White Star: The Shepherd of the Albanian Mountains “Kali i mirë bën edhe kalorësin të mirë.” “A good horse makes even the rider good.” - Badhryl During my solo road trip through the rugged mountains of southern Albania, I encountered a gentle obstruction that made me slow down: a flock of sheep, unhurried and undisturbed, crossing the road. Behind them was a shepherd— his face tanned and creased by the sun and years, etched with the quiet dignity of someone who’s spent a lifetime outdoors. As I stopped, he looked up, gave a kind wave, gently urging his flock to make way for me. I pulled over, reached for my camera, and stepped out of the car—unsure of how I would communicate, but hoping to share a moment with this man. Attempting to ask permission with gestures and my non-existent Albanian, I raised the camera in a silent request. His cheeks, already flushed from the sun, reddened further, revealing his shyness; he gave a small consenting nod. Witnessing the interaction and noticing our mutual struggle to communicate, a young man approached and kindly offered to interpret. Through him, I learned that the shepherd’s name was Bardhyl, meaning “white star” in Albanian. His loyal old dog, Zeka, stood guard behind the herd, while his patient mule, Lume—“river”—waited for the next stretch of their daily route. Bardhyl spoke of his life in the highlands and the deep, wordless connection he shared with his animals. Their long friendship was evident in the way they interacted —the way they listened, the way they followed. Years of shared silence, long walks, and solitude had knit them into a quiet unit. They weren’t simply tools for work—they were companions, partners, and, in many ways, his family. He described how Zeka had been with him since he was a pup, never straying far, always knowing the rhythm of the herd better than any man. Lume, too, had carried him across valleys and seasons, her quiet strength matching his own. The sheep, he said, knew his voice and moods, responding not just to commands but to the way he moved among them. As someone with a deep love and respect for animals myself, witnessing that bond moved me profoundly. There was something universally tender in the way they existed together, speaking a language beyond words. As I needed to carry on, I thanked Bardhyl sincerely and promised to print his photos and, through our interpreter who knew where he lived, have them delivered to him. He seemed happy with my offer, and with a final wave, I watched as Bardhyl, Zeka, Lume, and the sheep continued their journey along the mountain path. This brief but meaningful encounter, bridged by the kindness of a stranger’s translation, left an indelible mark on my journey —those unexpected connections that will always enrich my travels.

THE BALINESE WEDDING In Balinese culture, weddings are seen as one of the most important events in a person's life. The ceremony is a mix of Hindu and Balinese customs and is filled with elaborate rituals and offerings to seek blessings from the gods. Known as “pawiwahan”, the Balinese wedding is a sacred ceremony that involves the gods, creatures from the underworld, and people as the three crucial witnesses. It is a beautiful and elaborate celebration of love and commitment that is steeped in tradition and culture. The ceremony typically takes place in a temple or a sacred location and involves intricate rituals and customs that have been passed down through generations. It all started with me casually strolling around a traditional village on a scooter without any expectations. Suddenly, I bumped into this wedding car. In a very impulsive act, I started chasing the car trying to get this picture. The driver saw me riding behind them. As I passed them, I asked if I could take pictures and this is what I got....while both vehicles were still moving! Those smiles were the prize to my bold and dangerous maneuver. The bride and groom were appreciative of my interest and invited me to join their special ceremony! One of the most striking aspects of a Balinese wedding is the decoration. The venue is typically adorned with vibrant flowers and intricate decorations made from bamboo and other natural materials. The wedding attire of the bride and groom is a significant aspect of the Balinese wedding. The brides and grooms don’t get to choose these costumes by themselves, but these costumes are set according to the family’s caste levels. The bride is adorned in a traditional "kebaya" , which is a form-fitting blouse, and a sarong, which is a long piece of fabric wrapped around the waist. The groom wears a traditional Balinese jacket, known as a "saput," paired with a sarong. The wedding ceremony begins with the arrival of the groom and his entourage at the bride's family compound or temple. During the wedding ceremony, the couple performs a series of rituals that symbolize their commitment to each other. These rituals include the presentation of offerings to the gods, the exchange of vows and rings, and the pouring of holy water over the couple's hands. The bride and groom exchange vows and offerings while a priest leads the ceremony. Besides the dress, both bride and groom wear a traditional golden crown decorations. The height of the crown also symbolizes the level of a family’s caste. After the ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests proceed to the reception, where they enjoy traditional Balinese food and music. The reception is often held in a beautiful outdoor setting, surrounded by lush greenery and decorated with colorful flowers and Balinese ornaments. Capturing the beauty and emotion of a Balinese wedding was a truly rewarding experience. They welcomed me as if I was part of the family and shared their very special moment with a complete stranger. When I returned home, I printed the pictures and send them back to them. I have a new family to visit when I go back to Bali! BACK TO TOP

