had a sheltered life and all the material wealth one could expect. However outside his palace he encountered a very sick person, an old man, and then a corpse. He realized that he could not do anything to help. He then came upon a mendicant, a holy man, and decided to renounce his wealth and life to become an ascetic. For 6 years, Siddhattha lead the life of an ascetic but found no answer or solution to his question of why there was suffering in life. He e</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">ventually realized that the path to peace was through mental
discipline. He sat meditating beneath a ficus tree until he awakened - achieved enlightenment. From that time on, he was known as the
Buddha.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Buddha taught the "middle path" as the key to life and happiness. - the road to enlightenment. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The incident in Chad made me wonder why there is such suffering of the innocent in this life. I had considered becoming a children's doctor when I was young but knew that I was not strong enough to accept that babies would die despite my efforts to save them. I became an engineer instead - far less emotions and simple universal truths to deal with. I know and accept that a made the proper decision for me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">From my Islamic friends, I have learned to accept the ways of God. "Who are we to question the way of God?" I am familiar with the "right and straight path" and incorporate elements of it into my life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My Christian faith provides comfort in a world with suffering. There is always a better day coming.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now as a much older man, I accept what I have seen - the bad as well as the good. I take comfort in knowing and trying to ensure that I do the best that I can and especially in "doing no harm".</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
</span></span>Allen A Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17334569605267708874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727823098676088535.post-57140587534348855082020-03-04T14:28:00.001+07:002020-03-04T14:32:07.029+07:00Tiji Festival 2019<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQa1Khm_Mo2mn678QsTP7v4uhbTu2v5GPiaZd7lelu9LChI4AJBF8h16WU0oHo5aE7ZlWU6sVGdCoAt_he-bjVtTsuPnO19rh2ZGbm0A7VOdWxL0DmQ_oZPug_aeniMNGibTYhKnZCI3K/s1600/DSC_8628-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQa1Khm_Mo2mn678QsTP7v4uhbTu2v5GPiaZd7lelu9LChI4AJBF8h16WU0oHo5aE7ZlWU6sVGdCoAt_he-bjVtTsuPnO19rh2ZGbm0A7VOdWxL0DmQ_oZPug_aeniMNGibTYhKnZCI3K/s400/DSC_8628-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In 2019, I went on three major journeys to photograph "ordinary people doing extraordinary things".</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The first journey was at the end of May. I returned to Upper Mustang, "The Former Kingdom of Lo", for the third time in three years ostensibly<i> </i>to witness and document a major festival, Tiji Festival" held in Lo Manthang.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Tiji Festival is one of the two major festivals held in Lo Manthang each year. It is held typically at the end of May and early June, prior to the start of the rainy season. The other major festival, which I attended the previous year, is "Yartung Festival, which is held at the end of the rainy season in August.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the 17th century the King of Mustang invited the Sakya Trizin (Holder of the Sakya Throne) in Samye Monastery in Tibet, the home of Vajrakila sacred dance, to reside at the Chode Monastery in Lo Manthang. The Tibetan culture and tradition is very strong in Mustang. Today it is said that Upper Mustang is more like Tibet than the post WWII Chinese dominated Tibet of today.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While at the Chode Monastery, the Sakya Trizin performed a special Vajrakila ritual for the well being of all conscious as well as mindful beings such as <span class="st">divinities, humans, animals, tormented spirits, and denizens of hell. He started a Cham, sacred Vajakila dances, associated with meditation.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="st"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="st">Since that time in the 17th century, the Monks of Chode Monastery have been performing the dance and rituals. Just as the Chams of Bhutan, every intricate movement, gesture, and expression of the dancer is prescribed and holds significant meaning. In performing the Cham the Monk dancer has meditated to become the deity that he portrays.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Tiji Festival, "Prayer for world peace", is a very religious Vajrayana Buddhist purification ceremony and ritual that commemorates the legend of a son who defeated his father in order to save the Kingdom of Lo. The son, a deity named Dorji Jono, fought his demon father who had brought drought which caused famine in the land.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Tiji Festival, which is held at the end of the dry season and the start of the wet growing season, commerates the victory of good over evil.</div>
<br />
The Tiji Festival is a three day event. In 2019 the first day of the festival was May 31st. On the morning of the 31st, I attended a puja, a religious ritual, at the Chode Monastery. I did not take any photographs because photography is not allowed UNLESS you had purchased a special permit just for that event. If I remember is was something like $100 for two hours.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsi6YXJRwEan9zPb1bwJaxhMZExMmEMa9G1yPQckFJlpeS7ZMgaEAUDMoEaLoaDUSaHi1GYRGQp4hJ7Mu1OkgNroKmsDjPUYjg0iRRRFJD_74XvGu9MX917rt543FTtU1_Gf9m9HtB7wD/s1600/DSC_7381-2-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsi6YXJRwEan9zPb1bwJaxhMZExMmEMa9G1yPQckFJlpeS7ZMgaEAUDMoEaLoaDUSaHi1GYRGQp4hJ7Mu1OkgNroKmsDjPUYjg0iRRRFJD_74XvGu9MX917rt543FTtU1_Gf9m9HtB7wD/s400/DSC_7381-2-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unfurling the Thankla</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In the afternoon, the ceremony started with a procession of costumed Monks from the monastery to the courtyard south of the Palace Gate and East of the Royal Palace. I had been informed that the festivities would commence at 1:00 PM. I arrived early, around 12:00 PM in order to not miss anything. The area for spectators was already rapidly filling with people - locals as well as tourists. I found a good location and sat on the cobble stone paving to await the start. 1:00 PM came and went. I spoke with some people and they informed me that the ritual would start around 2:00 PM. 2:00 PM came and went. I spoke with a monk that I know in Lo Manthang and he informed me that the start would be at 3:00 PM. 3:00 PM came and went. However, at 3:30 PM the festivities actually started. The wait and confusion is fairly typical for events in Upper Mustang. Waiting is not all that unpleasant when you are surrounded by such beautiful scenery, ancient buildings, interesting local residents, and perhaps just as important - protecting your vantage point from the ever increasing number of spectators.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHq2KA0ouR3Km15E_YQuXIx51BlI83EH-EJeIwcUnM2IoBWJx-7-1dMMSBJANmv-gZS8WOHmKRUUYJ-j3Nd9JbXA7TZMiUpbpVsBD9GGDB68urPtkFFn099b7rrrEo7A4eEKXsc8gVYltm/s1600/DSC_7402-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="668" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHq2KA0ouR3Km15E_YQuXIx51BlI83EH-EJeIwcUnM2IoBWJx-7-1dMMSBJANmv-gZS8WOHmKRUUYJ-j3Nd9JbXA7TZMiUpbpVsBD9GGDB68urPtkFFn099b7rrrEo7A4eEKXsc8gVYltm/s400/DSC_7402-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Grandfather Escorts His Grandson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT34Ji_-fSF-8ZTsnXxBkSdAVcqtcETH3ckl7lIXk9D-2EZLqGlzYSB3Et-qppV0JOKZu8oK1wNhf-_oOYlCt0ZXG-jnqDlrZQfEtZ8k5pQbzm6QvBAAKsPLYWnuXPGMtxmY0z6X-ULFOs/s1600/DSC_7459-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="877" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT34Ji_-fSF-8ZTsnXxBkSdAVcqtcETH3ckl7lIXk9D-2EZLqGlzYSB3Et-qppV0JOKZu8oK1wNhf-_oOYlCt0ZXG-jnqDlrZQfEtZ8k5pQbzm6QvBAAKsPLYWnuXPGMtxmY0z6X-ULFOs/s400/DSC_7459-Edit-Email.jpg" width="350" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monks Arriving at the Festival Site</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqVNnoepueexOFNx-DxOJ32MQW1epZ9LPb-KKniEXbWZ0rF5Iu_bIOoVohVxxEqXlstjfmtznxl6UiI9DiNuuWn2JaPC-ZcrLBqmDduD0gZoByAG3KvtSAT4sjoGSoZFLoVSgSVE0l40V/s1600/DSC_7479-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqVNnoepueexOFNx-DxOJ32MQW1epZ9LPb-KKniEXbWZ0rF5Iu_bIOoVohVxxEqXlstjfmtznxl6UiI9DiNuuWn2JaPC-ZcrLBqmDduD0gZoByAG3KvtSAT4sjoGSoZFLoVSgSVE0l40V/s400/DSC_7479-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monk Performing Cham</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaIh76PFvLlY65C14zGkyYzvbHgmKSyj5unPJp2kY71QGBwu-D5z50E5HTYnsvHaYKSjrBQVUNLz0gmR40wqOmUixcP6hwrBueM2xxO5fzgENywSFZDYuUC_gVV33IDEMwgCXKzHm5o7R/s1600/DSC_7552-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaIh76PFvLlY65C14zGkyYzvbHgmKSyj5unPJp2kY71QGBwu-D5z50E5HTYnsvHaYKSjrBQVUNLz0gmR40wqOmUixcP6hwrBueM2xxO5fzgENywSFZDYuUC_gVV33IDEMwgCXKzHm5o7R/s400/DSC_7552-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5JnJZcNIIJS_-QNv33Ege1wXQ9WPr64yTpzeuG1jwdLaOwmdsT4AE2HdNN93hjnMTvNG8PV9HkvEtzRxXNtENkleXAovbaYNMUfKUeCe8xshWMF7EqrrCZmR_G2YFVoQFvtzNwWOgQ0H/s1600/DSC_7835-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5JnJZcNIIJS_-QNv33Ege1wXQ9WPr64yTpzeuG1jwdLaOwmdsT4AE2HdNN93hjnMTvNG8PV9HkvEtzRxXNtENkleXAovbaYNMUfKUeCe8xshWMF7EqrrCZmR_G2YFVoQFvtzNwWOgQ0H/s400/DSC_7835-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlKCtdW97ZgX8a6fcFg7-FYB2RdVeYKqZV699_ZPHLwPUZBR0D2QJIPdJvdOLJoEuJPfUc_g7R9xlltjpV6q7mTQqrVApkxdrbEVInCZgMk0sTXSIaQ1OuIToD1ATU1UKVSif_X4j07sJ/s1600/DSC_7843-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="809" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlKCtdW97ZgX8a6fcFg7-FYB2RdVeYKqZV699_ZPHLwPUZBR0D2QJIPdJvdOLJoEuJPfUc_g7R9xlltjpV6q7mTQqrVApkxdrbEVInCZgMk0sTXSIaQ1OuIToD1ATU1UKVSif_X4j07sJ/s400/DSC_7843-Edit-Email.jpg" width="322" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
The second afternoon, was highlighted by unfurling the ancient Thangka. The ancient tapestry is said to be 400 years old. It depicts the image of the Padmasambhava also known as Guru Rinpoche. Guru Rinpoche was an 8th century Buddhist master. He constructed the first monastery in Tibet. He he is widely worshiped as the second Buddha by devotees of Tibetan Buddhism, typically found in Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and the mountainous areas of India.<br />
<br />
Devotees of Tibetan Buddhism believe that viewing the sacred dances and the thangka brings them peace as well as prosperity. The chams performed during the Tiji Festival cleanses Lo Manthang and surrounding area of evil spirits.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9c1MddYZlSP48JP8L61OYi4rWFNl79wB6r_fv9OhH4GFoNcwlY0tALIm0cqdMIfmMQZesedSOIuDXJzPEmUxu_SK0g21TpmYPXbt1lDGdJq87zEOPFKylWjpSIA0rLOMwBG7myyOxS4oK/s400/DSC_8248-Edit+Email.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="266" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unfurling the ancient thangka of Guru Rinpoche</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The afternoon of the second day of the Tiji Festival, is filled with sacred dances, Chams. The Chams performed on that day are more energetic and lively than the ones performed the previous afternoon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFa2g37wiC5rS4fv8oMQwM922S98rLCpt0HZQqNPoJiCQtdDmq1e_vPGrS8XJFNyHQsBtrjs-1t1U6k_RT_bStZH9kgZRjMZnEQoxJIsMz3bX1pL2uYD_CYYDOn_IynydVrSVHWhd-4bfK/s400/DSC_8347-Edit-Email.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="266" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local women pay their respects to Guru Rinpoche</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBwSYOc0jgkSGIyIJHrzaKVbJ-I_KPF1EplM_OA8W2Kq6ynn-0JTe5mPXoOX2_X8bt5bu8MRXFPdJYB3eBZMN7UjzrGqqFuQ_PRcyxRwwqNIBNWkzG9bqbXhnjnFNz-9qbtTXNO32MobM/s1600/DSC_8391-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBwSYOc0jgkSGIyIJHrzaKVbJ-I_KPF1EplM_OA8W2Kq6ynn-0JTe5mPXoOX2_X8bt5bu8MRXFPdJYB3eBZMN7UjzrGqqFuQ_PRcyxRwwqNIBNWkzG9bqbXhnjnFNz-9qbtTXNO32MobM/s400/DSC_8391-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lamas play cymbals and blow radong (long horn)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07EeXyFHyDhEaAP5fhM_InOXVZUrzJO9wWSxBfil8Z0fAwsmuBCzyA1nDsIEn9Nl_Hup4KXBK7LIuApFxlMeTW3d7fea0k7EJ4ICviT_Z_oAMOfDo_V1wN2FKm3Ef0WJgrlgZBSBWAntO/s1600/DSC_8392-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07EeXyFHyDhEaAP5fhM_InOXVZUrzJO9wWSxBfil8Z0fAwsmuBCzyA1nDsIEn9Nl_Hup4KXBK7LIuApFxlMeTW3d7fea0k7EJ4ICviT_Z_oAMOfDo_V1wN2FKm3Ef0WJgrlgZBSBWAntO/s400/DSC_8392-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGax_pKstjQRzgQxMDbQac26GD4veaROJqvM3t5UGs_AYjczrztxIwCDh5vmvIuB2aNKGyKgHTNFXXKWP8wTLewyebxP1fbMXWWuom5xNdzsAqlrtVDeCLSzXdjj_PbtF-FNdgxo2471Ga/s1600/DSC_8558-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGax_pKstjQRzgQxMDbQac26GD4veaROJqvM3t5UGs_AYjczrztxIwCDh5vmvIuB2aNKGyKgHTNFXXKWP8wTLewyebxP1fbMXWWuom5xNdzsAqlrtVDeCLSzXdjj_PbtF-FNdgxo2471Ga/s400/DSC_8558-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGU4S7vhKGbEZYhEY9kHCBaOtnZVJp1_K2v0blC_45wF5kLSWPSi-dQ93ZUF_grHOPcmUfP02-cxOQs_IXOLUA2TtEF4z_bsl3hGgmoUHSt3VwczrVwa4GZDVgrg8gDdoIENL3UxsmrzOo/s1600/DSC_8588-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGU4S7vhKGbEZYhEY9kHCBaOtnZVJp1_K2v0blC_45wF5kLSWPSi-dQ93ZUF_grHOPcmUfP02-cxOQs_IXOLUA2TtEF4z_bsl3hGgmoUHSt3VwczrVwa4GZDVgrg8gDdoIENL3UxsmrzOo/s400/DSC_8588-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRf4jCCJFU7R6jKWD2ZzWnqGKDZhxv4b46BiU3AiTXznHgCPITuLlp3vg2pPmWhDgbYL_MiOqdX7EJyUa3EHAvVhSddApSbYlPWJ2ypQZVsT9_eZAUHS-onlprFsift78hnqFu2FA_Q7xG/s1600/DSC_8597-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRf4jCCJFU7R6jKWD2ZzWnqGKDZhxv4b46BiU3AiTXznHgCPITuLlp3vg2pPmWhDgbYL_MiOqdX7EJyUa3EHAvVhSddApSbYlPWJ2ypQZVsT9_eZAUHS-onlprFsift78hnqFu2FA_Q7xG/s400/DSC_8597-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipy5S4L4FtBWZeCG-PrG1gvuQMldqTiTiZOpcpx_WzCXmtATuRt5OcmI7WqldEW9rGoeorVo_ao43ZL8gZ4EMdj3_yhZ9EpO-x16mjPHBoGJl6z5ioop80PA1fKYmoeVLHamWSnufqXhT/s1600/DSC_8675-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="668" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipy5S4L4FtBWZeCG-PrG1gvuQMldqTiTiZOpcpx_WzCXmtATuRt5OcmI7WqldEW9rGoeorVo_ao43ZL8gZ4EMdj3_yhZ9EpO-x16mjPHBoGJl6z5ioop80PA1fKYmoeVLHamWSnufqXhT/s400/DSC_8675-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyX9YeppC9JVeE2SsUotH9-tRAo_-8AMnIq86BbKpMy_fTXXijYtzzGXVXfP8pcq5PAXxID6id-P274PnaJQNiUXRsgrJoijfGeVgxo5WYKTEwH0Ret1d0gghJeZTEStHb2TOUaoRHYfl/s1600/DSC_8838-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyX9YeppC9JVeE2SsUotH9-tRAo_-8AMnIq86BbKpMy_fTXXijYtzzGXVXfP8pcq5PAXxID6id-P274PnaJQNiUXRsgrJoijfGeVgxo5WYKTEwH0Ret1d0gghJeZTEStHb2TOUaoRHYfl/s400/DSC_8838-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQ2aFzP2kC-J4HEJy7BQSoO21qhgPldNmppSRtf_ob2lVpuqgg2j3h8fGabq6z7PG1ZU9lMqYD2lK-qK79bLSdp-D9f90t5KjN46jItvTjLPjELMfdWyEjCd7rgYBewGGq8VdWo44vILJ/s1600/DSC_8956-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQ2aFzP2kC-J4HEJy7BQSoO21qhgPldNmppSRtf_ob2lVpuqgg2j3h8fGabq6z7PG1ZU9lMqYD2lK-qK79bLSdp-D9f90t5KjN46jItvTjLPjELMfdWyEjCd7rgYBewGGq8VdWo44vILJ/s400/DSC_8956-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monks Performing Durdag Cham - Lord of the Cremation Ground Dance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WgH4QKIBFw1Kf3fJAqygOSzUqdO1PYhgy60sPvG7PYgul6v8D25qqyVJY2gMa5iMMgkPzUak4fREiHfKjWKkY6-qEt9CKsuo9w9QY9Xe9AKbdJ6njqQWlcexo7rQn2XLK3qxVcrV5xCo/s1600/DSC_9055-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WgH4QKIBFw1Kf3fJAqygOSzUqdO1PYhgy60sPvG7PYgul6v8D25qqyVJY2gMa5iMMgkPzUak4fREiHfKjWKkY6-qEt9CKsuo9w9QY9Xe9AKbdJ6njqQWlcexo7rQn2XLK3qxVcrV5xCo/s400/DSC_9055-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lord of the Cremation Ground Dance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHYKCYO41I2-sp8lPwp8vSp4R_hgcYiXAKnCCJn8F1_S-ai1vuzIBJqJn7KF35y3v0X-cBephZBTvTdOL7CiGLeksFF7t5zt4UWAy6x0IhSWrDuktr1rNZ2DLu2GtLrnElKYPi_Zg7Q_G/s1600/DSC_9219-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHYKCYO41I2-sp8lPwp8vSp4R_hgcYiXAKnCCJn8F1_S-ai1vuzIBJqJn7KF35y3v0X-cBephZBTvTdOL7CiGLeksFF7t5zt4UWAy6x0IhSWrDuktr1rNZ2DLu2GtLrnElKYPi_Zg7Q_G/s400/DSC_9219-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young Monk Performs Cham</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
On the third day of the festival, June 2, involved more sacred cham performances at the festival site. At approximately, 5:00 PM there was a procession lead by the Lamas from the festival site through the streets of Lo Manthang to a field outside of the village.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOUBDC6NhZCXgo63mYJM3E9NdwLMDdTI34ILRsazp1xhF1Kur0qW8mOJj_v_G0bYMABO-Zg_ac3J1rsxM1i-PNBpPvtBLUktIKo9Vqac1zV3jmEeb9uq7YFWWMAxD8-3q9V7Vbr7Io59a/s1600/DSC_9923-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOUBDC6NhZCXgo63mYJM3E9NdwLMDdTI34ILRsazp1xhF1Kur0qW8mOJj_v_G0bYMABO-Zg_ac3J1rsxM1i-PNBpPvtBLUktIKo9Vqac1zV3jmEeb9uq7YFWWMAxD8-3q9V7Vbr7Io59a/s400/DSC_9923-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside of Lo Manthang, Lamas beat drums and chant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
At the edge of town, the man who many people recognize as the King stopped and lit the musket held by his bodyguard. The matchlock musket erupted in a thunderous clap and filled the air with copious clouds of white smoke along with fragments of paper. The firing of the musket is to banish evil from the town.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0EQ8ss7sHc02q57yRJAVrV-vUnezfth72HMyE5G-EwsmY8MbkorLK_Bkay268_6WSBwl16R1lumFvk0IPNkVM7REspVFMUtIbIZzGlvF2PGJ_GEihZTGqxg_iSJgaEgJ68Bt9zVCbJyY/s1600/DSC_9933-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0EQ8ss7sHc02q57yRJAVrV-vUnezfth72HMyE5G-EwsmY8MbkorLK_Bkay268_6WSBwl16R1lumFvk0IPNkVM7REspVFMUtIbIZzGlvF2PGJ_GEihZTGqxg_iSJgaEgJ68Bt9zVCbJyY/s400/DSC_9933-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "King's" Bodyguard Holds and Ancient Musket that the "King" Has Just Fired.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Once the procession had cleared the village of Lo Manthang, the ritual was concluded in an open field with the snow capped Himalaya mountains as a backdrop. Several times, the ancient matchlock muskets were fired to signify the destruction and defeat of Dorjee Jono's evil father for the benefit of Lo Manthang and the Lowa people. Firing of the muskets also banished any current demons from the region.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNhbYR4K2-VeWFM-EEWLJ8Cdcjt0URm3v-so7OHkPPU5qippIZ2-kO8S34G-bN8gJwXz14Hku0MxXs4Np1VcQpQ7lKCYY7dI2Qcn3SYvEiyWYtPcSugo3S_yHpPtAiGs2Si5AG5LTMB8k/s1600/DSC_9975-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="908" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNhbYR4K2-VeWFM-EEWLJ8Cdcjt0URm3v-so7OHkPPU5qippIZ2-kO8S34G-bN8gJwXz14Hku0MxXs4Np1VcQpQ7lKCYY7dI2Qcn3SYvEiyWYtPcSugo3S_yHpPtAiGs2Si5AG5LTMB8k/s400/DSC_9975-Edit-Email.jpg" width="362" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside of Lo Manthang, a man loads his ancient musket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePbAY2tWZemPpzgQoPFad0Jp29ZSA0GHVrxHvFi0u67snzWlhz_v5pupUdyvp3DA9-RYa680-efFNYFSDf-RBFLKYKasBwP5QfHgQoKwLTs-K59Ji13bD3C3PjqdqA6uoIv6fm_KieN0Q/s1600/DSC_9976-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePbAY2tWZemPpzgQoPFad0Jp29ZSA0GHVrxHvFi0u67snzWlhz_v5pupUdyvp3DA9-RYa680-efFNYFSDf-RBFLKYKasBwP5QfHgQoKwLTs-K59Ji13bD3C3PjqdqA6uoIv6fm_KieN0Q/s400/DSC_9976-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Men Prepare Musket to be fired</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKvZQb9UdZRUdhkOqnrxcHmHs5ps0UvWw-WARn7xmS1c7tuobUT4WQGfn4hVUGKRH6qj73buxhMl4vakuWwNkOzsb6Nhb97M7N6pN9vF5_H0OhzAl-7v71ygcgY6K1vw1lHa81H_fGKYd/s1600/DSC_9988-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKvZQb9UdZRUdhkOqnrxcHmHs5ps0UvWw-WARn7xmS1c7tuobUT4WQGfn4hVUGKRH6qj73buxhMl4vakuWwNkOzsb6Nhb97M7N6pN9vF5_H0OhzAl-7v71ygcgY6K1vw1lHa81H_fGKYd/s400/DSC_9988-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ramming the Charge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am glad that I attended the Tiji Festival. It was a interesting and unique experience. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Would I return to the Tiji Festival?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Having "been there and done that", I can honestly say that I would not return to the Tiji Festival.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The ritual and ceremony met all my expectations. The photo opportunities met my needs.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The local people were friendly and very photogenic. It was a pleasure to see some friends once again and to make some new friends. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
However, I did not completely enjoy my visit like during the previous two journeys to Lo Manthang.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The problem on this visit were the other foreign visitors. There were not necessarily a great number of foreign visitors but I estimate that there were approximately 200 foreigners. For a "town" of 500 residents, the amount of visitors made a big impact.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Two hundred visitors in the confined space of the Royal Palace Courtyard along with the local people attending THEIR festival was difficult. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I can tolerate the number of visitors. I can even live, but grudgingly, with some of them wearing bright yellow or red jackets - who wants photographs of an ethnic festival with brightly dressed foreigners conspicuously in the background? I always attend dressed in tan and black to minimize my visual impact on others.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
What I have a low tolerance for and have difficulty in accepting is the poor behavior of some visitors. Granted that most visitors behave properly but there is a certain percentage of people who behave poorly. The greater the number of people in any group, the greater the number of miscreants. I have also found that certain nationalities also tend to be more prevalent to poor public behavior.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Americans used to be considered to be the world's worst tourists. They have been superseded by Chinese, South Korean, Russian, and German tourists. I suspect that Italian tourists could also outrank the Americans now.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Tiji Festival is highly publicized and touted for tourism to Upper Mustang. Although Upper Mustang receives approximately 3,000 visitors a year, the vast majority of them arrive for the three day Tiji Festival. Most have not done their homework as to what the festival is about, and most of all how sacred and important it is to the local people.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The festival is for the local people. They believe that just by attending and witnessing the ritual, they will receive blessings and merit. The festival is not a commercial event to attract tourists and their money.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Some of the visitors that I observed behaved as if the festival was being conducted for their benefit and entertainment. That did not excuse their boorish behavior. On the right hand side of the courtyard, there were a series of well made long benches with red plush cushions on top of them. HINT. HINT! They were obviously not intended for tourists! Other than the chairs set up on the opposite side of the courtyard with "VIP" signs on them, there were no other seating arrangements at the performance venue.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I realized right off the bat that these benches were for the Monks. Taking advantage of that, I stood right behind them with my knees against the bench - I knew that the young Monks would not be standing and I would have an unobstructed view of the ritual. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Many tourists came and sat on the benches before the start of the ritual. Perhaps they did not know or realize. Some of the tourists sat and refused to move even when they were told that the benches were for the Monks. As the young Monks stood before them, they would not move. Even when they were informed by the local people they refused to allow the Monks to use the benches. Only after an authority figure in a uniform arrived did they reluctantly vacate the benches.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The area of the courtyard where the cham is performed is sacred ground having been purified before the start of the ritual and marked out in two large concentric red lines placed by a Monk pouring the red liquid on the cobble stoned courtyard. This did not stop some tourists from sitting in the space and refusing to move or respect the area when informed ...until an authority figure appeared with a baton to move them.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Some people behaved even more disgracefully. There was one Chinese female tourist who kept violating the sacred space to squat and get "HER" shot. Her presence at times interfered with the movement of the performers. Despite protests from local as well as other tourists she persisted with her obnoxious and inconsiderate behavior. She became well known and despised throughout the festival.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
One foreign man would stand in front of the seated local people at the edge of the audience obstructing their view. He was not there for a short period of time to take a photo but to watch the ritual! At other times I saw him placing his hand on local people to move them. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
These were all behaviors that I had not observed in Lo Manthang during my other trips. It was not an environment that I enjoy or prefer.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Allen A Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17334569605267708874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727823098676088535.post-64427603173666568082019-12-29T10:59:00.001+07:002019-12-30T22:00:02.981+07:00More Places Less Visited<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEABJeaL1W2sA_tNn8bAu6eLBTG7CIyWQNoV7WQgWBAETkGGn_F_tpUtTS8brSfphbbux__eVqMKNwhswrd_15ezQkIyvH4Nd_rSf7WPNFrmzPQOBBqhIhs3zHf8GxipgiJ-V8hdcRRXAI/s1600/_DSC2451-Edit2+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEABJeaL1W2sA_tNn8bAu6eLBTG7CIyWQNoV7WQgWBAETkGGn_F_tpUtTS8brSfphbbux__eVqMKNwhswrd_15ezQkIyvH4Nd_rSf7WPNFrmzPQOBBqhIhs3zHf8GxipgiJ-V8hdcRRXAI/s400/_DSC2451-Edit2+Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wodaabe young woman at Gerewol Festival</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdm-SwSTWzX-fy3_pXS640_4f13sqodyuSdDy8SEWO6ryVLT9WRsLj1fo4h6lDCK4s7kX3S8jfuYZzrXc2eO79y8RF3JEKof2vXpxSruEueLKTq8ZS_9dTN-7pcEZoOmOReaR2RPdhalhQ/s1600/DSC_1208-Edit-2+Email.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdm-SwSTWzX-fy3_pXS640_4f13sqodyuSdDy8SEWO6ryVLT9WRsLj1fo4h6lDCK4s7kX3S8jfuYZzrXc2eO79y8RF3JEKof2vXpxSruEueLKTq8ZS_9dTN-7pcEZoOmOReaR2RPdhalhQ/s400/DSC_1208-Edit-2+Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roadside travelers - Dhaulagiri Zone, Upper Mustang, Nepal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">"My
ambition and goal is to show extraordinary people doing ordinary things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In so doing, I wish to show how different
people can appear, to provide a glimpse of other cultures, to celebrate the
diversity of mankind, and to demonstrate that despite our appearances we are so
much alike." - <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">Artist's Statement, Allen A Hale</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
Eight years ago as part of the submittal process for a gallery exposition, I
had thought about my photography to develop the above artist statement.
Since that time, my photography efforts have followed the statement
whether intentionally or by happenstance.<br />
<br />
My journeys
to experience and photograph the "extraordinary people doing ordinary
things" have taken me to Bhutan, Cambodia,
Chad, Ethiopia, Nepal, and Upper Mustang (Former Kingdom of Lo), Thailand, and Vietnam.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHgJ0eNDhoAJgnhTuxDdytTM5DHHyKEpxCeOhkXqjQgm_Rd23lPxNxgqsKZBGDtMPGjsLVtfIzIlw-zm8IPYIKkTA5S2makK2g1Nf8Jd9IX7kCU2orx2xa0FHy51eBb6Ox6U7ZEs9TtY2/s1600/DSC_0506-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="1000" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHgJ0eNDhoAJgnhTuxDdytTM5DHHyKEpxCeOhkXqjQgm_Rd23lPxNxgqsKZBGDtMPGjsLVtfIzIlw-zm8IPYIKkTA5S2makK2g1Nf8Jd9IX7kCU2orx2xa0FHy51eBb6Ox6U7ZEs9TtY2/s400/DSC_0506-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monks filling butter lamps in Kagbeni, Upper Mustang</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
The journeys often involved travel along
dirt roads to access the isolated locations where the extraordinary
people were located. In the case of Upper Mustang the travel involved
travel where roads did not exist in many locations. The way was often
just following tire tracks across the dirt and rock strewn landscape.
