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Alison Wright: Portraits of the Human Spirit | Nat Geo Live


you have to really ponder profession

you have to really ponder profession that you are running into what everyone

that you are running into what everyone

that you are running into what everyone else is running away from and it was

else is running away from and it was

else is running away from and it was incredibly freeing I just let go of fear

incredibly freeing I just let go of fear

incredibly freeing I just let go of fear and for me it’s just it’s about that

and for me it’s just it’s about that

and for me it’s just it’s about that whole connection you know and it was

whole connection you know and it was

whole connection you know and it was it’s not always with the camera

it’s not always with the camera

it’s not always with the camera it’s humanity I am very excited to be

it’s humanity I am very excited to be

it’s humanity I am very excited to be here thank you for coming to see me this

here thank you for coming to see me this

here thank you for coming to see me this is actually my second passport and I

is actually my second passport and I

is actually my second passport and I obtained my wanderlust in utero my mom

obtained my wanderlust in utero my mom

obtained my wanderlust in utero my mom was a flight attendant British flight

was a flight attendant British flight

was a flight attendant British flight attendant for Pan Am and dad was a

attendant for Pan Am and dad was a

attendant for Pan Am and dad was a research chemist and they met on a

research chemist and they met on a

research chemist and they met on a flight in well somewhere overseas and he

flight in well somewhere overseas and he

flight in well somewhere overseas and he fell in love with her legs she fell in

fell in love with her legs she fell in

fell in love with her legs she fell in love with his he was a rugby player for

love with his he was a rugby player for

love with his he was a rugby player for Cambridge I don’t know was the best

Cambridge I don’t know was the best

Cambridge I don’t know was the best basis of a marriage but it it it gave

basis of a marriage but it it it gave

basis of a marriage but it it it gave them a reason to emigrate to the States

them a reason to emigrate to the States

them a reason to emigrate to the States they wanted me to have a foothold in

they wanted me to have a foothold in

they wanted me to have a foothold in both continents just sort of instigate

both continents just sort of instigate

both continents just sort of instigate my love of travel and it worked but it

my love of travel and it worked but it

my love of travel and it worked but it was really mr. lay my high school

was really mr. lay my high school

was really mr. lay my high school English teacher that took me aside and

English teacher that took me aside and

English teacher that took me aside and really taught me how to use my first LS

really taught me how to use my first LS

really taught me how to use my first LS SLR camera and I can remember the first

SLR camera and I can remember the first

SLR camera and I can remember the first time he said they were photojournalist

time he said they were photojournalist

time he said they were photojournalist and that you could travel the world

and that you could travel the world

and that you could travel the world taking pictures and I was 15 years old

taking pictures and I was 15 years old

taking pictures and I was 15 years old and I said that’s what I want to do

and I said that’s what I want to do

and I said that’s what I want to do that’s what I want to be and I went on

that’s what I want to be and I went on

that’s what I want to be and I went on to study photojournalism and I was very

to study photojournalism and I was very

to study photojournalism and I was very drawn to Asia for whatever reason and I

drawn to Asia for whatever reason and I

drawn to Asia for whatever reason and I had this sort of deep-seated

had this sort of deep-seated

had this sort of deep-seated spirituality I was really affected by

Gandhi I wanted to go to India

Gandhi I wanted to go to India specifically

specifically

specifically and I saved my money to go trouble when

and I saved my money to go trouble when

and I saved my money to go trouble when I got out of college I lived with

I got out of college I lived with

I got out of college I lived with Bedouin sand a sinai in Egypt I worked

Bedouin sand a sinai in Egypt I worked

Bedouin sand a sinai in Egypt I worked on a kibbutz in Israel and I hitchhiked

on a kibbutz in Israel and I hitchhiked

on a kibbutz in Israel and I hitchhiked into Beirut when they bombed American

into Beirut when they bombed American

into Beirut when they bombed American Embassy got into all kinds of trouble

Embassy got into all kinds of trouble

Embassy got into all kinds of trouble there got held in a prison camp so I I

there got held in a prison camp so I I

there got held in a prison camp so I I came back to the States

came back to the States

came back to the States and now this is you know after really

and now this is you know after really

and now this is you know after really kind of traveling and backpacking for

kind of traveling and backpacking for

kind of traveling and backpacking for three years but photographing the whole

three years but photographing the whole

three years but photographing the whole time and my mom is now living in San

time and my mom is now living in San

time and my mom is now living in San Diego and I asked I went to this

Diego and I asked I went to this

Diego and I asked I went to this newspaper and I just said you know can

newspaper and I just said you know can

newspaper and I just said you know can you look at my work what do you think do

you look at my work what do you think do

you look at my work what do you think do you think I’ve a chance at doing this

you think I’ve a chance at doing this

you think I’ve a chance at doing this for a job and to my surprise they hired

for a job and to my surprise they hired

for a job and to my surprise they hired me on the spot and one day I was in the

me on the spot and one day I was in the

me on the spot and one day I was in the back of the the newspaper you know back

back of the the newspaper you know back

back of the the newspaper you know back when we were doing darker rooms and I

when we were doing darker rooms and I

when we were doing darker rooms and I was flipping through a magazine and I

was flipping through a magazine and I

was flipping through a magazine and I saw these beautiful doe-eyed children in

saw these beautiful doe-eyed children in

saw these beautiful doe-eyed children in this magazine and I felt like oh my gosh

this magazine and I felt like oh my gosh

this magazine and I felt like oh my gosh I’m 24 I’m so old I you know I’m gonna

I’m 24 I’m so old I you know I’m gonna

I’m 24 I’m so old I you know I’m gonna die at this newspaper will I ever get to

die at this newspaper will I ever get to

die at this newspaper will I ever get to India and I called the photographer and

India and I called the photographer and

India and I called the photographer and I told him how much I loved his work and

I told him how much I loved his work and

I told him how much I loved his work and he said well I’m a UNICEF photographer

he said well I’m a UNICEF photographer

he said well I’m a UNICEF photographer forever New York combined show me your

forever New York combined show me your

forever New York combined show me your portfolio so I bought a plane ticket I

portfolio so I bought a plane ticket I

portfolio so I bought a plane ticket I went out to New York the very next week

went out to New York the very next week

went out to New York the very next week I showed him what I was working on in

I showed him what I was working on in

I showed him what I was working on in shooting and he said this is this is

shooting and he said this is this is

shooting and he said this is this is great do you want to go shoot an

great do you want to go shoot an

great do you want to go shoot an assignment in Nepal and I paused three

assignment in Nepal and I paused three

assignment in Nepal and I paused three seconds for dignity and I said yes I

seconds for dignity and I said yes I

seconds for dignity and I said yes I would love to get in the ball and I quit

would love to get in the ball and I quit

would love to get in the ball and I quit my job and just thought let’s just see

my job and just thought let’s just see

my job and just thought let’s just see what happens and I went for this

what happens and I went for this

what happens and I went for this three-week assignment and I did not

three-week assignment and I did not

three-week assignment and I did not leave Nepal for more than four years and

leave Nepal for more than four years and

leave Nepal for more than four years and I just I just felt like I’d come home so

