Todays image is from Hong Kong.  I was wondering looking for the computer market and as usual, was pretty confused and lost.  I stopped and got broken directions and was told to cross a walkway that connects to the two sides of the street over the busy traffic.  The light was pretty amazing and I stopped to shoot a bit and happened upon this guy having a smoke.

www.jonathanhansonphotography.com

www.jonathanhansonphotography.com

The posted image is from the betting area which is just as entertaining and crazy as the actual fights.  There are bookies everywhere, like this guy, with multiple cell phones and people working with him.  Through out the fight as the action heats up, the intensity in the stands grows and new bets and odds are shouted out.  As soon as the words are off of their lips, the place erupts, money exchanged and the cheering continues.  It reminds me of the movie, “Blood Sport”.  

While I was in Krabie, during low tide, the locals would come out to the beach hunt for mussels, clams and other creatures that would make a good dinner.  Luckily for me, low tide happened at sunset and between the amazing light, people and beached boats, it was a visual playground.   Here is one of my favorites.

The posted image is was take after this fighter fought his match, which he lost.  He was the only one in the back stage area except for this young boy, helping care and bring the beaten fighter back to life.  They take such strong powerful kicks to the legs the fighters themselves remind me of oak trees. I am looking forward to continue working on this project.

The last few days have been a great time as we met a group of locals around our age who took us under their wing and showed us a Bangkok that I would not have otherwise had a chance to see.  I am so thankful for the generous spirit people have extended outward.

My last night here was spent at a Muay Thai boxing and what a scene it was.  I have not gone through the images yet but I am hoping to develop it into an essay of sort.  Once I sit down and take a look, I will post an image to share the experience.

The Hong Kong youth culture is very open.  I am often approached by young 20 somethings who are curious about where I am from and what my life is like back in Baltimore, although most have never heard of Baltimore.  They dress with great style and I have found myself wondering through shopping malls and street side stores picking up some of the local flair.  Clothes are very inexpensive compared to the U.S.  A friend of mine here is a chef at a luxury hotel and I had the chance to spend the day at the hotel having lunch and wondering through the area which was very different experience compared to the area I am staying in.  There are many different parts to the city ranging from posh luxury shopping and hotels to areas primarily of Western influence to areas of small inexpensive Chinese food stands and locals.  I am looking forward Bangkok and will post again soon.