Travel in Upper Mustang also included several determining your own
crossing points across rivers.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3Fc-SAoISOuK1eUKuJhS-ihZaVFq-900U3KcmtOPRi-qPd-3uKUcGqm331-O9qFBc9sGSIpxrq3DOPCOLOEAYeU5pP12R-PdTcK9D8-EAV8hsYCOlpgLkEHL-37kvlwCttNs0Q7quC4B/s1600/DSC_9699-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3Fc-SAoISOuK1eUKuJhS-ihZaVFq-900U3KcmtOPRi-qPd-3uKUcGqm331-O9qFBc9sGSIpxrq3DOPCOLOEAYeU5pP12R-PdTcK9D8-EAV8hsYCOlpgLkEHL-37kvlwCttNs0Q7quC4B/s400/DSC_9699-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lo Manthang Street Scene, Upper Mustang (Former Kingdom of Lo)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5hw8kHD_IkN_W8BWfbu1EcOdrISBXiDOFHQDZqjMSSHu1fXRMwt-ow_AmjkZapSWVEi1bLgWXTNf4udYDMF07cpoqXNjeKLo_vWI-jRz5cWbrcesJxVerfa0TWzsWhmiK4pd2PZnJ-bA/s1600/DSC_9976-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5hw8kHD_IkN_W8BWfbu1EcOdrISBXiDOFHQDZqjMSSHu1fXRMwt-ow_AmjkZapSWVEi1bLgWXTNf4udYDMF07cpoqXNjeKLo_vWI-jRz5cWbrcesJxVerfa0TWzsWhmiK4pd2PZnJ-bA/s400/DSC_9976-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing firearm to banish "evil" - Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
These experiences have lead me to
appreciate and treasure traveling unimproved roads, dirt roads and even
the lack of roads to access "places less visited". My travels have
included traveling along paved roads to access many well-known as well
as popular tourist destinations including Angkor Wat, Bangkok,
Vientiane, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, Addis Ababa and Kathmandu. However the ease of access
from the outside world to those places has made them popular which
results in the dilution of their unique culture and homogenization of
them. International hotel chains, fast food outlets, and bus loads of
Chinese, South Korean, and European tour groups can easily be found in
these locations. Great efforts are made to accommodate, appeal, and
placate these masses often at the expense of local custom, style, and
culture.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRTTW4LV90xs7GxIU4jExGgxCeN3M4Bta4hdacJCTI1lK6GZaypIvTVVcxGOUEdHU0f1UBbbt2FM8Lf8H2PfqTiopS-2fXf-GF5VuKxNiUGT_y1aFVEY2s50pGgcjBkHxuMY7HYfoGo_E/s1600/DSC_0325-Edit-email.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="662" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRTTW4LV90xs7GxIU4jExGgxCeN3M4Bta4hdacJCTI1lK6GZaypIvTVVcxGOUEdHU0f1UBbbt2FM8Lf8H2PfqTiopS-2fXf-GF5VuKxNiUGT_y1aFVEY2s50pGgcjBkHxuMY7HYfoGo_E/s400/DSC_0325-Edit-email.jpg" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making Coal Briquettes - Quan Lan Island, Vietnam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I have found that the
extraordinary people are most likely to be found in the places less
visited along with the places that are more difficult to get to.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwUe1wL8eFXD07iuhTt5Yyx2mW6ioDFtWNZ_LUqtSj9K-PKjzd30LOhf9ITHhPh7qeYG6uaLwc4AG-iCbzmnbthe80So3Wht1kG8BgNJ1bYUwNZoZqvN1gN68uJUzST6PbtDj7encyQqd/s1600/DSC_6379+Email.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwUe1wL8eFXD07iuhTt5Yyx2mW6ioDFtWNZ_LUqtSj9K-PKjzd30LOhf9ITHhPh7qeYG6uaLwc4AG-iCbzmnbthe80So3Wht1kG8BgNJ1bYUwNZoZqvN1gN68uJUzST6PbtDj7encyQqd/s400/DSC_6379+Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bhutan's West- East Main Highway, Trongsa, Bhutan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Some of the places to find extraordinary
people do not even have roads. One of my favorite places to visit is
Tonle Sap in Cambodia. Tonle Sap is a huge fresh water lake, the
largest in Southeast Asia, near Angkor Wat. It is more than just
a "Great Lake". Tonle Sap is a way of life and a unique culture to be
experienced. It is one of my favorite places. While Angkor Wat is
overwhelmed (you have been warned) with hundreds of busloads of tourists
a day, Tonle Sap gets much fewer visitors - mainly to Chong Kneas (you
have been warned) by some of those busloads from Angkor Wat as part of
their package tour. However Tonle Sap is large lake and there are
unique places that get very few visitors where you can observe the
unique culture. Kampong Khleang can be accessed by land during the dry
season.<br />
<br />
There is floating fishing village called Moat
Khla (also shown as Meat Khla) on
Google Maps. Moat Khla is 24 Km south of Kampong Khleang and accessible
only by boat. It is located 24 km south of Kampong Khleang - a 2 hour
boat ride. The entire village of fishermen and their families live on
floating house boats. The school is also a floating structure. The
Buddhist temple is also floating Wat. There are also some floating
gardens - small barges with dirt beds on top of them to supplement the
inhabitant's diet with greens and vegetables.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiD0FKXfB9iWetNE2C3rVWz1K3AuPhFJIXVy7JPpFLugTmmVORcoQA5F4IxKSfEKpLRNRW6DvGaBFQdcRb_RYpsGXHeii0tnz31XywbOrkr_1dxJQR1kt6fDeINBnDPEXUV6pM8QY0Pt8/s1600/_DSC3045-Edit-email.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="1000" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiD0FKXfB9iWetNE2C3rVWz1K3AuPhFJIXVy7JPpFLugTmmVORcoQA5F4IxKSfEKpLRNRW6DvGaBFQdcRb_RYpsGXHeii0tnz31XywbOrkr_1dxJQR1kt6fDeINBnDPEXUV6pM8QY0Pt8/s400/_DSC3045-Edit-email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing dinner in Moat Khla, floating village, on Tonle Sap, Cambodia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTDytyYjmiHe_xXX96QSDFuiGEg79IoIOxJoDDPjRqr8kw7BcaBIQo6qE4VdR9vlZlkPUL6jRqEAJWfEtMh7QzRYCtW8pC9NKJEcGcZBNQh-lmHM1gWr9hcPdYTx0N056xhwa63V1q6wb/s1600/_DSC3094+-+edited+-+email.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="1000" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTDytyYjmiHe_xXX96QSDFuiGEg79IoIOxJoDDPjRqr8kw7BcaBIQo6qE4VdR9vlZlkPUL6jRqEAJWfEtMh7QzRYCtW8pC9NKJEcGcZBNQh-lmHM1gWr9hcPdYTx0N056xhwa63V1q6wb/s400/_DSC3094+-+edited+-+email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moat Khla, Tonle Sap, Cambodia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In May 2018, Duang and I returned from our second trip within a year to the Himalayan nation of Bhutan.<br />
<br />
It
was amazing at how much change in one year that we observed . The
change is driven by the widening and paving of the West to East road
across the nation. I was carrying some photographs to give to people
that I had photographed the previous Spring. I found just about everyone, a
benefit of traveling to remote and sparsely populated locations.
However I missed one little boy and his father whom we had visited
before. I missed them because their home is now much closer to where we
had spent the night before. No, they had not moved, but the
improvement of the main road has cut hours from the journey between the
two locations. I started looking for the four house village long after
we had passed it Fortunately our drivers and guides were
going to pass the place on their drive back at the end of our eastern
leg of the tour. They agreed to give the photos and clothing gifts to
the family on their return.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXpFot6MhvVRblJWuydXxwvxmIzCRLIF8c3sGZRBzMGxGU8ltRDIXXQ5YYCrLK63QNHcdUuNmUh6TTk9XfCRROYtPjyoHvuWUBtx_mWhU8bUJHRVXTAHbBJWuMtveB1gtaEnqSMEz98nu/s1600/DSC_0463-Edit-Email.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1000" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXpFot6MhvVRblJWuydXxwvxmIzCRLIF8c3sGZRBzMGxGU8ltRDIXXQ5YYCrLK63QNHcdUuNmUh6TTk9XfCRROYtPjyoHvuWUBtx_mWhU8bUJHRVXTAHbBJWuMtveB1gtaEnqSMEz98nu/s400/DSC_0463-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rice Planting - Sapa, Vietnam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In 2019, besides returning to Upper Mustang for a third time, I traveled to Chad to attend the Gerewol Festival and later to the Omo Valley in Ethiopia to photograph some of the unique tribes that live there.<br />
<br />
The Gerewol Festival was definitely a place less visited. The festival is held somewhere on the Sahel, a vast semi-arid savannah on which the Wodaabe people lead their nomadic life tending their herds of cattle and goats. There were often not even tire tracks let alone roads to travel on in order to get to the designated location of this year's festival.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCj2f3IpPnlwZyc49BRiw2o37XZySyAGqdiEERictdpNnTcBP8mKE8I6y0lYqcF3OiTzD7RK3rDpW6ByaHKe7M_2MtiGaE3uf8CzIusCDz_dvFfmEEQpaTicfIDGPEzw_s_1R5alkC1av/s1600/_DSC1503-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCj2f3IpPnlwZyc49BRiw2o37XZySyAGqdiEERictdpNnTcBP8mKE8I6y0lYqcF3OiTzD7RK3rDpW6ByaHKe7M_2MtiGaE3uf8CzIusCDz_dvFfmEEQpaTicfIDGPEzw_s_1R5alkC1av/s400/_DSC1503-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wodaabe men imitate birds to attract the attention and interest of women</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBEAveyYl9HX2UQLgxxq1oEk2ZMUQS7vOuwf5yFILPmia0yjBe_lgVTeE-0NfdtXkk6JpJo3BxZpfr0qaeB4-M6JejoYh71QiWwBaV263UhMMoItnGRA6WkPumMrugD6z82sHtQVKiFRb/s1600/_DSC1708-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="1000" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBEAveyYl9HX2UQLgxxq1oEk2ZMUQS7vOuwf5yFILPmia0yjBe_lgVTeE-0NfdtXkk6JpJo3BxZpfr0qaeB4-M6JejoYh71QiWwBaV263UhMMoItnGRA6WkPumMrugD6z82sHtQVKiFRb/s400/_DSC1708-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wodaabe men chanting and dancing at Gerewol Festival, Chad, Africa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
No matter how far the distance, how less visited the culture, or how different the culture, life is basically the same ...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAFyQdfuK4T7yxs_qAt0tOqXySTi9DMTmAL-8ttLACENnPR15I9F5MCQUTyTa7N9eHWkeJCGN89_a3pnMvX_mqedxFXAnVs4g_7PS8GypC38Y4RfFTcx4D36NPQDSGw5Oe1Y8ETD5PPEG/s1600/_DSC1929-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAFyQdfuK4T7yxs_qAt0tOqXySTi9DMTmAL-8ttLACENnPR15I9F5MCQUTyTa7N9eHWkeJCGN89_a3pnMvX_mqedxFXAnVs4g_7PS8GypC38Y4RfFTcx4D36NPQDSGw5Oe1Y8ETD5PPEG/s400/_DSC1929-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My interaction with the different cultures, various peoples, and witnessing some of their life style reinforces my conviction that, although we appear different, we are all alike. I feel privileged and honored to be able to share the diversity of mankind as well as to celebrate the adaptability of mankind.<br />
<br />
The Omo Valley of Ethiopia is part of the Rift Valley, the birthplace of man. Many unique tribes inhabit the Omo Valley. To visit some of the tribes is is necessary to have a 4WD vehicle and to camp out.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWND64eSyVy9KQj9VnVineN8qJgJSm6j9hEHS-qBU_f8zYxCnauYQ7LyVVTr26y7QY1nNrDMbP6g6Ot062sMNDYRyW9JCcDUnZLB6U56jofV_SLZc7i5a0fy9kMj15he28DHDieCoRCBE/s1600/_DSC2860-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWND64eSyVy9KQj9VnVineN8qJgJSm6j9hEHS-qBU_f8zYxCnauYQ7LyVVTr26y7QY1nNrDMbP6g6Ot062sMNDYRyW9JCcDUnZLB6U56jofV_SLZc7i5a0fy9kMj15he28DHDieCoRCBE/s320/_DSC2860-Edit-Email.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suri people of the Omo Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-KGM7KImH0e2XSYUAytQiG0vvth_mRnIGgGr2haeq7m5or568Vf0U1FLJpjXSao4wCraFNf5z9mGq63x3avayees6o5RqfOxqg1-dWOlSjKKdoDmd_oUvjQvo3vL4PI8KcRNd4OttxhO/s1600/_DSC3123-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-KGM7KImH0e2XSYUAytQiG0vvth_mRnIGgGr2haeq7m5or568Vf0U1FLJpjXSao4wCraFNf5z9mGq63x3avayees6o5RqfOxqg1-dWOlSjKKdoDmd_oUvjQvo3vL4PI8KcRNd4OttxhO/s400/_DSC3123-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The Buddhist philosophy is that
life is change. Most people have the attitude that most change is
progress and progress is considered to be good. I sometimes feel
somewhat guilty when I reflect upon progress being a threat and
disruptive to people. Improving highways and other means to ease the
access of people to the outside world benefits people through opening up
markets for their goods as well as giving them greater access to
conveniences and ideas not readily available to them. This can be
destructive for unique cultures, and lifestyles. Access to the outside
world often leads to the erosion of unique people's culture in that they
make compromises for the sensitivities and comforts of their visitors.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmXoDrlIy_yAi_LlyKxhBj1oXCN4_tK7eiFxRxbZYB7HZHJsjM3MJad0OondTL3gaV1dgQ4pr0-KPhc77tY-T3TkAyc34DkcLp7iVjL5QI_qYzkS0QzEm1OfBljd0Jv8YeaFZbBqXFz3w/s1600/_DSC4102+Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmXoDrlIy_yAi_LlyKxhBj1oXCN4_tK7eiFxRxbZYB7HZHJsjM3MJad0OondTL3gaV1dgQ4pr0-KPhc77tY-T3TkAyc34DkcLp7iVjL5QI_qYzkS0QzEm1OfBljd0Jv8YeaFZbBqXFz3w/s400/_DSC4102+Edit+Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hamar young woman of the Omo Valley, Ethiopia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I
hope that the people of those places, less visited, make decisions
regarding "progress" that fully take into consideration the value of
their traditions and culture rather than acquiescing to the false siren
of becoming "modern" and emulating the dominant "advanced" cultures.<br />
<br />
It
is not for me to say what is best for others. I can not stop
"progress" no more than I can control the changes in my own life. I do
not have to like or approve the changes in this world. I need only to
recognize and adapt to all the changes in this world.<br />
<br />
Until
that day when changes will no longer happen in my life, a day that I am
certain will arrive long before all the roads are paved, I will strive
to seek out those places less visited.<br />
<br />
I will cherish those places less visited.<br />
<br />
I will enjoy those places less visited.<br />
<br />
I
will share with others those special places less visited through my
photographs and writing so that they too may know of what is and may not
long be - places less visited.<br />
<br />
As this year draws to a close, the upcoming year offers new opportunities to visit the people of "places less visited". <br />
<br />
For me, 2020, will bring a journey to PNG, Papua New Guinea, to document the people and culture. Allen A Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17334569605267708874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727823098676088535.post-37071445088386377732019-12-02T18:11:00.002+07:002019-12-02T18:16:33.572+07:00Tiji Festival Gallery Is Now Available<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PlXBlx8SwtL1IwSnSpVuF0pZw5XQNX3pegWsqWbhSWFRa6bnOj7RCKPgoI13GghkPwDj3DTno0lRPUG4hmkXBAiaHWDUq_Sibv-5OcrWHm8bLNpGkbFD8s-FsbdPsRMcpJE7NOBBxuHk/s1600/DSC_9194-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PlXBlx8SwtL1IwSnSpVuF0pZw5XQNX3pegWsqWbhSWFRa6bnOj7RCKPgoI13GghkPwDj3DTno0lRPUG4hmkXBAiaHWDUq_Sibv-5OcrWHm8bLNpGkbFD8s-FsbdPsRMcpJE7NOBBxuHk/s400/DSC_9194-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am getting caught up on my photography website. Today I got around to selecting and uploading 45 photographs from my May/June 2019 journey to Upper Mustang, The Former Kingdom of Lo, in Northern Nepal to attend the Tiji Festival.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Tiji Festival is an annual event which commemorates the forces of good vanquishing evil. It is a ritual which has deep roots in Tibetan Buddhism - Vajrayana practice. It has been conducted in Lo Manthang since the 17th century.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/2019-Tiji-Festival-Upper-Mustang" target="_blank">https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/2019-Tiji-Festival-Upper-Mustang</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mobile App Link:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/2019-Tiji-Festival-Upper-Mustang?mobile=true" target="_blank">https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/2019-Tiji-Festival-Upper-Mustang?mobile=true</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5gTbT4fn1NRb0D08McvdrcDP36vfyRbhd1Qkv7M-X8hxmRudkllH52Vt9wVeNjlSN6FWIfqpkbOhsibbPzbzVQyr6az0EVhu3iRMbW2S_T8Gi-qnD-867IrEv6EgzUiGi24zbg4uy6EUd/s1600/DSC_9975-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="908" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5gTbT4fn1NRb0D08McvdrcDP36vfyRbhd1Qkv7M-X8hxmRudkllH52Vt9wVeNjlSN6FWIfqpkbOhsibbPzbzVQyr6az0EVhu3iRMbW2S_T8Gi-qnD-867IrEv6EgzUiGi24zbg4uy6EUd/s400/DSC_9975-Edit-Email.jpg" width="362" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Allen A Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17334569605267708874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727823098676088535.post-71897603809114085502019-11-14T15:02:00.000+07:002019-11-14T15:02:05.599+07:00Hamer Tribe - Omo Valley, Ethiopia October 2019 - Photo Gallery Available<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7s3Sy8RsE3joo85l-5dEti6iCRctvSB4bp5SWTMXpVDa5Ou4y9OWQxNa7Hg4MMG0o22HLN-uiCRFDwV9xstRiPwFmZIGaH1wr1QlR0yeC7uyJ3tDxr8X_EmJXspcRN9qphYinLa5WnANU/s1600/_DSC4093-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7s3Sy8RsE3joo85l-5dEti6iCRctvSB4bp5SWTMXpVDa5Ou4y9OWQxNa7Hg4MMG0o22HLN-uiCRFDwV9xstRiPwFmZIGaH1wr1QlR0yeC7uyJ3tDxr8X_EmJXspcRN9qphYinLa5WnANU/s400/_DSC4093-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A gallery of 24 selected photographs from my recently completed
journey to the Omo Valley in Ethiopia is now available for viewing on my personal
photography website.<br />
<br />
<b>Gallery Link:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/Hamer-Tribe-of-Omo-Valley-Ethiopia-October-2019" target="_blank">https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/Hamer-Tribe-of-Omo-Valley-Ethiopia-October-2019</a><br />
<br />
<b>Mobile App Link:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/Hamer-Tribe-of-Omo-Valley-Ethiopia-October-2019?mobile=true" target="_blank">https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/Hamer-Tribe-of-Omo-Valley-Ethiopia-October-2019?mobile=true</a><br />
<br />
<br />
The fourth tribe on my journey through the Omo Valley were the "Hamer", also known as the "Hamar".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpbfxAtiTqKoGOsI6m27EpO58suTiUoHZp1tukTLphEVFARh06EWo3HgOU4y2LkjnvRdSdxyxfsi4nztvFrsRVGExtcHJDRov6X1j-ftCw3-nqXIbXFNCI1oib-_oRYgv0p0A3SiSkJBh/s1600/_DSC4100-Edit-Edit+BW+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpbfxAtiTqKoGOsI6m27EpO58suTiUoHZp1tukTLphEVFARh06EWo3HgOU4y2LkjnvRdSdxyxfsi4nztvFrsRVGExtcHJDRov6X1j-ftCw3-nqXIbXFNCI1oib-_oRYgv0p0A3SiSkJBh/s400/_DSC4100-Edit-Edit+BW+Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Hamer is a tribe of approximately 70,000 people in
the Omo Valley. They grow corn, and sorghum as well as tend cattle and goats..</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hamer women are world renowned for their appearance. Their hairstyle is particularly unique - fringes of tightly braided hair smeared with ochre and butter. They wear a goatskin garment called a "kasha" which hangs around their neck and covers their breasts. The kasha is decorated with rows of cowrie shells.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUZqCIvxsp-p5NU4r1ozEd2JJiQ7AtT9ywBLZb4haD1JT4xEgXy5zGNgUxrCYKbr5R_GpGUhZD8V2e1g-bR-tt6R_Lk82VH67ytlS0BmehZpOre8dpa-oZHj5A-5Ma8reHx-Lmc1ZhWVz/s1600/_DSC4171-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUZqCIvxsp-p5NU4r1ozEd2JJiQ7AtT9ywBLZb4haD1JT4xEgXy5zGNgUxrCYKbr5R_GpGUhZD8V2e1g-bR-tt6R_Lk82VH67ytlS0BmehZpOre8dpa-oZHj5A-5Ma8reHx-Lmc1ZhWVz/s400/_DSC4171-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I
was very fortunate to spend some quality and very productive time interacting with as well as photographing some Hamer people inside of their home located in a very small village.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am very pleased with the photographs from that visit. </div>
Allen A Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17334569605267708874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727823098676088535.post-34482052678060386782019-11-14T11:15:00.000+07:002019-11-14T14:30:05.533+07:00Karo Tribe - Omo Valley, Ethiopia October 2019 - Photo Gallery Available<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBhtUIpyalFEiP1Za6aUEoH2MJgMOUv4yEIYAZLrz1bIMgl0WpuS3fp9fU8_akPRQc9VlIY3fXnNmmHq-xSSsB08FS_j4-W7yNAaP8Yjho7B6odrLJt_p2HDJNybifSMG3RZ56VfPXKN10/s1600/_DSC3589-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBhtUIpyalFEiP1Za6aUEoH2MJgMOUv4yEIYAZLrz1bIMgl0WpuS3fp9fU8_akPRQc9VlIY3fXnNmmHq-xSSsB08FS_j4-W7yNAaP8Yjho7B6odrLJt_p2HDJNybifSMG3RZ56VfPXKN10/s400/_DSC3589-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
A gallery of 33 selected photographs from my recently completed
journey to the Omo Valley in Ethiopia is now available for viewing on my personal
photography website.<br />
<br />
<b>Gallery Link:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/Karo-Tribe-of-Ethiopia-October-2019" target="_blank">https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/Karo-Tribe-of-Ethiopia-October-2019</a><br />
<br />
<b>Mobile App Link:</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/Karo-Tribe-of-Ethiopia-October-2019?mobile=true" target="_blank">https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/Karo-Tribe-of-Ethiopia-October-2019?mobile=true</a><br />
<br />
The third tribe on my journey through the Omo Valley were the "Karo", also known as the "Kara".<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3q4I_Jm0IRYSMx-6QuVF2E9_4fPoh9AtIbxP-QdE5jIHwMXucXsZPYm_0XhjVlqV6mdCZl5rbv_RBeOb7uI3k7Sy1K3nZIzbNHTHpeFDkcg7nevv9x3JSvRfOiqeiRgyYbNS4r-TZK6k/s1600/_DSC3503-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3q4I_Jm0IRYSMx-6QuVF2E9_4fPoh9AtIbxP-QdE5jIHwMXucXsZPYm_0XhjVlqV6mdCZl5rbv_RBeOb7uI3k7Sy1K3nZIzbNHTHpeFDkcg7nevv9x3JSvRfOiqeiRgyYbNS4r-TZK6k/s400/_DSC3503-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Karo are a small tribe of less than 3,000 in
the Omo Valley. They grow corn, beans, and sorghum.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I visited the tribe late in the afternoon. Although suffering from giardiasis, I managed to get some memorable photos of the people, and their homes. Realizing that I was feeling ill, one of the elders ensured that the people gave me some personal space. Many of the visits to the Omo Valley can be somewhat daunting, with people pressing to have their photos taken and to view thier photos on the back of your camera.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was very impressed with the openness and friendliness of the Omo Valley tribes. The people were very interesting and a pleasure to interact with.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span>Allen A Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17334569605267708874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727823098676088535.post-65687441114198128412019-11-11T19:36:00.002+07:002019-11-11T19:39:08.762+07:00Nyangatom Tribe - Omo Valley, Ethiopia October 2019 - Photo Gallery Available<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBWrtCEiyIDPDBCpVy-7JkDMoxonigNZFBuqhdd7VArhMo8Pq_t7Os6oIn0IpkSE0kZ_JaadEBcoeL4KvE5LPle2eoBsmAZx_fJbhyphenhyphenj0C5SNCgTk2YQ76l8wa09hTaZIz8mQpo5RrnDvw/s1600/_DSC3462-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBWrtCEiyIDPDBCpVy-7JkDMoxonigNZFBuqhdd7VArhMo8Pq_t7Os6oIn0IpkSE0kZ_JaadEBcoeL4KvE5LPle2eoBsmAZx_fJbhyphenhyphenj0C5SNCgTk2YQ76l8wa09hTaZIz8mQpo5RrnDvw/s400/_DSC3462-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A gallery of 32 selected photographs from my recently completed
journey to the Omo Valley in Ethiopia is now available for viewing on my personal
photography website.<br />
<br />
Gallery Link:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/Nyangatom-Tribe-of-Ethiopia-October-2019" target="_blank">https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/Nyangatom-Tribe-of-Ethiopia-October-2019</a><br />
<br />
Mobile App Link:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/Nyangatom-Tribe-of-Ethiopia-October-2019?mobile=true" target="_blank">https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/Nyangatom-Tribe-of-Ethiopia-October-2019?mobile=true</a><br />
<br />
The second tribe on my journey through the Omo Valley were the "Nyangatom".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7NwUEgExIq9maKO1x0-310Ddcgpsp2OH3d3g23q1cAVFeW3d6OFUi175qaPazxTsk4yDuPyZmotd3q8J5sTteJqKGcRgC2gEAdSdjyDDHQIjRhyphenhyphenO4HgabnKHvoYDV7vF16hCJUttwthyphenhyphenL/s1600/_DSC3389-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7NwUEgExIq9maKO1x0-310Ddcgpsp2OH3d3g23q1cAVFeW3d6OFUi175qaPazxTsk4yDuPyZmotd3q8J5sTteJqKGcRgC2gEAdSdjyDDHQIjRhyphenhyphenO4HgabnKHvoYDV7vF16hCJUttwthyphenhyphenL/s400/_DSC3389-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Nyangatom, also known as the Bome (Bume), are a tribe of approximately 20,000 in
the Omo Valley. They are pastoralists - tending their herds and growing some crops as the availability of water allows. They are
known for being fearsome warriors. Even these days there are fatal encounter with the neighbors - Hamer, Suri, and Karo tribes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was able to witness and photograph an early morning ritual where a family extracted fresh blood from their cattle to drink. It was unlike anything that I have ever experienced to date.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
NOTE: <b><span style="color: red;"><i>This gallery contains photographs of naked men, blood., and the drawing blood from live cattle.</i></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">The linked gallery provides a glimpse of a people and their culture in a land far away and living in a long ago time in today's world.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Long may they continue and thrive as they choose. </span></span><b><span style="color: red;"><i> </i></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Allen A Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17334569605267708874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727823098676088535.post-28480575602344448012019-11-11T12:50:00.002+07:002019-11-11T12:55:05.951+07:00Suri Tribe - Omo Valley, Ethiopia October 2019 - Photo Gallery Available<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VcOGBzGhI724smGQjaiuGTeQfqqCrwaEJaJbb0D4rrfuNcGJRoPvfNaJWrbc-HtZ8w7ytHdho6VR9wc5e41q3pxGBClsE9ZksFjaWpDyNkrJxTtkv1o94x4qO-LLmS3U6eODXQNXSr5t/s1600/_DSC3123-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VcOGBzGhI724smGQjaiuGTeQfqqCrwaEJaJbb0D4rrfuNcGJRoPvfNaJWrbc-HtZ8w7ytHdho6VR9wc5e41q3pxGBClsE9ZksFjaWpDyNkrJxTtkv1o94x4qO-LLmS3U6eODXQNXSr5t/s400/_DSC3123-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Another day, another photo gallery is now available for viewing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
A gallery of 31 selected photographs from my recently completed
journey to the Omo Valley in Ethiopia is now available for viewing on my personal
photography website.<br />
<br />
Gallery Link:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/Suri-Tribe-of-Omo-Valley-Ethiopia-Oct-2019" target="_blank">https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/Suri-Tribe-of-Omo-Valley-Ethiopia-Oct-2019</a><br />
<br />
Mobile App Link:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/Suri-Tribe-of-Omo-Valley-Ethiopia-Oct-2019?mobile=true" target="_blank">https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/Suri-Tribe-of-Omo-Valley-Ethiopia-Oct-2019?mobile=true</a><br />
<br />
After my journey to the Gerewol Festival in Chad and having to pass through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in order to return home in Thailand, I took a detour to explore, photograph, and experience the truly amazing tribes of the Omo Valley near the borders of Kenya and the South Sudan.<br />
<br />
The first tribe on my journey through the Omo Valley were the "Suri".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5c276mxrA81mvAaXUlXjl63tH8IJP2Ebb3Df8LXODpqCtBY9t4Qs2oQXLN3Q4zt-tIc5TwioAO8TA21nbbpvs6XHaVgiWF5fZOQMiWctilPqZ9Cv_X0Iehp7JY_4kmt1T9CIFzGqT2w_e/s1600/_DSC3017-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5c276mxrA81mvAaXUlXjl63tH8IJP2Ebb3Df8LXODpqCtBY9t4Qs2oQXLN3Q4zt-tIc5TwioAO8TA21nbbpvs6XHaVgiWF5fZOQMiWctilPqZ9Cv_X0Iehp7JY_4kmt1T9CIFzGqT2w_e/s400/_DSC3017-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Suri, also known as the Surma, are one of the less visited tribes of the Omo Valley due to their remoteness and inaccessibility. They are known for their ornate decoration of their bodies. The Suri paint their bodies with mud or paints. Bodies are also decorated through scarification - causing keloid scars by cutting with razor blades. In addition the Suri people extensively use local plants and flowers to adorn their bodies.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Like the Mursi tribe, Suri women pierce their lips and insert clay plates.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Soon I will write a blog sharing my experiences as well as observations that I had during my two days with the Suri people.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Allen A Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17334569605267708874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727823098676088535.post-86977409451097672602019-11-10T12:51:00.004+07:002019-11-10T12:56:03.796+07:00Gerewol Festival 2019 Chad - Gallery Is Now Available<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsO42R3EKf2fle_bAl0qg6_ucLPsEbnFcHU5CpCDfrOJGzEvtxM8ZSQDfRq4ONqC8S-g8hTreWgLMsUiOZqWwYVvFJFvoXX6yBV5uO2TMn2FYPb-LjtJNGcEBp-VblTKEFJzzsmjOqmclA/s1600/_DSC0935-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsO42R3EKf2fle_bAl0qg6_ucLPsEbnFcHU5CpCDfrOJGzEvtxM8ZSQDfRq4ONqC8S-g8hTreWgLMsUiOZqWwYVvFJFvoXX6yBV5uO2TMn2FYPb-LjtJNGcEBp-VblTKEFJzzsmjOqmclA/s400/_DSC0935-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A gallery of 33 selected photographs from my recently completed journey to Chad (Tchad) is now available for viewing on my personal photography website.<br />
<br />
Gallery Link:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/Gerewol-Festival-Chad-2019" target="_blank">https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/Gerewol-Festival-Chad-2019</a><br />
<br />
Mobile App Link:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/Gerewol-Festival-Chad-2019?mobile=true" target="_blank">https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/Gerewol-Festival-Chad-2019?mobile=true</a><br />
<br />
I had gone to Chad to witness, document as well as experience the Gerewol Festival.<br />
<br />
The Gerewol Festival is the annual gathering of the nomadic people of the Wodaabe Tribe of the Sahel region of Africa. At the gathering, the males compete for the attention and "favors (favours) of the young females. The Wodaabe people consider themselves to be the most beautiful people in the world.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzFZe1EBlq1NZ_23G162CVrRlR7H_i0nS_9wx8ttN9aFyZNjbg7rAIkMLu7Fnf37z4XZy5ea8rujaJbv3zqfM5GsUPPySCynUNPyDZBefy5JbkzSI1d1FyktF1Wg2rEkoqHNwIjm38Ezp/s1600/_DSC1711-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzFZe1EBlq1NZ_23G162CVrRlR7H_i0nS_9wx8ttN9aFyZNjbg7rAIkMLu7Fnf37z4XZy5ea8rujaJbv3zqfM5GsUPPySCynUNPyDZBefy5JbkzSI1d1FyktF1Wg2rEkoqHNwIjm38Ezp/s400/_DSC1711-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
For the festival which provides the opportunity to comingle the bloodlines of the various clans, the males dress and make-up to emulate birds while accentuating their features that are considered beautiful and desirable.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-okGzzKmwOIMGpCrLOYDwna77qRWdo-RKvEhHsQc1Yz6NSOxhYbQfGqY9QI7fDoJAJp09kDtNsRbKKGdYekvr8A7vkSeFiuNTI3YRM1PJJwos4TTEopk2pivQ7CisCyanSFvsJcVNA3pt/s1600/_DSC1503-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-okGzzKmwOIMGpCrLOYDwna77qRWdo-RKvEhHsQc1Yz6NSOxhYbQfGqY9QI7fDoJAJp09kDtNsRbKKGdYekvr8A7vkSeFiuNTI3YRM1PJJwos4TTEopk2pivQ7CisCyanSFvsJcVNA3pt/s400/_DSC1503-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Starting a little before sunset each day, the young men will dance and chant all night long before stopping just after sunrise.<br />
<br />
Attending this festival was a great opportunity for me to: "<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>show extraordinary people doing ordinary things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In so doing, I wish to show how different
people can appear, to provide a glimpse of other cultures, to celebrate the
diversity of mankind, and to demonstrate that despite our appearances we are so
