medium format – B I J A N

Maldives

January 9, 2019January 9, 2019by bijansabet

Our trip to Maldives was a first for us. It is a long journey to get there. It’s another four hours of flying beyond Dubai and then a sea plane and boat to Medhufaru. But none of us were tired when we arrived. It was just so incredible to see the Indian ocean in person.

For the most part we relaxed on this trip. Lots of family bonding time, daily meditation, swimming, snorkeling and reading.

One day we made a short trip and visited the island of Kudafari. It’s a small fishing island with just 600 people living there. We met a few of the locals that told us about life on that island. We visited the school, hospital, mosque and the gathering spot where the elders spend each afternoon sharing life’s moments. A highlight of the trip for sure.

(All photographs taken with a Mamiya 7ii and Kodak Portra 400 film. Developed and processed by Richard Photo Lab in California)

Uncategorized

Eleuthera, Bahamas, Part I

October 14, 2018December 15, 2018by bijansabet

Earlier this month we spent four days in Eleuthera. The island is quite long, over 110 miles long. While I’m told the northern part is developed, we headed south. The southern portion of the the island is thoroughly remote. The nearest market or restaurant is about a 40 minute drive or so. We didn’t see any a single souvenir shops. Our rental car was provided by a resident, a gentleman named Robert. We paid in cash. Folks that grew up and live here will tell you that at one time this was a bustling island. But that has changed. All of that tourism has since moved to Nassau. Life on Eleuthera is quiet and remote.

But the thing that struck me the most was the kindness from everyone we met. Lauren compared it to going to our first trip to Ireland and talking with the locals. All the stories, life challenges, rich history and island beauty. Although we got a lot more hugs in Eleuthera than pints in Ireland :)

We were quite taken with this place. And have already made plans to visit again.

(All photographs made with a Hasselblad 503cw and Kodak film. Developed and scanned at Richard Photo Lab).

Uncategorized