I just I just felt like I’d come home so

I just I just felt like I’d come home so here I am in Nepal and I I was covering

here I am in Nepal and I I was covering

here I am in Nepal and I I was covering a lot of the political situation there

a lot of the political situation there

a lot of the political situation there because they back in the 90s it was a

because they back in the 90s it was a

because they back in the 90s it was a very big political hot bed and

very big political hot bed and

very big political hot bed and were you know about to overthrow the

were you know about to overthrow the

were you know about to overthrow the government this is when they actually

government this is when they actually

government this is when they actually did overthrow the government I was

did overthrow the government I was

did overthrow the government I was photographing a lot of the

photographing a lot of the

photographing a lot of the demonstrations and the skirmishes and

demonstrations and the skirmishes and

demonstrations and the skirmishes and this was really heavy stuff I just had

this was really heavy stuff I just had

this was really heavy stuff I just had seen a lot of people get shot and I’ve

seen a lot of people get shot and I’ve

seen a lot of people get shot and I’ve just been tear-gassed and you have to

just been tear-gassed and you have to

just been tear-gassed and you have to really ponder a profession that you are

really ponder a profession that you are

really ponder a profession that you are running into what everyone else is

running into what everyone else is

running into what everyone else is running away from so I also was given a

running away from so I also was given a

running away from so I also was given a really great assignment for UNICEF

really great assignment for UNICEF

really great assignment for UNICEF photographing for the Convention for

photographing for the Convention for

photographing for the Convention for rights to the child and so that was a

rights to the child and so that was a

rights to the child and so that was a lot of my work there I was photographing

lot of my work there I was photographing

lot of my work there I was photographing for all these aid and humanitarian

for all these aid and humanitarian

for all these aid and humanitarian organizations photographing all aspects

organizations photographing all aspects

organizations photographing all aspects of children and this is a little girl

of children and this is a little girl

of children and this is a little girl that my friend all does amazing she has

that my friend all does amazing she has

that my friend all does amazing she has almost single-handedly stamped out girls

almost single-handedly stamped out girls

almost single-handedly stamped out girls being sold into bonded labor and Nepal

being sold into bonded labor and Nepal

being sold into bonded labor and Nepal and what they do is they sell these

and what they do is they sell these

and what they do is they sell these girls in the market for sex trafficking

girls in the market for sex trafficking

girls in the market for sex trafficking and now there’s this program where they

and now there’s this program where they

and now there’s this program where they give a piglet to the families so that

give a piglet to the families so that

give a piglet to the families so that they will sell the piglet at the end of

they will sell the piglet at the end of

they will sell the piglet at the end of the year instead of the girl child which

the year instead of the girl child which

the year instead of the girl child which is a sad statement about what a girl

is a sad statement about what a girl

is a sad statement about what a girl child is worth in Nepal during this time

child is worth in Nepal during this time

child is worth in Nepal during this time I lived in Nepal I found there’s a

I lived in Nepal I found there’s a

I lived in Nepal I found there’s a hundred and twenty thousand Tibetan

hundred and twenty thousand Tibetan

hundred and twenty thousand Tibetan refugees living throughout India Nepal

refugees living throughout India Nepal

refugees living throughout India Nepal on these 57 different Tibetan

on these 57 different Tibetan

on these 57 different Tibetan settlements and this is Tibet a new year

settlements and this is Tibet a new year

settlements and this is Tibet a new year in Nepal and they are throwing Zampa

in Nepal and they are throwing Zampa

in Nepal and they are throwing Zampa flour up in the air to celebrate the new

flour up in the air to celebrate the new

flour up in the air to celebrate the new year in Kathmandu and this is the same

year in Kathmandu and this is the same

year in Kathmandu and this is the same what they call a stupa where some of

what they call a stupa where some of

what they call a stupa where some of Buddhas remains are supposedly buried in

Buddhas remains are supposedly buried in

Buddhas remains are supposedly buried in the middle of this and it’s all seeing

the middle of this and it’s all seeing

the middle of this and it’s all seeing eyes of Buddha and a Lama has died so

eyes of Buddha and a Lama has died so

eyes of Buddha and a Lama has died so they’re lighting one hundred thousand

they’re lighting one hundred thousand

they’re lighting one hundred thousand butter lamps small little butter lamps

butter lamps small little butter lamps

butter lamps small little butter lamps all around the stupa and for the new

all around the stupa and for the new

all around the stupa and for the new year they tied new prayer flags and

year they tied new prayer flags and

year they tied new prayer flags and these prayer flags are very indicative

these prayer flags are very indicative

these prayer flags are very indicative of the Himalayas their prayers that are

of the Himalayas their prayers that are

of the Himalayas their prayers that are printed on these flags and the prayers

printed on these flags and the prayers

printed on these flags and the prayers which symbolized earth wind fire the

which symbolized earth wind fire the

which symbolized earth wind fire the elements of the earth blow to the wind

elements of the earth blow to the wind

elements of the earth blow to the wind and they leave them up to lore all gone

and they leave them up to lore all gone

and they leave them up to lore all gone so I went around all over India Nepal

so I went around all over India Nepal

so I went around all over India Nepal photographing these Tibetans

photographing these Tibetans

photographing these Tibetans that style is very interested in

that style is very interested in

that style is very interested in diaspora and they they’re sort of a slow

diaspora and they they’re sort of a slow

diaspora and they they’re sort of a slow and steady infiltration of the Chinese

and steady infiltration of the Chinese

and steady infiltration of the Chinese coming into Tibet throughout the 1940s

coming into Tibet throughout the 1940s

coming into Tibet throughout the 1940s which culminated on March 10th of 1959

which culminated on March 10th of 1959

which culminated on March 10th of 1959 when the Dalai Lama actually fled and

when the Dalai Lama actually fled and

when the Dalai Lama actually fled and immediately 85,000 to a hundred thousand

immediately 85,000 to a hundred thousand

immediately 85,000 to a hundred thousand Tibetans all followed him and there’s

Tibetans all followed him and there’s

Tibetans all followed him and there’s being a trail continuously coming over

being a trail continuously coming over

being a trail continuously coming over now there’s as I said over 120,000 in

now there’s as I said over 120,000 in

now there’s as I said over 120,000 in exile and he lives in this place called

exile and he lives in this place called

exile and he lives in this place called Dharamsala India which is in the north

Dharamsala India which is in the north

Dharamsala India which is in the north and these are little Tibetan girls

and these are little Tibetan girls

and these are little Tibetan girls dressed up for Losar they still very

dressed up for Losar they still very

dressed up for Losar they still very much keep their culture in these exile

much keep their culture in these exile

much keep their culture in these exile settlements and this is a crash these

settlements and this is a crash these

