Travel Photo Roulette Round #45: “Surreal”

We have a winner!

It was a great round! Check out my choice for best surreal photo, and my top 5 here.

A few exhaustive travel days, and the past 3 mornings up before 5 to shoot photos meant I was in a dream state already. Early this morning, 12600 monks descended on Chiang Mai to collect alms for the flood victims in the south. An entire street was blocked off as waves of orange robes came down from one end to the other. This dreamy shot taken with a lensbaby summed up how the morning felt. Surreal. It wasn't until days later that I was able to look back at the enormity of the situation and process it for myself.

It's been a long time coming, but I hereby present you with a new round of Travel Photo Roulette once again. I actually won the first ever round of Travel Photo Roulette, launched by Jeremy over at Living the Dream almost 2 years ago with a photo of a camel's ugly mug. More recently, Travis from Flashpacker HQ choose my dreamy photo of monks in the street in Chiang Mai for the last contest "Once In a Lifetime"

If you don’t know what Travel Photo Roulette is, here’s the idea:

ArticlesDustin MainJuly 23, 2012Photo Roulette, Canada, Game, Photography Comments

The New Skinny Backpacker

ArticlesDustin MainJune 16, 2012Photography Comments

Introducing: Too Many Adapters!

So things have been a little quiet around here recently, and no it’s not just my typical blog posting procrastination at fault… this time. (though there was some food poisoning)

Both travel and tech are things that Dave (of What’s Dave Doing) and I have been talking about for over a year since we first met up traveling in Vietnam in mid 2010. After subsequent meetups that year in Cambodia & Thailand, then Canada in the summer 2011, the idea began to take shape...

4 Xmas - 4 Continents

I hadn't even realized it until a few weeks ago, but xmas 2011 was my 4th xmas celebrated in as many continents. Admittedly, I use the word "celebrated" pretty loosely as I'm neither religious, nor into the gift-giving, commercial bonanza that Dec 25th has turned itself into. Traveling, and my first xmas away in 2009, was a much needed break from the hustle and bustle that the end of the year inevitably brings back 'home' in Canada.

My 7 Links - A Quick Look at the Archives

I was recently (or months ago, but who's counting) nominated by Annie of Wayward Traveler and Dave of What's Dave Doing to take part in the "My 7 Links" project. The brainchild of the fine folks @ Tripbase, it's a neat way to look back at what is coming close to two years here at Skinny Backpacker.

1. My Most Beautiful Post: Underworld Live Redux

ArticlesDustin MainNovember 9, 2011Chiang Mai - ThailandSemla, Finland, Food, Thailand, Europe, Helsinki, Cambodia, Antarctica, War, Malaysia, The Travelers Mind, Germany, Asia, SwedenComment

A Zombie Takeover

Blood. Brains. Outstretched arms. Vacant stares.

It seems no one was immune. Firefighters, newlyweds, panhandlers, interstellar supersoldiers, even a guy who was obviously bitten while on the toilet. The latter was found walking the streets with his pants down to his ankles & holding a copy of Men's Health magazine, all while slowly shuffling up the Broadway Bridge from the Vimy Memorial in downtown Saskatoon.

Politics on the Streets of Helsinki

It wasn't until I reached Helsinki on my birthday that I first found out how much of a hot topic immigration is shaping up to be in the Europe, especially the Nordic countries (Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark). Fears over diluting culture and straining social programs have lead to far right-wing parties gaining a foothold in what are typically left-leaning countries.

Culture Quirks: Sweden's "Semla"

It certainly isn't news to anyone who knows me that I like dessert. Candy, pastries, chocolate, ice cream... you name it. And really, why not? Seriously, if you can tell me why not, leave it in the comments. I'll wait for your response and occupy myself while I am eating more ice cream.

So it was of no surprise that a Swedish pastry called Semla came across my radar. These days, it's a Read More

ArticlesDustin MainFebruary 24, 2011Trollhättan - SwedenSemla, Food, Dessert, Culture Quirks, Sweden Comments

Independiente Victory Celebration

A short 30 second clip from the celebrations for the winning Independiente football club in Buenos Aires. Rabid fans jammed the streets at the center of Av 9 de julio, with drivers waving flags, honking (a lot) and screaming from their cars as well. All in celebration of course.

Travel Photography Roulette Round 2: Road Signs

As the winner of the first ever Travel Photography Roulette, I was planning to announce that there would be no other Travel Photography Roulette competitions so I can retire as the one and only champion! Alas, the torch must be passed and the show must go on!

While the first competition was "Animals," this week we're going with one of my favorite travel finds: Road Signs! Nothing says too funny like a "Penguins X-ing" sign, especially when they mean it. I know you've all been holding back your quirky signs so people don't think your travel blog is too low brow, but now is your time to shine! I'll be choosing my favorite road sign of all the submissions received for one week, with the contest ending on November 24th.

ArticlesDustin MainNovember 27, 2010Roulette, Photo Roulette, Game, Signs, Photo, New Zealand Comments

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