The wet rickshaw ride

As I previously mentioned, I joined a few days ago the Chiang Mai Photo Walk with a few other photographers. Unfortunately the sky poured down on us for too long and we had to cancel the walk.

We found a shelter in a narrow street while waiting for the rain to end. It was fun to see people pass by, running, driving or just trying to get on with their normal routine, unaffected by the rain.

This year, Northern Thailand is subject to one of the worst droughts since years. It is currently monsoon season but the rain just doesn't seem to reach Chiang Mai, although the weather is overcast for weeks now.

And of course, it just HAD to rain for 4 hours non stop the ONLY day we decided to gather up and go out shooting! Oh Irony... Well, at least I hope it helped the surrounding fields a bit.

I nevertheless got a few nice shots of wet people, like this rickshaw driver, in his raincoat, going on with his job while the passenger just hides behind an umbrella.

Cliffs of Moher - Ireland

After we trespassed on private land to shoot the Cliffs of Moher away from the mass of tourists and paid parkings, we arrived right at the edge and went all the way down to the ocean. It was a very windy and stormy weather, it felt quite creepy to be there, alone.

The Cliffs of Moher (Aillte an Mhothair in Irish) are located on the west coast of Ireland, south of the Burren and around the area of Doolin (which is a very charming little town).
These vertiginous cliffs have a maximum height of 214 meters (702 feet) above sea level. It is often a very  rainy area with strong winds coming from the Atlantic Ocean.
It is a very impressive place to visit but I'd suggest to avoid the touristic area and go wander around to find a spot to sneak in and really appreciate the power of Nature concentrated on that area.

Of course, be careful not to get too close!

Phet's leftovers

On the 4th of June, a class-5 cyclone from the Indian Ocean called Phet hit the shores of Oman before changing path and heading towards Pakistan and India.
This powerful cyclone did some damage to Oman, although much less then what Gonu did a few year ago.

The cyclone did not reach the UAE and changed path before going inland. Although it was far from Abu Dhabi, I realized, while sitting in my favorite cafe, that it was a little windy and cloudy (which is rare at this time of year). Probably the cyclone's peripheral clouds.
We did nevertheless enjoy a beautiful sunset due to the particular weather.

Stormy Path

This walk was a self-discovery, a month long journey with yourself as the best companion.

Everything around the journeyman contributed to help him understand and accept his path. Even the weather.

Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.

~ Hannah Moore ~

Let's get wet!

In summer 2008, I offered myself a trip to Ireland in order to celebrate my 30th birthday. A few friends joined me and we decided to visit the west coast of the island from Killorglin (attending the Puck Fair) to Sligo.

On one of the chilly days, with a storm lurking behind the mountains, we decided to stop and have a swim in the ocean.
We found a little path down to an empty beach north of Dingle before reaching O'Connor Pass.

The beach was empty, apart from a few solitary joggers. There was a very light rain and the huge clouds were rolling fast to strike us.
I walked around trying to find a nice spot for a shot. I found this fence surrounding a section of the beach. I just had time to test a few shots before the rain drops became bigger. I had to put my camera away.

I guess we had no choice but to get wet! Either swim or get caught in the storm.

Well, at least I got a cool shot!