An Indonesian fisherman, of the eastern coast of Bali. I just thought he looked so perfect and colorful. blue sea, blue boat, straw hat.

One morning I got up and watched the sunrise with my traveling partner. As we sat and marveled at the beauty of the dawn, we saw some faint specks on the horizon. Soon the specks got larger and larger until we realized that they were fishing boats, returning from a night out. They sailed up, beached their boats, and wandered off to their families, catch in tow.

An incredible view of Mount Everest, taken from the top of Gokyo Ri, a hill (17,000 ft.) just outside the village of Gokyo, where we were staying. The views from this valley are amazing, of the entire Everest range, Nuptse, Lhostse, and Makalu peeking from the back.

The mountains towering above completely overshadow the smallness of human life. What an incredible place!

Chortens and prayer flags in the Khumbu region of Nepal. Instead of flying to Lukla, we took a cab to Jiri and walked for ten days to get into the highlands. I recommend the extended trek - you will see more flowers and vegetation than you will higher up and the people and culture make themselves much more accessible.

On a chorten outside Namche Bazaar, Nepal.

And the Raven never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming,
And the lamp-light o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted - Nevermore

This young Balinese is participating in the New Year's eve parade, in preparation of the holiday of Nyepi. On that sacred day, no one on the island moves around, goes outside, eats, or speaks, hoping that the evil spirits will be fooled into thinking the island is deserted and leave themselves. Huh?

The beauty of the flowers on the low part of the trail is amazing - wonderful color to contrast the mountains ahead. Toward the back of this picture you can see some porters, with loads twice their size. The strength and stamina of these people is beyond comprehension. Here you are, struggling with your lousy little pack and they pass you carrying gigantic loads, all at altitude.

The Sherpa are a friendly people, and these children took it upon themselves to offer us flowers. We tried not to accept, but they seemed to take pride in their offering, and would accept nothing in return. As the region becomes more popular to tourists, I can only pray that these people retain their innate friendliness and openness.