In Chiang Mai

Posted on 29th October 2018 in adventure, architecture

For the winter of 2017-2018 I went to Thailand to… I guess find the cheapest rent and learn about a new culture. Truth be told, I really just wanted to be on the land of our farm building, but as it was, going to Thailand was an incredibly beautiful experience that I would not change for the world.

I spent about 5 months in Thailand, and most of my time was in Chiang Mai. I arrived in Bangkok and immediately met up with my friend Donovan. He invited me to join him on a train trip up to Chiang Mai where he was going to see about work. Most people take the sleeper train over night, but it was sold out so we took the day train. I actually really liked it since we were able to watch the city as we rolled on by.

I came to know Chiang Mai quite well. The cafés I came across astounded me. The people I met blew me away with kindness and generosity. The landscape was as expected. And I had a scooter and motorcycle to cruise around on the whole time! I was, I guess, in heaven. My family is still now hearing stories I remember as we go about our daily, and each time the stories come to mind, I smile a deeply felt smile.

The next few posts will be devoted to the time I spent in Chiang Mai. Please say hello if you’d like to talk more about any of the photos and I will do my best to caption them.

Donovan renting a scooter

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comments: 0 » tags: chiang mai, thailand

Night Signs | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Posted on 6th December 2015 in adventure, architecture, explored, wandering

Lately I’ve been taking to wandering the streets of Vancouver at night. Part because I’m working pretty hard during the day, and partly because that’s when I find the walk most calming to my mind.

Old signs, new signs, not signs at all. I enjoy capturing landmarks of the Vancouver lower East Side as much as I enjoy capturing the people that walk the streets. Perhaps it’s also a little bit less invasive, and I’m just out to flow.

This particular series of photographs were all taken in one night’s walk: Strathcona, East Side, Gastown, Downtown, Yaletown, and back through Chinatown.

One thing I particularly enjoy about signs is the way that they glow, casting their light upon the surrounding darkness.

I am really quite undecided how I feel about the art of the Sign. When one is in an older city, there are usually a lot less neon signs that were so popularized by the mid 20th century. Then to a Westernized city like, let’s say Vancouver, a city block without a sign feels weird and lonely. On one hand, I really appreciate a great sign that makes sense and was clearly a colossal undertaking. But on the other hand, does this form of advertising need to exist? If you don’t know where you’re going, do you need to be bombarded with this madness?

How do you like the Sign?

Please Dismount Bicycle, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Please Dismount Bicycle, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

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comments: 2 » tags: chinatown, downtown, dtes, east hastings, east side, east van, gastown, lights, neon, night, signs, strathcona, street, vancouver, yaletown

A Plethora of Vancouver Urban Architecture

Posted on 3rd December 2015 in architecture, explored, wandering

Over the years I’ve gathered quite a large collection of photographs of Vancouver architecture. I’ve actually been having the recurring feeling that I take a lot of photographs as I look through my archives.

Vancouver is a fairly new city, compared to some of the other ancients found in most of the rest of the world. As a result, the buildings of Vancouver are an eclectic mix of various architectural building material and styles. Some built in the old European way, others built in modern glass and iron. At first glance, it could be a bit confusing. Once you start to know the neighborhoods though, you start to understand which ones are older. For example, Gastown is a very old district of Vancouver, but the neighboring Yaletown is a much newer part of town that mostly skyrocketed (literally) as a result of Expo ’86.

As one walks and looks closer, you can start to pick out heritage societies bright blue plaques that designate heritage buildings with a little bit more history about each building. Maybe stop next time and read what it says?

False Creek Vancouver

False Creek Vancouver

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comments: 0 » tags: best of, buildings, downtown, east van, van, vancouver

Wandering Vancouver in Autumn

Posted on 3rd October 2015 in architecture, explored, wandering

Lately I’ve been taking to the streets of Vancouver with my camera to photograph anything that I see. This is part my effort to begin studying what it means to be a documenter, and part my effort to learn the new camera I am using, the Sony Alpha7. It’s truly a remarkable camera and I have plans to do a full review of the camera shortly.

Vancouver is a city that I find incredibly beautiful, depending on the day. Some days, golden light shines through semi-tall buildings filled with multi-cultural citizens who spill out into the streets to enjoy the green city, some of them walking or cycling about their business.

Today was one of those days where the city is simply golden.

My path? I walked from Chinatown, to Gastown, to Granville St and Robson Street, back East through Yaletown, across the viaduct between Rogers Arena and BC Place Stadium, and back through Chinatown.

This is the architecture, graffiti and other nonsense I found along the way. Street Photography post can be found here.

Ned Tobin Vancouver Click here to read more.. »

comments: 0 » tags: architecture, bc, british columbia, canada, chinatown, gastown, graffiti, granville, robson, rogers arena, stadium, streets, vancouver

Architecture of Stockholm, Sweden

Posted on 28th January 2015 in architecture

When I arrived in Stockholm in early September all I had was my flip-flops. I had worn holes in my shoes in Budapest and left them on the corner for some lucky soul in need of some red skate shoes.

When I got off the plane, it was cold. Then it rained. My first order of business was to find myself some leather soles.

I think it’s clear in the photographs how brisk the city was, which I really appreciated in it. It led to the clean feeling, the put together, well kempt style of the city. Further, the giant stone buildings, sculptures, and details all around the city made me feel like I was walking along Viking turf.

Nordic.

Stockholm, Sweden Click here to read more.. »

comments: 0 » tags: buildings, city, stockholm, sweden
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