2014, Day 345 - Guardian

It seems like most places we went we acquired new friends.  This cat would spend the morning sunbathing in front of our room and every time we stepped outside he would come running to beg for cuddles.  He even tried to let himself into our room.

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 35/f1.4R
35mm, f2, 1/500 sec @ 200 ISO

2014, Day 9 - Loafing

I found these kittens sitting on their doorstep on an evening walk through Suchitoto.  We had just arrived and despite being sleep deprived we wanted to take a walk through the town.  It isn't big and as the sun started to set the temperature dropped to an almost comfortable level.  There were children playing in the street and people were chatting in doorways.  It was nice to see such a strong sense of community.  Even the cats and dogs joined in.

Canon 1D X, Canon 24-70/f2.8L Mark II
65mm, f5.6, 1/250 sec @ 2000 ISO

2013, Day 108 - Napping

Oh, this looks so nice, napping in a sunbeam.  It rained on and off today and while it never really dumped I am ready for some dry weather.  I don't need sun, just a lack of rain, just so I can finish landscaping my yard.  It is so difficult to do when it is all mud but I keep trying and I'm exhausted so even though I don't have a sunbeam to sleep in I am going to try to get a good night's sleep.

Canon 1D X, Canon 24-70/f2.8L Mark II
24mm, f11, 1/125 sec @ 400 ISO

2013, Day 62 - Chill

While taking a walk through the countryside with Francene and Araceli, I espied this cat watching us.  It was a warm afternoon and there was some cloud cover than only intensified the humidity.  All living things with sense were relaxing and waiting for the worst of it to pass except for the three of us.  To be fair, Araceli didn't really want to go on the walk, she just didn't want to be left out.  I think Mister Kitty was judging us as we wandered past and I can't deny I was a little envious of his comfortable perch.

Canon 1D X, Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS Mark II
200mm, f4, 1/320 sec @ 100 ISO

2012, Day 329 - Temptation

A few days ago, while sitting in a restaurant in Kep, we decided that when returned to Phnom Penh that we would take a second cooking class.  The first one was great, the instructor was excellent, and the food was incredible so, while waiting for our lunch, I called to see if we could attend the class today.  Francene missed the first one so it was definitely going to be the three of us and we thought maybe we could convince Tim to come with us.  While we were able to book the class Tim ended up with some last minute unexpected work obligations and felt that there wouldn't be enough time in the weekend to do everything and relax.  Sometimes I forget that we're not all here on vacation.

So when we finally got ourselves together the group of us stumbled out of the apartment and jumped in the tuk tuk with Sok at the helm.  First we dropped off Tim at work and then we were off to cooking class.  Our meeting point was the same as before, across the street from Phsar Som Nang Dap Pi.  That corner that we struggled to find before was blindingly obvious when you're looking for it and we found Linna waiting with a big smile.  The class took place much as before; we started with a tour of the market and plenty of tasting of local snacks, returned to the kitchen where Linna reviewed the recipes for the day, and instead of demonstrating and because there were only three of us, we jumped right into cooking under her supervision. I suspect that Francene got a little more attention from Linna than she wanted but because Linna recognize Araceli and me from a previous class she concentrated her efforts on the newcomer.  Plus she didn't have Brian to help along this time so she needed someone upon which to lavish her attention :)

Just like before we ended up with way too much food but unlike our previous class we brought storage containers to take our leftovers home.  So we plated our meals and put the rest into our not-so-little boxes and packed them away.  It was quite pleasant eating and chatting on the rooftop terrace of the cooking school.  There was a light breeze and Linna brought us cool scented towels to refresh ourselves with before eating.  When we finished eating we discovered that without the demonstration prior to instruction we were finished earlier than we thought so we called Sok for a pickup and when he arrived headed back to the apartment.

The next phase of our plan for the day was to do a little more shopping at the Russian Market, known locally as Psah Toul Tom Poung.  We all knew from experience how hot it can get inside with all the narrow walkways and low ceilings under the blazing sun so we all made our lists of what we were looking for before we arrived.  It was to be something of a planned market blitz, in and out quickly and efficiently, or as efficiently as one can be when you have to haggle.  First we did a little shopping in the stores that surrounded the market to give us time to acclimate to the heat and when we finished it was time to enter the belly of the beast.

