Photo Finishes

Even though my goal is to become a tour manager, anything travel-related will suffice.  One idea I had was to put together a photo portfolio and submit it to a publication like National Geographic.  Even though it's like a million to one chance any publication would like my photos enough to consider me, why not at least try? Here are some possible pictures from China and Southeast Asia I'm considering.  They've all been touched up to some degree to (hopefully) make them look better.  There's quite a few more I'm considering as well.  This is not the intended picture-order of the portfolio.  Opinions are definitely welcomed!


Buddha Head outside of National Gallery of Thailand - Bangkok


Rama VIII Bridge at Dusk - Bangkok


Democracy Monument at Dusk - Bangkok


Sunlight Breaking through Watercube - Beijing


Meridian Gate with Sepia Effect - Forbidden City, Beijing


Forbidden City, Beijing


Great Wall of China - outside Beijing


Terracotta Warriors - Terracotta Mausoleum, outside Xi'an, China


Loi Krathong Festival with Rama VIII Bridge - Bangkok


Wat Phra Si Sanphet - Ayutthaya, Thailand


Siem Reap, Cambodia


Angkor Wat, Cambodia


Bas Relief at Ta Phrom, Cambodia


Wat Arun - Bangkok


Notre Dame de Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City


Infamous Motorcycle Traffic - Ho Chi Minh City


More Motorcycle Traffic - Ho Chi Minh City


One of the Many Faces of Bayon - Cambodia


Edited Pic of Preah Rup using Paint.net (this was a fluke - I have yet to be able to even come close to editing a photo this good again) - Cambodia


Paddling Through the Mekong Marshes - Vietnam

Merry Christmas to All!!! And I mean, TO ALL!

The holiday season, Thanksgiving to New Years, is my favorite time of year. The weather (generally) gets colder, neighborhoods light up with decorations as far as the eye can see, and a reminder of not only a baby being born in the depths of old Judea but why. And no, folks, this isn't going to be a proselytizing rant. I'm no preacher, nor do I want to be.

Good will towards men. Acceptance of our fellow man regardless of political or religious affiliation. The transition between law and Gospel. Remember what Christ embodies: love. He is not a political or ideological identity, a symbol of power to be abused; he is not One who commands the Good News be spread by force, violence and deceit. He doesn't hold a gun to your head and demands you believe and accept him.

He was born for the conservative, the liberal, the traditionalist, the progressive, the victim, the murderer, the religious and non-religious, the heterosexual and homosexual, the capitalist, the communist, the free, the oppressed, everyone. Everyone. No exceptions.

Forget the expensive gifts. Love and acceptance are the greatest gifts we can give someone. I have many friends who all hold different beliefs and political opinions, and I want to let them know I love and accept them for who they are. I know I'm by no means the perfect friend, but it doesn't change how I feel.

Readjusting to the Past

Home is where your heart is. My heart is in the world, so that must mean my home is there.

But for those who believe in tangible definitions and shun abstraction, Texas is the epicenter of my home. I love my epicenter, but I feel these days it's simply more focused on the past then the future. Then again, staying in the moment, for now, in this portal to the past, is fine considering I was able to spend Thanksgiving, and now Christmas and New Years with my family.

But I continue to try and put the pieces together for a career involving traveling. Tour management, travel photographer, something! The idea of teaching English overseas hasn't been ruled out either (although it's a last resort). A good friend of mine has offered me a position as a tour guide with his new company but that won't be a possible reality until July (but it's definitely a consideration).

But here, San Antonio, where I've built 20 of my 25 years on this earth, seems to choke out any inspiration. I feel like I'm constantly being injected with lethargy as addicting as heroin, as potent as wasabi up the nose and sadistically and destructively slow like sulfuric acid. I keep saying I'll be out of here, yet, here I am. I guess I'm just readjusting to the past, awaiting my ticket out of here.

No regrets. I care a lot for my family and friends and knowing I have a place to return to for solitude. I hope everyone understands that first and foremost.

When will I find the right combination to unlock that ticket? Maybe, hopefully, sooner then later.