Buddha - photo exhibtion, Wellinton, NewZealand

“Searching for Buddha’ Thistle Hall Cuba Street

Thursday 30^th June –Sunday 3^rd July 10am-5pm

Heather Hapeta has studied Buddhism in Thailand and although she has been involved in a monk-making ceremony - by helping to cut the hair of 79 new monks - and has a certificate to show she meditated for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej when he was unwell, this photographic exhibition is about how Buddha images are made.

She’d not realised it was an almost secret occupation and had searched many places before giving up the hunt. Two days later a Swedish backpacker told her ‘my sister had found a place like that when she was cycling through Thailand 6-months ago.”

Heather immediately caught the next train to the town where she spent a week watching the whole process – these black and white photos are the record of that week

She is new to Wellington (from Christchurch) and is an author, travel writer and photographer.

For more information see www.kiwitravelwriter.com

Bin Laden and photos about death

One of the reasons I love to travel so much is to learn about others. And, despite our many similarities  I realise more and more how different we humans, and our various cultures, are in many ways - and how we (I) can make huge mistakes by viewing a situation or event from my kiwi-centric upbringing. I'm not alone in this so place your own world view here!

At the moment we can see this with all the discussion about whether or not a photo of Osama Bin Laden's dead body should, or should not be shown. We will all consider this from our own cultural viewpoint.(some of which will double-standards of course!) I'm sure that at some stage this photo will be shown, but doubt it will be done by the USA authorities.
I was in Kerala, India around the time of  Saddam Husseins' death by hanging. With my 'western' outlook I was surprised to come across an outdoor exhibition of photos of his death. I thought I had taken photos of people viewing the photos, but it seems not - however I did take a picture of the poster advertising the exhibition. (An area I can well recommend you visit).

So when we find ourselves saying 'everyone' will 'think', 'says', or 'agrees' - remember, 'it ain't necessarily so'. While 'the west' may think a decision to show the photos would inflame some - for others, not showing it will inflame some others, and of course, play into the conspiracy brigades thoughts.

Here are a couple of photos of the wonderful Chinese nets they mention: the fisherman catch very little now-days so please help them by giving a little to help support their families - especially of you take photos!