The Russian Market has everything and I really mean that, everything!  Need a motorcycle tire?  No problem.  Paint or grout?  Got that too.  Farm fresh produce?  Easy.  A new outfit?  You can choose between casual or formal.  Hell, you can even get your hair and nails done while you wait for someone to alter the clothes you just bought.  When we entered we all agreed that we would meet outside in half an hour.  Araceli and I had a plan and when Tim and Francene got ahead of us we ducked down another row and were were off.  Our mission was to find a gift for Tim to thank him for his generosity.  In Siem Reap at one of the wood carving places we found a great crab that we wanted but the shop owner wouldn't bargain at all.  Not one little bit.  So we left it and now hoped to find it again in Phnom Penh.

Araceli and I made our way through the maze of shops.  We knew from previous experience where we could find the wood carvings and soon found a shop packed to the rafter, literally.  If you show any interest an overly attentive person will start asking you if you are looking for something in particular.  We were and inquired after large crabs.  Our luck was in, she had one in the shop was it was a bit old and abused but she assured us she had another at home that was in good condition and if we could agree on a price her sister would bring it over.  It was what we wanted so we started to haggle.  Araceli and I had agreed to a price previously so we already knew what we were willing to pay.  It took a few minutes and some stubborn determination, but in the end our goal price was met and her sister was on her way.

The two of us were prepared to renew our haggling if it wasn't as promised but in the end it proved unnecessary.  We had our crab!  Afterwards Araceli and I split up as well to do a little separate shopping as time was ticking away quickly.  I bought a few more odds and ends and as I was finishing up Araceli found me so we left together to find Tim and Francene.  As luck would have it they sent us a text message and we found them enjoying a cool drink on the shaded patio of a nearby restaurant.  It was there we planned the next phase of our market adventure.

Tim told us that the Boeung Keng Kang Market, right by the apartment, has a good reputation but he admitted that in his three years in Phnom Penh he has never been, only heard about it from his colleagues.  One of them used to shop for Cambodian made clothes from well-known designers that were not export quality at this market.  We weren't really looking for clothes though, we forgot to buy fresh fruit at the Russian Market and that was what we were really after.  So we wandered through and found a lively group of shops, wide walkways, nice produce, and good light.  I think a return trip is in order but we bought our mangosteens and walked the short distance back to Tim's apartment triumphant.

For dinner we decided to eat at a new restaurant a couple blocks from the apartment called Deco.  Not surprisingly it is in a converted Art Deco home and decorated in a new Art Deco style.  It was very nice and I was a bit worried that I didn't have anything appropriate to wear but fortunately there were other people already seated that were just as much a mess as I was and am.  Dinner was delicious; snapper fillet, grilled eggplant, mashed potatoes, spinach, and couscous salads.  It wasn't cheap for Cambodia but it was a bargain compared to what we would have paid in the United States.  None of us went hungry and we walked slowly back to the apartment afterwards.  We probably should have walked a little more to aid our digestion but I think our day of running around had taken its toll so we retreated to the air-conditioned haven that is Tim's apartment.

I suppose I should take a shower and head to bed but I am fighting the impending food coma to write about the day.  Now that it is done I suppose it is safe to submit :)

Canon 1D X, Canon 24-70/f2.8L Mark II
70mm, f4, 1/160 sec @ 8000 ISO

2011, Day 337 - Nemesis

One of the Google+ themes for Saturday is #Caturday.  I have no cats, I have dogs that do cat impression by napping in sunbeams  on cool days like today, so instead I used Nicole Young's cat Fuji again.  He was looking out the window see is his nemesis, Black Cat, was back to taunt him.  Joining Fuji in his suspicion is none other than Brian Matiash who seems to be sharing Fuji's mistrust of Black Cat.  I think that Brian might be more agitated than Fuji is by their occasional visitor.

Canon 1Ds Mark II, Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
16mm, f2.8, 1/125 sec @ 640 ISO

2011, Day 326 - The mountain

This dignified looking gentleman is Fuji.  I suspect the name is in tribute to the Japanese film giant and camera maker but he puts me in mind of Mount Fuji with his substantial size and enormous personality he is a very charming guy.  And, like the mountain, if you are in the wrong place he will completely obstruct your view of what is going on around you.  When Fuji wants attention you'll know it because he will stand in your lap and use you as a giant scratching post as he kneads you with his catcher's mitts. I suspect he is going to be a super happy guy soon because his mom is returning from her trip to Vietnam this weekend.  Nicole, I am holding him hostage for a good bowl of pho, I hope you picked up some cooking experience on your trip!

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f2.8, 1/50 sec @ 3200 ISO

2011, Day 278 - Feline royalty

This is Elvis and despite his name he didn't have much of the King in terms of personality.  He wasn't a talker or an eater nor did he shake his pelvis in a manner that might make a person swoon.  Despite those apparent shortcomings he was happy to greet me and tried to climb onto my shoulder for a ride while nuzzling my face.  It is a bit disconcerting to have an animal you don't know rubbing against your beard but it is surprising how often it happens.  Maybe the other bearded people can chime in...  Otherwise mine in magical; actually I am sure it is magical, it hypnotizes animals.  Seriously...