much alike.</i></span>"</span><i><b><span style="background-color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="background-color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></span></b></i>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Chad was definitely one of the places that I now seek and treasure - "a place less visited"</span>Allen A Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17334569605267708874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727823098676088535.post-83402311593497556172019-07-20T11:56:00.001+07:002019-07-20T12:01:19.047+07:00A New Photo Gallery Is Available - "Saddhus of Pashupatinath"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTnoXeZsl7FLD_-219vrxQVPbCftyhG5bDbOQlnTgsjynsFfRAc8NyFVLGfHR4MhFs4h-UNhwnuUloJzXiojk-u708AogcG3x2xuW2gZyab6drUJTKffYGoyxVX2HITVh3e46gA37EyL_/s1600/DSC_5539-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTnoXeZsl7FLD_-219vrxQVPbCftyhG5bDbOQlnTgsjynsFfRAc8NyFVLGfHR4MhFs4h-UNhwnuUloJzXiojk-u708AogcG3x2xuW2gZyab6drUJTKffYGoyxVX2HITVh3e46gA37EyL_/s400/DSC_5539-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A new photography gallery, "Saddhus of Pashupatinath", on my personal website is now available for viewing.<br />
<br />
This gallery contains some selected photos of Saddhus, Hindu Holy Men, that I encountered on my recently concluded visit to Nepal.<br />
<br />
Some of the Saddhus, I had visited and photographed on my previous two visits to Nepal in the past three years. Many of the Saddhus, being wandering holy men, had left, some of them returning to India.<br />
<br />
As always the interaction with the Saddhus was interesting and often entertaining.<br />
<br />
The following is the link to the new gallery:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/The-Saddhus-of-Pashupatinath" target="_blank">https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/The-Saddhus-of-Pashupatinath</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="376">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hashtag"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Unresolved Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Link"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>Allen A Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17334569605267708874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727823098676088535.post-69710508846646595632018-10-15T22:24:00.001+07:002019-10-31T09:31:11.089+07:002018 Yartung Festival - Lo Manthang<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKy73CF0Atxs64YnNugTORc6CBZUkwSADpiyVRQ8Ocp-nkhNlpTSsF-AWY6BHWeyiNzcE5XshLG22SHz5Kn13Dox-yWe3bHcluhpw72HYi3YvfPTNpt53OI5noSidtpq0VkevnXzikzRK/s1600/DSC_8497-Edit3-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKy73CF0Atxs64YnNugTORc6CBZUkwSADpiyVRQ8Ocp-nkhNlpTSsF-AWY6BHWeyiNzcE5XshLG22SHz5Kn13Dox-yWe3bHcluhpw72HYi3YvfPTNpt53OI5noSidtpq0VkevnXzikzRK/s400/DSC_8497-Edit3-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding Through Lo Manthang On Evening of the First Day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The main reason, besides sharing a previous wonderful experience with my wife, for our tour of Upper Mustang in August was to witness the Yartung ( Tibetan "Summers End") Festival.<br />
<br />
The Yartung Festival in Lo Manthang is held at the end of the monsoon season; marking the end of the growing season and the start of the harvest season. This year the festival was held from August 15th to August 17th. The festival is typically held in August or early September. There are other Yartung Festivals held in Upper Mustang, the Former Kingdom of Lo. During our tour of the region, we learned of upcoming festivals in Kegbeni as well as Muktinath.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_et7cocDt8Z3x1UWtqX38HdLr-8o-yaBSTMksw9t9hpSfQfy4wsjSA6yBUaU05J-Jds4jtJ0_MqO_i9L9aYKC8tDeAlvdvV2Mmoia5uVaOsth2XjCOE1_0_lGlvbGmaFR6POAU7IXnmz/s1600/DSC_7641-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_et7cocDt8Z3x1UWtqX38HdLr-8o-yaBSTMksw9t9hpSfQfy4wsjSA6yBUaU05J-Jds4jtJ0_MqO_i9L9aYKC8tDeAlvdvV2Mmoia5uVaOsth2XjCOE1_0_lGlvbGmaFR6POAU7IXnmz/s320/DSC_7641-Edit-Email.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riders and Their Horses Assemble For the Afternoon Procession</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As I always do prior to committing to a journey, I had researched the Yartung Festival. Through Google searches I obtained some basic information regarding the celebration and I soon realized that there is a great deal of plagiarism on the Internet. Various sites were using information "word for word" from a common source.<br />
<br />
The festival is held over three days. The first day is focused or dedicated to "men". The second day is for "women" with the last day being focused or dedicated to "Monks".<br />
<br />
From YOUTUBE, I watched several film clips of the actual festival in Lo Manthang as well as a couple other locales. For me the highights of the films was the riders of horses demonstrating their bravery, skill, and strength by leaning over on their racing stead to pick up a khata from the ground as they raced by. Khatas are long silk scarves associated with Tibetan Buddhism that are given at special occasions to people to show love and respect by the people who offer them. They come in different colors. White is the most common and symbolizes the pure heart of the giver as well as "peace". Yellow symbolizes "happiness'. After seeing the films of the racing and picking up of the khatas, I was very excited about our upcoming tour.<br />
<br />
<b>"There is the way that thing are supposed to be and then there is the way that they actually are" - </b>"Allen's World", Allen A Hale<b><br /></b><br />
<br />
<b>"2. Everything Changes"</b> - the second of Buddhism's Three Universal Truths<br />
<br />
<b> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmi7fW3FtgraO-_vwOY3nbwLMgVz-s08m22J0es3aMEGKOk0sK_iK6LAbUaB1bgd2YEjlHXoZyyQzAeeMza8y5dD_8N1ZB4v1UeHEXLFl1k-jSOzy5tRzfdemnGnpFbWopS_zho0PQtgq/s1600/DSC_8257-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmi7fW3FtgraO-_vwOY3nbwLMgVz-s08m22J0es3aMEGKOk0sK_iK6LAbUaB1bgd2YEjlHXoZyyQzAeeMza8y5dD_8N1ZB4v1UeHEXLFl1k-jSOzy5tRzfdemnGnpFbWopS_zho0PQtgq/s400/DSC_8257-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding Fast and Hard In the Evening</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</b><br />
We attended and even participated in all days and events of this year's Yartung Festival. There was no actual horse racing per say during the festival. In the afternoon of each day there was a mounted procession through the town on the way to the festival grounds to the west of town. In the evening just before the sun went down riders would ride up and down one of the main east/west streets in town. Although the horses were traveling rapidly along the street, it was not a competition. The groups of riders reminded me of many evenings that I spent as a child riding bicycles up and down the neighborhood street with my friends - riding for the companionship and the joy of it all - no winners and no losers, just happiness.<br />
<br />
<b></b>
For the start of the first day of the festival, the day focused on men, we waited for the start of the afternoon procession at Lo Manthang's main square, just outside of the City Gate. The main square is not very large but is strategically located close to the King's Palace. We were informed that the festival would start around 1:00 PM so we arrived at Noon to ensure that we would not miss anything. We then found out that the procession would start at 2:00 PM. No matter - we wandered about the small town and enjoyed watching the local people along with their horses preparing for the festival.<br />
<br />
<b></b>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPX5iLsSBLCiEtK6_T3FaC988dIHwyusBGKu88BXi2D_TCVy0_NlBo8rHIEvFvOsKU2qHc9jM1mrE-unb91iN_UX2pTJCqYuBDkeM9s5WybJFPAnuNyFxV69l6tQjx5FhJfdbRC5fhSEGQ/s1600/DSC_7621-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPX5iLsSBLCiEtK6_T3FaC988dIHwyusBGKu88BXi2D_TCVy0_NlBo8rHIEvFvOsKU2qHc9jM1mrE-unb91iN_UX2pTJCqYuBDkeM9s5WybJFPAnuNyFxV69l6tQjx5FhJfdbRC5fhSEGQ/s400/DSC_7621-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spectators At The City Gate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Based upon my previous walks about the town and anticipating the route of the procession, my wife and I walked down the street and set up to observe the procession in front of the monastery where the procession would have to make a right hand turn. We were fortunate and had the location all to ourselves.<br />
<br />
<b></b>
The 2:00 PM start was actually a 2:45 PM start. After a vanguard of a small group of fast riders passed, a slow procession of the King and Crown Prince rode by. The monarchy was abolished by the Nepal government in 2008. The last official King died in 2016 however the people of Lo Manthang still consider the late King's son to be King. The Royal Family is highly revered to this day.<br />
<br />
<b></b>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmVKfcXuWalU2W8nnIQjYKMuvlIiXQqGi0h55vsCwRZbbilIzO7zxUiB8-LsowcKTpuFbLe_208L-V8DT01jGKmwjC_0iyakAij3iEAA9GsxTC65igJrEP6GeBIY5_ZRbCVsXM_lokgSn/s1600/DSC_7718-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmVKfcXuWalU2W8nnIQjYKMuvlIiXQqGi0h55vsCwRZbbilIzO7zxUiB8-LsowcKTpuFbLe_208L-V8DT01jGKmwjC_0iyakAij3iEAA9GsxTC65igJrEP6GeBIY5_ZRbCVsXM_lokgSn/s400/DSC_7718-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Royal Pocession</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b></b>
After riding through the town, the procession stopped at the intersection of the north main town street and the road leading past the Royal Mustang Resort (recently opened by the Royal Family) eventually going to the fields northwest of town. A short ceremony was held at the intersection. Offerings to the King and members of the Royal Procession were given by a small group of women. The women presented khatas, flowers, food and sang some traditional songs. At the conclusion of the ceremony, everyone rode or walked up to the festival grounds.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScIk19dtgMeEeqUe_t7M8kbftXLwiU9QcuxXlg52XKHUF3fZwg0yXoI3uFvlO7BQ-MgsFOb2fTLp2SbK2iClbpXdC0isQRsBNrajY5p1bpYblrvmxfo_1vVDWs0Drqk_JSj_Cobbcp_TQ/s1600/DSC_7810-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScIk19dtgMeEeqUe_t7M8kbftXLwiU9QcuxXlg52XKHUF3fZwg0yXoI3uFvlO7BQ-MgsFOb2fTLp2SbK2iClbpXdC0isQRsBNrajY5p1bpYblrvmxfo_1vVDWs0Drqk_JSj_Cobbcp_TQ/s400/DSC_7810-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Offering Ceremony on Day 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
At the festival grounds there were three large tents. The first one that we encountered was surrounded by schoolchildren. Adults were busy serving lunch to the children. After eating their meal, the students washed their metal food trays, think metal military plates, in the mountain stream a short distance down and behind the large tent. The children enjoyed the afternoon socializing and listening to music on a portable PA system.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxbhF5e2w5ZkDNMiFdE0XwAMu1-vKZQHI6xjtZOS72zB4KNybpxx3LX3AQwYKjGD8ud2akLVpsOMkdENBK1QeX9779YTTuONUxgW8WlonXXcW5MV6KG8iuuh97rskbuEgSU2AeBrXyGKD/s1600/DSC_7820-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxbhF5e2w5ZkDNMiFdE0XwAMu1-vKZQHI6xjtZOS72zB4KNybpxx3LX3AQwYKjGD8ud2akLVpsOMkdENBK1QeX9779YTTuONUxgW8WlonXXcW5MV6KG8iuuh97rskbuEgSU2AeBrXyGKD/s400/DSC_7820-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horses Resting at Festival Grounds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The next tent was the Royal Tent. The King, Crown Prince, and other dignitaries were seated inside. Lesser dignitaries sat outside of the tent on horse blankets and mats. People entered the tent to pay their respects to the King. It was all very low key and very relaxed. You could sit down next to the King and Crown Prince and be photographed - an opportunity that Duang took full advantage of after I had introduced her to the Crown Prince whom I had met last October. Whether you were photographed or not, everyone was offered hot tea and snacks - cookies and local fried dough treats.<br />
It was a very nice experience.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfde5RVCc9KmN4xwGnyjg5SRPOtm-UP_3c0kk9GP7FAQ-AomAqj3OdTnUIPVqFI6HyqGxJZJqOfz1ccTxZMHg0pP7ptGfvhLKrO2GTyen_mLvIxNDoFDNZMa8gCs0aiXZfHjHThDx5ce3Q/s1600/DSC_7861-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfde5RVCc9KmN4xwGnyjg5SRPOtm-UP_3c0kk9GP7FAQ-AomAqj3OdTnUIPVqFI6HyqGxJZJqOfz1ccTxZMHg0pP7ptGfvhLKrO2GTyen_mLvIxNDoFDNZMa8gCs0aiXZfHjHThDx5ce3Q/s400/DSC_7861-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The last tent was where local officials were relaxing. We were invited in and served hot tea along with some more snacks. The people were extremely gracious and friendly.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36A6gA5g2TSPWRQ4FmLfUAi6vvjm8Xtob3ZiUUNesfMnd3NR2TxYBrvSBZQ_e0WiZy3ljIwGxYdcnfXfqpHCMIhYYRDw8oE0936UaLGUBOv6YUyKYormEYol5vppYerzF2B4uOEPu8JDU/s1600/DSC_7897-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36A6gA5g2TSPWRQ4FmLfUAi6vvjm8Xtob3ZiUUNesfMnd3NR2TxYBrvSBZQ_e0WiZy3ljIwGxYdcnfXfqpHCMIhYYRDw8oE0936UaLGUBOv6YUyKYormEYol5vppYerzF2B4uOEPu8JDU/s400/DSC_7897-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing Tea and Sncks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
After our visits to the tents we headed back to town in order to rest in preparrtion for the scheduled evening ride.<br />
<br />
Around 5:00 PM, people walked back into town to witness the riders returning from the festival field and riding along the north main east/west street of the town. I situated myself on the south side of the street where I could photograph the riders with the local spectators in the background. I had selected my location well as it turned out. There was a small alcove in the mud brick/stone wall that ran alongside the street behind me. There was a pile of dirt and stones to my left. Several times during the evening rides <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiH1eK_BtQwHEKkJiiVoO33OkmQIAyZAMCkgAat-HBE4LVlFYi6cv3cP24ivX7Prq3PC-b66PhIXeC6eg9Ip5N4wWQbFabC5QhCF44-7s0XuXdlPdOMT1jB2CvZwe3YW0IOZo82Uc_t3s/s1600/DSC_8471-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiH1eK_BtQwHEKkJiiVoO33OkmQIAyZAMCkgAat-HBE4LVlFYi6cv3cP24ivX7Prq3PC-b66PhIXeC6eg9Ip5N4wWQbFabC5QhCF44-7s0XuXdlPdOMT1jB2CvZwe3YW0IOZo82Uc_t3s/s400/DSC_8471-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It was quite a sight and very exciting watching the horses and riders flying past me left to right followed by right to left. There was no racing - just the joy and happiness of people celebrating the freedom as well as mobility that the horse had brought to them. Lo Manthang is a remote destination. Only recently has there men an auto route from Jomsom to Lo Manthang. The road requires 4WD vehicles to navigate its curves, water crossings, hills, and mountain passses. Most of the time we traveled at 10 KPH (6 mph). Our maximum speed was 22 KPH ( 13 mph). Due to monsoon conditions, we had to walk part of the way and change vehicles three times to get there. Prior to the road, people walked or road horses to access Upper Mustang. Lo Manthang is on the salt route from Tibet to Kathmandu. Traders transported salt from Tibet to Nepal and Nepalese goods to Tibet in horse caravans until the combination of low cost salt from India and the Chinese takeover of Tibet eliminated the trade.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5lqf90F5Mb7YUbqyjR1e4ajcCmFQf8cuXHvlqk88xhs6x2VTD9SkQJYeO-2qFXnsIRKD2vcKC2A6vx91cvGGdpdyAX1fNeE3TjzBaOEvKpHygorFcmx36ZYzd1RHbC8P4mdUbWfFMicx/s1600/DSC_7998-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5lqf90F5Mb7YUbqyjR1e4ajcCmFQf8cuXHvlqk88xhs6x2VTD9SkQJYeO-2qFXnsIRKD2vcKC2A6vx91cvGGdpdyAX1fNeE3TjzBaOEvKpHygorFcmx36ZYzd1RHbC8P4mdUbWfFMicx/s400/DSC_7998-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The Yartung Festivals celebrate the role and freedom that the horse provides the people of Upper Mustang. I was not disappointed that there was no competitive racing. Watching the joy of the local Loba people participating in <u>their</u> festival. I write "their" festival in the sense that the people were doing it all for their own joy and relaxation rather than putting on a show for the outside world.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvihNeXJ-ziOqHS56C8ZEmPqlztMYWM76A6hKz0bRdS23a0p4x9zs16QXtthObPx-pPjRXHz63U_2YiFcj0QBMUkgKRpJ4GBPx29zwiYnEumHvs2q4IAS-xg28KjcMMzSgvarMh-yEUs8/s1600/DSC_8169-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvihNeXJ-ziOqHS56C8ZEmPqlztMYWM76A6hKz0bRdS23a0p4x9zs16QXtthObPx-pPjRXHz63U_2YiFcj0QBMUkgKRpJ4GBPx29zwiYnEumHvs2q4IAS-xg28KjcMMzSgvarMh-yEUs8/s400/DSC_8169-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17dVizk-icwV5vYw3xQgqb2P1I1lVIyUIf5EuYvK0mOjXNkOxmdK1nhGOpxtcVqV0NjZH-Tjg3COVqiOSivfKo-BKZiDXbfi6U1e2pFUe5w-lVIv9G2b44YR_u9CzH0MAKIIG4mLaY4Dg/s1600/DSC_8029-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17dVizk-icwV5vYw3xQgqb2P1I1lVIyUIf5EuYvK0mOjXNkOxmdK1nhGOpxtcVqV0NjZH-Tjg3COVqiOSivfKo-BKZiDXbfi6U1e2pFUe5w-lVIv9G2b44YR_u9CzH0MAKIIG4mLaY4Dg/s400/DSC_8029-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCm1Rnd9u2DvNhyphenhyphenNcsuFYNCr5vaSgwipZ567fyywB3Lrqw5ZLv2p_rQlbJ_IqrLSh3Z0NeXFEYN4S1sCDFOfVeQ15lbNzx-S41FvWaX8zxD9MBsz6LKlMvH8fFSPI93p7HDH5A_djsgDML/s1600/DSC_9100-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCm1Rnd9u2DvNhyphenhyphenNcsuFYNCr5vaSgwipZ567fyywB3Lrqw5ZLv2p_rQlbJ_IqrLSh3Z0NeXFEYN4S1sCDFOfVeQ15lbNzx-S41FvWaX8zxD9MBsz6LKlMvH8fFSPI93p7HDH5A_djsgDML/s400/DSC_9100-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Announcing Arrival of King and Queen on Day 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The second day of the festival was focused on "women" and followed roughly the same schedule as the previous day. For the start of the afternoon procession, we set up and remained at the main square just outside of the City Gate. Because the second day is dedicated or focused on women, the Queen participated in the procession.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh908DaV1KWJRVfOBa3V-v3QKerJcByqQnAAbwEkvwL0jtD0VtPlW1MJL-zBQI97MzKqsMXKaoFago0GOdYOc9FIT4Kn5yGzik6BL4L_D_obV3zjfYq_7Lm0TRNlTGTczFgewDkm6fIl-L5/s1600/DSC_9114-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh908DaV1KWJRVfOBa3V-v3QKerJcByqQnAAbwEkvwL0jtD0VtPlW1MJL-zBQI97MzKqsMXKaoFago0GOdYOc9FIT4Kn5yGzik6BL4L_D_obV3zjfYq_7Lm0TRNlTGTczFgewDkm6fIl-L5/s400/DSC_9114-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King and Queen Exit City Gate Into Main Square</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the procession had exited the Main Square, Duang and I walked, more like power walked, a short distance to the main street near our guest house.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLKEZquAxjTBG_eBJyWHWCPqoPMObA7FbP7lY9PVlIwBKA8mC7W1yMmMARhlVB3ERxJCDAZZ3C_NNtdvoQIg7csUkgK-xrO7uWT7QoFQ51kjeV604w7efapHnrdyDQIgyCzlEH6cHF58D/s1600/DSC_9146-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLKEZquAxjTBG_eBJyWHWCPqoPMObA7FbP7lY9PVlIwBKA8mC7W1yMmMARhlVB3ERxJCDAZZ3C_NNtdvoQIg7csUkgK-xrO7uWT7QoFQ51kjeV604w7efapHnrdyDQIgyCzlEH6cHF58D/s400/DSC_9146-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Royal Procession On Day 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZWT9hEioU3DUsJX9FhMjIHUy3nYdj3NFwkQRW_lbQS15drEY6spec0fr0z4STgWtDHxmb2bDxcuguvcu6IMSrYsz-BPWKlKA_mnDY7u7qoLkDNYJ1qLDk_rIVI1XRC3HrjYd5kHq84Qk/s1600/DSC_9151-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZWT9hEioU3DUsJX9FhMjIHUy3nYdj3NFwkQRW_lbQS15drEY6spec0fr0z4STgWtDHxmb2bDxcuguvcu6IMSrYsz-BPWKlKA_mnDY7u7qoLkDNYJ1qLDk_rIVI1XRC3HrjYd5kHq84Qk/s400/DSC_9151-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 2 Procession</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Just as on the first day festivities, there was a short ceremony at the intersection of the streets leading up to the festival field. Offerings were made to the Queen along with others prior to proceeding up to the tents.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_KKOGqVUAxV2JZJtjc0q5wmoIvLvWQQ1jycQDcZ5oY4ZqVGExDc69GH1ID8q8sOgUhqrH5tryEjYu2OfHEcOhHliiDt1KScc1YDwgDIWj2xLOqn_opDV-6iMo7hzr0TDKEn_t_HNiE0c/s1600/DSC_9160-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_KKOGqVUAxV2JZJtjc0q5wmoIvLvWQQ1jycQDcZ5oY4ZqVGExDc69GH1ID8q8sOgUhqrH5tryEjYu2OfHEcOhHliiDt1KScc1YDwgDIWj2xLOqn_opDV-6iMo7hzr0TDKEn_t_HNiE0c/s400/DSC_9160-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Offering Ceremony On Day 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We followed the procession up to the festival field. Our first stop was at the Royal Tent where we enjoyed hot tea and more snacks. Unlike the previous day, there was not a bottle of "Royal Treasure Whiskey" placed in front of the King. I joked with the King about the missing whiskey and then I told the Queen about the bottle that day before but that the King had not drank any of it. We all enjoyed a good laugh. The King ended up having the last laugh ... on me, the next day.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSaPEVeDtnn7vjN1ovnqZBfG0n1dpVUFdqrRh9J4E3u6_-7GTen8qGnWYA3E0yIASAmjgcB0_OY7yRhBmAHvHeuw5czM8CLXbxUQ4RMMrHSRf-ZVOn7BeGkeIRr8x1FNKl386HXEiK1uAs/s1600/DSC_9322-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSaPEVeDtnn7vjN1ovnqZBfG0n1dpVUFdqrRh9J4E3u6_-7GTen8qGnWYA3E0yIASAmjgcB0_OY7yRhBmAHvHeuw5czM8CLXbxUQ4RMMrHSRf-ZVOn7BeGkeIRr8x1FNKl386HXEiK1uAs/s400/DSC_9322-Edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serving Refreshments At Royal Tent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
As Duang and I walked by the large tent in which the Monks (lamas) were relaxing and having refreshments, we were invited to join them. We entered the tent and paid our respects to the lamas - kneeling on the ground with our hands in front of our chests in the praying position, we then started bend at our waists while our hands spread out to touch the ground remaing there until our forehead touched the top of them, we then reversed the process so that we were once again in the vertical kneeling position with our hands on our chest in the praying position. We did this three times. We then took a seat on the horse blankets placed upon the ground. We were welcomed by the High Lama and he asked us where we were from and other topics. We were given Tibetan butter tea in a bowl and some snacks - Tibetan fried dough - sort of like donuts. They then offered us Coca Cola.<br />
<br />
We sat there enjoying our snacks, talking with the holy men and listening to some laymen who broke out into song. I thought that the song sounded sad and was about loosing their homeland in Tibet. The High Lama told me that the song was a traditional Tibetan song about wishing people good luck and happiness. He also told me that when people are singing and you like the way that they are singing , you yell out "Shay Shay" to indicate your appreciation. Duang was too shy but I let out a couple "Shay Shay"s when the men sang their songs. After a while, the High Lama said "Now it is your turn. Time for you to sing" I thought for a while. I was taken aback a bit for I had never considered let alone prepared to be singing on the Tibetan Plateau in Upper Mustang for a group of lamas. I collected my thoughts and sang the 1970s Eagles song "Take It Easy" There were several shouts of "Shay, Shay" while I was singing. It was now Duang's turn to sing but she was way too shy to sing. We were then offered a local alcohol drink - very similar to Ara in Bhutan. It was even served from a container just like the ones used in Bhutan. Ara is a distilled liquid made from most likely barley. It is also similar to a drink here in NE Thailand and Lao - "Lao Lao". Ara, Chang, or Lao Lao start off as a wine made from rice, corn, millet, or wheat. It is then distilled in a homemade still over a wood fire.<br />
<br />
I accepted the chang which was poured from a wood container that reminded me of a beer stein but without a flip lid on it. The beverage was poured out of a small spout located at the top of the closed container. The container had four small lumps of yak butter placed 90 degrees apart along the rim. The drink was poured into my empty Tibetan Tea bowl. The man also placed a small lump of the yak butter on the rim of my bowl. The High Lama then instructed me the proper etiquette to consume the drink. Before drinking, I had to lightly dip my third finger into the bowl, and upon withdrawing my finger from the bowl, I had to flip the liquid on my finger into the air. I had to do this three times as a symbol of
making a sacrifice to the sky, the earth and my ancestors.Duang does not drink so she did not participate. However there was a small shrine in the center of the tent between our seating area and where the lamas were seated. Duang is a devout Buddhist so she took the opportunity to worship at the shrine. The shrine obscured our visions of each other. I broke out into an Ian Tyson song which the lamas seemed to appreciate. A man came over to refill my bowl with some more Chang. I looked over to where Duang was worshiping to see if she was watching. I pantomimed to keep it a secret and not to let her know I was going to have some more. The Lamas started laughing. Hearing the laughing, and knowing me all to well, Duang poked her head from behind the shrine to see what I was up to. I was caught red handed and red faced. She and I joined the lamas in laughing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgd6eCv4nvZ6WmvZW_wCIZxCMH5nZt7FGak0q2v7O5B4OaHaVfuY5L3zsncsdpMi30OK23nRPAkh89A8AD5rfXxQXRQaj6vRndwJrh9-aqPUEPDGwDl35QofCwWkhA1kMKEsbhBNpgeLi/s1600/DSC_9223-edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgd6eCv4nvZ6WmvZW_wCIZxCMH5nZt7FGak0q2v7O5B4OaHaVfuY5L3zsncsdpMi30OK23nRPAkh89A8AD5rfXxQXRQaj6vRndwJrh9-aqPUEPDGwDl35QofCwWkhA1kMKEsbhBNpgeLi/s400/DSC_9223-edit+Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional Dancing At Festival Field</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
That evening, the combination of so much activity and the 12,000 foot elevation caught up with Duang. She chose to rest at our guesthouse while I went out to witness the evening rides. I went back to the same location that I had chosen the evening before. Everything was going fine. After a while, all the old ladies across the street started yelling at me and motioning to me to come over to their side of the street. I ignored them at first but when they did not relent, I crossed over to the other side. Once on the other side I looked one way and then the other way. I did not particularly care for the photography angles and background. I then went back to my original location. I had no sooner got back to my spot when an out of control horse came galloping down the street headed directly for .... the old ladies! They all had to scramble and scatter to avoid the horse which the rider did get under control before hitting anyone. After things had calmed back down, I looked at the reassembled group of old ladies. I gave them a "WTF?" look, pointed to my head with my right index finger and tapped my right temple three times while moving my head up and down in a knowingly manner. I then motioned rather strongly for them to come across the street and join me! They laughed like crazy along with the other people on that side of the street - talk about a special memory!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcT9BeH52aZD0sNJ1y3hJ4mWKAi2Vhxyo0ccAwwvaRvVMfAE2fonA8xXLEHBU5iB-eVKtriLM5AkrI0E_-1eb7I2ngy768eX98uBNkXTC3aN-WjioLH-bjXZreHuUUmzy90Eg-Rwqzox5/s1600/DSC_9387-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcT9BeH52aZD0sNJ1y3hJ4mWKAi2Vhxyo0ccAwwvaRvVMfAE2fonA8xXLEHBU5iB-eVKtriLM5AkrI0E_-1eb7I2ngy768eX98uBNkXTC3aN-WjioLH-bjXZreHuUUmzy90Eg-Rwqzox5/s400/DSC_9387-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84u9mlQHBfPi23MWkCK0vpFWe18Uqksar9jBz4VIrZBFHa4vuDTdJhWO_XA7Rlc7kL8Jsp9V8OJDslZ-BGru2_kYH2cs-fcTimGLo-dRwB9Nus5VBsbtiJo3ckEdgUlzoxrroGw_0slQZ/s1600/DSC_9489-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84u9mlQHBfPi23MWkCK0vpFWe18Uqksar9jBz4VIrZBFHa4vuDTdJhWO_XA7Rlc7kL8Jsp9V8OJDslZ-BGru2_kYH2cs-fcTimGLo-dRwB9Nus5VBsbtiJo3ckEdgUlzoxrroGw_0slQZ/s400/DSC_9489-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Day 3 of the festival, the last day, followed the same routine and schedule as the previous two days. However there one big difference, the monks were riding the horses. The afternoon procession was a particularly unique photography opportunity - the khenpos were wearing their pandita hats. Khenpos are outstanding religious scholars who are also outstanding teachers as well as exhibiting exemplary conduct and a devotion to helping others. Pandita hats are the Tibetan Buddhist pointy hats in which the color identifies the sect and stripes, if present, indicate the areas of scholarly expertise.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VuI41FaVz5X1tnVSpC9SwnPmHhW388W3Ad7nSqDbb0eqOiY3S5WjD3nxjgSSbluClPz1qFW4ou2qi6MLbJMW7TQL_lTT7t7unv_KaC2a4ASS07wIeMj4VvNry-hOX7pEZ1lu8aDlV0kK/s1600/DSC_9675-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VuI41FaVz5X1tnVSpC9SwnPmHhW388W3Ad7nSqDbb0eqOiY3S5WjD3nxjgSSbluClPz1qFW4ou2qi6MLbJMW7TQL_lTT7t7unv_KaC2a4ASS07wIeMj4VvNry-hOX7pEZ1lu8aDlV0kK/s400/DSC_9675-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lama Afternoon Procession - Day 3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXNAqMxU5rB303ed_Hy4RG0CRwxHWnQ1WdDLLZsE15tl-g6b3_ZKzJe-w1MRXr_nsUreyjdhpAKRoW6_hKd8j2K0FhHXVx5IXO1xNflgaa-BZFC-QMgs3cQ890IjT7RrTr6SKbD21xvwk/s1600/DSC_9687-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXNAqMxU5rB303ed_Hy4RG0CRwxHWnQ1WdDLLZsE15tl-g6b3_ZKzJe-w1MRXr_nsUreyjdhpAKRoW6_hKd8j2K0FhHXVx5IXO1xNflgaa-BZFC-QMgs3cQ890IjT7RrTr6SKbD21xvwk/s400/DSC_9687-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Every day of the festival, we ended up meeting and speaking with young monks. They spoke English very well. I am certain that they welcomed the opportunity to learn something about our life in the outside world just as we appreciated and cherished the chance to learn more of theirs'.<br />
<br />
When I returned to Thailand and commenced to edit and post-process the thousands of photographs from our tour, I found this special photograph. It was one of the monks that I had spoken to several times. I posted the photo on Facebook and the story got even better - he is a Facebook friend!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTug2lhkI5tq9r-6RSuf-VmwYSzK-t3gMWdsPEpBHhbjFGPQhlPl9SbzW2qKZrrp_oAELYLLZ_thqrLgtB5i32LvmWmqV6FCkqAY4lm2MSj8ZX7_ZhEMTFAuQ0gdpIu5Xhckb9fM9mw2xu/s1600/DSC_9598-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTug2lhkI5tq9r-6RSuf-VmwYSzK-t3gMWdsPEpBHhbjFGPQhlPl9SbzW2qKZrrp_oAELYLLZ_thqrLgtB5i32LvmWmqV6FCkqAY4lm2MSj8ZX7_ZhEMTFAuQ0gdpIu5Xhckb9fM9mw2xu/s400/DSC_9598-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The last day of the festival was dedicated or focused on the Monks. I spent quite a bit of time in the Monk tent at the festival field. There were many student Monks at the festival. The highlight of the afternoon, for me, was the "athletic competition" that was held in front of the students' Guru.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9FBlRgLBJaCvOKfqwFzcORaBl2pUlnYdJF6FawND8cvbh4wwcehU-VkMPTn1vKdpUQFdOY7IziqOek19GyuRD2KBx5H4s1cfatpZnF4WZThU6HjVhslAp6S6R-XyKBhYIlXlJ_pMj5Dp2/s1600/DSC_9857_edit-+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9FBlRgLBJaCvOKfqwFzcORaBl2pUlnYdJF6FawND8cvbh4wwcehU-VkMPTn1vKdpUQFdOY7IziqOek19GyuRD2KBx5H4s1cfatpZnF4WZThU6HjVhslAp6S6R-XyKBhYIlXlJ_pMj5Dp2/s400/DSC_9857_edit-+Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paying Respect to Lamas Upon Entering Tent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The student Monks split two teams. The goal of the competition was to pass a soccer ball between the legs to the person behind you in a sort of a relay race. Once you passed the pall behind you, you ran to the back of the line. The winner of the competition was the first team to have their first student return to the front of the line.<br />
<br />
There was a competition to see which student could get his monk clothing on the fastest.<br />
<br />
Another competition was to see who could dissolve a tootsie roll lollipop the fastest in their mouth.<br />
<br />