settlements and this is a crash these are little children babies Tibetan

are little children babies Tibetan

are little children babies Tibetan babies and as many of you probably know

babies and as many of you probably know

babies and as many of you probably know in Tibetan Buddhism they believe in

in Tibetan Buddhism they believe in

in Tibetan Buddhism they believe in reincarnation now I was going all over

reincarnation now I was going all over

reincarnation now I was going all over photographing these different high Lamas

photographing these different high Lamas

photographing these different high Lamas and all aspects of their life and I went

and all aspects of their life and I went

and all aspects of their life and I went to go photograph kala Rinpoche who was

to go photograph kala Rinpoche who was

to go photograph kala Rinpoche who was this very old Lama living in Darjeeling

this very old Lama living in Darjeeling

this very old Lama living in Darjeeling India in the north I got up there it was

India in the north I got up there it was

India in the north I got up there it was pouring rain and I waited and his

pouring rain and I waited and his

pouring rain and I waited and his caretaker came out and said I’m really

caretaker came out and said I’m really

caretaker came out and said I’m really sorry kala Rinpoche which means Lama is

sorry kala Rinpoche which means Lama is

sorry kala Rinpoche which means Lama is too too ill to see you and I and I left

too too ill to see you and I and I left

too too ill to see you and I and I left feeling disappointed because I felt it

feeling disappointed because I felt it

feeling disappointed because I felt it not only would I not get to photograph

not only would I not get to photograph

not only would I not get to photograph him but I’d never meet him and sure

him but I’d never meet him and sure

him but I’d never meet him and sure enough he died three months later this

enough he died three months later this

enough he died three months later this is years later I’m now in derm Sala

is years later I’m now in derm Sala

is years later I’m now in derm Sala India and I hear that they have found

India and I hear that they have found

India and I hear that they have found the reincarnation of this kala Rinpoche

the reincarnation of this kala Rinpoche

the reincarnation of this kala Rinpoche so I thought okay let’s go meet him so I

so I thought okay let’s go meet him so I

so I thought okay let’s go meet him so I go to this boy’s room his mother greets

go to this boy’s room his mother greets

go to this boy’s room his mother greets me at the door and he’s playing game boy

me at the door and he’s playing game boy

me at the door and he’s playing game boy this little video game on his bed

this little video game on his bed

this little video game on his bed because he might be a high Lama but he’s

because he might be a high Lama but he’s

because he might be a high Lama but he’s still a child and he looked up and he

still a child and he looked up and he

still a child and he looked up and he saw me and he said I remember you you

saw me and he said I remember you you

saw me and he said I remember you you came to see me it was pouring rain my

came to see me it was pouring rain my

came to see me it was pouring rain my caretaker was making Momo’s these

caretaker was making Momo’s these

caretaker was making Momo’s these steamed dumplings which he was I was too

steamed dumplings which he was I was too

steamed dumplings which he was I was too ill to see you then but I’ll see you now

ill to see you then but I’ll see you now

ill to see you then but I’ll see you now and I like okay interesting so it’s

and I like okay interesting so it’s

and I like okay interesting so it’s maybe something to this for inclination

maybe something to this for inclination

maybe something to this for inclination thing when the Chinese came in about

thing when the Chinese came in about

thing when the Chinese came in about 6500 tibetan buddhist monasteries were

6500 tibetan buddhist monasteries were

6500 tibetan buddhist monasteries were destroyed and they felt that by killing

destroyed and they felt that by killing

destroyed and they felt that by killing the hub they thought that they would

the hub they thought that they would

the hub they thought that they would kill the heart of tibet by by killing

kill the heart of tibet by by killing

kill the heart of tibet by by killing the buddhism that is really their sort

the buddhism that is really their sort

the buddhism that is really their sort of crux of their lot of their life and

of crux of their lot of their life and

of crux of their lot of their life and this was lhasa

this was lhasa

this was lhasa and this shook poori hill was very

and this shook poori hill was very

and this shook poori hill was very important to them in that this is like

important to them in that this is like

important to them in that this is like where the tibetan school of medicine was

where the tibetan school of medicine was

where the tibetan school of medicine was in lhasa in tibet and that chinese came

in lhasa in tibet and that chinese came

in lhasa in tibet and that chinese came in and completely destroyed it and put a

in and completely destroyed it and put a

in and completely destroyed it and put a TV antenna there and these Tibetans came

TV antenna there and these Tibetans came

TV antenna there and these Tibetans came back and like made this mural and carved

back and like made this mural and carved

back and like made this mural and carved out this little area where they still

out this little area where they still

out this little area where they still circumambulate which means they still

circumambulate which means they still

circumambulate which means they still walk around it spinning their prayer

walk around it spinning their prayer

walk around it spinning their prayer wheels and here is one of the

wheels and here is one of the

wheels and here is one of the monasteries that’s actually rebuilt in

monasteries that’s actually rebuilt in

monasteries that’s actually rebuilt in Tibet Lhasa started becoming so taken by

Tibet Lhasa started becoming so taken by

Tibet Lhasa started becoming so taken by the Chinese that I started moving

the Chinese that I started moving

the Chinese that I started moving further and further afield and became

further and further afield and became

further and further afield and became very over the years more interested in

very over the years more interested in

very over the years more interested in the Tibetan nomads and how they were

the Tibetan nomads and how they were

the Tibetan nomads and how they were surviving here’s a Tibetan nomads woman

surviving here’s a Tibetan nomads woman

surviving here’s a Tibetan nomads woman living in her yak hair tent and this is

living in her yak hair tent and this is

living in her yak hair tent and this is a beautiful hill it’s just all these

a beautiful hill it’s just all these

a beautiful hill it’s just all these undulating hills covered with these

undulating hills covered with these

undulating hills covered with these prayer flags these tall prayer flags

prayer flags these tall prayer flags

prayer flags these tall prayer flags which blow to the wind and here’s a man

which blow to the wind and here’s a man

which blow to the wind and here’s a man with his little baby I just just walking

with his little baby I just just walking

with his little baby I just just walking by and this little baby peeked out this

by and this little baby peeked out this

by and this little baby peeked out this was actually in the geographic this is

was actually in the geographic this is

was actually in the geographic this is actually the cover of my book because I

actually the cover of my book because I

actually the cover of my book because I felt it was one of those photos that as

felt it was one of those photos that as

felt it was one of those photos that as I’m taking it and I wouldn’t see this

I’m taking it and I wouldn’t see this

I’m taking it and I wouldn’t see this photo for three months because that’s

photo for three months because that’s

photo for three months because that’s how long I was there where you just feel

how long I was there where you just feel

how long I was there where you just feel like oh my gosh I have this photo I mean

