There are days in Dhaka that seem to wear you down. The endless begging, the power outages, the pollution. And then there are days like today, when I smile as wide as my mouth will allow, laugh with people and feel terrific. I finally walked in the open market today with my camera for about 30 minutes. I wanted to take photos, but not offend or be intrusive. At first I stood by a pillar, trying to catch shots from the shadows. But seconds after the camera went up, people started to pose or ask for their photo to be taken. They were amazing and having so much fun with the moment. I showed them all their photos and thanked them with my words. We exchanged the most genuine of smiles and laughs.
My nostrils couldn't brave the butcher section so late in the morning, but below you can see our local grocery store, hardware store, restaurants, tailors and misc. It's been cool here, so you'll see everyone bundled up to face the 60ish degree day. There's even one squinty picture of me, when a young boy who works carrying people's groceries asked me to pose with him.
Though there are smiles, most people actually paused to try to make themselves look serious. You should see resume photos, they are especially grim most of the time.
I could do this everyday.
Love this post! Your pics are amazing as always.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree. This post is lovely. I have been feeling so down about the move lately. Just scared I think, and seeing these lovely photos and your description of how friendly everyone is has lightened my mood. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI love these pics. Especially how so many people's eyes are smiling while their mouths look serious.
ReplyDeleteLove these!! Isn't it freeing to just NOT be shy with your camera??
ReplyDeleteGreat pics!!
ReplyDeleteIt is time for the Weekly State Department Blog Round Up and you are on it!
ReplyDeleteIt is found here:
http://smallbitsfs.blogspot.com/2011/01/part-2-new-stuff-and-100-or-so-blog.html
If you would like the links to your site removed (or corrections are needed) please contact me. Thanks!
Amazing shots. :) You are a great photographer! :)
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Karen Benson
Fantastic photos! What a great way to connect with your post! I have a suggestion for you. When I was in the Peace Corps I took lots of photos of people one day, with their permission, doing their daily routines. Some at work. Some relaxing. Some on errands. As a thank you I had the pics printed (camera actually had film in those days!!!) and ordered copies for each person that posed. Then I had fun going back, handing the pictures to their "owner/s" and seeing the TOTAL joy that came over each face. Many didn't have any pictures of themselves, or very, very few. Although I hadn't expected it, for many my simple gift was a treasure. One lady, who was sitting on the sidewalk repairing shoes for her living, grabbed and waved at every passerby to show them HER picture. Every time I passed by her I got a huge wave and an even bigger smile. Try it if you get a chance. You may TOTALLY make someones day and give their family a true gift!
ReplyDeleteI love how artistic the displays are. You captured the energy and the activity of LIFE! The life you are living right now! xo S
ReplyDeleteLove those pics almost as much as you guys. it snowed roughly 10" at home, bet you guys dont miss driving down your driveway on days like today Love you guys give Ceba a hug for us
ReplyDeleteGreat photos, Denise! I think it's amazing the differences in culture -- we Americans stop what we are doing (often with a grim face) to smile for the camera, while you said they stop what they are doing (often smiling) to look serious for the camera.
ReplyDeleteWhat does that say about us?
Denise, Chris, Ceiba, and ?,
ReplyDeleteI've been enjoying your website and thought it was about time I posted a comment--sorry for the delay--I'm still working on figuring out my "new norma" after the sudden loss of your Uncle Dale. I loved the card/note/photos you sent in January. I think of you all often, send my best wishes for all of you, and lots of hugs.
Love, Aunt Jean