There was a contest where boys had a balloon tied to their leg. They then hopped on their one leg attempting to pop the balloon on the leg of the other competitors. The boy remaining with an inflated balloon was the winner.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZep-Qehjl2rEMgo9KA_dLpB0izsILGlcXtC6XLQ3-RL5QSUycBTL_9YnhfmWEQj3En9dDyP-TFojJmVQOZ5SqPlV0g9Ul0lJ6bHVwnzKoJZdel4VZd0p_q8iUqaTdg8EAFPbjg97fmCg/s1600/DSC_9847-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZep-Qehjl2rEMgo9KA_dLpB0izsILGlcXtC6XLQ3-RL5QSUycBTL_9YnhfmWEQj3En9dDyP-TFojJmVQOZ5SqPlV0g9Ul0lJ6bHVwnzKoJZdel4VZd0p_q8iUqaTdg8EAFPbjg97fmCg/s400/DSC_9847-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gurus Watching the Student Competition</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There were no prizes or rewards. The competition was to honor their teachers. The reward for the competitors was the joy of participation and the fun of competing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWSGZfWd5ze2b9lupf7yPZRgLGx5cc_UEvDPND8iYRpo1slurlVaBiCq5ZjaIlO4YaqIfQdl8R5Z2dZEruYnqLdvXHtAzfGIB5t0dQ3wFN0TpDWQZpZOgZpMXDfeAfv_c-5wtltFYPF5W/s1600/DSC_0823-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWSGZfWd5ze2b9lupf7yPZRgLGx5cc_UEvDPND8iYRpo1slurlVaBiCq5ZjaIlO4YaqIfQdl8R5Z2dZEruYnqLdvXHtAzfGIB5t0dQ3wFN0TpDWQZpZOgZpMXDfeAfv_c-5wtltFYPF5W/s400/DSC_0823-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As the afternoon grew late the monks headed back into town. Many of the students rode down the hill into town in a farm wagon.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4ZrJ7C-q7hMVKN043Kg2sJw8iAcaT09eANSiAPU1KgJ7iRvvTX9l_osokjmPWxOWXyWBS8JTP0izfVbTLgSlej2ei1zcI4gB1IdsKRYp7spZj-9aJhK1Go2X2U9z5zfv-SFRfb44_1AT/s1600/DSC_0818-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4ZrJ7C-q7hMVKN043Kg2sJw8iAcaT09eANSiAPU1KgJ7iRvvTX9l_osokjmPWxOWXyWBS8JTP0izfVbTLgSlej2ei1zcI4gB1IdsKRYp7spZj-9aJhK1Go2X2U9z5zfv-SFRfb44_1AT/s400/DSC_0818-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lamas Assembling For Evening Rides Through Town</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Monks riding down from the festival field assembled in a small corral area next to where the afternoon offering ceremony had been held.<br />
<br />
For the evening rides, I changed my vantage point. My guide encouraged me to climb the stairway to the finished second floor of a building that was under construction. This was a special viewing place for the monks. Each evening, couches had been placed up there for the Monks to sit and enjoy the rides. The building was at the end of the street upon which the riders "raced". It provided a great viewing location and a different perspective for photography.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKROKK7hsvHM2lqvgWJmtyWXSojw4FUCNGNH_JoYYhJw07_RFIogRBpAo6goIbgi7Tt5p-wBDtufx1bQRzgRx1jHMVAb2yVOkMNWpp5cpQRvT0YvBAWqRkfjBvIXtmNAFmdFMYLkdTkfBk/s1600/DSC_1326-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKROKK7hsvHM2lqvgWJmtyWXSojw4FUCNGNH_JoYYhJw07_RFIogRBpAo6goIbgi7Tt5p-wBDtufx1bQRzgRx1jHMVAb2yVOkMNWpp5cpQRvT0YvBAWqRkfjBvIXtmNAFmdFMYLkdTkfBk/s400/DSC_1326-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I made sure that out of respect for the Lamas that I stayed behind them or off to the side. I enjoyed the location and was enjoying my time up there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhabDUIuLVBlAqGUXX23Vq4VQkJLK_jI5ssu3o68JiQF-XjVpPUMW5M_7wCNbNchBKunh29YVvQCnfZ2jFLPs46yEYPkyBiOkDhIfRanvsrjHCgZ_n4vwwGtTPFRX2GycrVVbXI1GNZLD/s1600/DSC_0937+Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhabDUIuLVBlAqGUXX23Vq4VQkJLK_jI5ssu3o68JiQF-XjVpPUMW5M_7wCNbNchBKunh29YVvQCnfZ2jFLPs46yEYPkyBiOkDhIfRanvsrjHCgZ_n4vwwGtTPFRX2GycrVVbXI1GNZLD/s400/DSC_0937+Edit+Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After a while, the King arrived and joined the Lamas. I took a break from photographing the Monks riding the horses along the street and looked in the direction of the King. He was looking at me and laughing as the High Lama was also laughing while looking at me while pointing at me. I suspect they were discussing my singing the day before. No matter, I smiled and gave them a wave which they returned. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
The Yartung Festival was not what it was supposed to be according to all my research. However what the festival was actually a wonderful opportunity to see a unique cultural event. We were able to see and to a certain extent, participate, in a unique cultural event. We had three days to better understand the life of the Loba people. Our tour also helped us to begin to understand Tibetan Buddhism.<br />
<br />
I did not get all that I wanted but I got more than what I needed. It was a great trip and an even better life experience.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div id="OKAYFREEDOM_INJECTED" style="display: none;">
</div>
<script async="" src="moz-extension://6676712b-60ec-4eed-b0a6-d05239f3e152/web/libs/ciuvo-addon-sdk.min.js"></script>Allen A Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17334569605267708874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727823098676088535.post-32717254737489583002018-10-14T09:42:00.000+07:002018-10-14T09:45:52.422+07:00Another day, Another Gallery<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NM4Fe9XGgkZzaidFZNwrp1lAaSw4CIwYeQHRS6vJmfKjPC1xCLr5k6dvFaQ6lfSIOrJv2O9Z30vYuQvJTmzbg0LJAAb-BIIoc1SYTMYeW2oHV445d1Bd8Kwo0w7h9hMjXzTZ5ZlCUs3S/s1600/DSC_8086-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NM4Fe9XGgkZzaidFZNwrp1lAaSw4CIwYeQHRS6vJmfKjPC1xCLr5k6dvFaQ6lfSIOrJv2O9Z30vYuQvJTmzbg0LJAAb-BIIoc1SYTMYeW2oHV445d1Bd8Kwo0w7h9hMjXzTZ5ZlCUs3S/s400/DSC_8086-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A gallery of 33 selected photos from the three day Yartung Festival in Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang is now available for viewing at the following link.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/2018-Yartung-Festival" target="_blank">https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/2018-Yartung-Festival</a><br />
<br />
<br />
The purpose of our trip to Upper Mustang, The Former Kingdom of Lo, in August during the monsoon season was to attend the three day festival. Getting there was difficult as well as complicated due to weather as well as road conditions. However, it was well worth the time and effort.<br />
<br />
Once in Lo Manthang, we were able to unite with friends and to witness a unique cultural event.<br />
<div id="OKAYFREEDOM_INJECTED" style="display: none;">
</div>
<script async="" src="moz-extension://6676712b-60ec-4eed-b0a6-d05239f3e152/web/libs/ciuvo-addon-sdk.min.js"></script>Allen A Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17334569605267708874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727823098676088535.post-72588154085858125412018-10-13T19:30:00.001+07:002018-10-13T19:33:28.489+07:00First Gallery of 2018 August Trip Is Available<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8vJtsDtrR_mTZ23-YX8xj_Ef3ST9_AWtalIn0kexENUBVC3PlXEaYZ6mKLwU1uwPSQK4Eg-9vLpC2GXGawqy4bgoJ9XNlGfKT-V4Vu0vNv4t7pDmclilY5PlritstbV4EFIDrRhvxJpd/s1600/DSC_1867-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="668" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8vJtsDtrR_mTZ23-YX8xj_Ef3ST9_AWtalIn0kexENUBVC3PlXEaYZ6mKLwU1uwPSQK4Eg-9vLpC2GXGawqy4bgoJ9XNlGfKT-V4Vu0vNv4t7pDmclilY5PlritstbV4EFIDrRhvxJpd/s400/DSC_1867-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The first gallery of photographs, "Faces of Nepal", is now available for viewing on my photography website.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/2018-Faces-of-Nepal" target="_blank">https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/2018-Faces-of-Nepal</a><br />
<br />
This gallery contains 39 selected portraits of some of the amazing people that we encountered during our 15 day tour to Nepal, specifically Upper Mustang for the Yartung Festival.<br />
<br />
Nepal is an extraordinary place with some amazing people. It is one of the most beautiful places that I have ever been to with some of the most kind people that I have met during all my travels.<br />
<div id="OKAYFREEDOM_INJECTED" style="display: none;">
</div>
<script async="" src="moz-extension://6676712b-60ec-4eed-b0a6-d05239f3e152/web/libs/ciuvo-addon-sdk.min.js"></script>Allen A Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17334569605267708874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727823098676088535.post-84589524225845619042018-10-12T23:36:00.002+07:002018-10-12T23:40:41.407+07:00Sadhhus Re-Visited<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6DiG4DWUMKWUCPmonvabCL_CoeyhIowQR6Ep3Pus8Vt-Wp37VNmYOTPKc9faCGay59rqosDFb0lGG6Gi8-urPk8CPD4nWe5F9V1QELvVukgOtRbmSwo_wfqfV5cK0HU7Ky5nzNx6OFeob/s1600/DSC_3224-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6DiG4DWUMKWUCPmonvabCL_CoeyhIowQR6Ep3Pus8Vt-Wp37VNmYOTPKc9faCGay59rqosDFb0lGG6Gi8-urPk8CPD4nWe5F9V1QELvVukgOtRbmSwo_wfqfV5cK0HU7Ky5nzNx6OFeob/s400/DSC_3224-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I have always been interested in religious rituals. Living in Southeast Asia gives me opportunities as well as easy access to rituals and celebrations that I would never have within the United States.<br />
<br />
Here in Northeastern Thailand, I am able to travel easily and economically to places where Buddhist, Hindu, Animist rituals are still performed as part of the local people's life. My quest to observe and photograph unique religious practices has me to Malaysia and taken my wife along with me to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Bhutan, Nepal as well as of course all across Thailand.<br />
<br />
I am impressed with people who truly practice their faith. They demonstrate their faith not through their words but by their actions and example. It is this type of commitment that I wish to see and to try to understand.<br />
<br />
It seems to me that there is a trait that we all share in this world no matter who we are or where we live. There seems to me a premoral need for all people to have answers and to understand this world. Since the earliest days of mankind the answers and understanding came from religion. In more modern times, for many people, the answers as well as understanding have come from science. Perhaps science is but another belief system like another religion that fills the need of mankind.<br />
<br />
Last November, I encountered some Sadhhus - Hindu holy men. I observed and photographed them at Pashupatinath, a Hindu holy site just outside of Kathmandu, Nepal.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://hale-worldphotography.blogspot.com/2018/06/sadhhus.html" target="_blank">https://hale-worldphotography.blogspot.com/2018/06/sadhhus.html</a><br />
<br />
As I prepare for every trip that we take, I had developed a list of goals and expectations for my return trip to Upper Mustang with my wife. Although the ostensive purpose of our journey was to attend the Yartung Festival in Lo Manthang, I had goals that were related to visiting Kathmandu and the Hindu holy site of Muktinath.<br />
<br />
For our August trip, one of my goals was to photograph some Sadhhus other than the resident Sadhhus of Pashupatinath Temple. I was hoping to photograph some, in my opinion,"real", Sadhhus.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipstR74X0TB5wYEn85YpJoIHN5Zkj1ohyu8nfJIejDPYmw5FBd3a1LkAYGpXuKxDtFCuNnhKck-Z__KrCTkKMci25Cb2YQ-rOaB1RuCUfJ5tnkShODc3E-OLzB4OXCrp-ThP3tTcVxRzrz/s1600/DSC_1878-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipstR74X0TB5wYEn85YpJoIHN5Zkj1ohyu8nfJIejDPYmw5FBd3a1LkAYGpXuKxDtFCuNnhKck-Z__KrCTkKMci25Cb2YQ-rOaB1RuCUfJ5tnkShODc3E-OLzB4OXCrp-ThP3tTcVxRzrz/s400/DSC_1878-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sadhhus Arriving at Muktinath</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After attending the Yartung Festival, we stopped by at Muktinath on our way to Jomsom. On my previous journey in November, we had stopped at Muktinath but manged to get only one-half way up to the temple - one of the difficulties that you can encounter when traveling in a group, no matter its' size. This time with just my wife, our guide and myself along with the cooler temperatures of monsoon season (along with the mud) we made it all the way up to the temple.<br />
<br />
After visiting the courtyard for a while, I noticed some people entering from the stairway - Sadhhus!<br />
<br />
From our guide, we learned that the band of four Sadhhus had walked over from India - quite a journey!<br />
<br />
Sadhus are Hindu Holy Men - ascetics - men who abstain from pleasure, comfort and self-indulgence as a form of spiritual discipline. They can be of any caste. They have renounced material possessions, the comforts of life and family ties to concentrate on discipline, self control, and religious study. They rely upon the generosity of others for their food. They are considered by Hindus to be representatives of the gods.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-ohMPm-JurmGCFQHnbflwrluW6VFp812cJyyhW7rEBWT81TTEWR1Oak1SlJwZSjKXx2nBnNYWmLLBBBJnWLcUqycqT8tKj3Ca-InC3rjvvkL7xtt2_ca7PHd5-kGmimQflIi70BZpPXu/s1600/DSC_1892-Edit2-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-ohMPm-JurmGCFQHnbflwrluW6VFp812cJyyhW7rEBWT81TTEWR1Oak1SlJwZSjKXx2nBnNYWmLLBBBJnWLcUqycqT8tKj3Ca-InC3rjvvkL7xtt2_ca7PHd5-kGmimQflIi70BZpPXu/s400/DSC_1892-Edit2-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
Like other Hindu as well as Buddhist pilgrims to Muktinath, the Sadhhus came to receive blessings.<br />
<br />
In the courtyard of the temple there are two walls up against the mountainside that form a 90 degree corner. From the face of the walls, there are 108 waterspouts in the form of bull heads. Fresh mountain water flows from each of the heads. The spouts are known as "Dhara" (water spouts) and this part of the temple is called "Muktidhara" (Liberation Water-spouts). Pilgrims gain blessings by walking or showering in the free flowing holy water. Some pilgrims capture some of the water in their palm and then toss the water over their head in a purification ritual. Some pilgrims collect the holy water in containers including plastic recycled water bottles to take the holy water home for people unable to make the pilgrimage.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfw14GSv50anSbHx2ukOpDLlxnjvSEoAU2NKiazKsQ0bMBVSkSax3Vz1gmJGjPH85CavzmN8INJl_V03STUrjngTlvNUnEry1VXsTnKwfNNMQoIFf_YgEYdUabnVPuj-uGdfStUDgGuyut/s1600/DSC_1942-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfw14GSv50anSbHx2ukOpDLlxnjvSEoAU2NKiazKsQ0bMBVSkSax3Vz1gmJGjPH85CavzmN8INJl_V03STUrjngTlvNUnEry1VXsTnKwfNNMQoIFf_YgEYdUabnVPuj-uGdfStUDgGuyut/s400/DSC_1942-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Sadhhu Taking A Shower at Muktidhara</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The water that flows down the mountainside feeding the 108 water-spouts, a very significant number in Hinduism as well as Buddhism, feeds the Kali Gangaki a very holy river in Nepal since it forms the left tributary of the Ganges River in India. For Hindus water is very significant in their rituals and beliefs. There are 7 holy rivers in India with the Ganges being one of the most important.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjJjOXbIvjMN8oggQr1JiG4xA7dZg1FLYLo1Ypcn8X-izhinhGi3z0KrTbVbSmHjcKuYfBkyyAjIYmNqqZp4f4an5lNG5UbX6OjGYJ7T-2UvOh_ljsq2z5hnXuGxJYJ9_6l4tu-_aZIWt/s1600/DSC_2010-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjJjOXbIvjMN8oggQr1JiG4xA7dZg1FLYLo1Ypcn8X-izhinhGi3z0KrTbVbSmHjcKuYfBkyyAjIYmNqqZp4f4an5lNG5UbX6OjGYJ7T-2UvOh_ljsq2z5hnXuGxJYJ9_6l4tu-_aZIWt/s400/DSC_2010-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Sadhhu Pilgrim Bathes at Muktidhara</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8vJtsDtrR_mTZ23-YX8xj_Ef3ST9_AWtalIn0kexENUBVC3PlXEaYZ6mKLwU1uwPSQK4Eg-9vLpC2GXGawqy4bgoJ9XNlGfKT-V4Vu0vNv4t7pDmclilY5PlritstbV4EFIDrRhvxJpd/s1600/DSC_1867-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="668" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8vJtsDtrR_mTZ23-YX8xj_Ef3ST9_AWtalIn0kexENUBVC3PlXEaYZ6mKLwU1uwPSQK4Eg-9vLpC2GXGawqy4bgoJ9XNlGfKT-V4Vu0vNv4t7pDmclilY5PlritstbV4EFIDrRhvxJpd/s400/DSC_1867-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Sadhhu - a wandering ascetic from India</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Two of the Sadhhus that we encountered at Muktinath, showered at the 108 water-spouts. The other Sadhhus waded in the 2 nearby Kunda (water ponds). The two ponds are actually man made pools at the entrance to the courtyard and are named for Goddess Laxmi and Goddess Saraswati. The kunda contain holy water from the mountain springs. It is believed that a dip in their water can wash away negative karma. I saw one layperson actually immerse himself in the pond. From the speed and reaction to the water, it was very apparent that the water was very cold. Later, I tested it with my hand it seemed to be around 10C (52F).<br />
<br />
The Sadhhus did not immerse themselves in the ponds. A Policeman or security guard came by and seemed to prevent them from taking a complete plunge like the layman had done before his arrival. He allowed them to stand along the edge or to climb down one step into the pond to access water with their hands. They took some water and rubbed it on their legs, their neck, their face and their head.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizg9fgSUljfLKWq5uJ4SLe4iyRyK4sAnvzYYNnGS6jNEs3bxwGrjHkGpO3ANYwIe5RYryDCtGm1kvgAmcJrUywbM4swJyPk3hds3Hg3q-gIPHgefFJftVQrOc-J8XPzJ7kP5XYZ-45eToc/s1600/DSC_2097-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizg9fgSUljfLKWq5uJ4SLe4iyRyK4sAnvzYYNnGS6jNEs3bxwGrjHkGpO3ANYwIe5RYryDCtGm1kvgAmcJrUywbM4swJyPk3hds3Hg3q-gIPHgefFJftVQrOc-J8XPzJ7kP5XYZ-45eToc/s400/DSC_2097-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sadhhus Leaving Muktinath temple.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On our way out of the temple, we stopped at the Jwalamai Temple (Goddess of Fire). My wife and our guide enter and spent some time while I explored the area outside. After a while the four Sadhhus appeared and enter the shrine while we were leaving.<br />
<br />
We headed back down the trail and steps leading back to the village of Ranipauwa. Shortly, I realized that the band of Saddhus were trailing us. I told my wife to pull off to the side and to allow them to pass. As they passed I informed them in English and through pantomime that I was too old, and that my ankles and knees were not all that good. The Sadhhus stopped and individually chanted while rubbing my ankles, legs and knees! After giving me their blessings, they proceeded on their way down the mountain. We continued on our way behind them - me with renewed vigor, less distress and greater confidence in my joints.<br />
<br />
We later passed them and bid our final goodbyes to them as they were shopping for shaligrams at a street side stand in the village of Ranipauwa.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvY_kGZvY37WHoHCEGYzbcQ261V_64y__lNrvkYcI8ExxOfj2r_t08VCBPsEWTidcmm7zBCpcNB9CN_C-NmBBOmDNvcA6MTqXmeNgnhgpVn3ftVqFrjm-7oPuOGEtuo2-RLYqyGqBCYJe9/s1600/DSC_2157-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvY_kGZvY37WHoHCEGYzbcQ261V_64y__lNrvkYcI8ExxOfj2r_t08VCBPsEWTidcmm7zBCpcNB9CN_C-NmBBOmDNvcA6MTqXmeNgnhgpVn3ftVqFrjm-7oPuOGEtuo2-RLYqyGqBCYJe9/s400/DSC_2157-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sadhhus Shopping for Shaligrams</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our encounters with Sadhhus on this journey was not over.<br />
<br />
Upon our return to Kathmandu, we spent a couple days to tour the city and environs. This included a return to Pashupatinath temple near the international airport. I wanted to return to the temple for several reasons. I wanted to witness the Arati Ceremony in the early evening, witness open air cremations alongside the Bagmati River, and deliver some photographs to the Sadhhus that I had encountered last November.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45MZYG9KIdrcqcj5PHNQPpoCKkxkSNAn5-v4IpklLHl6sraDjrBGHZZMUHnUSF4MGtAcIyS67FN9a_gU4-Zysy1MR7qd3VjWAKcPYxUtOpPzHD5oKWQ7Kivs64w6zJcYAOtU2Re84Y3m0/s1600/DSC_3224-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45MZYG9KIdrcqcj5PHNQPpoCKkxkSNAn5-v4IpklLHl6sraDjrBGHZZMUHnUSF4MGtAcIyS67FN9a_gU4-Zysy1MR7qd3VjWAKcPYxUtOpPzHD5oKWQ7Kivs64w6zJcYAOtU2Re84Y3m0/s400/DSC_3224-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old friends?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We arrived at the temple complex around 4:45 PM. We walked through the entrance and after a very short walk, we encountered several Sadhhus relaxing on a stone bench alongside the Bagmati River. I recognized a couple of them from my previous visit. I approached them to give them their photographs. As I approached they broke out into large smiles and quite animated - they had recognized me. I introduced Duang to them and they graciously posed with her so that I could take "her" photograph(s). These were the Sadhhus that I did not fully "appreciate" on my last visit. I had written about that encounter ...<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">"Were these real Sadhhus, true holy men? Were these real Sadhhus or
were they more like cosplayers or as real as a tiger is a tiger that
lives in a zoo cage? I don't know. It is not for me to say.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;">Paraphrasing Paul Simon's lyrics in "The Boxer" ... "a man believes what he wants to believe and disregards the rest""</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">The circumstances of the previous encounter were quite different from this encounter. In November, they were located on the hillside among the shrines to Shiva overlooking the ghats. It was very hot morning and they were surrounded by hordes of tourists. For this encounter it was early evening with no tourists and quite temperate climate. The Sadhhus were very relaxed and it came into my mind that they were kind of like guys relaxing at the end of their shift at some manufacturing facility.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbv3qMiKHzeHVf9SuW8dtLgW71z1HRxvE4F3heTbmEN6wMxb2if-zuNvDQbzlZ6dOsb3iHo3QNNtF14dZJTEmaJL-R_rccDHetRl15ZUXaAF5lXlP3cJjjwlATPmH4poJOs0sY__JdCuSy/s1600/DSC_3219-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbv3qMiKHzeHVf9SuW8dtLgW71z1HRxvE4F3heTbmEN6wMxb2if-zuNvDQbzlZ6dOsb3iHo3QNNtF14dZJTEmaJL-R_rccDHetRl15ZUXaAF5lXlP3cJjjwlATPmH4poJOs0sY__JdCuSy/s400/DSC_3219-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">The above Sadhhu spoke fairly good English. He pulled out a full sized newspaper page and showed it to us. He was telling us that he was famous all around the world. The two page newspaper article had two photos of him and was about him. I looked at the newspaper article and saw that it was in a language that I had never seen before. I then asked him if the newspaper was from Bosnia? He was shocked and asked how did I know? I could not explain for this was not the first time in my life that I have said things that ended up being true for which I had no rationale or explanation. I looked at him and then gave him a knowing look as I raised my hands and touched my temples with my fingertips while gently closing my eyes. He seemed to appreciate and understand.</span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lOR51Cw97_QOXLMBDn-7beB-tLWteHovjYJXQAdzj6GZ-VCACzapqxZX6OvBbhMMycHN3uZcWma3m_bjNQfLsaYvIaH6XYkNuAO2hwEdiC-7eimaI3PKjqmsVmJk3u2vlgmRYguSh0Y1/s1600/DSC_3209-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lOR51Cw97_QOXLMBDn-7beB-tLWteHovjYJXQAdzj6GZ-VCACzapqxZX6OvBbhMMycHN3uZcWma3m_bjNQfLsaYvIaH6XYkNuAO2hwEdiC-7eimaI3PKjqmsVmJk3u2vlgmRYguSh0Y1/s400/DSC_3209-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">I learned from a Sadhhu, that one of the Sadhhus that I had a print for had returned to India. I gave him the photograph and told him that I was giving him the print as a memory of his friend who had returned to India.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">We spent a very enjoyable time speaking with the help of our guide who translated as necessary with the "off-the-clock" Sadhhus. It was a very special time and I was very pleased for Duang to share in this experience.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinChzXeFgAEF1w9SkR0bJYpUXO5Wv-xHhl2a7tMX-kYBV6bW9C3qm-dtEZGQWoAJCT9UY652oMgXgdxK5EaI3o7SCbJ61GQ23jHorWe-8Fq61K-aHD-rhlgnh7gxIPE-xEAV-fHMPLtq7G/s1600/DSC_3222-Edit2-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinChzXeFgAEF1w9SkR0bJYpUXO5Wv-xHhl2a7tMX-kYBV6bW9C3qm-dtEZGQWoAJCT9UY652oMgXgdxK5EaI3o7SCbJ61GQ23jHorWe-8Fq61K-aHD-rhlgnh7gxIPE-xEAV-fHMPLtq7G/s400/DSC_3222-Edit2-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">We left the Sadhhus to continue our exploring of the area. We ended up on the hillside near the Shiva shrines. There we encountered several more Sadhhus, some familiar, congregating near a fairly large building. Sadhhus used to live in many of the Shiva shrines. From our guide we learned that the temple authorities now have the Sadhhus bed down in this centralized location rather than inside the individual shrines scattered about the hill side.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXl_HwjYsNHzAa64dIKxAmvvXOwharZDeDGDR_BrIzMRj8tCbBbDZfWg9P7edmhBRhtXZYH97tIS7X-XkFMnvoXB0_gyXeiWuv9DRQCra9Hv54lulpKKagMbswk1xuOkLx2gUxnv6n45vG/s1600/DSC_3238-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXl_HwjYsNHzAa64dIKxAmvvXOwharZDeDGDR_BrIzMRj8tCbBbDZfWg9P7edmhBRhtXZYH97tIS7X-XkFMnvoXB0_gyXeiWuv9DRQCra9Hv54lulpKKagMbswk1xuOkLx2gUxnv6n45vG/s400/DSC_3238-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Familiar Face</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YRb988Or3y-m6PvqIyes9O5DY9NXpH_B9XuFhyhbm5kLdCD6_3_E_b_4-kyeHeBqNwcrBIfv09LvCPi4vSeZZ2kyT-j0AvIfdrjBoom4bKuP0aUFoYOC9gpYPkF6-arNaobJ6VZKrFiN/s1600/DSC_3241-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YRb988Or3y-m6PvqIyes9O5DY9NXpH_B9XuFhyhbm5kLdCD6_3_E_b_4-kyeHeBqNwcrBIfv09LvCPi4vSeZZ2kyT-j0AvIfdrjBoom4bKuP0aUFoYOC9gpYPkF6-arNaobJ6VZKrFiN/s400/DSC_3241-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhojb6tHWysZTSXy7M3sVjEaCEKW50aNLhcxDgEI_JCGh2SnT8ch5EZD54zIhJjj6tgUdCLJvL4WwmVrQH_IAzReW6AH32B45RSuvFgLBenOWJMOhp_5_rDjS2QJqaMNo52RuphZ-5F_be5/s1600/DSC_3243-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhojb6tHWysZTSXy7M3sVjEaCEKW50aNLhcxDgEI_JCGh2SnT8ch5EZD54zIhJjj6tgUdCLJvL4WwmVrQH_IAzReW6AH32B45RSuvFgLBenOWJMOhp_5_rDjS2QJqaMNo52RuphZ-5F_be5/s400/DSC_3243-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">It was a completely different and definitely more enjoyable experience meeting the Sadhhus of Pashupatinath during this trip than the previous trip last November.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">I have a little different opinion of these Sadhhus and definitely a greater understanding of them now. This seems only logical since I have written a few times why I often go to certain locales more than once. - " You go the first time to learn and only on subsequent visits do you start to understand".</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">My goal to photograph some Sadhhus, "real" Sadhhus at that, had been realized, realized beyond my expectations. There had been some memorable experiences that gave me and my wife a little more understanding of some remarkable people that we share this world and life with. </span> </span><br />
<div id="OKAYFREEDOM_INJECTED" style="display: none;">
</div>
<script async="" src="moz-extension://6676712b-60ec-4eed-b0a6-d05239f3e152/web/libs/ciuvo-addon-sdk.min.js"></script>Allen A Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17334569605267708874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727823098676088535.post-39439536013366843302018-07-24T09:20:00.001+07:002018-07-24T21:27:33.885+07:002018 Bhutan Gallery<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRIDPAxSFC_n4GCiWQyF7dsYkWwiRCENt1NMNvRFZ2skWBNqDwNI0vN5gdTnkLSZ1_GMqNT6k-7esOs0BN2LE7NXPTVpOCnV-ZPVkfJK73TpF8CHte3DI5i1C7fBKfGsX-tBKKQL2HGRE/s1600/DSC_7210-Edit1-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRIDPAxSFC_n4GCiWQyF7dsYkWwiRCENt1NMNvRFZ2skWBNqDwNI0vN5gdTnkLSZ1_GMqNT6k-7esOs0BN2LE7NXPTVpOCnV-ZPVkfJK73TpF8CHte3DI5i1C7fBKfGsX-tBKKQL2HGRE/s320/DSC_7210-Edit1-Email.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cham Dancer at Domkhar Festival</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
A gallery of 77 selected photographs from our tour to Bhutan in April/May is completed and available for viewing on my
photography website.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/2018-Bhutan" target="_blank">https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/2018-Bhutan</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Bhutan is a beautiful place that we have visited twice. It is another a "place less visited". However the widening and paving of the road across the country is making it more accessible for tourism and will undoubtedly impact the unique culture of this Buddhist kingdom.<br />
<br />
I am happy to have captured some images, before the mass influx of 60 passenger tourist buses, of the culture before progress changes it all to something we are more comfortable as well as familiar with.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br /><div id="OKAYFREEDOM_INJECTED" style="display: none;">
</div>
<script async="" src="moz-extension://6676712b-60ec-4eed-b0a6-d05239f3e152/web/libs/ciuvo-addon-sdk.min.js"></script>Allen A Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17334569605267708874noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727823098676088535.post-39950866709246745342018-07-23T19:18:00.002+07:002018-07-23T19:22:50.321+07:00Upper Mustang, Nepal Gallery Is Available<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhIiup7CQ0QXPyEXCFvmemEQ5L5Mr9o85uEXfLn30RqnERvMuhVuBGC9aMK9KAJx1Hr6JKfAP3tg3zc4WXuvSCp4y5AVefPF35c1ZuDP9PgfW9fcyrNZn6C9o8m37aEkI690IavTCa-nS/s1600/DSC_9946-Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhIiup7CQ0QXPyEXCFvmemEQ5L5Mr9o85uEXfLn30RqnERvMuhVuBGC9aMK9KAJx1Hr6JKfAP3tg3zc4WXuvSCp4y5AVefPF35c1ZuDP9PgfW9fcyrNZn6C9o8m37aEkI690IavTCa-nS/s320/DSC_9946-Edit+Email.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chhusang, Upper Mustang</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Finally, after almost one year, the gallery of selected photographs from my tour there in October/November is completed and available for viewing on my photography website.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/2017-Nepal-and-Upper-Mustang" target="_blank">https://www.hale-worldphotography.com/2017-Nepal-and-Upper-Mustang</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Upper Mustang is the most beautiful place that I have ever visited. It is definitely a "place less visited". In many places there is no road to get there ... you just follow tire tracks across the the rock strewn floor of the Kali Gandaki River Gorge. There is truly "Freedom of the Road".</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am returning to Upper Mustang for the Yartung Festival in the capital of Lo Manthang. This time I will be traveling only with my wife. Returning falls in line with my philosophy of traveling to special places to start to understand them after the initial visit to learn of them.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This trip during the monsoon season as well as for a horse festival will over some different photography opportunities.</div>
<div id="OKAYFREEDOM_INJECTED" style="display: none;">
</div>
<script async="" src="moz-extension://6676712b-60ec-4eed-b0a6-d05239f3e152/web/libs/ciuvo-addon-sdk.min.js"></script>Allen A Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17334569605267708874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727823098676088535.post-27911001870843352092018-07-18T21:24:00.002+07:002018-07-18T21:25:03.431+07:00Places Less Visited<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdm-SwSTWzX-fy3_pXS640_4f13sqodyuSdDy8SEWO6ryVLT9WRsLj1fo4h6lDCK4s7kX3S8jfuYZzrXc2eO79y8RF3JEKof2vXpxSruEueLKTq8ZS_9dTN-7pcEZoOmOReaR2RPdhalhQ/s1600/DSC_1208-Edit-2+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdm-SwSTWzX-fy3_pXS640_4f13sqodyuSdDy8SEWO6ryVLT9WRsLj1fo4h6lDCK4s7kX3S8jfuYZzrXc2eO79y8RF3JEKof2vXpxSruEueLKTq8ZS_9dTN-7pcEZoOmOReaR2RPdhalhQ/s400/DSC_1208-Edit-2+Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roadside travelers - Dhaulagiri Zone, Upper Mustang, Nepal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="375">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hashtag"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Unresolved Mention"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]--><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">"My
ambition and goal is to show extraordinary people doing ordinary things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In so doing, I wish to show how different
people can appear, to provide a glimpse of other cultures, to celebrate the
diversity of mankind, and to demonstrate that despite our appearances we are so
much alike." - <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">Artist's Statement, Allen A Hale</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