like oh my gosh I have this photo I mean

like oh my gosh I have this photo I mean this is just so resonating and it’s such

this is just so resonating and it’s such

this is just so resonating and it’s such a beautiful feeling and then I got the

a beautiful feeling and then I got the

a beautiful feeling and then I got the photo back

photo back

photo back and to me after all these years of

and to me after all these years of

and to me after all these years of working you know with Tibetans I just

working you know with Tibetans I just

working you know with Tibetans I just felt like she really encapsulated the

felt like she really encapsulated the

felt like she really encapsulated the the sadness yet the resiliency and the

the sadness yet the resiliency and the

the sadness yet the resiliency and the dignity of this culture and these people

dignity of this culture and these people

dignity of this culture and these people and she’s only about five years old and

and she’s only about five years old and

and she’s only about five years old and besides the beautiful headdress and and

besides the beautiful headdress and and

besides the beautiful headdress and and so I just gonna go through a few of

so I just gonna go through a few of

so I just gonna go through a few of these photos because I just love their

these photos because I just love their

these photos because I just love their headgear I mean I just find these people

headgear I mean I just find these people

headgear I mean I just find these people and I you know go through these remote

and I you know go through these remote

and I you know go through these remote areas and I’ve been taken with these

areas and I’ve been taken with these

areas and I’ve been taken with these like this frisbee hat and do you know

like this frisbee hat and do you know

like this frisbee hat and do you know they just have this incredible sense of

they just have this incredible sense of

they just have this incredible sense of style that is is becoming eradicated

style that is is becoming eradicated

style that is is becoming eradicated very quickly part of this culture will

very quickly part of this culture will

very quickly part of this culture will not last I believe for another

not last I believe for another

not last I believe for another generation certainly too and they wear

generation certainly too and they wear

generation certainly too and they wear these beautiful waterfall of amber

these beautiful waterfall of amber

these beautiful waterfall of amber turquoise coral these are actually her

turquoise coral these are actually her

turquoise coral these are actually her cheeks you know from the wind there’s no

cheeks you know from the wind there’s no

cheeks you know from the wind there’s no makeup on her and this boy he admits he

makeup on her and this boy he admits he

makeup on her and this boy he admits he has no idea what his hat says but he

has no idea what his hat says but he

has no idea what his hat says but he likes wearing it ear muffs rabbit ear

likes wearing it ear muffs rabbit ear

likes wearing it ear muffs rabbit ear muffs so apart from the fact that this

muffs so apart from the fact that this

muffs so apart from the fact that this boy looks like he’s just what the

boy looks like he’s just what the

boy looks like he’s just what the dentist what’s interesting about him is

dentist what’s interesting about him is

dentist what’s interesting about him is that he’s actually Muslim and even

that he’s actually Muslim and even

that he’s actually Muslim and even though the Tibetans are really you know

though the Tibetans are really you know

though the Tibetans are really you know 99.9% Buddhist it’s really fascinating

99.9% Buddhist it’s really fascinating

99.9% Buddhist it’s really fascinating that there’s actually a small

that there’s actually a small

that there’s actually a small contingency of Tibetan Muslims that when

contingency of Tibetan Muslims that when

contingency of Tibetan Muslims that when the Islamic traders came through Tibet

the Islamic traders came through Tibet

the Islamic traders came through Tibet they intermarried and now there’s a few

they intermarried and now there’s a few

they intermarried and now there’s a few Muslims that you know believe the Dalai

Muslims that you know believe the Dalai

Muslims that you know believe the Dalai Lama to be their political leader but

Lama to be their political leader but

Lama to be their political leader but not their spiritual leader and this

not their spiritual leader and this

not their spiritual leader and this woman bless her heart had no idea why I

woman bless her heart had no idea why I

woman bless her heart had no idea why I was taking her photo and what I found

was taking her photo and what I found

was taking her photo and what I found interesting and she was just walking

interesting and she was just walking

interesting and she was just walking down the street carrying a bag of cement

down the street carrying a bag of cement

down the street carrying a bag of cement on her head and I run out and I’m like

on her head and I run out and I’m like

on her head and I run out and I’m like do you sleep in that

do you sleep in that

do you sleep in that and so then one day I’m in this little

and so then one day I’m in this little

and so then one day I’m in this little town and obviously I’m really into their

town and obviously I’m really into their

town and obviously I’m really into their dress and their headgear and I see an

dress and their headgear and I see an

dress and their headgear and I see an orange hat and I’m practically

orange hat and I’m practically

orange hat and I’m practically hyperventilating and I I believe it’s

hyperventilating and I I believe it’s

hyperventilating and I I believe it’s probably made from that goat hair and

probably made from that goat hair and

probably made from that goat hair and then I saw a few more and they started

then I saw a few more and they started

then I saw a few more and they started looking like little dr. Seuss characters

looking like little dr. Seuss characters

looking like little dr. Seuss characters you know or human q-tips and then I get

you know or human q-tips and then I get

you know or human q-tips and then I get out and there’s like this whole ballet

out and there’s like this whole ballet

out and there’s like this whole ballet of our jad people at this they’re all

of our jad people at this they’re all

of our jad people at this they’re all congregated it’s worst mess of all so I

congregated it’s worst mess of all so I

congregated it’s worst mess of all so I was ecstatically happy

was ecstatically happy

was ecstatically happy this is Laos and I was in Laos working

this is Laos and I was in Laos working

this is Laos and I was in Laos working on the book on children around the world

on the book on children around the world

on the book on children around the world his faces of hope and I just felt like

his faces of hope and I just felt like

his faces of hope and I just felt like my life was really where I wanted it to

my life was really where I wanted it to

my life was really where I wanted it to be I just you know every morning before

be I just you know every morning before

be I just you know every morning before it opened my eyes I think this is what I

it opened my eyes I think this is what I

it opened my eyes I think this is what I where I want to be what I want to be

where I want to be what I want to be

where I want to be what I want to be doing and how often you get that in life

doing and how often you get that in life

doing and how often you get that in life you know and it’s so interesting because

