Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in all of Vietnam. So you can imagine how we spent most of our day walking around trying not get run over by the millions of mopeds and motor scooters on the streets. Crossing the street in Ho Chi Minh City is an adventure that you have to experience. I would just close my eyes and walk hoping for the best.
We went the presidential palace, got yelled at for taking cartwheels in the wrong place. We also went to museums were Americans were not talked about in the most positive light (a regular occurrence in Vietnam; which makes sense).
After a full day of walking around, we enjoyed the evening with some bubble tea and AMAZING food.
We were lucky. We definitely had planned to go to Hoi An while in Vietnam, but we didn’t expect to be there during a full moon lantern festival. I don’t remember if the bus ride to Hoi An was eventful or not. I think we were still reeling from the horror that was the 17 hour bus ride into Vietnam.
We did get separated while in town though trying to find a hostel. Everything was booked. So we had to split up.
But, I remember staying in the fanciest place the whole entire trip. My room had three beds. My hostel had a pool & margaritas. Hoi An is also extremely famous for clothes and shoes. Whatever custom clothes you want made, they will make it for you. People from all over the world come to Hoi An to get clothes made at a super cheap price.
I was in heaven.
We quickly went into town and explored and found out that the festival was going on.
It was where I took that one picture.
A picture of a girl setting her lantern on the water.
The picture that started it all.
The picture that got me emails from National Geographic magazine editors.
Katherine, Greg and I were separated in Laos, but we regrouped at the end of the Laos portion to travel into Vietnam together.
The trip into Vietnam is only referred to as indescribably horrible. A 17 hour bus ride from hell would make anyone try to lock that part of their memories away for life. I remember naming our bus “El Furioso” and naming the girl on the seat next to me (who used my butt as her feet warmer) “La Puta”.
Midway through our trip, our back windows slipped off and our headlights broke. They tied two flashlights to the front of the bus for the rest of the trip.
As soon as we crossed the border to Vietnam, we were taken to the outskirts of Hue and dropped off on the highway. No joke. We basically had to hitch hike our way into town on the back of stranger’s motorcycles.
Once we settled into one of the nicest hostels in our entire trip. We explored the city, had amazing food and retold stories of what had happened during our separation (i.e., me driving headfirst into a car).
It seems just like yesterday that I took a trip, a trip around the world.
A trip that completely changed my life.
I could go on and on explaining to you why this trip completely changed my life, but I am not a novelist. But, lets just say that it opened my eyes and made me reevaluate everything I was working toward. You could say this is the trip where my photography career began. It started with me, my backpack, my camera and two amazing friends.
This year could possibly go down as one of the most amazing years in my entire life. So amazing, that who knows if any other year could possibly top it. It may not be possible, but I am for sure going to try! Besides photographing some of the most amazing clients and events this past year, I got to travel to places I had never been to before and I got to experience moments that have truly changed the way I look at my own personal life.
I actually started 2010 being incredibly sick with some sort of Flu that had me in bed for a while. It was a shitty way to start the year, that’s for sure, but it grew into a spectacular one after that.
Before I go on, I want to say that none of this, I mean NONE OF IT, would have been possible without the amazing and incredible support that have been my parents. This year has been a year that has made me count my blessings, but none have made me so thankful as when I think about how lucky I am to have my Ama and Apa behind me every step of the way.
They, without a doubt and cheesy as it may seem, are the two most incredible people I know.
I watched and celebrated my beautiful sister being a debutante with family and my best of friends (that had been there with me when we were all in the same debutante ball in 2002.)
Laughed forever with a Bestie that visited.
I had a mini college reunion with the most amazing people at Lake Tahoe. A weekend of epic moments.
Cheered on for some amazing dancers. Proud of ya girls!
I finished a self-portrait project, where I took a picture of myself everyday for a whole year.
I wore a Tutu.
Saw my Aunt be an inspiration and obtain her Master’s degree, with my Grandmother in attendance.
Spent a wonderful week in New York City.
Road tripped from San Francisco to Seattle with Katherine, Alex and the future famous Christine in a trip that can only be described as “liver crushing”.
I backpacked Costa Rica, Peru, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil with my amazing and brave sister, in a trip that will only go down as one of the best in history.
Was hired to travel with an amazing Non-Profit, mPowering, to document a life changing trip to India and Nepal.
Celebrated an adopted sister birthday in a city that I miss OH SO MUCH.
It was also an incredible year as a photographer. As mentioned above, this year I’ve been and was able to photograph places and people in Arizona, California, Washington, Georgia, New York, Hawaii, Louisiana, India (and again before the year is up!), Nepal, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Peru, Brazil, Argentina
But out of all those that I photographed I want to thank my friends the most. A big shout out to Deborah, Justin, Katherine, Greg, Aubrey, Evy and Joe. Not only for encouraging to pursue my dream, but for trusting me enough to document such important pictures for all of you.
Partied with Niamh in Epic fashion before she left for Ireland.
I saw a best friend get married in Hawaii.
I partied with Kelly Ripa in New Orleans.
Had an incredible Thanksgiving weekend with my family in Arizona and my second family in Atlanta.
I share an apartment with an incredible roommate. I’ve been on 30+ flights this year. I saw things that changed my life. I saw things that still give me nightmares. I met and bonded with people that will be friends for life. I’ve made people happy. I’ve made people angry. I’ve had amazing photoshoots. I’ve had crappy photoshoots.
I wouldn’t change any of it.
So here is to you 2010, you have been one incredible ride (and its not over!!).
2011, get ready.
Zabrina Fashion Shoot. Nogales, AZ
Angela, Senior Portrait Session. Nogales, AZ
Juanga High School. Orissa, India
Aaron & Kelly Wedding. Tucson, AZ
Aubrey & Nate Wedding. New Orleans, LA
Katherine and Greg Wedding. Kauai Kalaheo, HI
Karla and Jason Couple Session. Danville, CA
Stone Family Lifestyle Session. Pacifica, CA
Matt Johnson Lifestyle Session. San Francisco, CA
Deborah and Justin Engagement Session. Seattle, WA
Girl in line for hospital. Humla, Nepal.
Elizette, Senior Portrait Session. Nogales, AZ
Lidia & Chris Engagement Session. Treasure Island, CA