Seven years ago as part of the submittal process for a gallery exposition, I had thought about my photography to develop the above artist statement. Since that time, my photography efforts have followed the statement whether intentionally or by happenstance.<br />
<br />
My journeys to experience and photograph the "extraordinary people doing ordinary things" have taken me to Nepal, Upper Mustang, Bhutan,Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjauqFgSn4V95X08JT2PS3-Kb268W6NrCtt0B1SIf5sFRbg1yKTfKcKC0Yr5e6-dZ7ACAU66YRfRkw8xTJQlaob7QLf1HYE8F6TJiLlhceaZn2xtTTfoHneOPdxfsXeNA4nFzotboqHZt8G/s1600/DSC_1960_Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjauqFgSn4V95X08JT2PS3-Kb268W6NrCtt0B1SIf5sFRbg1yKTfKcKC0Yr5e6-dZ7ACAU66YRfRkw8xTJQlaob7QLf1HYE8F6TJiLlhceaZn2xtTTfoHneOPdxfsXeNA4nFzotboqHZt8G/s400/DSC_1960_Edit+Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thinggar, Upper Mustang, Nepal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The journeys often involved travel along dirt roads to access the isolated locations where the extraordinary people were located. In the case of Upper Mustang the travel involved travel where roads did not exist in many locations. The way was often just following tire tracks across the dirt and rock strewn landscape. Travel in Upper Mustang also included several determining your own crossing points across rivers.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrjQk27MwBHEwhCeE4Ei9Wo_XIjvUXXprqR9Fsc5kH8lZdPIOH6D0ON4p3hpJ27gvKZeeuWQAiowDVM99a1yx3D_v9hE-SbQu_CWKBGb_De-3PewLQg4HFp-sqUsUOOPInSsycwsUJCSu/s1600/DSC_1403-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrjQk27MwBHEwhCeE4Ei9Wo_XIjvUXXprqR9Fsc5kH8lZdPIOH6D0ON4p3hpJ27gvKZeeuWQAiowDVM99a1yx3D_v9hE-SbQu_CWKBGb_De-3PewLQg4HFp-sqUsUOOPInSsycwsUJCSu/s400/DSC_1403-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lo Manthang social gathering with political graffiti, Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang, Nepal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
These experiences have lead me to appreciate and treasure traveling unimproved roads, dirt roads and even the lack of roads to access 'places less visited". My travels have included traveling along paved roads to access many well-known as well as popular tourist destinations including Angkor Wat, Bangkok, Vientiane, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, and Kathmandu. However the ease of access from the outside world to those places has made them popular which results in the dilution of their unique culture and homogenization of them. International hotel chains, fast food outlets, and bus loads of Chinese, South Korean, and European tour groups can easily be found in these locations. Great efforts are made to accommodate, appeal, and placate these masses often at the expense of local custom, style, and culture.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRTTW4LV90xs7GxIU4jExGgxCeN3M4Bta4hdacJCTI1lK6GZaypIvTVVcxGOUEdHU0f1UBbbt2FM8Lf8H2PfqTiopS-2fXf-GF5VuKxNiUGT_y1aFVEY2s50pGgcjBkHxuMY7HYfoGo_E/s1600/DSC_0325-Edit-email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="662" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRTTW4LV90xs7GxIU4jExGgxCeN3M4Bta4hdacJCTI1lK6GZaypIvTVVcxGOUEdHU0f1UBbbt2FM8Lf8H2PfqTiopS-2fXf-GF5VuKxNiUGT_y1aFVEY2s50pGgcjBkHxuMY7HYfoGo_E/s400/DSC_0325-Edit-email.jpg" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making Coal Briquettes - Quan Lan Island, Vietnam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I have found that the extraordinary people are most likely to be found in the places less visited along with the places that are more difficult to get to.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwUe1wL8eFXD07iuhTt5Yyx2mW6ioDFtWNZ_LUqtSj9K-PKjzd30LOhf9ITHhPh7qeYG6uaLwc4AG-iCbzmnbthe80So3Wht1kG8BgNJ1bYUwNZoZqvN1gN68uJUzST6PbtDj7encyQqd/s1600/DSC_6379+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwUe1wL8eFXD07iuhTt5Yyx2mW6ioDFtWNZ_LUqtSj9K-PKjzd30LOhf9ITHhPh7qeYG6uaLwc4AG-iCbzmnbthe80So3Wht1kG8BgNJ1bYUwNZoZqvN1gN68uJUzST6PbtDj7encyQqd/s400/DSC_6379+Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bhutan's West- East Main Highway, Trongsa, Bhutan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Some of the places to find extraordinary people do not even have roads. One of my favorite places to visit is Tonle Sap in Cambodia. Tonle Sap is a huge fresh water lake, the largest in Southeast Asia, near Angkor Wat. It is more than just
a "Great Lake". Tonle Sap is a way of life and a unique culture to be
experienced. It is one of my favorite places. While Angkor Wat is overwhelmed (you have been warned) with hundreds of busloads of tourists a day, Tonle Sap gets much fewer visitors - mainly to Chong Kneas (you have been warned) by some of those busloads from Angkor Wat as part of their package tour. However Tonle Sap is large lake and there are unique places that get very few visitors where you can observe the unique culture. Kampong Khleang can be accessed by land during the dry season.<br />
<br />
There is floating fishing village called Moat Khla (also shown as Meat Khla) on
Google Maps. Moat Khla is 24 Km south of Kampong Khleang and accessible
only by boat. It is located 24 km south of Kampong Khleang - a 2 hour boat ride. The entire village of fishermen and their families live on floating house boats. The school is also a floating structure. The Buddhist temple is also floating Wat. There are also some floating gardens - small barges with dirt beds on top of them to supplement the inhabitant's diet with greens and vegetables.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiD0FKXfB9iWetNE2C3rVWz1K3AuPhFJIXVy7JPpFLugTmmVORcoQA5F4IxKSfEKpLRNRW6DvGaBFQdcRb_RYpsGXHeii0tnz31XywbOrkr_1dxJQR1kt6fDeINBnDPEXUV6pM8QY0Pt8/s1600/_DSC3045-Edit-email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="1000" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiD0FKXfB9iWetNE2C3rVWz1K3AuPhFJIXVy7JPpFLugTmmVORcoQA5F4IxKSfEKpLRNRW6DvGaBFQdcRb_RYpsGXHeii0tnz31XywbOrkr_1dxJQR1kt6fDeINBnDPEXUV6pM8QY0Pt8/s400/_DSC3045-Edit-email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing dinner in Moat Khla, floating village, on Tonle Sap, Cambodia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTDytyYjmiHe_xXX96QSDFuiGEg79IoIOxJoDDPjRqr8kw7BcaBIQo6qE4VdR9vlZlkPUL6jRqEAJWfEtMh7QzRYCtW8pC9NKJEcGcZBNQh-lmHM1gWr9hcPdYTx0N056xhwa63V1q6wb/s1600/_DSC3094+-+edited+-+email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="1000" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTDytyYjmiHe_xXX96QSDFuiGEg79IoIOxJoDDPjRqr8kw7BcaBIQo6qE4VdR9vlZlkPUL6jRqEAJWfEtMh7QzRYCtW8pC9NKJEcGcZBNQh-lmHM1gWr9hcPdYTx0N056xhwa63V1q6wb/s400/_DSC3094+-+edited+-+email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moat Khla, Tonle Sap, Cambodia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In May, Duang and I returned from our second trip within a year to the Himalayan nation of Bhutan.<br />
<br />
It was amazing at how much change in one year that we observed . The change is driven by the widening and paving of the West to East road across the nation. I was carrying some photographs to give to people that I had photographed last Spring. I found just about everyone, a benefit of traveling to remote and sparsely populated locations. However I missed one little boy and his father whom we had visited before. I missed them because their home is now much closer to where we had spent the night before. No, they had not moved, but the improvement of the main road has cut hours from the journey between the two locations. I started looking for the four house village long after we had passed it this year. Fortunately our drivers and guides were going to pass the place on their drive back at the end of our eastern leg of the tour. They agreed to give the photos and clothing gifts to the family on their return.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXpFot6MhvVRblJWuydXxwvxmIzCRLIF8c3sGZRBzMGxGU8ltRDIXXQ5YYCrLK63QNHcdUuNmUh6TTk9XfCRROYtPjyoHvuWUBtx_mWhU8bUJHRVXTAHbBJWuMtveB1gtaEnqSMEz98nu/s1600/DSC_0463-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1000" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXpFot6MhvVRblJWuydXxwvxmIzCRLIF8c3sGZRBzMGxGU8ltRDIXXQ5YYCrLK63QNHcdUuNmUh6TTk9XfCRROYtPjyoHvuWUBtx_mWhU8bUJHRVXTAHbBJWuMtveB1gtaEnqSMEz98nu/s400/DSC_0463-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rice Planting - Sapa, Vietnam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The Buddhist philosophy is that life is change. Most people have the attitude that most change is progress and progress is considered to be good. I sometimes feel somewhat guilty when I reflect upon progress being a threat and disruptive to people. Improving highways and other means to ease the access of people to the outside world benefits people through opening up markets for their goods as well as giving them greater access to conveniences and ideas not readily available to them. This can be destructive for unique cultures, and lifestyle. Access to the outside world often leads to the erosion of unique people's culture in that they make compromises for the sensitivities and comforts of their visitors.<br />
<br />
I hope that the peoples of those places less visited make decisions regarding "progress" that fully take into consideration the value of their traditions and culture rather than acquiescing to the false siren of becoming "modern" and emulating the dominant "advanced" cultures.<br />
<br />
It is not for me to say what is best for others. I can not stop "progress" no more than I can control the changes in my own life. I do not have to like or approve the changes in this world. I need only to recognize and adapt to all the changes in this world.<br />
<br />
Until that day when changes will no longer happen in my life, a day that I am certain will arrive long before all the roads are paved, I will strive to seek out those places less visited. <br />
<br />
I will cherish those places less visited. <br />
<br />
I will enjoy those places less visited.<br />
<br />
I will share with others those special places less visited through my photographs and writing so that they too may know of what is and may not long be - places less visited.<br />
<br />
<div id="OKAYFREEDOM_INJECTED" style="display: none;">
</div>
<script async="" src="moz-extension://6676712b-60ec-4eed-b0a6-d05239f3e152/web/libs/ciuvo-addon-sdk.min.js"></script>Allen A Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17334569605267708874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727823098676088535.post-44281144794444103992018-07-03T14:30:00.000+07:002018-07-03T14:32:26.470+07:00Upper Mustang - What Photraphy Gear To Bring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42lUSlmvI4haL7PLkA483MFFSp_y9lT_r5xqVRfc2kVTKT-48dlqTuW_h25xOqRT9Rar4i0Te5yP9xtIXzFuwcdqIoKnYnFD7Qmvh8IYyx01aeLivTDfKVa4cGFaW3WaacjK0EXR1pfe6/s1600/DSC_3087-Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42lUSlmvI4haL7PLkA483MFFSp_y9lT_r5xqVRfc2kVTKT-48dlqTuW_h25xOqRT9Rar4i0Te5yP9xtIXzFuwcdqIoKnYnFD7Qmvh8IYyx01aeLivTDfKVa4cGFaW3WaacjK0EXR1pfe6/s400/DSC_3087-Edit+Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ISO 800, 200 mm, f5.6, 1/3200 sec</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Often when browsing websites related to photography or to travel, I will read questions along the line of "I am going to ... what lens should I bring?" or "I am going to ... should I bring my ...?"<br />
<br />
My initial reaction typically is "It depends ...".<br />
<br />
It depends upon the types of photographs that you typically take or want to take on this trip.<br />
<br />
It depends upon the style of photographs that you typically take or the style of photographs that you want to try on your trip.<br />
<br />
It depends upon, to a certain extent, the equipment that you already own.<br />
<br />
It depends upon how much you can carry or how much you are willing to carry.<br />
<br />
It depends upon your travel arrangements and restrictions. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMN1-cMur2S8fsv46UOahP1lV5C1VE6xVFAWMHNpEhIIqif_1_-yj12JuTlYXS-H901vhoDDC17YMy4EUk2yr1-M2apf50G9mq6FhChfBdKz1HGnPmBBf0CHjL0wTyD_e5KVQanwOxaUM/s1600/DSC_3016-2-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMN1-cMur2S8fsv46UOahP1lV5C1VE6xVFAWMHNpEhIIqif_1_-yj12JuTlYXS-H901vhoDDC17YMy4EUk2yr1-M2apf50G9mq6FhChfBdKz1HGnPmBBf0CHjL0wTyD_e5KVQanwOxaUM/s400/DSC_3016-2-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ISO 400, 200 mm, f6.3, 1/250 sec</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In late October of last year, I toured Upper Mustang for 15 days. It was a fabulous journey which I can best summarize as " <span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">I was extremely impressed with the raw beauty and magnificence of the scenery and the people. Definitely a destination for photographers or connoisseurs of the exotic."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">The following is a list of the gear that I brought, some explanation of why I brought it, and a revised list of what I will be bringing for a return trip..</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:RelyOnVML/> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="375"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hashtag"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Unresolved Mention"/> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
table.MsoTableGrid
{mso-style-name:"Table Grid";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-priority:59;
mso-style-unhide:no;
border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-border-insideh:.5pt solid windowtext;
mso-border-insidev:.5pt solid windowtext;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style> <![endif]--> <br />
<table align="left" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; margin-left: 6.75pt; margin-right: 6.75pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-table-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-table-anchor-vertical: page; mso-table-left: center; mso-table-lspace: 9.0pt; mso-table-rspace: 9.0pt; mso-table-top: 83.3pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1696;"><tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;"> <td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">ITEM</span></b></div>
</td> <td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">QUANTITY</span></b></div>
</td> <td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 152.6pt;" valign="top" width="203"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">PACKED</span></b></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
DSLR Full Frame Camera</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 152.6pt;" valign="top" width="203"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Wear </div>
</td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
28-70mm F/2.8 Lens & Hood</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 152.6pt;" valign="top" width="203"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Wear </div>
</td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
85mm F/1.8 Lens & Hood</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 152.6pt;" valign="top" width="203"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Wear </div>
</td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
80-200mm F/2.8 Lens & Hood</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 152.6pt;" valign="top" width="203"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Wear</div>
</td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Batteries for DSLRs – 1 camera, 3 loose</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
4</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 152.6pt;" valign="top" width="203"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Wear</div>
</td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
CF Cards – 704 GB, 1 in, 6 loose</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
7</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 152.6pt;" valign="top" width="203"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Wear</div>
</td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 7;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
SD Cards – 928 GB, 1 in, 7 loose</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
8</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 152.6pt;" valign="top" width="203"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Wear</div>
</td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 8;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
AA Rechargeable Battery </div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
4</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 152.6pt;" valign="top" width="203"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Wear</div>
</td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 9;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Cell Phone & Charger</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 152.6pt;" valign="top" width="203"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Travel Vest</div>
</td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 10;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
GPS Device</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 152.6pt;" valign="top" width="203"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Travel Vest</div>
</td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 11;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Digital Voice Recorder</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 152.6pt;" valign="top" width="203"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Travel Vest</div>
</td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 12;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Tripod and Ball Head (Aluminum)</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 152.6pt;" valign="top" width="203"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Camera Bag</div>
</td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 13;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Filter Pouch/Assort Filters</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 152.6pt;" valign="top" width="203"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Camera Bag</div>
</td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 14;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
DSLR Remote Cable Release </div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 152.6pt;" valign="top" width="203"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Camera Bag </div>
</td> </tr>
<tr style="height: 17.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 15;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 17.5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
DSLR Camera Battery Charger</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 17.5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 17.5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 152.6pt;" valign="top" width="203"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Camera Bag</div>
</td> </tr>
<tr style="height: 17.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 16;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 17.5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Headband Flashlight</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 17.5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 17.5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 152.6pt;" valign="top" width="203"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Camera Bag</div>
</td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 17;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
20mm F/1.8 Lens & Hood</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 152.6pt;" valign="top" width="203"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Camera Bag</div>
</td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 18;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
AA/AAA Battery Charger</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 152.6pt;" valign="top" width="203"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Duffel<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bag</div>
</td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 19;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Lens Cleaning Kit</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 152.6pt;" valign="top" width="203"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Duffel Bag</div>
</td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 20;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Power Strip</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 152.6pt;" valign="top" width="203"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Duffel<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bag</div>
</td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 21; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Power Plug Adapters</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 152.6pt;" valign="top" width="203"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Duffel<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bag</div>
</td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br />
</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br />
</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br />
</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br />
</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br />
</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br />
</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br />
</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br />
</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br />
</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br />
</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br />
</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br />
</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br />
</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br />
</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br />
</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Luggage +<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carry-On is limited to 15Kg, what is in your pockets, on your belt or around your neck does not count.</span></b></div>
<br />
There are luggage restrictions on the flights to Upper Mustang. The weight restriction for Thai Airways international flights to Kathmandu for economy class is 30 KG checked baggage. Flights from Kathmandu to Phohkara are 20 KG for checked baggage for the Yeti Airlines BAE Jetstream 41 aircraft. The big issue and a definite consideration for your packing is the restriction on the the flights to/from Jomsom (elev. 9,000 ft.). There is a 15 KG total baggage restriction for those flights - checked baggage plus carry-on can not exceed 15 KG. What you carry around your neck, in your pockets or strapped on your belt does not count against the allowance.<br />
<br />
If you exceed the allowance you will have to pay excess baggage fees. If you are traveling with others as part of a group, the allowance is distributed against the entire group - if one person is 5 KG over but another member of the group is 5 KG under the allowance, there is not extra baggage fees. However it is not simply a matter of paying or not paying extra baggage fees. The aircraft are small, Viking DHC-6-400 Twin Otter of Tara Air, and the due to the elevation of the Jomsom airport, aircraft carrying capacity is a critical consideration. I do not know, nor would I want to find out, what would happen if you were at the end of the check-in line and too many people ahead of you had excess baggage checked in. Flights are limited and often subject to weather delays or even cancellations so catching the next flight is not a simple alternative.<br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">To be honest, our carry-on bags were not measured or weighed. However, I prefer to follow the rules ahead of time rather than risk "complications" or "issues" while traveling. I try to eliminate all the stress factors, that I have control over, for traveling. Each piece of checked baggage was weighed and recorded.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7sVX2AOXpwEgUAE6D_uZr4oMDkWGydfY2Q4i9B3Y8ZSzu2QK73TBmHX6WlkhIdbFmy1P3EX0ynu4tJvxJzbHijv5YpSVdffPwk4PlvHmLIUxG6S0RvwhuXjIKPthCsQ1_rJMqTCbW_ssD/s1600/DSC_0154-Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7sVX2AOXpwEgUAE6D_uZr4oMDkWGydfY2Q4i9B3Y8ZSzu2QK73TBmHX6WlkhIdbFmy1P3EX0ynu4tJvxJzbHijv5YpSVdffPwk4PlvHmLIUxG6S0RvwhuXjIKPthCsQ1_rJMqTCbW_ssD/s400/DSC_0154-Edit+Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ISO 100, 20 mm, f10, 1/40 sec, tripod</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">There were many locations where fill flash would have been nice. However the locations or situations were not conducive to the use of artificial light. Photographs of people in darkened rooms, people worshiping, people in private moments for this culture are best photographed with available light - using higher ISO settings and/or faster lens. </span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wM-XMK53fo8-1vTsQRvCsjVzRztj6ePijMDdZqIcwF5CV6bmfovJna-LfxlKLcaq9n-1f238_kU9CpMFrOgp7XF5r1DxZn36UbH8irwbc1ucMHeY0lhz2Nw8hFU8fUJhfN1TL7ydEtCN/s1600/DSC_9337-Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wM-XMK53fo8-1vTsQRvCsjVzRztj6ePijMDdZqIcwF5CV6bmfovJna-LfxlKLcaq9n-1f238_kU9CpMFrOgp7XF5r1DxZn36UbH8irwbc1ucMHeY0lhz2Nw8hFU8fUJhfN1TL7ydEtCN/s400/DSC_9337-Edit+Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ISO 800, 70 mm, f3.2, 1/50 sec</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"> </span></span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"> </span></span> <span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">There were many opportunities and situations when I made use of or should have made use of my f1.8 lens. These were photographs inside of homes, schools, and in museums.</span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EWtb3CCLuMfF8zUBZ-iPunJ6RYfxc9Y-l9FaA-_GeSPCvM-2WL_gqgbYCXt3HQDCzMNKpH-_QsQw_xHEXtoiphMeCxrkllhqV6DAwqrTHCdjtRR4za3QfdjVDcoRI5Ja2fJKrkk0DKmC/s1600/DSC_2145-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EWtb3CCLuMfF8zUBZ-iPunJ6RYfxc9Y-l9FaA-_GeSPCvM-2WL_gqgbYCXt3HQDCzMNKpH-_QsQw_xHEXtoiphMeCxrkllhqV6DAwqrTHCdjtRR4za3QfdjVDcoRI5Ja2fJKrkk0DKmC/s400/DSC_2145-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ISO 800, 85 mm, f1.8, 1/200 sec</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"></span></span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"></span></span> <span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"></span></span> <span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhwkF2jnmvAIUXpXeG4FMGuuYqCX3EVapfEvAX2sn_oLsOuBqAzMOqYr6a58vItIlK4mLlzP9INRR9dwZsWoN7UysDYAlszO1CvCpDL-CdbvDYXUO-NacNsOV7RNNc89gHLDamUM4vUWd/s1600/DSC_2152-Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhwkF2jnmvAIUXpXeG4FMGuuYqCX3EVapfEvAX2sn_oLsOuBqAzMOqYr6a58vItIlK4mLlzP9INRR9dwZsWoN7UysDYAlszO1CvCpDL-CdbvDYXUO-NacNsOV7RNNc89gHLDamUM4vUWd/s400/DSC_2152-Edit+Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ISO 800, 85 mm, f1.8, 1/60 sec</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"></span></span> <span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"></span></span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"></span></span> Typically my go-to lens in my work is the 28-70mm f2.8 lens. Analysis of my Upper Mustang/Nepal photographs confirmed the versatility of this lens. The breakdown for lens usage on this trip was as follows:<br />
<br />
28-70mm f2.8 ................65 %<br />
80-200mm f2.8...............20%<br />
85mm f1.8.......................03%<br />
20mm f1.8.......................12%<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0tSkIpjps45vMMmPmLjymgTa8Z6AY6VMhaoaEqfC_an4l035YqYyuLcx1guxtksZTo_xTSFqgwg0ZJqdt7DtbHqYZ27d0rD5k8AH33D-7xZmU18_oFl552XdBTEhW0ceXzPoOLYLagb8/s1600/DSC_9797_HDR+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0tSkIpjps45vMMmPmLjymgTa8Z6AY6VMhaoaEqfC_an4l035YqYyuLcx1guxtksZTo_xTSFqgwg0ZJqdt7DtbHqYZ27d0rD5k8AH33D-7xZmU18_oFl552XdBTEhW0ceXzPoOLYLagb8/s400/DSC_9797_HDR+Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HDR Photograph - ISO 100, 28 mm, f11, 1/320 sec</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A great concern on going off on a "trip of a lifetime" is how much recording media to bring along especially to locations where photography supplies are very difficult if not impossible to find. Again the answer is "It depends ..."<br />
<br />
It depends on what size the files are that you shoot. If you shoot uncompressed RAW files, you will be taking less, much less, the number of photographs on a media card than if you shoot jpeg files.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhIiup7CQ0QXPyEXCFvmemEQ5L5Mr9o85uEXfLn30RqnERvMuhVuBGC9aMK9KAJx1Hr6JKfAP3tg3zc4WXuvSCp4y5AVefPF35c1ZuDP9PgfW9fcyrNZn6C9o8m37aEkI690IavTCa-nS/s1600/DSC_9946-Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhIiup7CQ0QXPyEXCFvmemEQ5L5Mr9o85uEXfLn30RqnERvMuhVuBGC9aMK9KAJx1Hr6JKfAP3tg3zc4WXuvSCp4y5AVefPF35c1ZuDP9PgfW9fcyrNZn6C9o8m37aEkI690IavTCa-nS/s400/DSC_9946-Edit+Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ISO 400, 70 mm, f2.8, 1/1000 sec</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
It also depends on your planned shooting techniques. If you plan on shooting HDR or bracketed photographs each completed photograph will require 2, 3, 5 or perhaps even 7 separate exposures. If you are attending an event such as a festival with high energy dancing, you may choose to shoot in burst mode to freeze specific action moments. These techniques more rapidly fill up media cards.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Based upon my recent experiences in photographing other unique locations such as Angkor Wat, Tonle Sap, Bhutan, and Sapa, I estimated that I would shoot around 1,000 exposures a day. This was anticipating shooting a combination of HDR, bracket shooting, and normal shooting. I brought along sufficient media capacity for approximately 15,000 exposures - 15 days @ 1,000 per day. As it turned out, I actually took 3,618 total exposures - a low of 47 on one day and a high of 561 on one day in Kathmandu. The bottom line was that with knowledge of my shooting style and goals I was able to estimate my media needs. There was no stress in having to be concerned during the tour of running out of media capacity or having to ration my shots towards the end to avoid a shortage.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfJDBiTk8cpYVB_V7qLgoFZxur7ZkpZ-3PaudneuDVnAm-3OB767fjDkvttvE_pE0dO-BgayftAv7Aw32yXo6FiRMVDBCV32BO963NJjGsnrPYpof6IcTiTPd1Tn90Xc9vGUKu3nc82gG/s1600/DSC_2530-Edit+email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfJDBiTk8cpYVB_V7qLgoFZxur7ZkpZ-3PaudneuDVnAm-3OB767fjDkvttvE_pE0dO-BgayftAv7Aw32yXo6FiRMVDBCV32BO963NJjGsnrPYpof6IcTiTPd1Tn90Xc9vGUKu3nc82gG/s400/DSC_2530-Edit+email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ISO 400, 80 mm, f7.1, 1/1250 sec</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Your needs will depend upon your style, and goals. You will need to go through a similar analysis especially if you are going to a location where additional media is not readily available or you do not intend to bring resources to download and store exposures as your media fills up.<br />
<br />
Perhaps I should touch on the subject of backing up your photos as you travel. There are many recommendations available on the Internet. Again ... it depends. I do not. I do not for a couple of reasons. The first reason is I choose not to travel with a computer. I prefer to use my luggage and carry on weight allocations for photography gear. Secondly. after a full day of intense shooting, I usually am tired and do not want to spend the time and energy to download media cards. Even using a USB 3.0 card reader, it takes around 30 minutes to download a full card. Thirdly, I once downloaded some media cards to thumb drives as well as DVDs and it became too confusing. I very nearly lost some photographs in the ensuing confusion. I prefer to fill my cards and wait to download the photographs after I return home.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PP_LsDmbms9wPMhF9pieZdW2A4ovTIK6naav8_-PewsWbsKuR50bSH6nGfT1MqEvJxN2oPZ__J5KhZw6MchOdZGVPrlZs_5FNAYdBk5t5q7KDPokvigfvaRckK3gl2cyCRhQiUfByDLf/s1600/DSC_9476_AuroraHDR2018-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="640" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PP_LsDmbms9wPMhF9pieZdW2A4ovTIK6naav8_-PewsWbsKuR50bSH6nGfT1MqEvJxN2oPZ__J5KhZw6MchOdZGVPrlZs_5FNAYdBk5t5q7KDPokvigfvaRckK3gl2cyCRhQiUfByDLf/s400/DSC_9476_AuroraHDR2018-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ISO 100, 70 mm, f6.3, 1/320 sec</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
