HellonEarth - Photoblog

Friday, February 08, 2019

The Kayan Lahwi long necked women of Mae Hong Son

The Kayan Lahwi are a sub group of the Red Karen who originate from the Burmese states of Shan and Kayah. Also known as Padaung, many fled to Mae Hong Son to escape the conflict with the Burmese army in the late 1980s, early 1990s. Girls start to wear the rings from the age of 5 and are progressively added to as they get older.

The following photos and more are available for purchase at ALAMY. Enter "longnecks" as the search string.

Kayan Lawhi or long necked Karen woman. Mae hong son, Thailand

Wednesday, February 06, 2019

Traditional coconut collection in Chumphon, Thailand

Chumphon province is a very rural area and one of the main industries is coconut growing. There are thousands of acres of coconut groves and traditional methods are still used for their collection. This involves trained monkeys with long ropes tied around their necks being sent up the coconut palms to pull off the ripe coconuts. As can be seen below, carts pulled by water buffalo are still used to collect and transport the collected coconuts.

The following photos and more are available for purchase at ALAMY. Enter "bullock cart" as the search string.

Bullock cart used for collecting coconuts

Sunday, January 27, 2019

Chinatown, Singapore

Chinatown in Singapore is a culturally significant area which contrasts sharply with other areas of the city-state. There are many low rise buildings of Peranakan shophouse architecture mainly housing shops and restaurants. The Chinese heritage of Singapore is evident wherever you look.

The following photos and more are available for purchase at ALAMY. Enter "Chinatown, Singapore" as the search string.

Colourful entrance doorway with Chinese lettering

Restaurants in Smith street

Entrance to Fatty Wengs restaurant. Smith street

Hawker sculpture on Smith street

Restaurants in Smith street

Souvenir shop

Tourists walking in Temple street and typical architecture

Chinese figures and typical window shutters

Hotel 81 in restored Chinese heritage building, New Bridge Road

Colourful travel agent in Chinese shophouse in Temple street

Chinese name painting

Sunday, January 06, 2019

Haji Lane, Singapore

Haji lane is in the Kampong Glam area of Singapore which is also known as the Arab quarter. The area is home to hip bars, restaurants and boutiques and particularly comes alive at night. Bars and restaurants are usually full and the nearby Arab street offers many middle eastern restaurants serving Lebanese and Turkish food. Carpet and fabric shops abound in this area and the wall murals on Haji lane itself are something to behold.

The following photos and more are available for purchase at ALAMY. Enter "Haji Lane" as the search string.

Haji Lane, Kampong Glam, Singapore

Amphawa, Thailand

Amphawa, is situated to the west of Bangkok very close to the famous Damnoen Saduak floating market. Amphawa is also famous, but mainly with the Thais who flock there at weekends to enjoy the floating market and seafood on offer. Trip boats ply the river during the day, but also at night, taking tourists to watch the fireflies. Tourists from other countries are also beginning to discover the delights of Amphawa, especially the Chinese who go in search of the delicious seafood on offer from the riverside stalls and restaurants.