you know and it’s so interesting because

you know and it’s so interesting because that’s right when life throws a

that’s right when life throws a

that’s right when life throws a curveball I got up early in the morning

curveball I got up early in the morning

curveball I got up early in the morning I photograph these monks and collecting

I photograph these monks and collecting

I photograph these monks and collecting arms as they do these Buddhist tera

arms as they do these Buddhist tera

arms as they do these Buddhist tera vaada Buddhist monks and the people give

vaada Buddhist monks and the people give

vaada Buddhist monks and the people give them offerings for their food and this

them offerings for their food and this

them offerings for their food and this almost became the last picture I ever

almost became the last picture I ever

almost became the last picture I ever took I then went and jumped on a bus to

took I then went and jumped on a bus to

took I then went and jumped on a bus to go down from the north to the south from

go down from the north to the south from

go down from the north to the south from Long prabang to vang Jian and as you can

Long prabang to vang Jian and as you can

Long prabang to vang Jian and as you can see it’s it’s rather rickety and I don’t

see it’s it’s rather rickety and I don’t

see it’s it’s rather rickety and I don’t think you’re really supposed to have

think you’re really supposed to have

think you’re really supposed to have plastic seats in the middle everyone

plastic seats in the middle everyone

plastic seats in the middle everyone seems to be gripping for a reason

seems to be gripping for a reason

seems to be gripping for a reason because it’s the most potholed Road I’ve

because it’s the most potholed Road I’ve

because it’s the most potholed Road I’ve ever been on but we were coming around a

