Logue » Travel

Kenya

logue — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:16:54 +0000

“Born free, as free as the wind blows
As free as the grass grows
Born free to follow your heart.”

“In wilderness I sense the miracle of life, and behind it our scientific accomplishments fade to trivia.” — Charles Lindbergh

Photographed in October 2011. Thank you Porini Camps for the experience and your good work.

China

logue — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:17:54 +0000

A gradual discovery of fascinating China.

Silver Sunlight | Japan

logue — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:42:12 +0000

“Calm in the land
Escape was the plan
Found sunlight like silver and skies so blue
Somewhere too, me and you.”

Photographed in January 2010 in Nagano and Nagoya, Japan.

Bhutan

logue — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:40:43 +0000

“Walk to Guru’s Glory.
Take back memories of a Kingdom.
For here in this Kingdom
Lies a benevolent King.”

–– a humble tribute on the route to Takstang monastery.

Paro – Thimphu – Punakha – Trongsa – Bumthang Valley – Phobjikha – Paro – Chele La Pass

Bhutan is the antidote to every city-dweller’s fatigue. Lush green valleys, golden rice fields and the company of the “happiest people in the world” introduced me to a culture so self-contained and seemingly satisfied with their way of life. I’m not sure whether it was the calm in the air or the wonders of nature that gave me new perspectives about life and such, but I am happy I took home more than images.

Photographed in April 2009.

Myanmar

logue — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:12:17 +0000

Myanmar has a special place in my heart because it was here that I discovered my calling for documentary photography. While most Southeast Asian countries have developed their travel industries, a visit to Myanmar stands out as being one of the most authentic. To experience the real Myanmar, I encourage you to go beyond packaged itineraries and venture off the beaten track. My ongoing project on monastic education in Myanmar has given me the good fortune of meeting people from all over the country and learning how the country’s development impacts its people.

Photographed in 2007, 2009, 2011.

India

logue — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:10:47 +0000

People make Places. And when there’s 1.13 billion of them, or one sixth of the world’s people in one country, I knew travelling to India would be nothing short of an amazing adventure. It was in Bangalore’s City Market that I wondered where in the world I was. In the middle of honking buses, overpowering flower scents and endless streams of humans and cows, I stood rooted to the ground, unable to do anything but absorb the life that unfolded in front of me. In the course of documenting this mix of colour, chaos and character, I found another kind of magic.

Bangalore – Mysore – Delhi – Bikaner – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Jaipur – Agra – Varanasi – Delhi

City Magic | Tokyo

logue — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:05:36 +0000

“Splash your colour
It never sleeps
Bursting with energy
This city moves.

Photographed in January 2010.

Sri Lanka

logue — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:21:26 +0000

Home to around 20 million people, Sri Lanka, which means resplendent land, is a strategic point on major sea routes famous for producing tea, coffee and rubber. The island, which bore the wrath of the Asian tsunami four years ago, is burdened by years of internal conflict that has limped its economic prosperity and social growth. It is now eagerly trying to lift the war-stricken veil and jump on the bandwagon of progress with the rest of Asia.

I travelled to Sri Lanka with a group of photographers from The Rice Project in August 2008. Working with Habitat for Humanity we distributed 16,000 kg of rice to more than 500 families in Trincomalee and Batticaloa, which were two of the worst hit areas on the east coast. We also toured the island and had the privilege of enjoying Sri Lanka’s natural beauty.

Shi Jhuo, Taiwan

logue — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:21:54 +0000

Nature has its way of putting things into perspective. If you’re looking for an escape from the stresses of city life, you’ll find it in the magic of Shi Jhuo. Located in the Alishan national scenic area in Chiayi county, south Taiwan, Shi Jhuo is a hidden gem away from the usual tourist route. This area is famous for its mountain wilderness and hiking trails. There are no noisy tourist buses or pushy locals hawking their wares. All you get is the beauty of nature and a peace of mind that comes easily when you’re 1,450 metres above sea level. It all begins the moment you breathe in the fresh, cool mountain air. The weather, which averages around 18 degrees Celsius and plunges to 4 degrees in winter, is the reason why most of Shi Jhuo is covered by neat green carpets of tea fields.

“The higher the tea plantations, the better the tea leaves,” said Charlies Liu, 56. He’s the owner of the Small Swiss Homestay, a cosy four-room guesthouse that sits on the edge of Shi Jhuo mountain, with a view to die for. The drive up is a mini-adventure: there’s the winding bends along betel nut plantations, the rush of excitement as the air turns chilly and clouds of mist fogging up the road ahead. Sipping some freshly-brewed oolong tea that Charlies thoughtfully packed, I let my mind wander as he shared his tales of the mountains.

The Small Swiss Homestay is one of 22 homestays in Shi Jhuo town, most of which are run by locals who own tea plantations inherited from their forefathers. Charlies’ father, for instance, left him a bamboo forest and tea plantation, which his siblings look after. He left a government job to follow his dream of developing eco-tourism in his hometown, and now heads the town’s association of homestays. “I want guests to experience the real Alishan lifestyle and protect my home from the harmful effects of tourism,” said Charlies. “It’s a delicate balance.”