THE BATWA PEOPLE - UGANDA Conservation Refugees Drastic changes in their lifestyle, constant discrimination, and zero opportunities. The Batwa in Uganda don’t need charity and donations. They need to be protected for who they are. I learned about the Batwa, also known by the derogatory name “Pygmies”, studying anthropology in college. African Pygmies are often assumed to be the direct descendants of the Middle Stone Age hunter-gatherer peoples of the central African rainforest. The Batwa are now also called conservation refugees, as governments scramble to cope with the pressures of population growth and climate change. They were unwillingly forced and displaced from the impenetrable rainforests due to conservation efforts and the need to expand habitation for mountain gorillas. After their expulsion, the public authority gave some Batwa families farmland. Unfortunately, they didn’t know how to cultivate – nor were taught how. Today an estimated 6,000 Ugandan Batwa live on the periphery of the forest, pushed higher and higher up the mountainside, or in slums in nearby towns. They are among the poorest inhabitants of one of the world's poorest countries, laboring on nearby farms or performing for tourists when they can. Those who do receive a portion of the park entry fees. No tourists mean no pay. The Batwa see tourism as one of the few options to move forward. “We’re now living in poverty. We were sent away from our land. Our tribe has become endangered because many of the Batwa, after being sent away from the forests, scattered to other parts of the county and many died because they could not cope with life outside the forest. Before being evicted we used to use herbal medicine and ate the fruits from trees which made our people live long and hunted for animals, so food was plentiful. Now we struggle to look for food”. - Betty Keturesi who was the only one who spoke a little English. "We were evicted from the forests, and now they are home to the mountain gorillas." And unlike these conservation refugees, the gorilla population has grown from 400 to about 460. But the Batwa see very little of the tens of millions of dollars Uganda earns from tourism revenue. The situation with the Batwa People in Uganda presents a complex ethical dilemma that involves balancing the conservation of endangered species with the human rights of indigenous communities. The Batwa People have been living in the forest for generations and rely on its resources for their livelihoods and cultural practices. However, the conservation efforts to protect the gorillas have restricted their access to the forest and disrupted their way of life, leading to poverty, social exclusion, and cultural loss. On the one hand, protecting endangered species is essential for the biodiversity and the ecological balance of the planet. Gorillas are a keystone species that play a crucial role in their ecosystem, and their conservation benefits not only the wildlife but also the local communities through eco-tourism and conservation education. Conservation efforts can also include community-based approaches that involve the participation and benefit-sharing of indigenous people, recognizing their traditional knowledge and rights. Traditionally, when men went hunting, they used to build tree houses like this one where they left the little ones under the care of the eldest woman of the community to keep them safe from wildlife, while women and mothers gathered fruits and herbs for cooking. In 1991, the government of Uganda reclassified lands the Batwa had lived on for millennia as national parks. That decision pitted the interests of largely invisible people against those of an animal that had become a global icon for environmental conservation. I spent a whole day with them (wish I had more time). They showed me how they used to make fire when they lived in the forest and even recreated a hunting . I was struck by the genuine warmth and hospitality of the Batwa people, who welcomed me into their homes and shared stories, songs and dances with me. At the same time, I was saddened to learn about the history of discrimination, displacement and marginalization that the Batwa have faced for generations. I left my visit with a renewed appreciation for the diversity and richness of human cultures, and a commitment to advocating for greater respect, recognition and support for indigenous peoples and their rights. The Batwa People have faced discrimination, marginalization, and exploitation throughout history, and their displacement from the forest can worsen their situation and cause intergenerational trauma. The conservation of gorillas should not come at the cost of sacrificing the well-being and dignity of human beings. As an animal lover, I really hope and pray that a balance between the Batwa and the gorillas can be achieved. A holistic and compassionate approach towards conservation and community welfare is crucial, recognizing that the two are intertwined and dependent upon each other for long-term success. Bwindi, Uganda 2023 To know more see this PBS News Hour Special: Uganda’s Batwa tribe, considered conservation refugees, see little government suppor t. BACK TO TOP

