One thing I love about travel is the modes of transport offered in different countries, which give you an entirely fresh perspective on life. Of course, being a photography enthusiast, I’ve managed to snap a few of these experiences – where I’m literally bouncing, navigating, drifting or just hanging on from behind the camera to get to my next destination. Here’s a few of those moments.
Roof riding – Ecuador
“Me puedo sentir en el techo?” Can I sit on the roof? I would ask bus drivers this in Ecuador and they would invariably say yes. Sitting on rusted roof racks, passing beneath jungle, next to goats, foodstuffs and the locals was wonderful. Of course it was a bit dangerous and I wouldn’t recommend it. Although boarding with no destination in mind and watching the sunset, sometimes through my toes, was a memorable experience.
Bike riding – Charing Cross Road, London
When I was a bicycle courier in London my camera usually stayed at home, although occasionally, like here, I would ride and snap. If you ever try this, look ahead, expect the unexpected and most importantly, don’t compose through the viewfinder!
Rickshaw riding – Rajasthan, India
Getting taken through flooded towns on the back of a cycle rickshaw, in northern India, was certainly an eye opener. We rolled and sometimes drifted past shops, people and cars that ploughed their way through water. We also managed to pick up a stowaway en route (see below).
Camel riding – Northern Territory, Australia
On a three day camel trek near Stuart’s Well, about 90 kilometres south of Alice Springs, my mate Luke (also our guide) put me on an unpredictable camel name Legs. Now Legs and I got along well for the most part, except for the time he bolted and I didn’t have the reigns. Luckily I held on and didn’t drop my camera.
Horse riding – Vilcabamba, Ecuador
The country here is incredible. We rode across mountains, slept in a mud brick, mountainside hut and slid on our horses down muddy hillsides before racing each other home along a bitumen road. Unfortunately I didn’t capture any mud sliding or bitumen racing.
Canoeing – Rurrenabaque, Bolivia
Beneath this muddy river lurked piranhas, pink river dolphins, alligators and a few brave turtles. Whilst paddling my way down river in a rudimentary canoe, I thought it a great idea to take a photograph of my toes.
What about you? Do you take pictures of the world about you (and/or your feet) while you’re moving? Ever lost your camera doing so?