My camera has a CF card as well as SD card slot. Based upon my experience last Fall in Nepal and Upper Mustang I will use the SD card in the camera to make an automatic back up copy of each photo that I take on the CF card. The filled SD cards will be stored in my wife's luggage to provide some additional security for my photographs.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlN4PlTwKI2OYX8qZxUcVnYf_rzOBGHW-5AtmBz_J_eTLa7DQ_yaHKKDxuaD9JLsuwGO7K6FrEnVvOFFgseif9UVwr-e8seryocit_i2iLqHXe_hVYoK3_0qa5OxmSRHIvakaS6kmfGWjw/s1600/DSC_0348-Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlN4PlTwKI2OYX8qZxUcVnYf_rzOBGHW-5AtmBz_J_eTLa7DQ_yaHKKDxuaD9JLsuwGO7K6FrEnVvOFFgseif9UVwr-e8seryocit_i2iLqHXe_hVYoK3_0qa5OxmSRHIvakaS6kmfGWjw/s400/DSC_0348-Edit+Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ISO 100, 28 mm, f7.1, 1/1000 sec</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
A rather unusual item that I brought along was a 220v power strip that had 4 outlets. It was extremely useful. It had been recommended by the tour operator. The concern was that at some of the hotel rooms there might not be sufficient free electrical outlets to plug in camera battery chargers, cell phone chargers, computers, AAA/AA battery charger, ... I found the additional benefit of the power strip, even where there were sufficient outlets, was that it centralized the location for items that needed to be packed each morning. On tours it is best to simplify your logistics - having only one location to find and retrieve your rechargeable electronics is convenient as well as efficient.<br />
<br />
My research indicated that there were three possible types of electrical plugs utilized in Nepal. I brought along all three types and ended up using two of them. Another advantage of bringing along a power strip that you know handles all the plugs of your electrical equipment is that you only need one adapter plug to the hotel outlet rather than one for each of your devices or having to complete charging one device before you can charge the next because you have only one adapter plug.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWvvQXTFa0DU1Wbq5dP_6P4NyzeXzf3WT34WQRy613cOmHqc2bWsLFRPBG8z44-jEGM22wc2MccSNxe2sDOX0plcExpfyMWQKVg8-diCLnGGGLatz0xXEl6wgfb1FC15XbWA9lx97XBPN/s1600/DSC_0233-Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWvvQXTFa0DU1Wbq5dP_6P4NyzeXzf3WT34WQRy613cOmHqc2bWsLFRPBG8z44-jEGM22wc2MccSNxe2sDOX0plcExpfyMWQKVg8-diCLnGGGLatz0xXEl6wgfb1FC15XbWA9lx97XBPN/s400/DSC_0233-Edit+Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ISO 100, 28 mm, f10, 1/50 sec</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Another item that I always take on travels is a journal. My journal is a Moleskine 3.5"x5.5" hardcover lined paper book. In my journal I have written specific as well as general information along with cut/paste inserts.<br />
<br />
The journal includes specific information for the tour such as tour company contact information, list and email addresses of fellow travelers, tour itinerary, flight information, hotel information, departure baggage and carry-on actual weights, list of medications that I am carrying, sunrise/sunset data for each day and location of the tour, moon rise/moon 45degree/moon set data for each day and location of the tour, list of photography goals for the tour, GPS locations for locations where I will spend the night, and a list of items in my first aid kit (if carrying one).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Q9JEh71-QBFUKsv_m6YZ5Mazc_WacHc7L9BFtgfP8cPsoBqn2Dt8l_O95Q5cKDkNrf0t2Tmb0mYYH1mw031b_2DGal8L7wdyJ74DuJb0l3uguhvAouUKYcEfM4O6mESwPd3EX5u2HhtZ/s1600/DSC_1384-Copy+Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Q9JEh71-QBFUKsv_m6YZ5Mazc_WacHc7L9BFtgfP8cPsoBqn2Dt8l_O95Q5cKDkNrf0t2Tmb0mYYH1mw031b_2DGal8L7wdyJ74DuJb0l3uguhvAouUKYcEfM4O6mESwPd3EX5u2HhtZ/s400/DSC_1384-Copy+Edit+Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ISO 800, 80 mm, f7.1, 1/250 sec</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
My journal which is used for more than one tour also contains general useful information such as list along with serial numbers of my photography gear as well as electronic gear, tips for shooting fireworks, a list of shot capacity for my media cards for each of my DSLRs along with total capacity and calculated daily average capacity. calculated exposure times when using ND or combination of ND filters, instructions for Waypoints, Routes, and Tracks for GPS Unit, instructions on how to use GPS Unit for daily tracks without it drawing a straight line, "Key Settings for Sunset", "Reflection Photography Tips", "Shooting the Moon Tips", "Hyperfocal Focusing", "Travel Photo Tips", "Camera Custom Settings, and "Clear Crowds with Long Exposure".<br />
<br />
My purpose in having the journal is to have a convenient and centralized location for important information. This reduces the time and stress of searching for specific information throughout the tour. If it is not in my journal, I don't have it and most likely do not need it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLSM0JJXAfAEfqQOdgM4MsVovRSX38ixmIjvUu_iP31mu_FHhM-dTrANNqGKuhPcAizogGzFpANz-x-BZD67j0Tcg9edHZ3hniWAxcC2TdHapvJVYAInYW955vV4t6B4Gavrv3W7fF7U5/s1600/DSC_1419-Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLSM0JJXAfAEfqQOdgM4MsVovRSX38ixmIjvUu_iP31mu_FHhM-dTrANNqGKuhPcAizogGzFpANz-x-BZD67j0Tcg9edHZ3hniWAxcC2TdHapvJVYAInYW955vV4t6B4Gavrv3W7fF7U5/s400/DSC_1419-Edit+Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ISO 800, 80 mm, f7.1, 1/1000 sec</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Previously I used to maintain a diary for each day of the journey in my journal. I have now found that it is much too difficult to maintain a written diary. On my next journey in October, I will maintain an oral journal for each day using a very small solid state voice recorder - much quicker than writing neatly in my journal.<br />
<br />
<br /><br />
My camera does not geo-tag my photographs. Prior to last year, I would go on Google Maps through Lightroom and manually tag each photo. It was cumbersome and very time consuming. Out of 80,000 photographs I was unable to locate 2,000. Now with the GPS Unit geo-tagging is much more efficient, much quicker, and more accurate as well elevation is now available. I find the GPS/map data extremely useful for identifying locations such as place names, identifying road names, and names of sites. Using GPS in conjunction with Lightroom, means that I no longer have the burden as well as distraction of noting and recording, or trying to, in the journal locations where photographs are being taken. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZKjWtXkjP-e4Os1veHC8h9RlCGPQqj9VZ86AMZI0ylb1JuNvtCIirRsJEGG7Ab3-uH3Q7Z2Cc-7Kgxp4AM5B3siawqRPPjadFnnRdoHUJ4SVWtMgvwZ8drOeYTBTzcgvS1iY7V7NnXRs/s1600/DSC_3457-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZKjWtXkjP-e4Os1veHC8h9RlCGPQqj9VZ86AMZI0ylb1JuNvtCIirRsJEGG7Ab3-uH3Q7Z2Cc-7Kgxp4AM5B3siawqRPPjadFnnRdoHUJ4SVWtMgvwZ8drOeYTBTzcgvS1iY7V7NnXRs/s400/DSC_3457-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ISO 800, 20 mm, f1.8, 1/10 sec, tripod</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For our return to Upper Mustang/Nepal, I will be taking the following gear based upon my perceived needs and lessons learned from my Fall 2017 tour. What should you bring? It depends ...<br />
<br />
The following photographic equipment that I will bring on my return to Upper Mustang. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="375">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hashtag"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Unresolved Mention"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
table.MsoTableGrid
{mso-style-name:"Table Grid";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-priority:59;
mso-style-unhide:no;
border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-border-insideh:.5pt solid windowtext;
mso-border-insidev:.5pt solid windowtext;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<table align="left" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; margin-left: 6.75pt; margin-right: 6.75pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-table-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-table-anchor-vertical: page; mso-table-left: center; mso-table-lspace: 9.0pt; mso-table-rspace: 9.0pt; mso-table-top: 83.3pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1696;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">ITEM</span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">QUANTITY</span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
DSLR Camera</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
28-70mm
F/2.8 Lens & Hood</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
85mm
F/1.8 Lens & Hood</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
80-200mm
F/2.8 Lens & Hood</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Batteries DSLR – 1 camera, 3 loose</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
4</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
CF Cards – 704 GB, 1 in, 6 loose</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
7</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 7;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
SD Cards – 928 GB, 1 in, 7 loose</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
8</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 8;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
AA
Rechargeable Battery </div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
4</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 9;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Cell
Phone & Charger</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 10;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
GPS Device</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 11;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Digital Voice Recorder</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 12;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Tripod
and Ball Head (new - carbon fiber, travel style)</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 13;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Filter
Pouch/Assort Filters</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 14;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
DSLR Remote Cable Release </div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 17.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 15;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 17.5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
DSLR Camera Battery Charger</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 17.5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 17.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 16;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 17.5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Headband
Flashlight</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 17.5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 17;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
20mm
F/1.8 Lens & Hood</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 18;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
AA/AAA Battery Charger</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 19;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Lens
Cleaning Kit</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 20;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Power
Strip</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 21; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.75pt;" valign="top" width="270">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
Power
Plug Adapters</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt;" valign="top" width="85">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: center; mso-element-top: 83.3pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Yes, it is the same as I brought on my last journey to Upper Mustang with a couple of refinements. I will bring a lightweight carbon fiber and ball head travel combo on my return and my cell phone is now a smartphone.<br />
<br />
My new carbon fiber tripod/ball head combo is one half the weight of my old combo and perhaps just as importantly folds up to only 17 inches (44 cm) - definitely more convenient for touring.<br />
<br />
I now have a smartphone. Internet access is available in Upper Mustang. WiFi access was available in just about all the hotels (tea houses) that we stayed at as well as restaurants. My observations were that the Internet access was at times spotty and more often - slow. The big issue was "electrical power". Many of the places that we visited were off the "grid". Electrical power came from private or "municipal" solar cells which charged batteries. Inverters convert the battery DC power to AC 220v power. Power is required to run the routers which provide the WiFi access. Power would be available around 6:00 PM and the batteries would be discharged around 10:00 PM or perhaps 11:00 PM. I am not sure when the power went out since I was in bed by no later than 9:00PM. Whenever I got up to go to the bathroom (many times due to effects of high altitude medicine - Diamox) I would find that the lights and my battery charger were no longer working.<br />
<br />
For my upcoming trip, Internet and being "connected" is not an issue for me. However the smartphone has applications which will help me. I have a Geotag app which works as a good back up to my GPS device. My smartphone also has an app called, Photopills, which is extremely helpful for planning shots with Sun, Moon, Milky Way, etc - info specific to your location or planned location.<br />
<br />
<br />Allen A Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17334569605267708874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727823098676088535.post-80163687824568040122018-06-29T14:07:00.001+07:002018-06-29T14:11:17.382+07:00Kathmandu Funerals<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMMnZ4moRfbNl1HRVhHgSZBvCZ9sMa1AsTRzLDY6p_3Qby2jcvAZAJflAQ1f6YsEMgm9kbh5i2i1dl9yflXyxf5DcVd_ONy8oL5Gr2FeUQ4G3fWUXXdRYTyWoWyELgRjgAhLWcnTMC3-fU/s1600/DSC_2940-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMMnZ4moRfbNl1HRVhHgSZBvCZ9sMa1AsTRzLDY6p_3Qby2jcvAZAJflAQ1f6YsEMgm9kbh5i2i1dl9yflXyxf5DcVd_ONy8oL5Gr2FeUQ4G3fWUXXdRYTyWoWyELgRjgAhLWcnTMC3-fU/s400/DSC_2940-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Corpse, Prepared for Cremation, Is Carried Along the Banks of the Bagmati River</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Pashupatinath located on the outskirts of Kathmandu along the banks of the sacred Bagmati River and close to the international airport is Nepal's most important Hindu temple. It is also one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Hindu world. The temple is dedicated to Shiva, specifically his incarnation as the Lord of the Beasts, Pashupati. Pashupati is considered to be the national deity of Nepal. Ninety-five percent of the people who die in Kathmandu are cremated at Pashupatinath.<br />
<br />
Being a Non-Hindu, I was not allowed to enter the main temple. However, I had visited Pashupatinath specifically to observe and document the open air cremations conducted along the banks of the Bagmati River and the Sadhhus. Non-Hindus, after paying an entrance fee, are allowed to access the areas of the cremations, Shiva shrines, and hillside.<br />
<br />
Living in Thailand and being exposed to the Buddhist rituals and attitudes towards death, I have become interested in the ways and traditions in which people deal with the final days of loved ones.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Since I started living in Thailand ten years ago, I have attended more funerals than in all my previous 58 years. Visiting Pashupatinath was my first opportunity to witness and experience the Hindu funeral ritual.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UOXEQBqaKdkZxbAvtGZDBFn9BhCZZgmFF7hBBDOHgoSMBAGojyssk1ZzfYRunO02vLup6_8Dj3BLfQZRB8D7UNFLhAytnX-4XHUtOIV_2Q_SorfBSCMxgmDXvgcw5UZx4cYxZYCvMA97/s1600/DSC_2861-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UOXEQBqaKdkZxbAvtGZDBFn9BhCZZgmFF7hBBDOHgoSMBAGojyssk1ZzfYRunO02vLup6_8Dj3BLfQZRB8D7UNFLhAytnX-4XHUtOIV_2Q_SorfBSCMxgmDXvgcw5UZx4cYxZYCvMA97/s400/DSC_2861-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Son and Priest Perform Ritual for Dead Parent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After a short walk from the entrance to the site, I came upon the east ghats along side of the Bagmati River - a short stone throw from the ghats on the other side of the river where cremations were being performed. Ghats are the stairs that lead down to the river. Often the term, ghat, is used to describe the stone platforms built on and among the stairs upon which the funeral pyres are constructed.<br />
<br />
Typically the body being cremated is a person who died at home only a few hours earlier. When a Hindu dies it is a common practice to cremate the body either before the sunset or sunrise following the death. Cremation is held as soon as possible after all family members have the opportunity to view the body. Customarily the body is brought to holy grounds for cremation. Hindus believe that the soul quickly leaves the body upon death. To help facilitate the soul on its journey, the cremation is performed as promptly as possible to ensure there is no temptation for the soul to linger on this side of the world. <br />
<br />
One of the first raised stone platforms that I encountered on the east side of the river was the site of a special ritual. Cremation are held as soon as possible after all family members have the opportunity to view the body. In past times this was easy to comply with since families remained largely intact - tied to the land or village. However today families, of all castes, are often separated by miles, kilometers, mountains, national borders, rivers, lakes, and even oceans. There are thousands Nepalese Hindus living and working in countries such as Bhutan, the Middle East, and further afar. Often they are not able to promptly return upon the death of a family member. In such circumstances, the cremation is conducted, and the family member returns when they can to perform a special offering to honor the departed person.<br />
<br />
I stopped and witnessed such a special offering ritual. According to my guide, the man's father or mother had died and had been cremated. The son had been unable to attend the cremation, he had returned now and with the assistance of a Hindu priest was making a special offering.<br />
<br />
The man had shaved all of his hair from his head except for a small tuft at the upper backside of his skull. He had also modestly removed his shoes, socks, pants, undergarments, and shirt and placed a loose white garment around his waist. White is the color of mourning for Hindus rather than black.<br />
<br />
The ritual was quite involved with many bowls, and containers. Marigolds, water, rice, incense, plant leaves, and paper money were involved. The marigold petals, rice, and water were at various points during the ritual sprinkled onto the head of the mourning man and flicked into the air.<br />
<br />
It was a very moving and interesting ritual - a ritual that I did not understand, but a ritual that I will learn more about when I return to Nepal someday, someday soon.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKM_3MPkUVa5J8pyhU49EMPanYUw816qh4kFe6tFvtHVC6PHucncR5933bJekttfjUZhoZP6wGOTWr2VSYIL8uXUtBi3gfMlKR3sLTSZwn9tFn2pdyyatpQepXrHfwTPURn_TAsCxqFA8j/s1600/DSC_2899-Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKM_3MPkUVa5J8pyhU49EMPanYUw816qh4kFe6tFvtHVC6PHucncR5933bJekttfjUZhoZP6wGOTWr2VSYIL8uXUtBi3gfMlKR3sLTSZwn9tFn2pdyyatpQepXrHfwTPURn_TAsCxqFA8j/s400/DSC_2899-Edit+Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corpse is carried by males to the cremation site. Rice is sprinkled on the pyre.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The caste system no longer exists in Nepal. It was made illegal in 1962. That is the way things are supposed to be and then there is the reality of the way things actually are. Although the caste system was legislated away in 1962, there are clear and strongly defined economic stratification as well as class distinctions in Nepal society today. These distinctions and stratification can be witnessed even in the cremation of bodies at Pashupatinath.<br />
<br />
The Bagmati River is crossed by two pedestrian bridges. South of the bridges, is where the common people are cremated. North of the bridges, where the royals were cremated, is where the rich are cremated. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRu7AqIrv_9U3bHRPTiq75NO2Be2zHCWUkidnMWKtRbySu23xaRFXmhq2Xj-n_LohupY69-38RPxd_UjxFyiOyyPnMeNZokxrtDfDuRvsfKoePkdIw56X1vRCb4dTKWyd2vLdJtBbmFf1G/s1600/DSC_2900-Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRu7AqIrv_9U3bHRPTiq75NO2Be2zHCWUkidnMWKtRbySu23xaRFXmhq2Xj-n_LohupY69-38RPxd_UjxFyiOyyPnMeNZokxrtDfDuRvsfKoePkdIw56X1vRCb4dTKWyd2vLdJtBbmFf1G/s400/DSC_2900-Edit+Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The body on a bamboo litter is carried around the pyre three times </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Bodies to be cremated are carried by men on stretchers or handcrafted bamboo litters from the north to the south where the appropriate pyre platforms are located. The bodies have been washed and prepared for cremation elsewhere. They are wrapped in white except for the head. An easily removable cloth covers the face of the deceased. Garlands of marigolds cover the body. Marigolds, saffron yellow, are considered pure whereas the corpse is considered to be impure. The cremation, a ritual of fire, is a purification rite. After the corpse is carried three times clockwise around the funeral pyre, the garlands are removed and used to decorate the funeral pyre. The body is placed on the funeral pyre with the head pointed north - north, the direction of the dead.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cmeGDyBin3Wuya15haSAJojLj7bBnTpNSu8BqyC5ih6guA3YjmRQk7KXJErqIODuq3KgQvXi8S9KaUIdJf2sMjW70TvcqbgIoccO4zuCJxdXPdG8S8H7TuvQ6qo7aFLSqFT40hxDiTd7/s1600/DSC_2925-Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cmeGDyBin3Wuya15haSAJojLj7bBnTpNSu8BqyC5ih6guA3YjmRQk7KXJErqIODuq3KgQvXi8S9KaUIdJf2sMjW70TvcqbgIoccO4zuCJxdXPdG8S8H7TuvQ6qo7aFLSqFT40hxDiTd7/s400/DSC_2925-Edit+Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female relative pays respect</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The cremation ritual is lead by by the eldest son. If the eldest son is not available, the next oldest son will perform the duties. If the deceased person did not have any sons, the responsibility will pass over to the eldest male relative on the patriarchal side of the family. Daughters or any other females do not perform the ritual.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjSS2V0I7e9R4QENT2HJTZl12kLP7589Xo38ae6A3P5nZ338mtc2HlulJ7K_Pgx9gCCWp4ULn1DbodOdoIYAJIi-UzmiWHuTZ0Q7MTYhJ53QOTLuyB8gS0odFmXi0YLyCFiKD3veOOUWY/s1600/DSC_2937-Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjSS2V0I7e9R4QENT2HJTZl12kLP7589Xo38ae6A3P5nZ338mtc2HlulJ7K_Pgx9gCCWp4ULn1DbodOdoIYAJIi-UzmiWHuTZ0Q7MTYhJ53QOTLuyB8gS0odFmXi0YLyCFiKD3veOOUWY/s400/DSC_2937-Edit+Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eldest male relative, most likely son, supervises the ritual</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As part of the cremation ritual, the eldest male places a rice ball, pinda, is placed in the mouth of the deceased to provide nourishment to the spirit for the journey from this this world.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfV5Eqy_NgDxAh4ArVPqXU5ItanVJINRncnIECJUB2UhS0StuY2D3td1MeLo-DsJHdZ9Kh7lOxOTJQXnsGzvzjxDR-bD9Mz_8mIyHNEN2vKeFc76XEKXSxYTeSiCZGH5YcQJQJ03jvsIOc/s1600/DSC_2958-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfV5Eqy_NgDxAh4ArVPqXU5ItanVJINRncnIECJUB2UhS0StuY2D3td1MeLo-DsJHdZ9Kh7lOxOTJQXnsGzvzjxDR-bD9Mz_8mIyHNEN2vKeFc76XEKXSxYTeSiCZGH5YcQJQJ03jvsIOc/s400/DSC_2958-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Offerings and fire are carried around the funeral pyre </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As part of the ritual, family members circle the body and place offerings of sandalwood kindling on the body. Holy water from the Bagmati River, just beneath the cremation platform, is sprinkled by hand over the deceased person's body.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXrpNH3xWqa53zQqcSEzHXiB3G08DdJo6mq_EJR9x7-EeGNPuH4Czu1IyseEcV_w26k6n0EpiUu3xw59tHlP5RX90SiUz2JFDNQCpSl14WS7ehT8X8tWdL6YIkf-U_9LBy5G_qadGLy5m/s1600/DSC_2962-Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXrpNH3xWqa53zQqcSEzHXiB3G08DdJo6mq_EJR9x7-EeGNPuH4Czu1IyseEcV_w26k6n0EpiUu3xw59tHlP5RX90SiUz2JFDNQCpSl14WS7ehT8X8tWdL6YIkf-U_9LBy5G_qadGLy5m/s400/DSC_2962-Edit+Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holy Water from the Bagmati River is sprinkled upon the body </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZUXp89RI14Vz4-o11zimSnyJubifO_d0Qia6ArSaNouyZ4oBCOpgsJSEzrPwnCyqahK9H89Y3XcvL7VIXEiH12oxiXRBF9oYt-ula22-tkwO3dgRY_y3KUpUAHZ-oBsLYWomZ1vTEyNz/s1600/DSC_2965-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZUXp89RI14Vz4-o11zimSnyJubifO_d0Qia6ArSaNouyZ4oBCOpgsJSEzrPwnCyqahK9H89Y3XcvL7VIXEiH12oxiXRBF9oYt-ula22-tkwO3dgRY_y3KUpUAHZ-oBsLYWomZ1vTEyNz/s400/DSC_2965-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cremation worker builds a funeral pyre </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoKMt_CzaHbiDGZW3brgsmz5cDwkF0F2VANcafvECHxqE7q2zjZGRK2fnYww_Y_MC7O4SKB7GjuCGQSU0tAioye2rAqt444iH1zhssU1Sjn1C_nVzN0aTLFGsietMIW5L7dwXvNkjSqeU/s1600/DSC_2973-Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoKMt_CzaHbiDGZW3brgsmz5cDwkF0F2VANcafvECHxqE7q2zjZGRK2fnYww_Y_MC7O4SKB7GjuCGQSU0tAioye2rAqt444iH1zhssU1Sjn1C_nVzN0aTLFGsietMIW5L7dwXvNkjSqeU/s400/DSC_2973-Edit+Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eldest male relative completes building the funeral pyre </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The eldest male, typically the son, completes the construction of the pyre on top of the body and lights the funeral pyre at the mouth of the deceased person. It is believed that the spirit leaves the body through the mouth. Starting the cremation fire at the mouth ensures that the spirit is purified as it exits. Once the fire has commenced straw dampened with water from the river is placed upon the pyre to create a cloaking smoke of the cremation.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOaJrcl5BqFluvNrN0v7zPaaV3e8zLbyWh1rafdyr8DEw9hmkwyeGREAwaOj5BIEPakraqeAt0M1f6RWzUQBfKGnijHbmtQCmPiatek02diducU2DCdgzx6cODIv5V4xqacVjIKgU02Co/s1600/DSC_2976-Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOaJrcl5BqFluvNrN0v7zPaaV3e8zLbyWh1rafdyr8DEw9hmkwyeGREAwaOj5BIEPakraqeAt0M1f6RWzUQBfKGnijHbmtQCmPiatek02diducU2DCdgzx6cODIv5V4xqacVjIKgU02Co/s400/DSC_2976-Edit+Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smoke begins to rise from a funeral pyre </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocnPz7hQ4dMzaApV52CQvwkhcJodv94d26yksjuEh4ZF7QVCv5f5pRI0BGpEaX3-hJCJQWy7Y0GgFkFJaPZM8o5laTmmERR6rx9fNQQWLh0UJU5VVeJYpQ5GKFnXJsiIrpMvsfEsvZ_Oh/s1600/DSC_2979-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocnPz7hQ4dMzaApV52CQvwkhcJodv94d26yksjuEh4ZF7QVCv5f5pRI0BGpEaX3-hJCJQWy7Y0GgFkFJaPZM8o5laTmmERR6rx9fNQQWLh0UJU5VVeJYpQ5GKFnXJsiIrpMvsfEsvZ_Oh/s400/DSC_2979-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As the funeral fire starts dampened straw is added to the pyre</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6ytNCJAG7TIXiL9diVDGHFnla_IYBcjMgmQdDvJ-aCaJXAaQZdlbYHK-HwYqjgR-Hn6RBL4DNnAuQMvazQzyeWxrmJbmA6mpG_jDKS5p9P6tJIazN29hE59WDEor6ZBMBDl397X-xXAZ/s1600/DSC_2983-Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6ytNCJAG7TIXiL9diVDGHFnla_IYBcjMgmQdDvJ-aCaJXAaQZdlbYHK-HwYqjgR-Hn6RBL4DNnAuQMvazQzyeWxrmJbmA6mpG_jDKS5p9P6tJIazN29hE59WDEor6ZBMBDl397X-xXAZ/s400/DSC_2983-Edit+Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pashupatinath cremation scene </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-RHR9ZjNhewX6smnyD5jRl10yxoiJ5SScDYhyphenhyphenycmV-ZWcQWZSjHiH9oxucJYeUWumMgTdWLSZaaPBMz5u-k_6GOnR2wzihyphenhyphenO6KMjP7SPaEcP8JrWTser08DS7NjV-BBVu5_kFKmIOsQVY/s1600/DSC_2996-Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-RHR9ZjNhewX6smnyD5jRl10yxoiJ5SScDYhyphenhyphenycmV-ZWcQWZSjHiH9oxucJYeUWumMgTdWLSZaaPBMz5u-k_6GOnR2wzihyphenhyphenO6KMjP7SPaEcP8JrWTser08DS7NjV-BBVu5_kFKmIOsQVY/s400/DSC_2996-Edit+Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eldest male washes and dismantles the bamboo litter </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRSK52gNIIPNx6uFWunhSv1HtGUJxtupSxb8R_ec81yOLG42ElO01JjVmRU_xV8VD5s57IeqcWN1ZD23rGZMQMqWebk_lj7WT34K_HssOIEQslTsWbxPFMjrLuL_1jooRO5BTz16X8Tl_/s1600/DSC_3000-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRSK52gNIIPNx6uFWunhSv1HtGUJxtupSxb8R_ec81yOLG42ElO01JjVmRU_xV8VD5s57IeqcWN1ZD23rGZMQMqWebk_lj7WT34K_HssOIEQslTsWbxPFMjrLuL_1jooRO5BTz16X8Tl_/s400/DSC_3000-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smoke from wet straw rises above funeral pyre </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqswW_pdiei2uUrDixTJVbMn3ENDI1EmCNs-_zOH_sH__6JQZwUuCb_33hqWs4Kv9rqGud1d1pfRvNMsNtsXqMyGPzRTvAb-N5S132WEgdjIW7DH2hMJEiw2RB8AbQlph0Ui5J1hul2z2g/s1600/DSC_2892-Edit-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqswW_pdiei2uUrDixTJVbMn3ENDI1EmCNs-_zOH_sH__6JQZwUuCb_33hqWs4Kv9rqGud1d1pfRvNMsNtsXqMyGPzRTvAb-N5S132WEgdjIW7DH2hMJEiw2RB8AbQlph0Ui5J1hul2z2g/s400/DSC_2892-Edit-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cremation worker tends the pyre </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yVqBT_vSJpPmmtoosD-MvdwfY81qIQ6qCCVeFq706w7LV8PDBRv48S9yBFx_0dKehm-brupBRswLrtFLqieKTayXI2SjfwmjENLRz0b_9Uzta94EBxncNB0axpKQI30UV6nFGWgyODDD/s1600/DSC_2851-Edit-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yVqBT_vSJpPmmtoosD-MvdwfY81qIQ6qCCVeFq706w7LV8PDBRv48S9yBFx_0dKehm-brupBRswLrtFLqieKTayXI2SjfwmjENLRz0b_9Uzta94EBxncNB0axpKQI30UV6nFGWgyODDD/s400/DSC_2851-Edit-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relatives sit vigil as body is cremated </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GY4JNKbCq2y5igh8YBz5kekfNM22QAN8aqAzvQuk0b8S_CkMOU8kmK5YsWxzMqh6F36wnC8Ia9cZ_DOfGR8r5Je_q7BfX6Wi_CvKr1rS7Mom2DQAXmzJtrj1W1V4Co1L5V2X-G5dbfvC/s1600/DSC_3019-Edit-Email.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GY4JNKbCq2y5igh8YBz5kekfNM22QAN8aqAzvQuk0b8S_CkMOU8kmK5YsWxzMqh6F36wnC8Ia9cZ_DOfGR8r5Je_q7BfX6Wi_CvKr1rS7Mom2DQAXmzJtrj1W1V4Co1L5V2X-G5dbfvC/s400/DSC_3019-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ghat located north of the two pedestrian bridges is prepared for a wealthy person DSC 3019</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8i722SMT1gqopsY-Fc1T-w9PtIILYa49p9-OVGnJqf8IGwy9cYoMQ5WIH5o_h2bRqRFZDWmnDSv4BPpQF4tIE0aJUhx9HFIf7RDJpbDEeNy2QuZl2DLnFt4CGjTmSGnrSqTgFdIAsxiOx/s1600/DSC_3030-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8i722SMT1gqopsY-Fc1T-w9PtIILYa49p9-OVGnJqf8IGwy9cYoMQ5WIH5o_h2bRqRFZDWmnDSv4BPpQF4tIE0aJUhx9HFIf7RDJpbDEeNy2QuZl2DLnFt4CGjTmSGnrSqTgFdIAsxiOx/s400/DSC_3030-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">West ghats are cleansed with water from the sacred Bagmati River DSC 3030<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Each cremation is but a part of the mosaic of life along the Bagmati
River. Next to ongoing cremation rituals, the funeral workers, members
of the lowest caste, build the pyres out of logs in preparation the next
cremation that will happen with certainty. For cremations, where the
mourners the mourners have left other than for some male relatives
maintain a vigil, other funeral workers tend to the fires with long
poles to ensure that all the remains are consumed by the purifying fire.
The two pedestrian bridges are jammed and lined with people - Nepalese as
well as foreigners witnessing it all and photographing it all. Behind
the pyres, in the areas accessible only to Hindus, people can be scene
entering shrines and temples as part of practicing their faith. The hillside on the east side of the river is covered with tourists congregating about the Sadhhus who are to found amongst the shrines to Shiva. Further up the hillside, families are enjoying the view of it all from an overlook while enjoying snacks and beverages from the refreshment stand. Life
continues with the players all playing their roll of the moment and
