Journey through 10,000 photos (Part III)

Since I practically have nothing to do since I'm sick and can't do much or go outside, I've started to review and edit my pictures and also do some writing. But before I post them, just wanted to post the last 2 of my series in my "10k" project. Just a recap for those who forgot: I had been posting some of my favorites out of the 10,000 pictures I took with my camera since I quit my job in 2013 and started embarking on my journey. You can see part I and II here and here.

(Rikuzen Takata Japan, April 2014) For those who don't know about this tree, it's the only pine tree that survived out of the 70,000+ pine forest and became a symbol of the city after the 3.11 earthquake. Nothing is more moving than witnessing your uncle and aunt going to see the tree with their very own eyes as memories rushed through their heads as they gaze up

(Cambodia, Nov 2013) Cambodians really like to smile. They smile whether they feel happy, sad, guilty, mad etc. Sometimes it's all a bit confusing. But every time they do bring a smile to my face. I call it the "Cambodian Effect"

(Rikuzen Yahagi Japan, April 2014) Grandpa and grandson sharing a watermelon. Not sure why but this picture always makes me smile. I suppose it's because I used to do that with my grandma too when I was little.

(Seoul Korea, Dec 2013)  One of my favorite Korean snacks is 떡볶이 so my friend took me to one of the food stalls. The man noticing that I'm not Korean kept on trying to tell me in simple words and gestures that it's hot and spicy and to be careful. Though I only understand few words of Korean, I understood 100%. Kindness needs no (understandable) words.

(San Francisco Chinatown, Jan 2014) Ever wonder who those people were jumping around during lion dances during Chinese New Year? ;)

(Cambodia, Feb 2014) It always helps to have a friend walk down the path of life with you

(Cambodia, March 2014) Alm receiving ceremony at the temple. Undoubtedly the monks that I met have had a big impact on me. Their way of life, philosophy, compassion, and kindness is inspiring regardless of borders of language, culture, gender, or religion. 

(Phnom Penh Cambodia, March 2014) Had the opportunity to sit in with breakfast at a village near Phnom Penh. I used to have these noodles daily while I was in Cambodia but it made me realize it's always nice to surround a meal with others :)

(Rikuzen Yahagi Japan, April 2014) Serene shrine near my father's birth house. Took a morning hike up here and had this very refreshing yet spiritual moment. 

(Tokyo Japan, July 2013) View from my balcony in my apartment in Tokyo. I used to often step outside here since you can get a good view of the moon and Mt Fuji on clear mornings. Some times I really miss this view. It's a good reminiscence of the old days.

I admit my pictures are not professional at all so they're not high quality. But each shot that I took in these photos had a lot of emotion and memories behind it. I hope that you're able to capture some of that from them.