ever been on but we were coming around a

ever been on but we were coming around a corner and I’ve been on these buses a

corner and I’ve been on these buses a

corner and I’ve been on these buses a million times and you’re like oh that

million times and you’re like oh that

million times and you’re like oh that was so close

was so close

was so close and we were coming around a corner I

and we were coming around a corner I

and we were coming around a corner I looked up and I thought wow that was

looked up and I thought wow that was

looked up and I thought wow that was close and we just got slammed by this

close and we just got slammed by this

close and we just got slammed by this huge logging truck and it was literally

huge logging truck and it was literally

huge logging truck and it was literally right where I was sitting and it just

right where I was sitting and it just

right where I was sitting and it just sheared the whole bus in half and I was

sheared the whole bus in half and I was

sheared the whole bus in half and I was pinned in this with this logging truck

pinned in this with this logging truck

pinned in this with this logging truck and this bus and I was actually knocked

and this bus and I was actually knocked

and this bus and I was actually knocked unconscious I was pulled off this

unconscious I was pulled off this

unconscious I was pulled off this burning bus by two men the people around

burning bus by two men the people around

burning bus by two men the people around me were killed and

me were killed and

me were killed and pull to the side of the road and I woke

pull to the side of the road and I woke

pull to the side of the road and I woke up and I had broken my back my pelvis

up and I had broken my back my pelvis

up and I had broken my back my pelvis all my ribs my arm is nearly torn off

all my ribs my arm is nearly torn off

all my ribs my arm is nearly torn off most alarming is that I had collapsed

most alarming is that I had collapsed

most alarming is that I had collapsed lungs so I really like could not get a

lungs so I really like could not get a

lungs so I really like could not get a breath and I I had major internal

breath and I I had major internal

breath and I I had major internal injuries and the these villagers it’s a

injuries and the these villagers it’s a

injuries and the these villagers it’s a very remote jungle road and these

very remote jungle road and these

very remote jungle road and these villagers brought me to their village

villagers brought me to their village

villagers brought me to their village and they this young man proceeded to sew

and they this young man proceeded to sew

and they this young man proceeded to sew up my arm with nothing more than a

up my arm with nothing more than a

up my arm with nothing more than a needle and thread

needle and thread

needle and thread and I mean huge chunks of glass and

and I mean huge chunks of glass and

and I mean huge chunks of glass and metal and I later found out he was not a

metal and I later found out he was not a

metal and I later found out he was not a doctor he wasn’t even a nurse he was

doctor he wasn’t even a nurse he was

doctor he wasn’t even a nurse he was just using needle and thread and staples

just using needle and thread and staples

just using needle and thread and staples and you know I’m out of my mind with

and you know I’m out of my mind with

and you know I’m out of my mind with pain I knew that if I passed out that I

pain I knew that if I passed out that I

pain I knew that if I passed out that I was never going to wake up that I needed

was never going to wake up that I needed

was never going to wake up that I needed to not go into shock so I’m grabbing

to not go into shock so I’m grabbing

to not go into shock so I’m grabbing this guy by the collar we’re in the

this guy by the collar we’re in the

this guy by the collar we’re in the Golden Triangle for God’s sake do you

Golden Triangle for God’s sake do you

Golden Triangle for God’s sake do you have any of that opium you’re all

have any of that opium you’re all

have any of that opium you’re all smoking up here and this guy didn’t

smoking up here and this guy didn’t

smoking up here and this guy didn’t speak English he handed me a washcloth

speak English he handed me a washcloth

speak English he handed me a washcloth and you know I’m like now that’s not

and you know I’m like now that’s not

and you know I’m like now that’s not gonna cut it so but you know I got

gonna cut it so but you know I got

gonna cut it so but you know I got through that and these villagers bless

through that and these villagers bless

through that and these villagers bless her her did not leave me for this the

her her did not leave me for this the

her her did not leave me for this the entire time they just stayed with me but

entire time they just stayed with me but

entire time they just stayed with me but as we got into ten hours it was really

as we got into ten hours it was really

as we got into ten hours it was really clear that I was not going to get out of

clear that I was not going to get out of

clear that I was not going to get out of this situation alive and I just I

this situation alive and I just I

this situation alive and I just I couldn’t get a breath I could not

couldn’t get a breath I could not

couldn’t get a breath I could not breathe any longer so I wrote a note to

breathe any longer so I wrote a note to

breathe any longer so I wrote a note to my family and I told them how I died and

my family and I told them how I died and

my family and I told them how I died and where I died and I wanted them to know

where I died and I wanted them to know

where I died and I wanted them to know that I didn’t die alone and in fear that

that I didn’t die alone and in fear that

that I didn’t die alone and in fear that I was feeling held and that was a real

I was feeling held and that was a real

I was feeling held and that was a real remarkable experience for me because I

remarkable experience for me because I

remarkable experience for me because I kind of never really knew that about

kind of never really knew that about

kind of never really knew that about myself that I was really okay to die

myself that I was really okay to die

myself that I was really okay to die alone on a jungle road in Laos and it

alone on a jungle road in Laos and it

alone on a jungle road in Laos and it was incredibly freeing I just let go of

was incredibly freeing I just let go of

was incredibly freeing I just let go of fear and I did feel truly held and feel

fear and I did feel truly held and feel

fear and I did feel truly held and feel like I absolutely had this near-death

like I absolutely had this near-death

like I absolutely had this near-death experience and

interestingly though it just wasn’t my

interestingly though it just wasn’t my time right at that point this guy comes

time right at that point this guy comes

time right at that point this guy comes up this guy Allen guy he just happened

up this guy Allen guy he just happened

up this guy Allen guy he just happened to be driving by he was a British aid

to be driving by he was a British aid

to be driving by he was a British aid worker and he said I’m gonna get you out

worker and he said I’m gonna get you out

worker and he said I’m gonna get you out of here and he drove me which he

of here and he drove me which he

of here and he drove me which he absolutely did not need to do with his

absolutely did not need to do with his

absolutely did not need to do with his wife van they drove me all the way to

wife van they drove me all the way to

wife van they drove me all the way to Thailand which was eight hours in the

Thailand which was eight hours in the

Thailand which was eight hours in the back of a pickup truck on the most

back of a pickup truck on the most

back of a pickup truck on the most potholed Road ever and here you can see

potholed Road ever and here you can see

potholed Road ever and here you can see I’m not in good shape

I’m not in good shape

I’m not in good shape I actually flatlined five minutes later

I actually flatlined five minutes later

I actually flatlined five minutes later after they took this photo and this is

after they took this photo and this is

after they took this photo and this is in Thailand in the hospital and this is

in Thailand in the hospital and this is

in Thailand in the hospital and this is weeks later my arm is trying to heal but

weeks later my arm is trying to heal but

weeks later my arm is trying to heal but I was three weeks in intensive care in

I was three weeks in intensive care in

I was three weeks in intensive care in this hospital in Thailand and I am the

this hospital in Thailand and I am the

this hospital in Thailand and I am the poster child for medevac insurance

poster child for medevac insurance

poster child for medevac insurance because I did not have it and it was

because I did not have it and it was

because I did not have it and it was $25,000 to get me home just a little

$25,000 to get me home just a little

$25,000 to get me home just a little side note for those of you who travel

side note for those of you who travel

side note for those of you who travel but but I wasn’t medivac back to the

but but I wasn’t medivac back to the

but but I wasn’t medivac back to the States about to San Francisco again

States about to San Francisco again

States about to San Francisco again where I lived and given a very grim

where I lived and given a very grim

where I lived and given a very grim prognosis that I was never going to walk

prognosis that I was never going to walk

prognosis that I was never going to walk properly again I it was pretty

properly again I it was pretty

properly again I it was pretty devastating news for someone that’s an

devastating news for someone that’s an

devastating news for someone that’s an avid hiker skier kayaker beam to Everest

avid hiker skier kayaker beam to Everest

avid hiker skier kayaker beam to Everest base camp twice in Tibet Nepal and I lay

base camp twice in Tibet Nepal and I lay

base camp twice in Tibet Nepal and I lay staring at a ceiling on a morphine drip

staring at a ceiling on a morphine drip

staring at a ceiling on a morphine drip for for many months and then I just

for for many months and then I just

for for many months and then I just reached a point where I got to get off

reached a point where I got to get off

reached a point where I got to get off these drugs and got off everything and I

these drugs and got off everything and I

these drugs and got off everything and I remember this doctor coming in my room

remember this doctor coming in my room

remember this doctor coming in my room and saying you better think about what

and saying you better think about what

and saying you better think about what you want to do with your life now

you want to do with your life now

you want to do with your life now because you are never gonna work as a

because you are never gonna work as a

because you are never gonna work as a photographer again and I said really cuz

photographer again and I said really cuz

photographer again and I said really cuz I plan on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for

I plan on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for

I plan on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for my birthday next year so they sent me to