often oblivious to the others.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> I will return again to Kathmandu to witness and document the Hindu funerals but more importantly, to better understand the details and nuances of the ritual. My wife will accompany me this time and I look forward to sharing with her the source of many of the rituals that she practices in her Theravada Buddhist faith. Although she is Buddhist, her faith includes many Animist as well as Hindu precepts and practices.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">All though we are often oblivious to each other and the ways along with beliefs of others, it is through travel that we will discover and commence to understand that we are actually all connected.</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div id="OKAYFREEDOM_INJECTED" style="display: none;">
</div>
<script async="" src="moz-extension://6676712b-60ec-4eed-b0a6-d05239f3e152/web/libs/ciuvo-addon-sdk.min.js"></script>Allen A Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17334569605267708874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727823098676088535.post-90536985005983114832018-06-25T12:34:00.001+07:002018-06-25T12:37:13.856+07:00Sadhhus<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWFfUlMUHAIH3FeMhjEowD38FO2kHLBkHVOMYY6d7NAx2VvbtrklqU1ae9pQICL3P_tvCiS65liZQeaO6jzHKeRpw7C5Z3QlTC-MF4OlRKORAH6z5ef60bLIKruP4OAUl-CQODBmZLnHQ/s1600/DSC_3017-Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWFfUlMUHAIH3FeMhjEowD38FO2kHLBkHVOMYY6d7NAx2VvbtrklqU1ae9pQICL3P_tvCiS65liZQeaO6jzHKeRpw7C5Z3QlTC-MF4OlRKORAH6z5ef60bLIKruP4OAUl-CQODBmZLnHQ/s400/DSC_3017-Edit+Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Sadhhus are Hindu holy men. Hindu holy women, far fewer than the number of Sadhhus, are known as Sadvin.<br />
<br />
Sadhhus are found all over India and Nepal. Saddhus can be seen wandering the roads, some live in monasteries, taking temporary residence at shrines and many can be seen a religious festivals. They are associated with many Hindu orders and schools of beliefs. They are wandering ascetics, people who live austerely - forsaking family, friends, and comforts of this life to focus on their religion and religious development. They are highly respected by Hindus as being representatives of the gods.<br />
<br />
Today, people from any caste can become a Sadhhu. Becoming a Sadhhu, for a Hindu, is a stage, the fourth and final stage of this life that every man is expected to go through. <br />
<br />
They rely upon the generosity of others for their survival. Of their few possessions, one of the most important is their begging bowl. Other typical possessions are a wooden staff, a cloth bag.<br />
<br />
Sadhhu lives are devoted to spiritual matters - self purification, meditation, worshiping, making pilgrimages, studying religious texts as well as adhering to dress codes, diets, and requirements of their sect. Sadhhus also preach and teach religion to others.<br />
<br />
Life as a Sadhhu can involve some unique and fascinating rituals as well as displays. Many Sadhhus are known for smoking marijuana and hashish. Some Sadhhus cover their almost naked bodies with the ashes of cremated people. There are Sadhhus who perform physical feats such as keeping their left arm raised ... for years, remaining silent for years, pierce their tongues, or perform other extreme displays of yoga practice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLMAf3MLw6_h9nZwaO0XfsRLGm-h7otPY6G0uDhzWuFaYMlNkA_6Ux1joopALrz5srjRuua8jbFpYdFitQ7wKOpv_Y5lfgeWtOGq-7GuetSKmUfYxFGeZzLrlvaesBTs-DyCGrXxA0LOi/s1600/DSC_3014-Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLMAf3MLw6_h9nZwaO0XfsRLGm-h7otPY6G0uDhzWuFaYMlNkA_6Ux1joopALrz5srjRuua8jbFpYdFitQ7wKOpv_Y5lfgeWtOGq-7GuetSKmUfYxFGeZzLrlvaesBTs-DyCGrXxA0LOi/s400/DSC_3014-Edit+Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
I have written several times on this blog site about life - specifically "There is the way that things are supposed to be and then there is the way that things are". So it is with Sadhhus, or at least some Sadhhus that I encountered.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0DZq56rOKniBmxZQDQ6qphj2mMp2pdWXbExWzaCD45QwH19FGipY5-ygxGfZ8WzoDvm5N-z1EDpZeghlkrzV-glmYgdKaNMpBbv0noIbtBHcluhUqVDG7v3Jco5MFxMKM1T7hCxlNiI-/s1600/DSC_3092-Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0DZq56rOKniBmxZQDQ6qphj2mMp2pdWXbExWzaCD45QwH19FGipY5-ygxGfZ8WzoDvm5N-z1EDpZeghlkrzV-glmYgdKaNMpBbv0noIbtBHcluhUqVDG7v3Jco5MFxMKM1T7hCxlNiI-/s400/DSC_3092-Edit+Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I am intrigued with unique religious practices, beliefs, and people's devotion. Living in Southeast Asia, I have many opportunities to satiate my thirst and hunger to experience some of those rituals and practices.<br />
<br />
One of my goals for my tour of Upper Mustang, the former Kingdom of Lo, was to photograph some Sadhhus. My research prior to departure, revealed that Sadhhus can be found at the Hindu temple of Pashupatinath outside of Kathmandu, Nepal. Actually, my research found many photographs of the same Sadhhus there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAouH_1r_uJpWnrHof1jXr3wqm0ZUwaxBLNishNfftTzFXWSbYTYVrF3jXRqYRQXSYNMO4SmB1woSTbpXgk7rmTDBBik2hlgmrYBe0dYY7pwXoymryyoZjy6If17CpjXkgsYd-U_UIMxz/s1600/DSC_3074-Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAouH_1r_uJpWnrHof1jXr3wqm0ZUwaxBLNishNfftTzFXWSbYTYVrF3jXRqYRQXSYNMO4SmB1woSTbpXgk7rmTDBBik2hlgmrYBe0dYY7pwXoymryyoZjy6If17CpjXkgsYd-U_UIMxz/s400/DSC_3074-Edit+Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Upon my return to Kathmandu, from Upper Mustang, I went to Pashupatinath in the morning to observe and photograph the cremations and the Sadhhus.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0uc2ZI10QGl7TJ7syabMxlRBO0YXDUbftppcds-_gyCeLqunR0i9Uz4ZQaMffti2Ze2PVEY73koCKTWYrkspHAB6q58VXNmYtaTQJ8jPkAWZaHios6K0SVPS0FVk4V4cNPCY818XwSxt/s1600/DSC_3075-Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0uc2ZI10QGl7TJ7syabMxlRBO0YXDUbftppcds-_gyCeLqunR0i9Uz4ZQaMffti2Ze2PVEY73koCKTWYrkspHAB6q58VXNmYtaTQJ8jPkAWZaHios6K0SVPS0FVk4V4cNPCY818XwSxt/s400/DSC_3075-Edit+Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
The Saddhus were easily found. The first Sadhhu that I encountered was seated on some steps alongside the broad walkway from the temple entrance to the ghats lining the sacred Bagmati River.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQgJbVcDRhANSc_Wurke5Qu-rr4qvTXVBpCnRG6czFZyA5BYhTqETA19ubqbaY-z37Ofy-tXtpkHwbtwyaLFBiUXn6SQ2uBFRocFIeee2Yiev9_Z2LUh7dBSR6UBdk1CwqAht5Dt6kSDp/s1600/DSC_3016-2-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQgJbVcDRhANSc_Wurke5Qu-rr4qvTXVBpCnRG6czFZyA5BYhTqETA19ubqbaY-z37Ofy-tXtpkHwbtwyaLFBiUXn6SQ2uBFRocFIeee2Yiev9_Z2LUh7dBSR6UBdk1CwqAht5Dt6kSDp/s400/DSC_3016-2-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He was extremely photogenic and it was obvious that he knew how to "work it" for the camera. My research also had informed me that it was customary, if not expected, to make an offering to the Sadhhus for photographing them.<br />
<br />
After spending considerable time photographing the funeral rituals along the river banks, my guide and I commenced climbing the concrete steps to the higher levels of the temple. Part way up the incline we encountered a crush of tourists - tourists busily photographing a group of Sadhhus seated in or in front of the stone shrines dotting the hillside.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZL6eBdDS1Dx2p6rWdXbMeEJc9pgE6E5B89j-miOkGK66Xo6NUxvt5WUNNYjg-6hjojSCdvvJQb5XoILc5iNwFoZntf7D3Io10ET6dvEuXUoOT57-c5jGMKN2Zh1Gc03KxM26QfOHTrzR/s1600/DSC_3087-Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZL6eBdDS1Dx2p6rWdXbMeEJc9pgE6E5B89j-miOkGK66Xo6NUxvt5WUNNYjg-6hjojSCdvvJQb5XoILc5iNwFoZntf7D3Io10ET6dvEuXUoOT57-c5jGMKN2Zh1Gc03KxM26QfOHTrzR/s400/DSC_3087-Edit+Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
These Sadhhus were familiar faces from my previous research. As I jockeyed about to take more candid photographs of the Saddhus, rather than obviously staged poses, and photographs not cluttered up with other tourists in them, I made eye contact with one of the Sadhhus. He had been watching me and seemed concerned that I had not made an "offering". I pantomimed to him that I would make the "offering" after first taking my photographs. He seemed to accept that promise and went about with his "work" for the other tourists. I like and prefer to make my offerings and payments after taking the photographs knowing full well what I got for my money. I thought this was rather odd - wandering ascetics who have rejected all the ways, objects, and comforts of this world being concerned about not getting offerings for having his photograph taken.<br />
<br />
"There is the way that things are supposed to be and then there is the way that things are".<br />
<br />
I would have liked to have engaged in some conversation with these Sadhhus - to get to know some more about them, their life, their beliefs and their philosophy but the crush of tourists (photography frenzy?) was not conducive to such an experience. I also had developed that these "holy men" might not have any "secrets of life" to share with me or that I would value. After all, I am an American and fully aware as well as experienced of capitalism and materialism.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9MXnhODhT8y1VpOpW6RJR9ZuVCQZ_BxxiEHY1EL2jic-4npggFpBsgIw6VO8-N4kTZudgNB8OhWDxdIqcVZiKlFnKPWrJ_wqfgCq0OmwaVaA1b6Isgf1OVkYDJzkflgGL3hXiRm7u5SO/s1600/DSC_3096-Edit-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9MXnhODhT8y1VpOpW6RJR9ZuVCQZ_BxxiEHY1EL2jic-4npggFpBsgIw6VO8-N4kTZudgNB8OhWDxdIqcVZiKlFnKPWrJ_wqfgCq0OmwaVaA1b6Isgf1OVkYDJzkflgGL3hXiRm7u5SO/s400/DSC_3096-Edit-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Further up the hill, we encountered another group of Sadhhus located in front of another shrine. This locale was much more peaceful - shade from trees and no other tourists. I have learned from my travels that if you want better photographs and unique experiences, you have to make the extra effort and go a little further away from, if not far away, from the maddening crowd.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnT8hyJMl2qkGiTmF7XC2O0WDNtIyrXGqdllanXNu69K69SLsXGL3OnlwZK-aQ-f3S08PMfgOQJBEeeRTvYXbV0OJbkMsrKKaMp87BEzOsLwo0E4ft8qKmLYnWVnbkeQ6DCd2CHuw6iDlF/s1600/DSC_3101-Edit+email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnT8hyJMl2qkGiTmF7XC2O0WDNtIyrXGqdllanXNu69K69SLsXGL3OnlwZK-aQ-f3S08PMfgOQJBEeeRTvYXbV0OJbkMsrKKaMp87BEzOsLwo0E4ft8qKmLYnWVnbkeQ6DCd2CHuw6iDlF/s400/DSC_3101-Edit+email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The Sadhhus were very photogenic, just as their brethren down the hill, and accustomed to being photographed. For me the relaxed atmosphere was much more enjoyable than down the hill. These Sadhhus also expected to receive offerings.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PskrvuiuFoUYcGdt1erXYUM91jT_EAg7FtmrWWp8RV7Ifk9tIoHfoz6RlgIAHXLn-l7lKqL7VK8Bo8clwju5RbV3ZdLNKRXNWgpMnASiGwm-2lcbze8SMWMCBY1IP3uqqnynzdU2bqcB/s1600/DSC_3103-Edit-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PskrvuiuFoUYcGdt1erXYUM91jT_EAg7FtmrWWp8RV7Ifk9tIoHfoz6RlgIAHXLn-l7lKqL7VK8Bo8clwju5RbV3ZdLNKRXNWgpMnASiGwm-2lcbze8SMWMCBY1IP3uqqnynzdU2bqcB/s400/DSC_3103-Edit-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyBGnY7dPTFWeZUPOhkaWYXnLqIfrVJ8q3NktKRzpepP3PLc9WuyIQAr55qMrbqgjXUngl1ZbuQsYBvIgp_wLk8V-q5xiZ55vR3-HnTePiaVMUti11wVIZQfZ-G0fHJQeDAY0CobjdlgB/s1600/DSC_3106-Edit-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyBGnY7dPTFWeZUPOhkaWYXnLqIfrVJ8q3NktKRzpepP3PLc9WuyIQAr55qMrbqgjXUngl1ZbuQsYBvIgp_wLk8V-q5xiZ55vR3-HnTePiaVMUti11wVIZQfZ-G0fHJQeDAY0CobjdlgB/s400/DSC_3106-Edit-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Were these real Sadhhus, true holy men? Were these real Sadhhus or were they more like cosplayers or as real as a tiger is a tiger that lives in a zoo cage? I don't know. It is not for me to say.<br />
<br />
Paraphrasing Paul Simon's lyrics in "The Boxer" ... "a man believes what he wants to believe and disregards the rest"<br />
<br />
During my journey in Upper Mustang, far from anywhere where there was not even a defined road - just miles and miles of dust and rocks in the Kali Gandaki River gorge, we encountered a Sadhhu. I suspect that he was on a pilgrimage to the Hindu holy site of Muktinath. I remember and cherish the brief exchange with him as we rumbled by in our four wheel drive vehicle. Our driver and guide excitedly and emotionally shouting to him and calling him "Baba" - honorific term for "father". It was a true moment of respect and joy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div id="OKAYFREEDOM_INJECTED" style="display: none;">
</div>
<script async="" src="moz-extension://6676712b-60ec-4eed-b0a6-d05239f3e152/web/libs/ciuvo-addon-sdk.min.js"></script>Allen A Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17334569605267708874noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727823098676088535.post-56588165635564655952018-06-23T20:01:00.000+07:002018-06-23T22:12:37.383+07:00Back From Bhutan - 2018<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNotX9JluYu5yq1tL0CIVURKq81pijQREpSfsu4A_0eyHUE3_pybBY1nsg4G4APW0pwa3O36P6dm3wpQeqAzsQxVKg5beQZBiTiS-XHYJjBO2DOVQ1HMziE9etSvnMg7FoLYz6XU9Hh98z/s1600/DSC_8534-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNotX9JluYu5yq1tL0CIVURKq81pijQREpSfsu4A_0eyHUE3_pybBY1nsg4G4APW0pwa3O36P6dm3wpQeqAzsQxVKg5beQZBiTiS-XHYJjBO2DOVQ1HMziE9etSvnMg7FoLYz6XU9Hh98z/s400/DSC_8534-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
My wife and I recently returned from our second tour of Bhutan in a year. Once again we enjoyed touring the nation that values "Gross National Happiness". This second tour gave us the opportunity to tour some different locations in the Buddhist Himalayan nation as well as opportunities to revisit locales, events, and people that we had enjoyed on our previous trip.<br />
<br />
As I have written in previous blogs, I like to travel to special places more than once. I find that you begin to understand a culture, place as well as people only on subsequent journeys. The first tour provides an introduction and a basis for further study and appreciation.<br />
<br />
For this return tour of Bhutan, I had created a list, prior to our departure, of twenty photography goals to achieve. I typically develop a list of priorities and goals for photography as well as sightseeing prior to each of our journeys. I find that doing such planning and scheduling, helps to achieve goals and assists in keeping me focused as well as mentally organized. It is often easy to become confused and overwhelmed when on tour of exotic lands. Pre-planning and developing goals provides some direction and structure.<br />
<br />
The goals for this tour were:<br />
<br />
1. Levitating Cham Dancers<br />
2. Eyes of Dancers Inside of Masks<br />
3. Young Monks Reciting/Chanting<br />
4. Elderly People at Prayer Wheels in temple<br />
5. Temple Ceiling Paintings<br />
6. People Lighting/Worshiping at Butter Lamps<br />
7. Monk Filling Butter Lamps<br />
8. Unfurling tapestry on closing day of Domkhar Festival<br />
9. Cham Dancers Getting Dressed<br />
10. Cham Costumes, Masks, and Instruments<br />
11. Religious Paraphernalia In Window Light<br />
12. Monk At Shrine<br />
13. Monk's Afternoon Debates<br />
14. Masks at Handicraft Center<br />
15. People Painting Thangkas<br />
16. People Carving Wood<br />
17. People Doing Handicrafts<br />
18. Indian Road Workers<br />
19. Traditional House Roof - Wood & Rocks<br />
20. Milky Way<br />
<br />
These photography goals were developed from my experiences on the previous tour last Spring as well as to try out some new techniques and skills that I had studied in the past year. I was also planning on obtaining some photos for a couple of projects that I have in mind.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b> 1. LEVITATING CHAM DANCERS</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Last year, I was able to capture moments when Cham performers leaped into the air and appeared to be suspended between the Earth and the Heavens. In my studies of Cham I have learned that these movements, like every movement, have significant religious significance. For this tour, I wanted to capture and share more of those moments, special moments when the performer appeared to be levitating.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8qc_hDoo4QZcBdEFVheUNsTWLNJrquIZYCt3vWsSCSO1njESKyvCJ1syVHpVZJ0CAD4-YxNwoSXjyZt6alywSA6XSCRywaNk7_phDKAwryBZ9e3KpHzgZZU2HCDD7WreVYjUE1fq6c4r/s1600/DSC_9692-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8qc_hDoo4QZcBdEFVheUNsTWLNJrquIZYCt3vWsSCSO1njESKyvCJ1syVHpVZJ0CAD4-YxNwoSXjyZt6alywSA6XSCRywaNk7_phDKAwryBZ9e3KpHzgZZU2HCDD7WreVYjUE1fq6c4r/s640/DSC_9692-Edit-Email.jpg" width="426" /> </a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXX8rv3xUc1pN_NTt8_NKmFtiaUt7Q3xk8hDPnDMw5bOAQM4QCsomasLBhELFzKmSr1DV5oqpmEvApCPY12sB10xyXD1bQnowg0MzCKuHWKXueRaElMWAS9Lz7pCTezdT2ISUgf0J8d-6/s1600/DSC_9326-Edit1-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXX8rv3xUc1pN_NTt8_NKmFtiaUt7Q3xk8hDPnDMw5bOAQM4QCsomasLBhELFzKmSr1DV5oqpmEvApCPY12sB10xyXD1bQnowg0MzCKuHWKXueRaElMWAS9Lz7pCTezdT2ISUgf0J8d-6/s400/DSC_9326-Edit1-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b> </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj649-X5tk8Ot1z65us1fiD-vL6sAlZt1b-WBeAwiCtfz6VjHXTl5MgS41e0fmPSO7JV1JX_dOjHgY8OYbX2bsei8JKRQM9PzMATOgiCve5ol-z3Pvu5uFWcG1oDLonzyhT0M77s1aL106/s1600/DSC_9726-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj649-X5tk8Ot1z65us1fiD-vL6sAlZt1b-WBeAwiCtfz6VjHXTl5MgS41e0fmPSO7JV1JX_dOjHgY8OYbX2bsei8JKRQM9PzMATOgiCve5ol-z3Pvu5uFWcG1oDLonzyhT0M77s1aL106/s400/DSC_9726-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b> 2. EYES OF DANCERS INSIDE OF MASKS</b><br />
<br />
Performers wear costumes and masks to transform themselves into the deity or manifestations of the Cham that they are performing. The dancers also use mediation to become the deity or manifestation. Although the masks have eyes, for the vast majority of the masks, the performers see out of the mask's mouth rather than the mask's eyes. I am intrigued with the dichotomy of the performer becoming a deity or manifestation but, for me, still being a man beneath it all. For me, this dichotomy is best illustrated by showing the performer's eyes beneath the mask. During last year's tour, I was able to get some photographs - eyes beneath the masks while dancing and eyes in posed portraits. For this trip, I wanted to focus more on shots of eyes beneath the mask while performing.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuafwxLzjx8eOJTM3haH0ivM0xd2XA39ArS0bmjOuKY1SwQKNopyEJddB9tzDkYmpfa78k-jC043izYtdyfN1ucOZuEhEXumkj5dFwIjOcGn8GCW-8_P3IkxQ2Be3VD64-I6yWC6kwJ9S/s1600/DSC_7195-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="668" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuafwxLzjx8eOJTM3haH0ivM0xd2XA39ArS0bmjOuKY1SwQKNopyEJddB9tzDkYmpfa78k-jC043izYtdyfN1ucOZuEhEXumkj5dFwIjOcGn8GCW-8_P3IkxQ2Be3VD64-I6yWC6kwJ9S/s400/DSC_7195-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhueM7zIi4IybksZyMMFaTykZIXnq1hRxq2XRmLQCICBp6lPQb7iEqf4C1XHEIAk1vc95bL1FE37-97CB1o-iuJTuAc3QnmaC1i06ady_56PkJ-njhMJt4FeIMGXpyafHvza-ILStvg-Qq6/s1600/DSC_7210-Edit1-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhueM7zIi4IybksZyMMFaTykZIXnq1hRxq2XRmLQCICBp6lPQb7iEqf4C1XHEIAk1vc95bL1FE37-97CB1o-iuJTuAc3QnmaC1i06ady_56PkJ-njhMJt4FeIMGXpyafHvza-ILStvg-Qq6/s400/DSC_7210-Edit1-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZg3WIq9YyetjqK4sASHuESv5uvmM5_qUsvrq5hQmmXG-a2vPaLFLOuzdNJ_1nihByCbnIaBP7a8_WhnMEw1t1CMs9G8W0VA0C23z-U1yTd_12OD2CVagJRbEXnXAGfW-sO6C8__Tt17o9/s1600/DSC_7210-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZg3WIq9YyetjqK4sASHuESv5uvmM5_qUsvrq5hQmmXG-a2vPaLFLOuzdNJ_1nihByCbnIaBP7a8_WhnMEw1t1CMs9G8W0VA0C23z-U1yTd_12OD2CVagJRbEXnXAGfW-sO6C8__Tt17o9/s400/DSC_7210-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUqzT_4oTP9gpiSTTv3JhdghmQmP_7iXInsk_9gRiYIYceZuRQWvVzB55B_lsT-5o8EpT-c1UGPBaZN5wzdftwDnz2RapBIHSkgpcQtUmaKkKGcpu76axZJ75LDm-WIbCp6Mv5jrnn1xt/s1600/DSC_2348-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUqzT_4oTP9gpiSTTv3JhdghmQmP_7iXInsk_9gRiYIYceZuRQWvVzB55B_lsT-5o8EpT-c1UGPBaZN5wzdftwDnz2RapBIHSkgpcQtUmaKkKGcpu76axZJ75LDm-WIbCp6Mv5jrnn1xt/s400/DSC_2348-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b> 3. YOUNG MONKS RECITING/CHANTING</b><br />
<br />
Living in Southeast Asia and being married to a devout Buddhist, I have many occasions to witness and document the lives of boy Monks. Again I am fascinated by the dichotomy of "holy men" and of "boys being boys". On the previous tour of Bhutan, I had a very personal moment photographing young monks chanting and reciting mantras at a temple. For this second tour, I want to photograph a similar scene if not recreate that moment.<br />
<br />
I had taken a photograph of that special moment on last year's tour and I was carrying a print to give the young Monk on this tour. We inquired about the young Monk in the small village where the temple was located and determined that the boy was still a Monk at the temple. Upon arrival at the temple, we discovered that things had changed ... a reminder of the Buddhist tenet that "Life is change". The room where the young Monks study, recite, and chant was no longer accessible to outsiders. The door was closed and the windows were covered. Signs on the door indicated that the Monks were not to be disturbed. Fortunately we found some young Monks outside the room. They recognized the young Monk in my photograph and agreed to give it to him.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, we were able to photograph some young Monks at a new locale, for us, during a puja.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgam79giN1PSBWc7V6F7xmxwEEe2T8OHfI-3VOVS552kCp56NSJVDNiH_gSg0VDCsSU1rcFkgUeS9JVwfi6bRrVPXL2U-TVqWoXqmhujLr0mQ1wH43USmYE8Wtcrdf_uLGfD36LtYUR0_x/s1600/DSC_5989-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgam79giN1PSBWc7V6F7xmxwEEe2T8OHfI-3VOVS552kCp56NSJVDNiH_gSg0VDCsSU1rcFkgUeS9JVwfi6bRrVPXL2U-TVqWoXqmhujLr0mQ1wH43USmYE8Wtcrdf_uLGfD36LtYUR0_x/s400/DSC_5989-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvbnqusx0u1EID2wR1zzG7BGPHrRqq5AA9O050q_yGtbHVGrxPNU13i0SeYi2liVrTda3IKp4_p4cFJJCWjIVQliErWzVGyHRuWYF_ASk_my1geHAbYRjsVSmX03gqc8rFdY0xsooss4e/s1600/DSC_5991-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvbnqusx0u1EID2wR1zzG7BGPHrRqq5AA9O050q_yGtbHVGrxPNU13i0SeYi2liVrTda3IKp4_p4cFJJCWjIVQliErWzVGyHRuWYF_ASk_my1geHAbYRjsVSmX03gqc8rFdY0xsooss4e/s400/DSC_5991-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Qs2fxXQXQcnQeSZFU2RGsTOkX8A0eUWNxuGt2ofWn4zpuPWFAvmFLPk5bgQifA0hbauMxinxoknBobNu-ujL4SjPNK-0pZ4IF-jlH8oPabjPtgputsgVDdzl0p2UvCxWZ2qamZ5RdMDf/s1600/DSC_6004-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Qs2fxXQXQcnQeSZFU2RGsTOkX8A0eUWNxuGt2ofWn4zpuPWFAvmFLPk5bgQifA0hbauMxinxoknBobNu-ujL4SjPNK-0pZ4IF-jlH8oPabjPtgputsgVDdzl0p2UvCxWZ2qamZ5RdMDf/s400/DSC_6004-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b> 4. ELDERLY PEOPLE AT PRAYER WHEELS IN TEMPLE</b><br />
<br />
Throughout Bhutan, you will encounter prayer wheels. Prayer wheels come in a myriad sizes. In addition to size, the prayer wheels have various means of propulsion. Some are rotated by merely rotating the wrist. Some are spun by rotating its shaft with the palm of the hand. Others are rotated by pulling on a cord suspended from the rim of the wheel. I have seen some prayer wheels that had a circular handrail at the base that you grab to turn the wheel. My favorite type of prayer wheels are propelled by water.<br />
<br />
Everyone turns prayer wheels in Bhutan. However I like, best of all, to photograph elderly people spinning the prayer wheels.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqi35r-WOUS6oBtFVbmhHWVH2RAdsBnM9cUuRnSVbL6vcya0qAt0GN8_RBDyoU3_DzLPOiCQrmazGQ_uFa_jzZ26jIwW6Y1IrLZVhN_PV_QvGw9aQaT4-Tcm1eBNaeW5nPQcez0pifPNk/s1600/DSC_4966-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqi35r-WOUS6oBtFVbmhHWVH2RAdsBnM9cUuRnSVbL6vcya0qAt0GN8_RBDyoU3_DzLPOiCQrmazGQ_uFa_jzZ26jIwW6Y1IrLZVhN_PV_QvGw9aQaT4-Tcm1eBNaeW5nPQcez0pifPNk/s400/DSC_4966-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4qEHuEIB_L1FZN4MMKAVcWO8U4ZHiBp5niJIGVW9Rk2rYxgVqSjWCxoczA3i1qHYYL8NgrvOc5a5LLa2mLfy0b1_dxRWj6YJWPUn4DKK2nHknK5S8Ejgyo6qfWgLr497nMehr_RZrM03/s1600/DSC_1782-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4qEHuEIB_L1FZN4MMKAVcWO8U4ZHiBp5niJIGVW9Rk2rYxgVqSjWCxoczA3i1qHYYL8NgrvOc5a5LLa2mLfy0b1_dxRWj6YJWPUn4DKK2nHknK5S8Ejgyo6qfWgLr497nMehr_RZrM03/s400/DSC_1782-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE09NI4ne_YV5jHCECMIjDVkYmnWdFqtBdYB_epXc-rHznFB-CfFEo-RPY0QmUmRJEMqKe5T4hyhGcZTIE1zxZNZptyNHmGPkweEEzcFfmybJe9tb7pMh0lqWP9r_TCdwSTEllFO3JM1qv/s1600/DSC_1784-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE09NI4ne_YV5jHCECMIjDVkYmnWdFqtBdYB_epXc-rHznFB-CfFEo-RPY0QmUmRJEMqKe5T4hyhGcZTIE1zxZNZptyNHmGPkweEEzcFfmybJe9tb7pMh0lqWP9r_TCdwSTEllFO3JM1qv/s400/DSC_1784-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAEqxSiYNqfAlo27EzNehzUlXSe6qMbzhtC2BX9XcErhuHfU5CjRrd2B5ZtSY1N_jvlGCJJRUxts8sL-rplLLYiVwiSUD9VmlAjfoCLeH64ACk9z8Svb6VMt4pow9YsDB7XLUh1MGma3h/s1600/DSC_1802-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAEqxSiYNqfAlo27EzNehzUlXSe6qMbzhtC2BX9XcErhuHfU5CjRrd2B5ZtSY1N_jvlGCJJRUxts8sL-rplLLYiVwiSUD9VmlAjfoCLeH64ACk9z8Svb6VMt4pow9YsDB7XLUh1MGma3h/s400/DSC_1802-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b> 5. TEMPLE CEILING PAINTINGS</b><br />
<br />
I was not able to take any photographs of the mandalas painted on the ceilings of many of the temples in Bhutan. This year we had a slightly different itinerary than the one that we followed last spring. Although our new itinerary presented new opportunities for photographs, some previous opportunities were not available.<br />
<br />
<b> 6. PEOPLE LIGHTING/WORSHIPING AT BUTTER LAMPS</b><br />
<br />
<br />
One of the rituals of Buddhism in Bhutan is to light butter lamps. Butter lamps are brass receptacles that resemble goblets that were originally filled with Yak butter but today most likely filled with vegetable or palm oil. Last year, at a mountain pass rest stop, I took some photos of people worshiping by lighting some butter lamps. Taking the shots was difficult due to the confined space of the room and the relative darkness. This year I had a wide angle fast lens to take such photos. I wanted to document the darkness of the room - darkness from lack of lighting except for the lamps and windows, as well as from soot deposits from years of thousands of burning lamps. I wanted to better capture the solemness of such a ritual.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVItAMutSn_bjw5AOmKiCgcGDxw1AeqZx1zS5vq0KZoz7KQBH_egOFzVanrnpuBlnonQG1hD4-3WY1FB5kWkskrrUuEI0SIinRTBMf_Thx-OBUZTyz3-v05lpxG6JeOKVkAUgNM_-EbkXr/s1600/DSC_2130-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVItAMutSn_bjw5AOmKiCgcGDxw1AeqZx1zS5vq0KZoz7KQBH_egOFzVanrnpuBlnonQG1hD4-3WY1FB5kWkskrrUuEI0SIinRTBMf_Thx-OBUZTyz3-v05lpxG6JeOKVkAUgNM_-EbkXr/s400/DSC_2130-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCtIYgaeHY8_cE7fuaOljkl_kNii05BguzdgpF3qHjeZ71SdprA7MSHt-SuaiRQB8n_KAHa7m_Gh1m20tvGkDrQnWFH1p4H0gxWhmiVCnoYBcB3_LdYtbZP8CGiUZAS11RO48KF5ciYYJj/s1600/DSC_2135-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCtIYgaeHY8_cE7fuaOljkl_kNii05BguzdgpF3qHjeZ71SdprA7MSHt-SuaiRQB8n_KAHa7m_Gh1m20tvGkDrQnWFH1p4H0gxWhmiVCnoYBcB3_LdYtbZP8CGiUZAS11RO48KF5ciYYJj/s400/DSC_2135-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLVIDjwyql1xmrN9cDaog1lCbTIpp8-2h2EuXL1FWNWGRHzKMCxPpg0Munzg4GuGQMzPrdZrUoZjblyOLLDM4vzxZNzM2oL2F25H6dPxg6_ltsbA9hLweUEVNGyZIVN5BUulLCUhw2zma/s1600/DSC_2142-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLVIDjwyql1xmrN9cDaog1lCbTIpp8-2h2EuXL1FWNWGRHzKMCxPpg0Munzg4GuGQMzPrdZrUoZjblyOLLDM4vzxZNzM2oL2F25H6dPxg6_ltsbA9hLweUEVNGyZIVN5BUulLCUhw2zma/s400/DSC_2142-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5L4rwofT27s5j8XrRL2s5PYWRnUHRzJ8uTMKRT0yQgUhZMUuBYQV0DZ3NKwKRvZOwaE_6vA-3LKybNT7_Ta4vGvNz8IxLTajuB8aMu5TM6rTXSe9gJpYSRh5ra6UY3NBWoo2qHLMHT2S0/s1600/DSC_1854-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5L4rwofT27s5j8XrRL2s5PYWRnUHRzJ8uTMKRT0yQgUhZMUuBYQV0DZ3NKwKRvZOwaE_6vA-3LKybNT7_Ta4vGvNz8IxLTajuB8aMu5TM6rTXSe9gJpYSRh5ra6UY3NBWoo2qHLMHT2S0/s400/DSC_1854-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b> 7. MONK FILLING BUTTER LAMPS</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Last year, I witnessed a Monk filling butter lamps in a special room at a temple. I was not allowed to photograph him. I was impressed with the scene and wanted other opportunities to document such moments. My attitude for this trip was that there are other Monks and perhaps they would be cooperative. As it turned out, this year's tour did not take us to that temple or any other temple where Monks were filling butter lamps. In another example of the late 20th century philosopher, Mick Jagger's mantra "You can't always get what you want But if you try sometime you find You get what you need"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I tried and I got photographs of the proprietor of the mountain pass rest stop filling the butter lamps. </div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIBToHbJC-wxsUZKOMH_D8KNmDf6DGUanUnI_P4tCAVRP444_Bl2hVRauKjm2v8OE1ZEdaE2Qxp7rZPtwj7FOG44hLrFZGEu6zdHgOZkccBFIO-V9s9xmYGOazrQBNe2FEtPKdcf5Fjqe/s1600/DSC_2116-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIBToHbJC-wxsUZKOMH_D8KNmDf6DGUanUnI_P4tCAVRP444_Bl2hVRauKjm2v8OE1ZEdaE2Qxp7rZPtwj7FOG44hLrFZGEu6zdHgOZkccBFIO-V9s9xmYGOazrQBNe2FEtPKdcf5Fjqe/s400/DSC_2116-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></b></div>
<b> </b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cglFIzfho5Jxu-hsQSZBlRWADo0YEKzE2alT2xSRYoDEFlRmmVwF9MPxNlHCwZSv29ZzHnmbu1DYkzM1yM4NjrPPKVszOcfmkWHxdMg6lJExwZa4-3HjBbyyNvE3CHCuvpOLMhEJfPzD/s1600/DSC_2122-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cglFIzfho5Jxu-hsQSZBlRWADo0YEKzE2alT2xSRYoDEFlRmmVwF9MPxNlHCwZSv29ZzHnmbu1DYkzM1yM4NjrPPKVszOcfmkWHxdMg6lJExwZa4-3HjBbyyNvE3CHCuvpOLMhEJfPzD/s400/DSC_2122-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<b> 8. UNFURLING TAPESTRY ON CLOSING DAY AT DOMKHAR FESTIVAL</b><br />
<br />
A very important part of Tshechus, religious festivals in Bhutan, is unfurling a a large tapestry called a thondrol. It is believed that merely looking at the tapestry provides merit and blessings to the people.<br />
<br />
We arrived at the festival this year just after the thondrol had been unfurled. However we were able to observe the veneration of it by Monks and laypeople.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqy0foASQjitR8Jj0uWRZJQr-7LSjM3WMxd4lP4aT3tBaWP5jk3xE9uw7wU_Y_bbGryuHXH_VdHHWVD4GtgRVEKwnuROZgUQuygzJ6ptuuDkuEpGKx8JlDsUkR6zwsYQl0qqwMTtMp6tN/s1600/DSC_7991-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqy0foASQjitR8Jj0uWRZJQr-7LSjM3WMxd4lP4aT3tBaWP5jk3xE9uw7wU_Y_bbGryuHXH_VdHHWVD4GtgRVEKwnuROZgUQuygzJ6ptuuDkuEpGKx8JlDsUkR6zwsYQl0qqwMTtMp6tN/s400/DSC_7991-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /> </a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b> 9. CHAM CHAM DANCERS GETTING DRESSED</b><br />
<br />
Our tour of Bhutan allows us special access to the dressing room of the Domkhar Festival. One by one we are escorted into the room where the cham dancers dress and prepare prior to exiting on to the performance ground. In addition to observing the performers "backstage", we are able to photograph the masks, instruments, and costumes that are used for the various sacred dances. Besides getting dressed, the performers warm up and practice the intricate movements required for each specific cham. During this time they also focus and meditate to transform themselves into the embodiment of the deity for their performance.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDC7C35CJEDWz0H6RjEyunPiv9vd0QImSA3R1atzl8THhC2po22kjYGXhyYNtUC4Hg2ntyOweecMFc8gu_XBYXcom7eyLcXTTHCHuQi8DT0h7t5midrNikbHPlUMA17XuOFuhdX4f26klV/s1600/DSC_8598-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDC7C35CJEDWz0H6RjEyunPiv9vd0QImSA3R1atzl8THhC2po22kjYGXhyYNtUC4Hg2ntyOweecMFc8gu_XBYXcom7eyLcXTTHCHuQi8DT0h7t5midrNikbHPlUMA17XuOFuhdX4f26klV/s400/DSC_8598-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<b> </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7d61FlNNmeuNIAA5Aux_g4xS8WTBCbrpZdUfoCmT9Qr5u7vrIwGzXoFcEVBptgxcGGsyUjWs-Xn1YIKX6p2AYTPcpnoA_JEyZQO5Dx-ZgImUos57hnR2LCdhqWDs-fw23l1kVw4wqMCWz/s1600/DSC_8666-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7d61FlNNmeuNIAA5Aux_g4xS8WTBCbrpZdUfoCmT9Qr5u7vrIwGzXoFcEVBptgxcGGsyUjWs-Xn1YIKX6p2AYTPcpnoA_JEyZQO5Dx-ZgImUos57hnR2LCdhqWDs-fw23l1kVw4wqMCWz/s400/DSC_8666-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /> </a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yjiTmxvCi_dOktofcak4swimgVf-nFDDmbhB-R79kbFMfuVKZ3G8cm4iwd1h0DTuDz6DRnnVtQfsCqAB89Pa-iGqfriCIwIDqmKLULJQDhakT2lR0kk_EehZv2rbCReGC3FuC_Tao6S6/s1600/DSC_8668-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yjiTmxvCi_dOktofcak4swimgVf-nFDDmbhB-R79kbFMfuVKZ3G8cm4iwd1h0DTuDz6DRnnVtQfsCqAB89Pa-iGqfriCIwIDqmKLULJQDhakT2lR0kk_EehZv2rbCReGC3FuC_Tao6S6/s400/DSC_8668-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMk3vZYsbgrLXaFbN8fP55DYqpbcNwWAVrXyIsQQaL6JEJTcATGYh8E1YYUda5LGu0VTfR0JlOZrR7UjqrhUTu2_KxnEyStpavli_teJHA8IWgaQvLhu2ZtcyNW5L8xhT1XOLVVv4SPYw/s1600/DSC_8672-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMk3vZYsbgrLXaFbN8fP55DYqpbcNwWAVrXyIsQQaL6JEJTcATGYh8E1YYUda5LGu0VTfR0JlOZrR7UjqrhUTu2_KxnEyStpavli_teJHA8IWgaQvLhu2ZtcyNW5L8xhT1XOLVVv4SPYw/s400/DSC_8672-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b> 10. CHAM COSTUMES, MASKS, AND INSTRUMENTS</b><br />
