This series of notes were first conceived while I was en route to Florence. while not a true travel blog, it will, hopefully, serve to provide the readers with a look into my experiences in my travels, as well as a short glimpse into my dark and warped mind.
I believe that every story needs a background, a setup so that the story can be appreciated. This note should suffice such that the notes following can be grasped in its intended context.
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"You are planning to do what?"
Friends near and far were astounded upon hearing my travel plans.
Yes, moi, the staunch non-traveler, the bane of all travel-bugs, had finally decided to go somewhere.
Well. in all honesty, I don't have a thing against traveling -but rather, I hate traveling alone. My past experiences showed that any trip taken with more than a 3-person group would create a lot of stress: 3 people usually result in 4 different opinions and 5 long arguments. The number of opinions increase exponentially from here, as do the stress level. Also, my last experience on traveling with someone else landed me into every chinese restaurant in the wonderful city of prague (He insisted on eating Chinese food). Hardly a thrilling experience.
Given that dismal track record, and given that I had not really been in the mood to travel, for 5 long years, the tourism industry was deprived of financial contributions from my humble coffers.
So what made me decide to go on a series of trips?
Readers following my facebook/twitter updates would have noted the tone of constant self-questioning and seeking in my updates. Along with the turmoil at work, I had been questioning my paths - whether I've actually achieved anything with my constant striving and trying. It was a long season of self-searching, and I needed to get some peace and quiet to think.
In addition to the factors above, I have also been wondering about what I've been doing in my photography. As an experienced artist (musician amongst other things) in the creative realms, I knew that there was a great difference between the "casual good looking shot" and a work of art that is produced by the artist. The latter inspires, provokes a response, and captures the attention of the audience, whereas the former just looks good, but is forgotten in 10 minutes.
Do I always just want to do post card pictures that look good? Do I have something to work with, or am I just another casual snapper (an advanced one at that, but still, just a snapshot maker)?
These concerns were haunting me, and a break was long overdue. While I might not find the answers to how I should redirect my life, I felt that going t o a foreign place, a new locality, could help me see what strengths/weaknesses I have as a photographer. With such thoughts in mind, plans for a series of short trips were birthed.
In order to make it easier for myself, I decided to go for a "pre-trip" (a short walk-around trip to Paris) to help me get used to "photographing in a strange place". However, the real test would take place when I go to Italy, to Venice, the "mecca" of photography. Venice, with its overflowing crowds of tourists and inspiring sights, would provide a good testing ground for me - at least, I'll find out what I'm made of!
Of Paris, there is pitifully little of which I can write: apart from finding out that it was crowded (I hate tourists!), realizing that the french have exotic tastes for food and realizing that the dishes would not sing "be our guest", my initial trip to Paris had been alot of "warming up", and getting myself back into the mood to explore. (I did enjoy meeting up with old friends and renewing old bonds of friendship - but that would hardly be interesting for the casual reader)
I will be writing about my thoughts and adventures (serious and silly ones) in Italy in the following days to come. Stay tuned!
I believe that every story needs a background, a setup so that the story can be appreciated. This note should suffice such that the notes following can be grasped in its intended context.
--
"You are planning to do what?"
Friends near and far were astounded upon hearing my travel plans.
Yes, moi, the staunch non-traveler, the bane of all travel-bugs, had finally decided to go somewhere.
Well. in all honesty, I don't have a thing against traveling -but rather, I hate traveling alone. My past experiences showed that any trip taken with more than a 3-person group would create a lot of stress: 3 people usually result in 4 different opinions and 5 long arguments. The number of opinions increase exponentially from here, as do the stress level. Also, my last experience on traveling with someone else landed me into every chinese restaurant in the wonderful city of prague (He insisted on eating Chinese food). Hardly a thrilling experience.
Given that dismal track record, and given that I had not really been in the mood to travel, for 5 long years, the tourism industry was deprived of financial contributions from my humble coffers.
So what made me decide to go on a series of trips?
Readers following my facebook/twitter updates would have noted the tone of constant self-questioning and seeking in my updates. Along with the turmoil at work, I had been questioning my paths - whether I've actually achieved anything with my constant striving and trying. It was a long season of self-searching, and I needed to get some peace and quiet to think.
In addition to the factors above, I have also been wondering about what I've been doing in my photography. As an experienced artist (musician amongst other things) in the creative realms, I knew that there was a great difference between the "casual good looking shot" and a work of art that is produced by the artist. The latter inspires, provokes a response, and captures the attention of the audience, whereas the former just looks good, but is forgotten in 10 minutes.
Do I always just want to do post card pictures that look good? Do I have something to work with, or am I just another casual snapper (an advanced one at that, but still, just a snapshot maker)?
These concerns were haunting me, and a break was long overdue. While I might not find the answers to how I should redirect my life, I felt that going t o a foreign place, a new locality, could help me see what strengths/weaknesses I have as a photographer. With such thoughts in mind, plans for a series of short trips were birthed.
In order to make it easier for myself, I decided to go for a "pre-trip" (a short walk-around trip to Paris) to help me get used to "photographing in a strange place". However, the real test would take place when I go to Italy, to Venice, the "mecca" of photography. Venice, with its overflowing crowds of tourists and inspiring sights, would provide a good testing ground for me - at least, I'll find out what I'm made of!
Of Paris, there is pitifully little of which I can write: apart from finding out that it was crowded (I hate tourists!), realizing that the french have exotic tastes for food and realizing that the dishes would not sing "be our guest", my initial trip to Paris had been alot of "warming up", and getting myself back into the mood to explore. (I did enjoy meeting up with old friends and renewing old bonds of friendship - but that would hardly be interesting for the casual reader)
I will be writing about my thoughts and adventures (serious and silly ones) in Italy in the following days to come. Stay tuned!