my birthday next year so they sent me to

my birthday next year so they sent me to a psychiatrist saying I was in denial

a psychiatrist saying I was in denial

a psychiatrist saying I was in denial seriously and I just got rid of all

seriously and I just got rid of all

seriously and I just got rid of all those doctors and started all over and I

those doctors and started all over and I

those doctors and started all over and I got a new physical therapist and she

got a new physical therapist and she

got a new physical therapist and she still lasts to this day that she

still lasts to this day that she

still lasts to this day that she remembers me hobbling into her room

remembers me hobbling into her room

remembers me hobbling into her room saying you know tell me what I can do

saying you know tell me what I can do

saying you know tell me what I can do not what I can’t do I think and get back

not what I can’t do I think and get back

not what I can’t do I think and get back to kayaking can you you know help me do

to kayaking can you you know help me do

to kayaking can you you know help me do that and she’s like well you’re not

that and she’s like well you’re not

that and she’s like well you’re not there yet but anyway a year and a half

there yet but anyway a year and a half

there yet but anyway a year and a half afterwards I was finally able to kayak

afterwards I was finally able to kayak

afterwards I was finally able to kayak Glacier Bay in Alaska which was huge for

Glacier Bay in Alaska which was huge for

Glacier Bay in Alaska which was huge for me you know I really got to a point

me you know I really got to a point

me you know I really got to a point where at least I can get back out in the

where at least I can get back out in the

where at least I can get back out in the great outdoors and then I took me two

great outdoors and then I took me two

great outdoors and then I took me two years but I made it to the top of

years but I made it to the top of

years but I made it to the top of Kilimanjaro okay thank you I’d like to

Kilimanjaro okay thank you I’d like to

Kilimanjaro okay thank you I’d like to say it felt really good

say it felt really good

say it felt really good but at the time it didn’t thought I was

but at the time it didn’t thought I was

but at the time it didn’t thought I was gonna throw up but but it did it it

gonna throw up but but it did it it

gonna throw up but but it did it it really did feel like I’d come back

really did feel like I’d come back

really did feel like I’d come back physically doing something like that and

physically doing something like that and

physically doing something like that and I cerca me on bloated Mount Kyle ash

I cerca me on bloated Mount Kyle ash

I cerca me on bloated Mount Kyle ash into that which the Tibetans believed to

into that which the Tibetans believed to

into that which the Tibetans believed to be the center of the universe the

be the center of the universe the

be the center of the universe the holiest part of the world for Tibetans

holiest part of the world for Tibetans

holiest part of the world for Tibetans is this area in western Tibet this is

is this area in western Tibet this is

is this area in western Tibet this is where I was on my way to go to when I

where I was on my way to go to when I

where I was on my way to go to when I got on my bus accident and it really

got on my bus accident and it really

got on my bus accident and it really meant a lot to me this was a number of

meant a lot to me this was a number of

meant a lot to me this was a number of years after the accident – to do this

years after the accident – to do this

years after the accident – to do this pilgrimage because it was so symbolic of

pilgrimage because it was so symbolic of

pilgrimage because it was so symbolic of where I had gone and what I had gone

where I had gone and what I had gone

where I had gone and what I had gone through and I thought how interesting

through and I thought how interesting

through and I thought how interesting that you don’t choose the pilgrimage it

that you don’t choose the pilgrimage it

that you don’t choose the pilgrimage it chooses you and what the Tibetans do is

chooses you and what the Tibetans do is

chooses you and what the Tibetans do is they prostrate as this woman is doing

they prostrate as this woman is doing

they prostrate as this woman is doing around this this mountain which is you

around this this mountain which is you

around this this mountain which is you know touching their hands to their head

know touching their hands to their head

know touching their hands to their head their mouth their heart and fully along

their mouth their heart and fully along

their mouth their heart and fully along gating themselves to go around this

gating themselves to go around this

gating themselves to go around this whole mountain which can take days weeks

whole mountain which can take days weeks

whole mountain which can take days weeks or months I did it in like four days

or months I did it in like four days

or months I did it in like four days because I did not prostrate I walked and

because I did not prostrate I walked and

because I did not prostrate I walked and it was it just had it had a lot of

it was it just had it had a lot of

it was it just had it had a lot of meaning to me and really thinking about

meaning to me and really thinking about

meaning to me and really thinking about how this accident had sort of changed my

how this accident had sort of changed my

how this accident had sort of changed my perspective on things not so much that

perspective on things not so much that

perspective on things not so much that it caused me to change my life but it

it caused me to change my life but it

it caused me to change my life but it really confirmed for me that I was on

really confirmed for me that I was on

really confirmed for me that I was on the right path and what I wanted to

the right path and what I wanted to

the right path and what I wanted to continue doing and that was to bring

continue doing and that was to bring

continue doing and that was to bring empathy and compassion even more so in

empathy and compassion even more so in

empathy and compassion even more so in my work so with this idea I mean I’ve

my work so with this idea I mean I’ve

my work so with this idea I mean I’ve done a lot of this as you seen

done a lot of this as you seen

done a lot of this as you seen humanitarian work in the past but

humanitarian work in the past but

humanitarian work in the past but this was covering the tsunami right

this was covering the tsunami right

this was covering the tsunami right after it happened in Sri Lanka and more

after it happened in Sri Lanka and more

after it happened in Sri Lanka and more than 1200 people were killed on this

than 1200 people were killed on this

than 1200 people were killed on this train

train

train they were just merely going from one

they were just merely going from one

they were just merely going from one place to another at Christmas time and

place to another at Christmas time and

place to another at Christmas time and the train was thrown from his tracks and

the train was thrown from his tracks and

the train was thrown from his tracks and he still saw the wrapped Christmas

he still saw the wrapped Christmas

he still saw the wrapped Christmas presents and the children’s shoes and

presents and the children’s shoes and

presents and the children’s shoes and very very sad this is about a cola more

very very sad this is about a cola more

very very sad this is about a cola more than six thousand people were killed

than six thousand people were killed

than six thousand people were killed just in the small town alone because the

just in the small town alone because the

just in the small town alone because the the fencing that they had for the

the fencing that they had for the

the fencing that they had for the animals prohibited any of the people

animals prohibited any of the people

animals prohibited any of the people from being able to run by this huge wave

from being able to run by this huge wave

from being able to run by this huge wave of water that came and so I photographed

