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capturecultura

Connecting cultures and people around the world through storytelling.

#capturecultura #jointheadventure

In the off-the-beaten path fish market I stumbled

In the off-the-beaten path fish market I stumbled upon in Aberdeen, Hong Kong, proprietors appear not to call out to passers-by to advertise their wares.⁠
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Rather, stall owners wait to catch the eye of a keen shopper. Few words but many gestures are exchanged as fish, snails, crabs and squids are weighed, wrapped in red plastic bags and handed over the counter—after accepting the agreed upon fee. #capturecultura #jointheadventure

While wandering through Aberdeen, Hong Kong, I cam

While wandering through Aberdeen, Hong Kong, I came across a large white building framed by a red awning. A stream of people entered and exited through a large open door in the building's front. ⁠
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With no signs marking the otherwise inconspicuous façade, I follow my traveller's instinct and step into the building and down a flight of stairs. ⁠
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Upon reaching the bottom, I find myself emerging into a dark, windowless interior. Within, a cramped space lit by fluorescent bulbs hosts a bustling fish market...⁠
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Read the full story through the link in bio. #capturecultura #jointheadventure

This week's post will take you on a journey throug

This week's post will take you on a journey through one of the many tucked-away fish markets in Aberdeen, Hong Kong. ⁠
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While the Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market may be the area’s claim to fame, a more intimate understanding of local life reveals itself in these smaller markets. ⁠
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Follow the link in bio to join me as I wander through the fish market, losing myself in its hazy red and yellow glow. #capturecultura #jointheadventure

Where do you think this photo was taken? Hint: Thi

Where do you think this photo was taken? Hint: This fish market is in a community that is known as the original Hong Kong. ⁠
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Just a little tease from my new post that goes up on the blog tomorrow! #thecountdownison #capturecultura⁠
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Luang Prabang’s tranquillity is likely due to it

Luang Prabang’s tranquillity is likely due to it being the centre of Buddhism in Laos. Indeed, there are more than 30 Wats peppered throughout the city—many of which were rebuilt after the Chinese Black Flag Army pillaged Luang Prabang in 1887. ⁠
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The temples feature tiered roofs that elegantly cascade towards the ground, and are flanked with Naga sculptures—which are serpent-like depictions meant to protect Buddha from harm. ⁠
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Within, each temple houses its own breathtaking murals, images of Buddha and sacred treasures. ⁠
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Without, many of the Wats’ exterior walls are gilded with ornate gold decorations that gleam like beacons of light in the warm sun. ⁠
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Luang Prabang's many temples are home to roughly one thousand Buddhist monks and novices. ⁠
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If you haven't had a chance to escape to Luang Prabang by checking out my blog post, join the adventure by following the link in bio. #capturecultura #jointheadventure

While there are a few bridges that link one side o

While there are a few bridges that link one side of Luang Prabang to the other, the Bamboo Bridges are the most iconic. ⁠
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Located at the mouth of the Nam Khan where it feeds back into the Mekong and at the foot of Mount Phou Si, the bridges wash away during the rainy season when the Nam Khan River floods. They are rebuilt each year when the rainy season ends by a local family.⁠
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There is a small fee for tourists to cross each bridge—and the journey is most certainly worth it as you will be treated to a different side of the city, with architecture that is more influenced by the surrounding jungles as opposed to Luang Prabang's urban centre. ⁠
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The first bridge at the mouth of Nam Khan River is 10,000 kip ($1.48 CAD) per person and the second bridge is around 7,000 kip ($1.04 CAD) per person. This money helps maintain the bridges and support the family who rebuild them every year.⁠
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Journey to Luang Prabang today by clicking the link in bio. #capturecultura #jointheadventure

Luang Prabang is located on a peninsula that is ne

Luang Prabang is located on a peninsula that is nestled between the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers and cradled between lush mountain ranges—with the sacred Mount Phou Si rising up from the city’s centre. ⁠
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The city is the epicentre of Buddhism in Laos. Indeed, there is a local story that when Buddha visited the future site of the Luang Prabang during his travels, he smiled — thus foretelling that a powerful and prosperous city would be built there. ⁠
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To learn more about Luang Prabang's built environment, follow the link in bio. #capturecultura #jointheadventure

Laos architecture varies depending on where you ar

Laos architecture varies depending on where you are in the country. In Luang Prabang, traditional Laos homes are melded with a French Colonial style. For instance, this home integrates shuttered windows and a pitched tile roof — which are key elements indicating French influence. ⁠
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In other parts of the country, particularly rural communities, most Laos people live in traditional houses made of wood or bamboo that are built on stilts above the ground. ⁠
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Additionally, minority groups such as the Hmong and lu Mien have their own architectural styles. Laos architecture has also been influenced by its surrounding countries, such as Thailand and China. ⁠
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In 1975, the Pathet Lao Communist party took control of Laos after the civil war. What followed was a 15-year period of isolation where Laos was ruled very strictly behind the what was known as the "Bamboo Curtain." This period of time brought with it Socialist Realism architecture — which was the officially approved building style of the time. ⁠
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However, as Laos began to re-open to tourists, the change was reflected in its architecture; with a neotraditional style appearing in rebuilt temples and civic buildings like the Luang Prabang International Airport. ⁠
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To learn more about how Laos is integrating the neotraditional architecture style into its buildings and holy places, follow the link in bio. #capturecultura #jointheadventure

Luang Prabang, Laos, is a stunning hybrid of tradi

Luang Prabang, Laos, is a stunning hybrid of traditional Laos architecture and French Colonial influence. Follow the link in bio to be transported to this peaceful and gentle city. #capturecultura #jointheadventure

What do you prefer: 1, 2 or 3? ⁠ ⁠ My new post

What do you prefer: 1, 2 or 3? ⁠
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My new post will transport you to Luang Prabang, Laos — one of the most sacred and peaceful cities I have ever had the joy to visit. ⁠
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In my story, you'll discover what sets Luang Prabang's cityscape apart and learn why the city was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the mid 1990s. ⁠
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Pictured here is one of the most noteworthy temples —known as Wats— Haw Pha Bang. Discover what makes this temple so special by following the link in bio. ⁠
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#capturecultura #jointheadventure ⁠

Multiple organizations and individuals over the ye

Multiple organizations and individuals over the years have referred to the Kayan villages as "human zoos," including UNHCR spokeswoman Kitty McKinsely during an interview with the BBC in 2008 — amid allegations that the Thai government was preventing Kayan families from moving to other countries because of their value as tourist attractions. ⁠
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However, the villages are also a means of income for Kayan families and a way to preserve and share the Hill Tribe's traditional culture. To hear the Kayan perspective on tourists visiting their villages, click the link in bio to watch a short film produced by the @matadornetwork.

Visiting a Kayan village requires the utmost respe

Visiting a Kayan village requires the utmost respect and awareness. There are a number of ways to travel to the villages in an ethical manner:⁠
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• Choose an ethical tour group that works with locals like @thailandhilltribeholidays. ⁠
• Spend time getting to know the men and women you meet.⁠
• Purchase souvenirs to help support the Kayan families — especially if you take their photos. ⁠
• Ask permission before taking photos, and be respectful if you are told “no.” ⁠
• Ask questions about the Kayan culture, but respect that not all of the villagers will feel comfortable talking about their status as refugees. ⁠
• Don’t be a drive-by tourist. The more time you can spend with the Kayan people the more humanizing your interaction will be. Consider partaking in a homestay to really get to know the Kayan people and culture. ⁠
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Learn more about the Kayan through the link in bio. #capturecultura

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