If you don’t dress well for a day like Tabaski, when are you going to do it? Plus, it’s fun because you get gifts and you play with friends. I took this picture a few years ago, but I still vividly remember walking down the streets of Kamsar, being greeted by hordes of playful kids. What a great memory.

I remember visiting the villages in the hills of Sapa region. I remember trying their musical instrument and tasting their sun roasted hot chili peppers. I remember the smiles and the proudness of the people as they share a part of their culture and way of living. It may have been 10 years ago, some moments give you a lasting impression. Memories are everything. 

I was walking in the city, getting used to this new country I was visiting and being amazed by its wonders. Some might find this metropole chaotic and disorganized, but I don’t recall thinking that way. In a very peculiar way, all of the tuk-tuk noise, dense population, various smells and constant dust are part of a fast pace, evolving environment. Maybe I’m influenced in my thoughts by the kindness of the nepalese people, but nevertheless, my souvenirs are forever positive.

Working with your hands is not easy. Working with your hands AND having to be creative is even more difficult. This man is a cloth craftsman and creates outstanding patterns and figures that not only represent his moods and inspiration, but also respect the customs and craftsmanship of his ancestors. His work is truly remarkable. 

I remember wandering around, looking for treasures to find... I remember stumbling across smiling kids and hard working women and men... I remember the warmth and the dense air of the rainy season... I remember the red dirt and the poetic sunsets... I remember the people I met and who made me live moments I didn’t even think we could live... I remember...

2017 has been quite a year. Wishing all the best to you and your beloved ones for that new year that is starting. In these times of disturbance around the planet, I wish we could, for once, remember that we are all part of a single planet, a single race and, ultimately, a single clan. It’s not a question of skin pigmentation, hair color or gender. It’s not a question of spiritual beliefs, geography or language. It’s not a question of political views or hatred either. In the end, it’s a question of love, compassion and understanding one another. Love you all!

This mursi teen was playing by the river. I remember this moment like it was yesterday. I had learned a lot about how this tribe lives and evolve in our changing times. They are among the most isolated tribes of the world, but at the same time, it only takes a shared smile to remember that we are more alike then nothing else.  

I remember taking this photo while visiting the suburbs of Luxor. This kid came out of nowhere. He looked like he was on a mission. I don’t know if he was working, going to school or something else, but it made me appreciate the comings and goings of the ‘real, undisturbed life’. 

Being able to walk on a piece of rope stretched between two trees requires a lot of balance and concentration. Being able to sit, turn, jump and execute movements requires even more skills. Being able to do it all while smiling and having fun proves the mastery of the art.

“I work at the tennis courts and it’s not an easy job. I have to register every player that comes here and make sure they are listed in my log book. I’m the keeper of the book. I tell you... It’s tough... Lots of people use the courts.”

“Sewing a carpet is a meticulous job. Sometimes, it takes more than a month of work to complete a mid-size carpet. We respect our traditions by using the same ancestral techniques our elders have always been using. Modern machines can replicate a carpet much faster, but it will never be as strong, as well prepared and as unique. It’s a lot of work, but it makes us very proud.”

This kid had been having fun for the last few hours. He was playing games with passengers, making funny faces and spreading laughter around the boat. It’s been a few years, but my memory about this moment is still vivid. Kids have this power to make lasting impressions.

The guy on the left did not know the three others. I had met him earlier that day. When I asked him to translate and ask the others if I could take a photo, they all agreed and became friends for an instant. That’s how it should always be. It should never take more to become friends.

This man was telling me that he had been travelling around the world to show his mastery of the reed boat construction. I was a little perplexe when he was telling me about his trips to Europe, Africa and the Middle East, thinking to myself that it was highly doubtable. Then he showed me a photo album of all the trips he was talking about and the exhibits he has been doing for more than 40 years. I internally apologized for doubting. 

A curious girl. She was playing around her grandmother when she realized I was looking in her direction. No time to lose: She had to go as fast as she could to find the safety of her arms. Once there, she could smile back with amusement. She felt grandmother was there to protect her so everything was a playful game once again.

This may be one of the only moments when this kid, whom I have known for a few years, stayed calm. His energy level was constantly high and his strong personality was electric to say the least, but it didn’t make him anything less than a great kid that I still think about as the years are passing.

The distinctives characteristics of the Mursi people are know worldwide. Many older women proudly wear the traditional labial plate. The younger ones have a little more ‘latitude’ in terms of beauty enhancement. Just like tattoos or piercings, using your body as an art piece is for many people a way to singularize yourself. Most Mursis use scarification or ear lobe enlargement to do so.