Hilary’s travelogue

Covered Canoe uploaded on 4 March 2008

Forest of Foxes uploaded on 25 February 2008

It's hard to describe the effect produced by the foxes of Toyokawa, Japan. Tucked away in a forest behind a temple, hundreds, possibly thousands of individually-carved stone foxes sit huddled together collecting moss. Some are old, some are new, some are watchful and others are kind of scary. In the quiet of the woods, surrounded by them, it's hard not to feel that you're in the presence of living things. Behind the stone, their personalities really do come through.

Pots uploaded on 25 February 2008

Potters' Square in Bhaktapur, Nepal is filled with pots, incense-burners, oil lamps and artisans trying to sell you all of the above. This old woman was the exception, content as she was to bask in the evening sun next to her merchandise. If she ever saw me, she didn't let on.

Roses for Ramadan uploaded on 25 February 2008

Despite the fact that nearly everyone is fasting, the Muslim holy month of Ramadan can be one of the most festive times of year in Bangladesh. With everyone decorating their homes, the flower markets are in full-swing, and these vendors were thrilled to show off their wares to the clueless white girl with the camera. So thrilled, in fact, that they presented me with a bouquet when I finally went on my way.

Anything with wheels uploaded on 25 February 2008

Public transport in Guinea, West Africa consists almost entirely of "bush taxis" -- decrepit Peugeots abandoned decades ago by Europeans, driven across the Sahara and patched together with electrical tape and sheer determination. Uncomfortable would be an understatement and you never know when - or if - you'll arrive, but you can't help but bond with your fellow passengers and learn to laugh at all the absurd adventures of the road.
It once took me 31 hours to cover 200 kilometers between Guinea and Mali. Lots of bonding there.

Street Barber uploaded on 25 February 2008

In Bangladesh, one of the world's most crowded countries, life can't help but spill out onto the street. Barbers in the northern town of Bogra set up shop on the sidewalk with just a chair, a mirror, an old rag and a set of razors; men can get a shave and a haircut for pennies. This man was patiently amused by my interest when I approached him with my camera, and I soon collected a crowd of puzzled onlookers who thought that the real roadside attraction was me.