of water that came and so I photographed

of water that came and so I photographed this woman who’d lost three of her

this woman who’d lost three of her

this woman who’d lost three of her children to the sea and that was weeping

children to the sea and that was weeping

children to the sea and that was weeping really profoundly and then she got up

really profoundly and then she got up

really profoundly and then she got up and she threw herself into the ocean to

and she threw herself into the ocean to

and she threw herself into the ocean to kill herself and that’s you know when I

kill herself and that’s you know when I

kill herself and that’s you know when I put the cameras down and I threw my body

put the cameras down and I threw my body

put the cameras down and I threw my body on her and she I held her down until

on her and she I held her down until

on her and she I held her down until someone came and helped her but you know

someone came and helped her but you know

someone came and helped her but you know just that the loss the palpable

just that the loss the palpable

just that the loss the palpable devastation of seeing something like

devastation of seeing something like

devastation of seeing something like that and this little girl she’s lost her

that and this little girl she’s lost her

that and this little girl she’s lost her parents this wasn’t a makeshift shelter

parents this wasn’t a makeshift shelter

parents this wasn’t a makeshift shelter I was staying in the Turks and Caicos

I was staying in the Turks and Caicos

I was staying in the Turks and Caicos photographing when I got a call how soon

photographing when I got a call how soon

photographing when I got a call how soon can you go to Haiti and there’s just

can you go to Haiti and there’s just

can you go to Haiti and there’s just been an earthquake and so I was out

been an earthquake and so I was out

been an earthquake and so I was out photographing for a number of things

photographing for a number of things

photographing for a number of things well you know one was a relief

well you know one was a relief

well you know one was a relief organization and these are babies

organization and these are babies

organization and these are babies sleeping in a bucket this isn’t a

sleeping in a bucket this isn’t a

sleeping in a bucket this isn’t a hospital but you can really see the

hospital but you can really see the

hospital but you can really see the progressive prosthetics that these kids

progressive prosthetics that these kids

progressive prosthetics that these kids are going to need and then you turn

are going to need and then you turn

are going to need and then you turn around see moments like this you know

around see moments like this you know

around see moments like this you know one of the workers with one of the

one of the workers with one of the

one of the workers with one of the children that had had survived and I

children that had had survived and I

children that had had survived and I find that incredibly touching you know

find that incredibly touching you know

find that incredibly touching you know when you you just see so much hardship

when you you just see so much hardship

when you you just see so much hardship in the world and yet when it’s brought

in the world and yet when it’s brought

in the world and yet when it’s brought together in humanity like that and then

together in humanity like that and then

together in humanity like that and then more recently this work that I’ve been

more recently this work that I’ve been

more recently this work that I’ve been doing in Burma but I feel like a lot of

doing in Burma but I feel like a lot of

doing in Burma but I feel like a lot of these images are really sort of

these images are really sort of

these images are really sort of celebrating the spirit within all of us

celebrating the spirit within all of us

celebrating the spirit within all of us it’s what really bonds us as mankind

it’s what really bonds us as mankind

it’s what really bonds us as mankind as we sort of continue this this journey

as we sort of continue this this journey

as we sort of continue this this journey this pilgrimage in life and you know

this pilgrimage in life and you know

this pilgrimage in life and you know just how similar we are in so many ways

just how similar we are in so many ways

just how similar we are in so many ways and in what we’re striving for you know

and in what we’re striving for you know

and in what we’re striving for you know I’m very interested in what’s happening

I’m very interested in what’s happening

I’m very interested in what’s happening with Burma and the refugees there

with Burma and the refugees there

with Burma and the refugees there because they have you know very militant

because they have you know very militant

because they have you know very militant government and it’s such a hot place you

government and it’s such a hot place you

government and it’s such a hot place you know as an enticing place to travel

know as an enticing place to travel

know as an enticing place to travel right now so a lot of tourists are going

right now so a lot of tourists are going

right now so a lot of tourists are going there and it’s important for us to look

there and it’s important for us to look

there and it’s important for us to look deeply at what is where is this money

deeply at what is where is this money

deeply at what is where is this money going and how is it being distributed in

going and how is it being distributed in

going and how is it being distributed in the in the country these tourist dollars

the in the country these tourist dollars

the in the country these tourist dollars so with my faces of hope organization

so with my faces of hope organization

so with my faces of hope organization I’ve gone on to raise money to bring

I’ve gone on to raise money to bring

I’ve gone on to raise money to bring tents to Haiti help children and

tents to Haiti help children and

tents to Haiti help children and rehabilitation and after car accidents

rehabilitation and after car accidents

rehabilitation and after car accidents in the Middle East send girls to school

in the Middle East send girls to school

in the Middle East send girls to school in India I’m now working to get a mobile

in India I’m now working to get a mobile

in India I’m now working to get a mobile medical unit for these Burmese refugees

medical unit for these Burmese refugees

medical unit for these Burmese refugees in Thailand this is in Phuket and the

in Thailand this is in Phuket and the

in Thailand this is in Phuket and the interesting thing about this pocket of

interesting thing about this pocket of

interesting thing about this pocket of Burmese refugees is Phuket is actually

Burmese refugees is Phuket is actually

Burmese refugees is Phuket is actually the most heavily touristed island in the

the most heavily touristed island in the

the most heavily touristed island in the country and so you have all these people

country and so you have all these people

country and so you have all these people sunbathing and it’s you know packed in

sunbathing and it’s you know packed in

sunbathing and it’s you know packed in the hotels and yet these burmese are

the hotels and yet these burmese are

the hotels and yet these burmese are just living in absolute squalor this

just living in absolute squalor this

just living in absolute squalor this woman sadly had saved up enough money to

woman sadly had saved up enough money to

woman sadly had saved up enough money to send her daughter back to burma and she

send her daughter back to burma and she

send her daughter back to burma and she drowned the first week that she got back

drowned the first week that she got back

drowned the first week that she got back so she was just lighting these incense

so she was just lighting these incense

so she was just lighting these incense for her daughter when I met her I asked

for her daughter when I met her I asked

for her daughter when I met her I asked these refugees they said look at this

these refugees they said look at this

these refugees they said look at this squalor that they live in I’m like how

squalor that they live in I’m like how

squalor that they live in I’m like how can you live in this for $8 and you know

can you live in this for $8 and you know

can you live in this for $8 and you know to earn $8 a day working so hard on

to earn $8 a day working so hard on

to earn $8 a day working so hard on these fishing boats and in construction

these fishing boats and in construction

these fishing boats and in construction and they said because in our country we

and they said because in our country we

and they said because in our country we only make two and so I just been working

only make two and so I just been working

only make two and so I just been working to try to get this particular area

to try to get this particular area

to try to get this particular area cleaned up for them and I so I partnered

cleaned up for them and I so I partnered

cleaned up for them and I so I partnered with NGOs and this is a little school

with NGOs and this is a little school

with NGOs and this is a little school that they started for the kids

that they started for the kids

that they started for the kids the Burmese kids there because they’re

the Burmese kids there because they’re

the Burmese kids there because they’re not even given refugee status so they

not even given refugee status so they

not even given refugee status so they don’t even get schools and such and then

don’t even get schools and such and then

don’t even get schools and such and then just ending on this note of circling

just ending on this note of circling

just ending on this note of circling back to covering the tsunami in Sri

back to covering the tsunami in Sri

back to covering the tsunami in Sri Lanka and this is a man who’s bearing

Lanka and this is a man who’s bearing

Lanka and this is a man who’s bearing five of his family members and

five of his family members and

five of his family members and ironically in this very sand that killed

ironically in this very sand that killed

ironically in this very sand that killed them

them

them and he he’s reading from the Koran and

and he he’s reading from the Koran and

and he he’s reading from the Koran and so I was taking some photos of this

so I was taking some photos of this

so I was taking some photos of this moment because that’s what I do as a

moment because that’s what I do as a

moment because that’s what I do as a photographer and then I couldn’t help

photographer and then I couldn’t help

photographer and then I couldn’t help myself as sort of a humanitarian just as

myself as sort of a humanitarian just as

myself as sort of a humanitarian just as a person just to walk over and hold his

a person just to walk over and hold his

a person just to walk over and hold his hand and just tell him I’m so sorry that

hand and just tell him I’m so sorry that

hand and just tell him I’m so sorry that you’ve gone through this and he said

you’ve gone through this and he said

you’ve gone through this and he said please don’t forget about us and I

please don’t forget about us and I

please don’t forget about us and I thought here we are the two most

thought here we are the two most

thought here we are the two most unlikely as two people but that’s why I

unlikely as two people but that’s why I

unlikely as two people but that’s why I do what I do because I think it’s

do what I do because I think it’s

do what I do because I think it’s important to not forget so when he

important to not forget so when he

important to not forget so when he turned to me and said that I I

turned to me and said that I I

turned to me and said that I I acknowledge that I would not and so I

acknowledge that I would not and so I

acknowledge that I would not and so I greatly appreciate this opportunity to

greatly appreciate this opportunity to

greatly appreciate this opportunity to share all of these stories with you

share all of these stories with you

share all of these stories with you thank you very much

”

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