Canon 1Ds Mark II, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f4, 1/500 sec @ 250 ISO

2011, Day 142 - Cougar

I was out shooting this morning in the soft light provided by overcast skies and I came across this beast.  I was able to get this shot before she slunk away...

Canon 1Ds Mark II, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f2.8, 1/640 sec @ 400 ISO

2011, Day 092 - Mister Kitty

In one of the numerous breaks between rain and hail I found this cross-eyed kitty sitting on the steps of his house watching the world go by with casual disinterest. He looked so at ease and with the beat up concrete stairs behind him it was impossible not ask him to sit for a portrait.


Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 24-70/f2.8L
62mm, f2.8, 1/640 sec @ 800 ISO

2011, Day 056 - Aliens and hunters

Winter wandering, the temperature didn't get higher than 33 degrees today so I tried to keep my hands in my pockets as much as possible.

Isn't it odd when you are walking down the street and a cat bounds out of nowhere to see you? Maybe it is just because I tend to walk with dogs and have become totally unaccustomed to the phenomena but I'm always struck by it. Below is one of the intrepid hunters that greeted me and some kind of mutant flower is bloom.

Canon 1Ds Mark II, Canon 100/f2.8L IS

100mm, f5.6, 1/160 @ 400 ISO

Canon 1Ds Mark II, Canon 100/f2.8L IS

100mm, f5.6, 1/200 sec @ 400 ISO

2011, Day 042 - Brawl

Hong Kong cats! These guys were living along the esplanade looking towards Kowloon from Hong Kong Island.

Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 135/f2L

135mm, f2, 1/8000 sec @ 200 ISO

2011, Day 037 - Kitty

I don't understand the allure of the Super Bowl. Granted for more years than I care to remember it has fallen on my birthday which may increase my mystification but still... Why would you want to watch someone else play a game? Wouldn't you rather play yourself? Or is it vicarious living? Plus, it's so slow and there is all that down time to reorganize. It's like the British during the War of Independence where they expected everyone to take their time and line up in neat rows on the battlefield. Now rugby, there is a game like warfare, fast paced and relentless. If you're going to watch a sport and waste an entire day at it make it an interesting one; alternatively if you're looking to waste your time I suggest cricket test matches...

Sharing in my boredom is Marley, the neighbor's overly friendly cat. He will happily perch on your shoulder and keep you company for blocks before abandoning you to run back home. A slut for attention, he readily falls over at your feet to try to capture your attention.

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 24-70/f2.8L

62mm, f4, 1/125 sec @ 400 ISO

2010, Day 360 - Koh Lanta, Day Two

As I had intended today was not especially eventful but quite relaxing. After breakfast I went off on my own down to one of the beaches as I had noticed that at either end there were lots of rocks and I hoped for some tide pools.

On my way I passed through one of the small villages on the island that was composed of a few restaurants, a couple of travel/tour outfits, a dive shop, a tailor, and a convenience store. Beyond those businesses there were a number or hotels and a couple resorts but nothing terribly exciting.


As in China business owners often keep songbirds near the front of their shops so they can enjoy their songs and to bring them a little extra luck.


I was able to access the beach via an alley between a restaurant and a hotel. Unlike the beaches in Phuket this because was soft white sand whereas in Phuket they were primarily smoothed bits of shell. Here the water is clear and blue because of the sand while the water surrounding Phuket is silty and muddy given it a distinctly green cast.

As I wandered along the beach I made friends with a number of crustaceans. I was rather like the Pied Pipers and one then five then a dozen then hundred of little crabs fell into line behind me. So I marched, as if to war, with my army of soldiers in heavy body armor up and down the beach recruiting more to my cause. It is true that my army had no specific goal but if the past two decades have taught us nothing else it's that you raise an army first and then you find and enemy.



An abandoned boat on the beach. I think my minions will be able to make use of this in the future...


Shell-encrusted rocks that form the tidepools.



The first of my soldiers, wearing his camoflague.


The lieutenant showing off his skills at blending in.


The commander of the heavy armor brigade.



We can still see you, must do better!


The fish were reluctant to join our cause but eventually the crabs won them over. This is the commander of my first naval brigade.


And his second in command.


