Jan 17, 2017 – [Tuesday] Black & White: Melancholy

Bordeaux, France, taken on September 9, 2011

I was filming an amateurish and experimental short video with my good friend Yuehong and also taking random shots of her as the main character in different locations around Bordeaux. The video was meant to portray a melancholic atmosphere, and I think YH showed it perfectly here, with an air of sorrow, uncertainty, and a tint of hope. (See the original photo in colour.)

Update: Today is the 5th anniversary of this blog! I’ve had loads of fun running this daily blog over the past five years (though I didn’t always update every day) but I’ve decided to end the “daily” aspect of it here. I will keep the blog alive but will post perhaps only twice a week instead of once a day. Thanks for your continuous support!

Jan 10, 2017 – [Tuesday] Black & White: By the fire

Sapa, Vietnam, taken on December 31, 2015

The trek to Sapa involved stopping by a local’s home to see what rural Vietnamese life is like. It was the cold rainy season and we were shivering all over upon entering the house – should have joined the party around the fire! (See the original photo in colour.)

Jan 03, 2017 – [Tuesday] Black & White: Hong Kong from Hopewell

Hong Kong, China, taken on December 31, 2016

Hong Kong is no doubt the most glamorous metropolis that I had been to and its night scene is stunning. I had wanted to go to the Peak to have a panoramic view from a high place, but then I discovered the Hopewell Centre, from which you could take the sightseeing elevator from the 17th to the 56th floor…for free! From the transparent glass elevator, you ascend through the countless high-rise buildings in the Wan Chai area, feeling like you are excelling above all. The view of the city centre was magnificent, especially during the night! Definitely not for the height-fearing and faint-hearted though…! (See the original photo in colour.)

Dec 27, 2016 – [Tuesday] Black & White: Rays of light

Huế, Vietnam, taken on December 27, 2015

A year ago I was in Huế, Vietnam, where my friend and I got (more than) slightly lost in a local area and had a difficult time spotting a taxi. We walked through the streets without knowing where we were going, but at least the sun was shining brightly and accompanying us on our search for the way! (See the original photo in colour.)

Dec 20, 2016 – [Tuesday] Black & White: Lotus Garden

Huzhou, China, taken on December 15, 2016

Suzhou is certainly not the only place in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang area with beautiful gardens. Huzhou, a relatively small and uncrowded city compared with Suzhou and Hangzhou, hides the gorgeous Lotus Garden, a haven for people who just want to relax. The “small bridges and flowing waters” of the garden are characteristic of the Jiangnan (south Yangtze River area) region and are the symbol of classical Chinese beauty. (See the original photo in colour.)