bless the children

daddywasabi
08.10.05

the amulet market, bangkok, thailand

This old market is located near the grand palace area, in the vicinity of Thamasat and Silpakorn University. Aside from selling Buddhist amulets, shops selling herbal medicine abound in this area. There are reports that the area will be cleaned of its vendors perhaps moved to less congested parts of Bangkok. Little by little the old markets dotting old Bangkok are disappearing.

daddywasabi
08.08.05

erawan shrine, bangkok, thailand

the first picture was taken in april this year using ilford fp-4 printed on kentmere rc paper. The rest are digital monochromes taken in my little point and shoot canon ixus 400 taken in 2004. The erawan shrine is a very busy shrine. Located at the corner of the Grand Hyatt Erawan, the shrine itself predates the hotel to the time that the old Erawan Hotel was still standing at the corner of Rama I and Rajdamri. Many people from around Thailand and even around Asia visit the shrine to ask for their wishes to be granted. Some come back in thanksgiving once their wishes has been granted. In thanksgiving some offer garlands of marigolds or release doves Those who have their important wishes come true usually hire the dancers as they give their thanksgiving. There was even an urban legend where one lady promised to run around the shrine naked if her wish was granted. And her wish was granted! There is so much activity in this little shrine that it still remains interesting no matter how often I visit the place.

daddywasabi
08.06.05

tonle sap, cambodia, april 2004

streets of hong kong