UNDERWATER “On the surface of the ocean, men wage war and destroy each other; but down here, just a few feet beneath the surface, there is a calm and peace, unmolested by man” – Jules Verne We dive not to escape life, but for life not to escape us! BACK TO TOP

The World Through My Eyes Yellowstone, USA Nairobi, Kenya Kyoto, Japan Yellowstone, USA London, UK Yellowstone, USA Paris, France Yellowstone, USA Nairobi, Kenya Yellowstone, USA Masai Mara, Kenya New York, USA Nairobi, Kenya London, UK Masai Mara, Kenya New York, USA London, UK Kyoto, Japan Amboseli, Kenya Tokyo, Japan Bali, Indonesia Yellowstone, USA Nairobi, Kenya Kyoto, Japan Yellowstone, USA London, UK Yellowstone, USA Paris, France Yellowstone, USA Nairobi, Kenya Yellowstone, USA Masai Mara, Kenya New York, USA Nairobi, Kenya London, UK Masai Mara, Kenya New York, USA London, UK Kyoto, Japan Amboseli, Kenya Tokyo, Japan Bali, Indonesia Since 2000, I've been embarking on journeys to capture the splendor and distinct features of each local destination. Travel photography is an adventure that thrills and challenges me every step of the way. I want to photograph as much of the world as I possibly can, and share the treasures of this incredible planet with whoever visits this site.

WILDLIFE “No matter how few possessions you own or how little money you have, loving wildlife and nature will make you rich beyond measure.” ― Paul Oxton ELEPHANTS GORILLAS LIONS ORANGUTANS MONKEYS OTHER CREATURES

ABOUT ME When I was 13, my father gave me my first camera, a beautiful Leica he had been keeping as a treasure since the 1960s. He also gifted me with the best trip of my life. A trip that changed my life forever. I took so many pictures with the Leica! When I returned home, I looked for a photography course so I could develop my own photos. In that dark room, I discovered my deep passion for photography. Photography is the main way in which I share my experiences and the things that capture my eye when I travel. I hope you enjoy browsing through my photos as much as I enjoy taking them. My goal is to photograph as much of the world as possible and share the treasures of the planet with anyone who wants to journey with me.

PEOPLE “The best thing about a picture is that it never changes, even when the people in it do.” — Andy Warhol Tokyo, Japan Barcelona, Spain Paris, France Paris, France Kyoto, Japan New Dehli, India San Miguel de Allende, Mexico Paris, France Nara, Japan Jaipur, India Nara, Japan Prague, Czech Republic Bali, Indonesia Jaipur, India Jaipur, India Jaipur, India Kyoto, Japan Bali, Indonesia Villa de Leyva, Colombia San Miguel de Allende, Mexico Catskills, New York, USA Bali, Indonesia China Town, New York, USA Jaipur, India Little Havana, Miami, USA San Miguel de Allende, Mexico London, UK Burning Man, Black Rock City, USA Agra, India Jaipur, India Florence, Italy New Dehli, India Jaipur, India Agra, India Dubai, United Arab Emirates Berlin, Germany New Dehli, India Salem, USA Burning Man, Black Rock City, USA Kyoto, Japan Tokyo, Japan Berlin, Germany East Berlin, Germany Sahara Desert, Morocco Marrakesh, Morocco Marrakesh, Morocco Murano, Italy Bali, Indonesia Sahara Desert, Morocco Central Park - New York, USA Boqueria Market - Barcelona, Spain BACK TO TOP