We marched from on end of the beach to the other, our numbers growing into the thousands. By the time we reached the southern end the command structure was complete so when I decided to leave the beach I installed the smallest angriest crab and the leader and I instructed him to overwhelm any annoying American tourists and carry them off to sea so as to improve our reputation internationally. I call this army the First Zoidberg Batalion!

Warmongering is hungry work so I walked back to the village through the hilly route in the heat. By the time I returned to town by liter and a half bottle of water was almost empty so I picked up another and found a place to dine.

The restuarant I ate at was called the Drunken Sailors and they were under feline control. The furry overlords watched their human slaves from thrones and crow's nests. In order to show them that I understood their natures I had a tuna sandwich and slowly bought their loyalty. Unfortunately I could not make a complete batalion from the cats so instead I decided for form a special ops group because I figure with their hunting skills they would make great progress easing the way for the First Zoidberg Batalion.


The cats are only feigning disinterest, they didn't want it to be too obvious that they are joining my quest to dominate southern Thailand.


Feeling as though the day couldn't possibly go any better I returned to my hotel and spent the rest of the day reading and relaxing. There comes a point where doing more would only be counter productive so I stopped there and leisure became the word of the day.


Tomorrow we leave Koh Lanta and return to Bangkok for one free day and then our return to the United States. Good thing I was productive today as the end is in sight!

2010, Day 208 - Blinded

On a walk with some friends we found a cat getting some late afternoon sun. I think it was a little bright because this kitty has a squint!

Canon 1Ds Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L

70mm, f5.6, 1/500 sec @ 200 ISO

2010, Day 198 - Ranch warming

Today was my friends Deanna and Jared had their house warming party at their mini ranch in Estacada. The weather was great, the mosquitoes were turned away at the gate and all was lovely. There was extreme croquet on the lawn, cuddly goats, demanding cats, sleeping greyhounds and some awesome homemade cheese. I've been wanting to take a portrait of Deanna and Jared in this little creek and while I think the flash was a little too much I like the attitude.

Canon 1Ds Mark III, Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II

27mm, f5.6, 1/160 sec @ 200 ISO

Canon 1Ds Mark III, Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II

20mm, f4, 1/60 sec @ 200 ISO

Canon 1Ds Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L

70mm, f8, 1/100 sec @ 200 ISO

Canon 1Ds Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L

70mm, f8, 1/400 sec @ 200 ISO

Canon 1Ds Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L

66mm, f8, 1/500 sec @ 200 ISO

Canon 1Ds Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L

30mm, f2.8, 1/800 sec @ 400 ISO

Canon 1Ds Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L

30mm, f2.8, 1/640 sec @ 400 ISO

2010, Day 159 - Linzmeier farm

A few short months ago I helped my friend Jared and Deanna to purchase a nice home on a few acres in Estacada. They've taken to country life quickly and have chickens, goats, greyhounds, cats and a nice vegetable garden. I went out to visit them for the first time since helping them to move and it was a lot of fun. Animals everywhere and good company!

Canon 1Ds Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L

46mm, f13, 1/125 sec @ 200 ISO

Canon 1Ds Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L

70mm, f11, 1/100 sec @ 200 ISO

Canon 1Ds Mark III, Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS Mark II

150mm, f5.6, 1/640 sec @ 200 ISO

Canon 1Ds Mark III, Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS Mark II

125mm, f5.6, 1/400 sec @ 200 ISO

Canon 1Ds Mark III, Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS Mark II

160mm, f4, 1/1600 sec @ 200 ISO

Canon 1Ds Mark III, Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS Mark II

200mm, f4, 1/1250 sec @ 200 ISO

Canon 1Ds Mark III, Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS Mark II

200mm, f5.6, 1/1000 sec @ 200 ISO

Canon 1Ds Mark III, Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS Mark II

123mm, f5.6, 1/640 sec @ 200 ISO

Canon 1Ds Mark III, Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS Mark II

168mm, f5.6, 1/160 sec @ 200 ISO

Canon 1Ds Mark III, Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS Mark II

190mm, f5.6, 1/1000 sec @ 200 ISO

2010, Day 29 - Cats getting married

Stopped by Voodoo Donuts with a couple of friends to get a snack and became a guest at the marriage of two fine felines.

Canon 1Ds Mark II, Canon 24-70/f2.8L

70mm, f2.8, 1/320 sec @ 3200 ISO

Canon 1Ds Mark II, Canon 24-70/f2.8L

50mm, f2.8, 1/320 sec @ 3200 ISO

Canon 1Ds Mark II, Canon 24-70/f2.8L

70mm, f2.8, 1/6 sec @ 1000 ISO

Canon 1Ds Mark II, Canon 24-70/f2.8L

38mm, f2.8, 1/40 sec @ 3200 ISO