<br />
In addition to being able to photograph cham masks in the Domkhar Festival dressing room, we had the privilege to photograph them at a monastery along our tour route in Eastern Bhutan.<br />
<br />
The masks are of deities and manifestations central to each cham. The masks also represent various human traits such as stubbornness, greed, compassion, wisdom ...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWW7l2t2ROrIdLoTd_awmGTAMrLTOsolzGyaZPuzTcKkbN3uBUbp9BOQfA_avYtp08sbG8rSEaBEQBriOuu-7zqn49MiVqF6tECkeAyw6rqcNzg0njMj2LpjaWR1DDfWpthPLPspiuyC2/s1600/DSC_2308-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWW7l2t2ROrIdLoTd_awmGTAMrLTOsolzGyaZPuzTcKkbN3uBUbp9BOQfA_avYtp08sbG8rSEaBEQBriOuu-7zqn49MiVqF6tECkeAyw6rqcNzg0njMj2LpjaWR1DDfWpthPLPspiuyC2/s400/DSC_2308-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwSpsJlEAHVQ-D0GhE9ubEODUJZK-OTQK9CzULPiULfceMvlRbtz3yE0Ni84EMTp5I-aNvnn4qLzMYlauU5PAoyDV1zLdmApuYI5jm3yzDq1kjGD4przxV-oGf64ghaZcIMNZnrMGJPxX/s1600/DSC_2314-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwSpsJlEAHVQ-D0GhE9ubEODUJZK-OTQK9CzULPiULfceMvlRbtz3yE0Ni84EMTp5I-aNvnn4qLzMYlauU5PAoyDV1zLdmApuYI5jm3yzDq1kjGD4przxV-oGf64ghaZcIMNZnrMGJPxX/s400/DSC_2314-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNYP4ea4aSH9XtnpVhyphenhyphenX3wFGbCElcaRTJ0KLCpIGlyQPBoGABjL8pbZ0PDXv-jKVWpIqJ5SOK1x0sG0_xYKnKAV8UpFJZf2dFgnMOEDQqHClTvDyvzfLhxuzfQoJpJhfu4TZiiG2rmNkA/s1600/DSC_2318-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNYP4ea4aSH9XtnpVhyphenhyphenX3wFGbCElcaRTJ0KLCpIGlyQPBoGABjL8pbZ0PDXv-jKVWpIqJ5SOK1x0sG0_xYKnKAV8UpFJZf2dFgnMOEDQqHClTvDyvzfLhxuzfQoJpJhfu4TZiiG2rmNkA/s400/DSC_2318-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp540KEFJnO6QgQ_p8H17foKQi8p8jbal7iff0ZGeMErodKgtKakhl8LpiQKWoiFW43bfSRzPfBi5YpB-m6Ek4QxTqI-ZjdAr8Sn4GUpU6jdohHF0hkg8GufMtShcrus1FVcalTCKho1Ua/s1600/DSC_8508-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp540KEFJnO6QgQ_p8H17foKQi8p8jbal7iff0ZGeMErodKgtKakhl8LpiQKWoiFW43bfSRzPfBi5YpB-m6Ek4QxTqI-ZjdAr8Sn4GUpU6jdohHF0hkg8GufMtShcrus1FVcalTCKho1Ua/s400/DSC_8508-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzdTa4qW23iAf-2hQOmWSpoAML__CGrELVVPJXePsO1L7O6s8LK2NSWIV0EHuYpOOBfSttfzahA7BDgdsVWxDFb9BQlDkGTbsajz6cXsXeEAqdLmAfhnJ_ljoBchURcjNsraHGvZtu_yo/s1600/DSC_8588-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzdTa4qW23iAf-2hQOmWSpoAML__CGrELVVPJXePsO1L7O6s8LK2NSWIV0EHuYpOOBfSttfzahA7BDgdsVWxDFb9BQlDkGTbsajz6cXsXeEAqdLmAfhnJ_ljoBchURcjNsraHGvZtu_yo/s400/DSC_8588-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3tDqiQUoE8FIQqE4uzbpQaS7OF64qxtT6CSiunXCjqJdLEYRQ1_25FePERQwU4UZQ8ZLcXu8OpoMp5XRYtOXLAbWB05iN5w66zaq6CX9llTB8vKhIHN28mEUkS44wIb_FMk24esXSaKd/s1600/DSC_8590-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3tDqiQUoE8FIQqE4uzbpQaS7OF64qxtT6CSiunXCjqJdLEYRQ1_25FePERQwU4UZQ8ZLcXu8OpoMp5XRYtOXLAbWB05iN5w66zaq6CX9llTB8vKhIHN28mEUkS44wIb_FMk24esXSaKd/s400/DSC_8590-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b> 11. RELIGIOUS PARAPHERNALIA IN WINDOW LIGHT</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmipHg8-0DgjUDM8TdnyTxsoGtSTPIGBPBTSf4B8sP6FmnwGsVC629Q9IemnLek1MVqwL_quj3wt20LTyrfMDuhYYhTpY7pT1LUS2SDKbEZ-P1X00NOpXbZoOo1TeywwbkP4E4mZvcxaS/s1600/DSC_3949_AuroraHDR2018-edit-Edit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1600" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmipHg8-0DgjUDM8TdnyTxsoGtSTPIGBPBTSf4B8sP6FmnwGsVC629Q9IemnLek1MVqwL_quj3wt20LTyrfMDuhYYhTpY7pT1LUS2SDKbEZ-P1X00NOpXbZoOo1TeywwbkP4E4mZvcxaS/s400/DSC_3949_AuroraHDR2018-edit-Edit1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b> 12. MONK AT SHRINE</b><br />
<br />
I had a specific goal of photographing a Monk at a shrine for this trip. I had in mind the shrine at the Domkhar Festival. Last year I took some photos but I was too polite to get the exact shots that I prefer. I now have more confidence to politely ensure that I get my shots. This year I chose to not go into the shrine, preferring to maintain my location outside at the performance ground for the Chams.<br />
<br />
Unexpectedly, and most fortunately, I was able to get some photographs at a temple and much more importantly - during a puja. Duang and I returned to a temple where I had spent 2 hours and Duang had spent 6 hours attending a special ritual last year. This year we were immediately recognized and welcomed by the Monks who were once again having a special ritual. We were welcomed and the Monks had us sit at one of their worship stations. They clued us into what to do during the 3 hour ritual. It was a wonderful experience for both of us. Photographs are not allowed in the temple, or photographs of the Guru. Early into the ritual, the Monks motioned to me to take photographs. I motioned back that I understood that photography was not allowed. They reassured me that it was OK even to photograph the Guru. I took some photos that I treasure but out of respect will not share.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b> 13. MONK'S AFTERNOON DEBATES</b><br />
<br />
Last year we were unable to witness the afternoon Monk debates at Lhodrak Kharchu Goemba in Jakar due to heavy rain. My goal this year, weather permitting, was to photograph the highly animated debates. In the adapted words of Robert Burns in "To A Mouse" ... <span class="ILfuVd yZ8quc">"The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry." My goal was my plan, however Duang and my itinerary did not take us to Jakar this year. The tour group went there but we went on to another town further afield and to the north. As I often say ... "Another reason why we need to return".</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b> 14. MASKS AT HANDICRAFT CENTER</b><br />
<br />
We did not get to stop at the Handicraft Center in Zungney Village on this tour. We had higher priorities and it was complicated by our stay at a different hotel this year. With the opportunities afforded to photograph masks at other locations this year, this specific goal was no longer relevant.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b> 15. PEOPLE PAINTING THANGKAS</b><br />
<br />
There is a special school in Thimphu, National Institute for Zorig Chusum, often referred to as School of 13 Traditional Arts. We were not able to visit it last year since it is closed on Sunday. This year it was on the top of our list and was the first sight that we visited upon arrival in Bhutan.<br />
<br />
Students spend 4 to 6 years taking courses specializing in woodcarving, painting, sculpting clay, and embroidery.<br />
<br />
Thangkas are religious pictures painted typically on canvas. They are bright, colorful, and intricate.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvF6YjAstiz5ehL2EYf6_zoTr6GsjwG6sS0wqV-FHWbJN3XO7rKzfqTT9jp5zwasqVq2LfMnu5QWR-kjPS49uHBpTCoweY6gwv1oyONjgo-4848k557C9wNytheVkvM0GmZrgZR_MlE9C/s1600/DSC_4550-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvF6YjAstiz5ehL2EYf6_zoTr6GsjwG6sS0wqV-FHWbJN3XO7rKzfqTT9jp5zwasqVq2LfMnu5QWR-kjPS49uHBpTCoweY6gwv1oyONjgo-4848k557C9wNytheVkvM0GmZrgZR_MlE9C/s400/DSC_4550-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /> </a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSmKM6_k0P96dG1Uv1G7Emz-nSSaDHrhagm8prwEd1WVsxJWh3fGUxu68erb4GYWMEfHTVNeXYkXZAC4shc9hU1nddHP-nl252Yz7gmTncj6LH-GpFl3XSPjwm8ww2xYeA_raFn_jEX7j/s1600/DSC_4540-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSmKM6_k0P96dG1Uv1G7Emz-nSSaDHrhagm8prwEd1WVsxJWh3fGUxu68erb4GYWMEfHTVNeXYkXZAC4shc9hU1nddHP-nl252Yz7gmTncj6LH-GpFl3XSPjwm8ww2xYeA_raFn_jEX7j/s400/DSC_4540-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /> </a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b> 16. PEOPLE CARVING WOOD</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpJgHcQZA7qN95X5jxDPsrw2iKyXqxNQDpTSnj2_w_srSNRTClA6eW7G_Xzwq8kJRRywiX-pIhTP7ic4QX-nYspUsrwzankos4DJXfuzp7SwinhMG_-h9DdA28KzPMptRDndIa_UkJrjn/s1600/DSC_4435+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpJgHcQZA7qN95X5jxDPsrw2iKyXqxNQDpTSnj2_w_srSNRTClA6eW7G_Xzwq8kJRRywiX-pIhTP7ic4QX-nYspUsrwzankos4DJXfuzp7SwinhMG_-h9DdA28KzPMptRDndIa_UkJrjn/s400/DSC_4435+Email.jpg" width="266" /> </a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbTwcO38h25AbN80THb6tHmBC46GEI3C4za1RZdiFgIx5IIj5_hSMEEvtBR8IS23c4yqpbPA1Zibm-_F-Ifsig3rfzR-5l9gt_omSxopCVm7szO2kzq8UDAOuX-c8uZcpqWQzy1Pyk7Xf/s1600/DSC_4439+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbTwcO38h25AbN80THb6tHmBC46GEI3C4za1RZdiFgIx5IIj5_hSMEEvtBR8IS23c4yqpbPA1Zibm-_F-Ifsig3rfzR-5l9gt_omSxopCVm7szO2kzq8UDAOuX-c8uZcpqWQzy1Pyk7Xf/s400/DSC_4439+Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b> 17. PEOPLE DOING HANDICRAFTS</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2txmv7KALdHlar3aBkYvBbghjQvM3dHg_duw7dJ_foh934dIdtikTzaXDvSXA3cWTJl-o_pmqrUtZuMCU3Jksad_sU25Brfn8cX0U-wUPQsVM00p1cCQyFJq6kcseBdLcpOT5H58sF9k/s1600/DSC_4496-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2txmv7KALdHlar3aBkYvBbghjQvM3dHg_duw7dJ_foh934dIdtikTzaXDvSXA3cWTJl-o_pmqrUtZuMCU3Jksad_sU25Brfn8cX0U-wUPQsVM00p1cCQyFJq6kcseBdLcpOT5H58sF9k/s400/DSC_4496-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrl0mqkCLqqr28Oc4fCmctFeQqEubJS9dxzd6w9wODg2GljtVRwrHPss1tnE_VXg728oXQ2-A0LuF62O5x6YoTyP-AolFsxaEzj7-1tlr99xK-PrgOt5FBImathPKNaFBufISFVNFJ334-/s1600/DSC_4566-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrl0mqkCLqqr28Oc4fCmctFeQqEubJS9dxzd6w9wODg2GljtVRwrHPss1tnE_VXg728oXQ2-A0LuF62O5x6YoTyP-AolFsxaEzj7-1tlr99xK-PrgOt5FBImathPKNaFBufISFVNFJ334-/s400/DSC_4566-Edit-Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b> 18. INDIAN ROAD WORKERS</b><br />
<br />
Bhutan is shrinking each day. Locations are getting closer and closer. The distances remain basically the same, but the time between places along with the ease of travel is continually improving. Duang and I were shocked and to a certain degree, dismayed, at the differences in just one year. The road improvement program and paving of the West/East highway is astounding. Hours have been cut from the driving time from some of the points along our tour route. There is more traffic in the Eastern part of Bhutan. This "progress" is attributable to the scores of road workers from southern India. These workers were found all along the West/East highway last year working along the cliffs and mountain sides carving a second lane as well as paving the roadway. They lived in primitive camps in the wilderness. For me they seemed to be the "silent people, the invisible people". I wanted upon my return to photograph them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolYjSkqbmO69LBBlKZBMu0Xv_6-HK5vX-wNEew6cGCEtsO-hx9XYhgHbXYLmWtQ7M1-_88a4hQlPdvhwpK3TLFxps-9F-i0-PmsUxy-yQtaV7xaB_t42gbxg91sKFyTkjiPGj6kL8TT_l/s1600/DSC_5175-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolYjSkqbmO69LBBlKZBMu0Xv_6-HK5vX-wNEew6cGCEtsO-hx9XYhgHbXYLmWtQ7M1-_88a4hQlPdvhwpK3TLFxps-9F-i0-PmsUxy-yQtaV7xaB_t42gbxg91sKFyTkjiPGj6kL8TT_l/s400/DSC_5175-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCQVYX8gc7pK2nT2LcOHysaorAUC7GqMVNWcmRC9Rv2iqfOdyGLwcDQplFI9ja_3J9qdVtc-zSagea65PBUPawrQrJk-rTEXREv4gss5cXki0y3MSd7sVMlmerteGcE3m1jYOFmCBlWdJ/s1600/DSC_2405-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCQVYX8gc7pK2nT2LcOHysaorAUC7GqMVNWcmRC9Rv2iqfOdyGLwcDQplFI9ja_3J9qdVtc-zSagea65PBUPawrQrJk-rTEXREv4gss5cXki0y3MSd7sVMlmerteGcE3m1jYOFmCBlWdJ/s400/DSC_2405-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcU8Yr3R5T2SCg3a1IfyoV9D4BpvAAMJH-ezWeusLgQAUijPm-5s44Mxubk3DEcrkZncf0U3wbLRXf9CCImrbQ0VhxqvhUQcLxUZ__7X36FbHtm2LORCXsTuRQ07UvEJmr8IUl8CsYHoVx/s1600/DSC_4108-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcU8Yr3R5T2SCg3a1IfyoV9D4BpvAAMJH-ezWeusLgQAUijPm-5s44Mxubk3DEcrkZncf0U3wbLRXf9CCImrbQ0VhxqvhUQcLxUZ__7X36FbHtm2LORCXsTuRQ07UvEJmr8IUl8CsYHoVx/s400/DSC_4108-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqX146pCgoaIWfJYlZR1ySbNWkHaGOfVinXrzI3SKiqcj9l3Zbs_D0s9VoZzBXCLXc0Gn-arrtTLqsJDMxAiX8jwrzvSAkJQQ0EdLDtUr2c8WxSvk_BCDTnlABHjAxcLGrpKAatMTUdaLh/s1600/DSC_2395-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqX146pCgoaIWfJYlZR1ySbNWkHaGOfVinXrzI3SKiqcj9l3Zbs_D0s9VoZzBXCLXc0Gn-arrtTLqsJDMxAiX8jwrzvSAkJQQ0EdLDtUr2c8WxSvk_BCDTnlABHjAxcLGrpKAatMTUdaLh/s400/DSC_2395-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEqb9Abe9yqujYODWSXJuyaAPfsR9Rub6jlzPwVepAIcaAy-AKcPB3vOfV0VERMSSO73wscc7Hbfw2liMpFktYZqlNm9xnbiK7JRupupXtCMAks0p6Sy5-bHw0fPxoeBWHpKUa7pTs4bm/s1600/DSC_2397-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEqb9Abe9yqujYODWSXJuyaAPfsR9Rub6jlzPwVepAIcaAy-AKcPB3vOfV0VERMSSO73wscc7Hbfw2liMpFktYZqlNm9xnbiK7JRupupXtCMAks0p6Sy5-bHw0fPxoeBWHpKUa7pTs4bm/s400/DSC_2397-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b> 19. TRADITIONAL HOUSE ROOF - WOOD & ROCKS</b><br />
<br />
Traditional Bhutanese architecture is wood roofs held down with stones. Bhutan is 71% forested and the Constitution requires that a minimum 60% of Bhutan's forests remain. Each Bhutanese household is allowed to harvest a certain amount of trees for their home and household use. The selection and harvest is regulated and controlled by Forest Rangers. Due to the amount of forests, roofs composed of long wood shingles were traditional. Today, with concerns to conserve resources and a desire to maintain a low carbon footprint, these wood roofs are becoming scarce. Wood roofs are being replaced by corrugated metal roofs. The King provides the metal roofs free to the households.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIq6ZaGgm7rx1i8Z6bMYqqrCSISbgMg_H6-sx_TWmNmcrh_HHnMEAOlIaAwP0m1LirPAvBxu-1DC8vzrewj3gyPpjbJhId1U1y_RQlIOnUausPnT_hc6fxc6EsZ-bQTzjx0Bdm9U_bw0J/s1600/DSC_1569-Edit-Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIq6ZaGgm7rx1i8Z6bMYqqrCSISbgMg_H6-sx_TWmNmcrh_HHnMEAOlIaAwP0m1LirPAvBxu-1DC8vzrewj3gyPpjbJhId1U1y_RQlIOnUausPnT_hc6fxc6EsZ-bQTzjx0Bdm9U_bw0J/s400/DSC_1569-Edit-Email.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b> 20. MILKY WAY</b><br />
<br />
I am constantly looking to learn and utilize different skills as well as techniques for my photography. Since Bhutan has many areas of "dark sky", I intended to try some astro-photography on the tour. Photos of the Milky Way was my goal, but I knew that due to our schedule the opportunities would be difficult. The new moon is the best time to photograph the Milky Way. We were not going to be in Bhutan during the new moon. As it turned out the phase of the moon did not matter for this tour. The Monsoon Season had arrived early this year in Bhutan. If it was not raining, the skies were heavily overcast throughout our tour - not conducive to photographing the Moon, stars, let alone the Milky Way.. <br />
<br />
<br />
Well this year's tour was great. We saw many wonderful things. We saw some new sights, reunited with many people and met many new people. Just as in life, everything did not go exactly as we planned or even hoped. However, just as in life, we were able to make the most of it and thoroughly enjoyed it. The key to happy traveling as well as to a happy life is to adapt to change rather than resisting it. Always do your best based upon what you know at the time. Appreciate what you have and do not fret or obsess over what you don't have.<br />
<div id="OKAYFREEDOM_INJECTED" style="display: none;">
</div>
<script async="" src="moz-extension://6676712b-60ec-4eed-b0a6-d05239f3e152/web/libs/ciuvo-addon-sdk.min.js"></script>Allen A Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17334569605267708874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727823098676088535.post-65192893028790624952018-01-27T09:45:00.000+07:002018-01-27T09:50:06.950+07:00Runny Noses & Dirty Faces - Children<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6MRhAtgL9kwYIdUHtEsopwBrO1sdoLYbtShL_lDqpJab9xXI20B9fx0Iu_8TOgzBNX3Pwmw2ZOblKYJd1BN__6SQc5CYZ2_Q_jztly_DMJLELgj-UUiwDExXxPl_T7rTWny0XtcS__MP/s1600/DSC_9946-Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6MRhAtgL9kwYIdUHtEsopwBrO1sdoLYbtShL_lDqpJab9xXI20B9fx0Iu_8TOgzBNX3Pwmw2ZOblKYJd1BN__6SQc5CYZ2_Q_jztly_DMJLELgj-UUiwDExXxPl_T7rTWny0XtcS__MP/s400/DSC_9946-Edit+Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bringing Home the Harvest in Upper Mustang</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
It has been quite a while since I last posted on this blog. I had been preoccupied with many activities.<br />
<br />
My biggest and most enjoyable activity, was a tour of the Former Kingdom of Lo in the Upper Mustang region of northern Nepal. It was a truly trip of a lifetime. There were many photography opportunities that I took full advantage of.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cl6dB5CAUN3cdgJ1gc65JzBi1HbiKOeVR_CQBxslcNUpSxlCwRC9C6XoYj5SbDbLrOscaceCUCgGYUdo4uL2GtJfakDmpIuiXH9h4OIdl8L27bZkkAlxlVGClVtYd5d5P1YfA1ozseek/s1600/DSC_9764-Edit+Email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cl6dB5CAUN3cdgJ1gc65JzBi1HbiKOeVR_CQBxslcNUpSxlCwRC9C6XoYj5SbDbLrOscaceCUCgGYUdo4uL2GtJfakDmpIuiXH9h4OIdl8L27bZkkAlxlVGClVtYd5d5P1YfA1ozseek/s400/DSC_9764-Edit+Email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Runny Nose Greeting</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Many of my photographs from the Nepal journey were of children - children photos that compliment my most popular photo gallery, "Runny Noses & Dirty Faces - Children", on my personal website.<br />
<br />
Thirty-three selected photos from Nepal have been added to the gallery - pages 25 and 26.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.hale-worldphotography.com/Children/Runny-Noses-and-Dirty-Faces" target="_blank">http://www.hale-worldphotography.com/Children/Runny-Noses-and-Dirty-Faces</a><br />
<br />
These photographs capture moments in the life of many independent and self confident little people that experience a life much different from what most of us are accustomed to or, for some, are comfortable with.<br />
<br />
<br />Allen A Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17334569605267708874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727823098676088535.post-49803911398569906862017-09-07T11:08:00.001+07:002017-09-07T11:13:04.463+07:00Bun Khao Saht - Celebration of the Dead<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNC6P-1hZbp_3wTg1UPLTTXl2EyuPN1p7KPX3YGYAALo1YUZ01YCl-x7jLW2kY_zgS2Ben_if2rwzSH78XpnzIDKOqWL6fLMR8Rzv0gD_yszAuoM5NumcaM8JQVN2vkHo5LZBoDfFMr-rO/s1600/DSC_8726+email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNC6P-1hZbp_3wTg1UPLTTXl2EyuPN1p7KPX3YGYAALo1YUZ01YCl-x7jLW2kY_zgS2Ben_if2rwzSH78XpnzIDKOqWL6fLMR8Rzv0gD_yszAuoM5NumcaM8JQVN2vkHo5LZBoDfFMr-rO/s400/DSC_8726+email.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Villagers Make Offerings to the Spirits of Family Members</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Tuesday was a special day in Isaan. September 5th, this year, is Bun Khao Saht also known
as Boun Khao Salak or "Celebration of the Dead" in neighboring Lao
People's Democratic Republic (Laos). It is the Mid-Autumn Festival or
Moon Festival held on the day of the tenth Full Moon of the lunar
calendar. For Westerners the moon is called the "Harvest Moon".<br />
<br />
On
this special day, merit making is performed by offering food to the Phii
(ghosts) of family members. People also earn merit through offering a
special treat called "Kao Tawtek" to their local Monks. Kao Tawtek is a
mixture of freshly popped rice, caramel, peanuts, shredded coconut
and millet. It is made in backyards, front yards, and side yards
throughout Isaan just prior to Wan Kao Saht - typically in huge woks
over wood fires. It is also traditional on this day for older people to give gifts
of Kao Tawtek and money to children.<br />
<br />
Like many things
here in Thailand, Bun Khao Saht seems to be adapted and amalgamated from
other cultures. The Chinese celebrate a Hungry Ghost Festival and
"Ghost Day" around the same time. In Vietnam, the second biggest
holiday with an emphasis and focus on children is celebrated at this
time of the year.<br />
<br />
I drove out to Tahsang Village, my
wife's home village, early in the morning to be able to participate in the
daily merit making ritual of offering food to the Monks. This has been one of the most wet monsoon seasons
since I have been in Thailand, even more than last year. Since we returned to Thailand from our
trip to America on July 18th, we have had rain all but three days. Mud
is everywhere and some of the country roads have moving water flowing
across them. Of course the combination of rain and traffic is taking a
heavy toll on all the roads. Potholes and failing pavement are now the
norm.<br />
<br />
Just as I reached her village to make the turn to drive through the fields where the Wat is located a truck stopped in front of me. The driver, who I recognized, motioned that he wanted to talk. Through his limited use of English, my limited knowledge of Thai/Lao, and a great deal of pantomime, I understood that the normal route was closed and I should follow him.<br />
<br />
After an even more circuitous route on an even more bumpy road covered with more mud as well as puddles through the towering sugar cane fields, we made it to Wat
Pha That Nong Mat. <br />
<br />
On Bun Khao Saht, in addition to earning personal
merit, the participants earn merit for the spirits of their dead
relatives. It is especially important to make offerings to family
members who died during the year since that last Bun Khao Saht. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXRxDNOlsmk6eQNyGPWtOPjIeM4fxUV4WB3HmWcu6S0DQxLPHh1NaQ8VhdLBPnrz0GWGCHz7yOA3aKSoGApoboFfy1SOrviMOtnngsFov4u5GUOoRHFGxUgLWbwYhuQPt63OWg_Sx95Ix/s1600/DSC_8716+email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="345" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXRxDNOlsmk6eQNyGPWtOPjIeM4fxUV4WB3HmWcu6S0DQxLPHh1NaQ8VhdLBPnrz0GWGCHz7yOA3aKSoGApoboFfy1SOrviMOtnngsFov4u5GUOoRHFGxUgLWbwYhuQPt63OWg_Sx95Ix/s400/DSC_8716+email.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In
the Lao Loum culture, as well as other Southeast Asia cultures, the
people have to take care of the spirits of their family as well as other
ghosts. Spirits need merit in death as well in life to assist them in
their journey to enlightenment. Merit is the basis for determining what
form and status a person will be reincarnated as in a future life.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_PfR6zfyUe788yFrSpm3P3p1W7yxuMDtEy-ZnmMV6ND16ui6UD94WRqkkNvvQ-4jSjAs0MY0fxW-HXMCapImK3019uh0pZgWq5b_LXu1ohyphenhyphen_UFu08_jkDVccoVmBV2mfFbow5Xv4qIUF/s1600/DSC_8639+email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_PfR6zfyUe788yFrSpm3P3p1W7yxuMDtEy-ZnmMV6ND16ui6UD94WRqkkNvvQ-4jSjAs0MY0fxW-HXMCapImK3019uh0pZgWq5b_LXu1ohyphenhyphen_UFu08_jkDVccoVmBV2mfFbow5Xv4qIUF/s400/DSC_8639+email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Villagers Make Offering of Food for the Monks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The
villagers, in addition to the normal offerings of food for the Monks,
had brought baskets of special foods wrapped in banana leaves. The
baskets were carefully placed on the floor of the newly completed Viharn
(several years under construction but finished
now) next to a concrete column. A sai sin (sacred cotton string) was
placed across the tops of the baskets. The sai sin ran up the column,
across the Viharn and ran down a second column near where the Monks sat
slightly above the villagers. The sai sin terminated in a ball placed
on a plate at the side of the Wat's senior Monk. The sai sin connects
this world to other worlds, the laypeople to the Monks and conveys the
merit making to the deceased people.<br />
<br />
Many
of the women were dressed in white uniforms like the attire that Duang
wears just about every night when she conducts her ritual upstairs in
our home where my roll top desk has been converted into a shrine. The
women, including Duang and her mother, were participating in a women's
retreat at the Wat. They spent the remainder of the day and most of the
night reading and studying the scriptures and receiving lectures from
the Monks.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7ht-yNjixdyV-4ipsGDOiyKeiZFKFax_-tZrcmuD5nra4CZ0tGGS8ezbU8y-6e7_kfKXw9hZMqq13Gmy75AWjjd9U3NryL6RxA1pke0ym2DFhDH5G0bzA9hON89RVW9yEoQDuxoCVjLN/s1600/DSC_8712+email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7ht-yNjixdyV-4ipsGDOiyKeiZFKFax_-tZrcmuD5nra4CZ0tGGS8ezbU8y-6e7_kfKXw9hZMqq13Gmy75AWjjd9U3NryL6RxA1pke0ym2DFhDH5G0bzA9hON89RVW9yEoQDuxoCVjLN/s400/DSC_8712+email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monks Select their Food from the Offerings Made to Them</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
The
offering of food to the Monks was a typical daily ritual with one
exception, while the Monks ate their one meal of the day, the women in
the white costumes along with a couple of Brahmans chanted in Pali for
most of the time.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgty8EzAAEopcn7L_sbl1IQHePZVnEAxLhmKZtnQKOBLa6QGuu_-nS2K8go6wSwnSf6YZUKjMTvrnUk1BT1X8SNKpN7KY6-awI4nwoUpav5gINVwwbSIKntMco_qCzjfaqP_tKIIBaWp9BI/s1600/DSC_8672+email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgty8EzAAEopcn7L_sbl1IQHePZVnEAxLhmKZtnQKOBLa6QGuu_-nS2K8go6wSwnSf6YZUKjMTvrnUk1BT1X8SNKpN7KY6-awI4nwoUpav5gINVwwbSIKntMco_qCzjfaqP_tKIIBaWp9BI/s400/DSC_8672+email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prior to Start of Daily Food Offering Ritual, Monks Bless Food Offerings to the Spirits</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
At the end of the daily food offering ritual, the villagers
gathered up their baskets and went outside. The villagers scattered
throughout the Wat grounds selecting specific trees to stop at before
going to their family tat where the bones of their family are interned.
The offerings made at the trees were for family members who died prior
to the family having enough money to buy a tat as a repository for their
bones.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2Ed_VphPPmsG7vrhI5zO4YIFUEcwXkl-oyvxb_yKEXD37EkKGDMVOdisaRiYRRlqocDTYNO_M9dpHP7OfZb3rXDQ27wc4wYsHXknaiYgEi_u9sl7rajMSOn4GKtLYZOtBlVnxwkBF5H3/s1600/DSC_8735+email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2Ed_VphPPmsG7vrhI5zO4YIFUEcwXkl-oyvxb_yKEXD37EkKGDMVOdisaRiYRRlqocDTYNO_M9dpHP7OfZb3rXDQ27wc4wYsHXknaiYgEi_u9sl7rajMSOn4GKtLYZOtBlVnxwkBF5H3/s400/DSC_8735+email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duang's Mother Lights Two Candles for Offering to the Spirit of her Husband</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The food was placed upon banana leaves and
consisted of peeled fruits, sticky rice, chili sauces, dried fish, kao
tawtek and other typical Isaan foods. Off to the side was a banana leaf
with betel-nut chewing items. After the foods were laid out, water was
poured over them as the family members communicated to the spirits.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6j_Xrm0kbtCNVM14oqdyMdEK30wETjPTDukhLVrbwuE5ZJUoAT2fOEEWsUi7UbnSEpobrOYDNeYbxRGk9bN3DVE8XhcodNWjecF-GtTrOTbiDQNQg4Hb9o_m4BWNIt-MzDP-0z4B_eSrJ/s1600/DSC_8748-Edit+email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6j_Xrm0kbtCNVM14oqdyMdEK30wETjPTDukhLVrbwuE5ZJUoAT2fOEEWsUi7UbnSEpobrOYDNeYbxRGk9bN3DVE8XhcodNWjecF-GtTrOTbiDQNQg4Hb9o_m4BWNIt-MzDP-0z4B_eSrJ/s400/DSC_8748-Edit+email.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SETjrwKOMCmOPzu1JDYqCIil9rsu_OsbsE7dBAuH5Ue2GNnPr7_yyKpIuOhGOa9dnfG2LpP0ulbsTlYzz31QTWrFbFKwSfXGRhyFVRKiZcN2lvrOrqiChwPV2my0h7o9a2_Oa14ZRgTu/s1600/DSC_8752+email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SETjrwKOMCmOPzu1JDYqCIil9rsu_OsbsE7dBAuH5Ue2GNnPr7_yyKpIuOhGOa9dnfG2LpP0ulbsTlYzz31QTWrFbFKwSfXGRhyFVRKiZcN2lvrOrqiChwPV2my0h7o9a2_Oa14ZRgTu/s400/DSC_8752+email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Is Poured Over the Offering In the Act of Transference of Merit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The
offerings to the spirits also included two lit yellow candles and two
sprigs of "dogkhut" - I suspect Thai jasmine buds. When offerings are
made to the Buddha, three of each item are offered - one for Buddha, one
for the teachings of Buddha (Dhamma), and one for the Buddhist
religious community (Sanga). For spirits the offerings are in pairs.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFJRsEYE4zsKxurRI_ZSr5JILw_UCG_wgxcPIf8FoxiBjNolG8frqbg2h17YyvvkaWdIh7dQLIet8_fPdDiMdyKeyHwTIv-Q3LEEg7vBVHeUszpBJe79XAPmiZof3zhTjAT-1udNgx5ZS/s1600/DSC_8738+email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFJRsEYE4zsKxurRI_ZSr5JILw_UCG_wgxcPIf8FoxiBjNolG8frqbg2h17YyvvkaWdIh7dQLIet8_fPdDiMdyKeyHwTIv-Q3LEEg7vBVHeUszpBJe79XAPmiZof3zhTjAT-1udNgx5ZS/s400/DSC_8738+email.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptCw2zvNynFsnas4P-HmG8dd59ejsCLj6Bva8xnq506DLykyKb2A9N5ZF7rzX5eNoahya17cKEt-fCPRR6EXzRVGQsJJIz3w6ZQXFdttnHFXkm4Bh2NIdzOt9_6ndeEvcIQ7C5-U4UV55/s1600/DSC_8777+email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptCw2zvNynFsnas4P-HmG8dd59ejsCLj6Bva8xnq506DLykyKb2A9N5ZF7rzX5eNoahya17cKEt-fCPRR6EXzRVGQsJJIz3w6ZQXFdttnHFXkm4Bh2NIdzOt9_6ndeEvcIQ7C5-U4UV55/s400/DSC_8777+email.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After
the family spirits residing in the tats had been offered food and
drink, the people hung filled thin banana leaf packets in the trees
throughout the grounds. The banana packets contained food offerings to
the other family spirits whose bones were not interned in the tat.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3I5njkwOng12EWc3pbj_OtfQjOSNpYWpKU6ucLWj9QhKbGoYxPPT4-lcRfYsNenV3Z7ZRgh6H8A-wC-b_T0JH7USWRkLx-_CkALN410f0uf68VfScQOvVNlJBm1xIqRJ1oQjxbe0MQEC/s1600/DSC_8726+email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3I5njkwOng12EWc3pbj_OtfQjOSNpYWpKU6ucLWj9QhKbGoYxPPT4-lcRfYsNenV3Z7ZRgh6H8A-wC-b_T0JH7USWRkLx-_CkALN410f0uf68VfScQOvVNlJBm1xIqRJ1oQjxbe0MQEC/s320/DSC_8726+email.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Duang
and some other women, made food offerings to the spirits of relatives
whose bones are kept in highly decorated steeple or spire shaped
structures called "Tats". Tats are reliquaries for bone chips of
departed ancestors. More affluent villagers have a free standing tat
and those less affluent will often have a niche inside of the block
walls that surround Wats.<br />
<br />
After
a while, around ten minutes, one of the men rang the Wat's large bell
three times signifying that the spirits had completed eating. The small
banana leaf packets were quickly removed from the trees and returned to
the family baskets. The packets will later be placed in the sugar cane
fields, rice paddies, and other lands to feed the spirits (ghosts)
that inhabit them. In return for feeding the hungry ghosts, the people
ask that the spirits watch over the land and its crops bringing success
as well as good luck to the owners.<br />
<br />
<br />
The villagers returned to the Viharn to
have a community meal with the food leftover from the offerings to the
Monks. There is always too much food offered to the Monks and since
they are allowed to take only what they can eat that morning for their
one meal of the day ensuring that there are always "leftovers". <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_-JyEOLuEUMvj1k9LuK-vJV-ZN6bsNNdPKTG9Li1kP-yX__1r7RlnuAwoV2sh8FWkUt_zhWeRA5KNiN86FFFhCXMgERqcVdwYwC7ELkbdY9WOqIHcfvS-uQA73qnbslmSC704uLZ7f1B/s1600/DSC_8763+email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_-JyEOLuEUMvj1k9LuK-vJV-ZN6bsNNdPKTG9Li1kP-yX__1r7RlnuAwoV2sh8FWkUt_zhWeRA5KNiN86FFFhCXMgERqcVdwYwC7ELkbdY9WOqIHcfvS-uQA73qnbslmSC704uLZ7f1B/s400/DSC_8763+email.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div id="OKAYFREEDOM_INJECTED" style="display: none;">
</div>
<script async="" src="moz-extension://8e448b00-9167-4d98-ab65-a19f5fcd31b6/web/libs/ciuvo-addon-sdk.min.js"></script>Allen A Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17334569605267708874noreply@blogger.com0