ELEPHANTS "Roaming with Giants: Exploring the Majestic Elephants of the African Savannah" "We are blessed to have these magnificent creatures on our planet, and we have a responsibility to protect them." - Jane Goodall, primatologist and conservationist BACK TO TOP

STREET “What strange phenomena we find in a great city, all we need do is stroll about with our eyes open. Life swarms with innocent monsters.” ― Charles Baudelaire Prague, Czech Republic London, UK Paris, France Berlin, Germany Burano, Italy Jaipur, India Kyoto, Japan New York, USA London, UK Paris, France London, UK New York, USA Agra, India London, UK Paris, France Tokyo, Japan Paris, France East Berlin, Germany Louvre Museum, Paris, France New York, USA Prague, Czech Republic Barcelona, Spain Kyoto, Japan Paris, France Mysore, India Miami Beach, USA San Miguel de Allende, Mexico Old San Juan, Puerto Rico Willemstad, Curaçao Seattle, USA Dallas, USA Dallas, USA Dallas, USA Tokyo, Japan Tokyo, Japan Tokyo, Japan Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Cartagena de Indias, Colombia San Miguel de Allende, Mexico San Miguel de Allende, Mexico Willemstad, Curaçao Marrakesh, Morocco Dubai, United Arab Emirates Dubai, United Arab Emirates BACK TO TOP

THE KENYAN WEDDING From Istanbul to Nairobi, love knows no borders! Celebrating the union of two cultures in a beautiful and colorful Kenyan-Turkish wedding. Kenyan weddings are a celebration of love, family, and culture. They are often vibrant and colorful affairs, with traditional outfits and dances that reflect the country's rich history and traditions. From the joyful moments of the bride and groom getting ready, to the emotional exchange of vows, to the exuberant dancing that follows the ceremony, every step of a Kenyan wedding is filled with special moments to be captured. One of the traditions that takes place in many tribes in Kenya is that several girls are covered with coloful African print shawls and are all assembled in front of the groom, who is then required to move around, look at the girls and pick the one he thinks is his bride. The practice is called "Hiding the Bride" and is usually done to add some excitement and fun to the wedding ceremony. Once the groom correctly identifies his bride, the couple is then untied and allowed to have their first dance together as husband and wife. Thankfully the groom chose right! In some Kenyan cultures, this practice is also accompanied by traditional songs, dances, and drum beats, which add to the celebration and excitement of the wedding ceremony. Overall, the practice of hiding the bride is an engaging and entertaining aspect of Kenyan wedding traditions that has been passed down from generation to generation. BACK TO TOP

LIONS In the golden savannah, where the sun beats down and the tall grasses sway with a whispering sound Lurks a creature of grace, with a mighty roar The king of the jungle, fierce and strong and raw. With a sleek golden coat, and eyes full of fire He prowls through the night, with a regal desire To rule over his kingdom, to protect and to reign The lion is a symbol of power and fame. But it's not just the males who deserve our awe For the lioness too, is a force to be saw A fierce and loyal mother, with instincts honed sharp She'll protect her cubs, with a motherly heart. Together they hunt, in a synchronized dance. Their power and grace, a captivating trance. In the wilds they roam, in their natural pride The lions of Africa, a majestic sight to behold with pride. BACK TO TOP