Climbing the Basilica de la Pilar,Zaragoza, Spain.

Louise Wu, Miss Asian America.Taiwan

Traveling around Taiwan with Louise Wu, Miss Asian America was easy. Doors open, traffic stops. She is great, humble about her title and more than willing to pose with every giggling girl and admiring boy that wanted to be photographed with her. Her is a link to the Pageants home page

The perfect Mojito

I remember walking into La Bodeguita del medio bar in the old section of Havana Cuba, with one question on my mind. This is where the famous Mojito cocktail came to life, immortalized by Ernest Hemingway. "Legend has it that he would drink several after a long day of fishing aboard the Pilar". I wanted know how many. " eleven the bartender said, Papa could drink eleven."
I tried to stop myself but no, that would be to easy and smart and I was in Cuba and in love with the world.The words escaped from my mouth" I'll take twelve". I managed to make it home safely which led me to ponder the perfect Mojito that I was assigned to photograph for Spoleto restaurant this week. Here is a link for the recipe

Grand Hyatt Taipei

This the Sushi chef at the Grand Hyatt Hotel In Taipei. Thanks to all the staff for putting together a 5 star meal for our band of tired journalists. The food was simply perfect. This is an impressive hotel. Here is a link to their web site if you are traveling to Taiwan

BIG FISH,little airport,Alaska.

Waiting room. Ted Stevens international airport, Anchorage, Alaska.

Elvis the Transvestite, Lord russ as the Queen

Lord Russ, another local hero from Northampton Mass and future member of the Young at Heart Chorus, put on an amazing one man (woman) show this weekend ."For his upcoming role, Russ (aka Russell Brooks) has to shave his entire body. Although he's not baring the full Monty, Valley musician Brooks will be more scantily clad than normal in his upcoming one-man show Queen Elvis—The Musical. Set in 1973, the Rocky Horror Picture Show-style musical offers an alternative version of the life of Elvis Presley. Instead of following the path of self-destruction that ultimately ended his life, the show asks what might have happened if the drug-addled rock star had, after much soul-searching, discovered that he had a penchant for cross-dressing." Here is a link to Kendra Thurlow's interview with Russ in The Valley Advocate.

Grand Formosa Regent hotel Taipei Taiwan

This goes out to Ivyliu and all the great folks at the Grand Formosa Regent Hotel in Taipei. You were all fantastic. The rooms are top notch, the food was amazing, and the service and atmosphere were more than I had expected. Thanks for everything and making us feel at home. Here is link to find out more about this oasis of calm in the midst of one of the busiest cities in the world

Taipei 101

These fine gentlemen are Daniel Foster and Jake Warga, two Journalists that I traveled with to Taiwan. Taipei 101, the worlds tallest building looms in the back ground, but is dwarfed by their sparkling personalities.

Foguangshan temple Kaohsiung Taiwan

Yan can cook, Iron Chef's Kevin Brauch, and the Great Wall of Florence

Special thanks to Clara and Kenny at The Great Wall restaurant in Florence Ma for putting out an amazing feast last night. Having just come back from Taiwan a couple of days ago I can speak with some authority that the food was authentic Chinese, and what a spread it was. A whole roast pig, stir fried lobster in the shell, where just two of 11 dishes that just kept appearing at our table. The delightful Martin Yan of “Yan can cook” fame was there along with Kevin Brauch one of the announcers for the "Iron Chef". I was in foodie heaven. Martin was one of the first television cooking stars along with Julia Child and the Galloping Gourmet. I used to watch him as a kid and as Kevin said in his toast to him, “this is the guy that started it all for the rest of us way back when and he looks exactly the same!” The Iron chef America is one of my favorite food shows now and Kevin is a great guy. He gave us the inside info on the show and I was happy to hear that it is a real competition. Here is a link to Kevin’s web site, Tapasproductions.com and if you are interested in learning from the master, you can join Martin in China at his cooking school and cultural tours that he offers at YanCancook.com

Reflections of a life in photography

It has been a long week and a very far journey in between taking these two photos. The first was taken in the elevator at the Hotel Del Lago in Sun Moon lake Taiwan. The second was taken 5 days later while on assignment at University health services in Amherst Mass. The jet lag is killing me, but I'm still looking up.

Taipei Herb street

Osaka Japan,The revenge of Karate Dan Hallman

They did not know where he had come from, but they had loved him forever. He was Karate Dan. Travelers waiting at the Osaka air port where amazed at his fighting skills. He was fierce, he was kind, he had Sake on his breath. His legend will live on.

Jian Guo Jade and Flower Market. Taipei Taiwan

Alisan high mountain tea picker Taiwan

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Taiwan

Lungshan Temple Taiwan

Lungshan Temple had the same effect on me as it did the last time I was here 2 years ago. It is living history. Although crowded like the rest of Taipei. Each person seems at peace, alone with their private conversations with the Gods that they have come to consult. Tears again came to me as I let my camera fall from my eye to just sit and be. Looking up from my own thoughts, An old man caught my attention and gave me a knowing smile, he had seen inside me. I did not feel invaded as I know some people must when I peer at them in their private moments. I was grateful to be welcomed as a participant and not the constant observer that I have become.

Taiwan street life

Greetings from Taiwan

Twenty five hours of travel later and I am finally back in Taiwan, it is spectacular. Our first day hear was so full it is hard to know where to start. So I will begin with the end of the evening that was spent at an amazing performance of Peking Opera in Taipei city by Taipei Eye. I need sleep, so here is a link to their web site that will tell their story so much better than my tired brain can muster

EXPO ZARAGOZA 2008

In Advance of my upcoming article on Zaragoza Spain in Gonomad.com, here is a behind the scenes look at the Bridge pavilion under construction at Expo Zaragoza 2008, “water and sustainable development” running from June 14th through the September 14th. This promises to be an exciting and important event with over 125 countries participating. Here is a link to the official web site to find out more.

The Young At Heart Chorus photography

Please visit Paulshoulphotography.com for image sales and more photography of the Young at Heart Chorus

This is the big time for the young at Heart Chorus. Northampton Mass, from which they come, was beaming with pride last Saturday for the Premier of their new film that will be opening around the world on April 9th, distributed by Fox Search light films. It was strange to watch the parts of the film that were filmed in the Academy of music…at the Academy of music. The Drunk Stuntmen that are in the film and perform with the chorus will be on the Jay Leno show with them on the April 16th and rumor has it that they will also be on the Ellen show. You have to love it. It gives us all faith that the world my just not be as crazy as it seems. Sometimes…the good guys win. Oh Yea, the joke around town, coined by none other than Michael kusek is that they are the new March of the Penguins....only slower.

Eat at Flo's,Northampton,MA.

This is an old favorite photo of mine. Republican students from Umass were holding a rally in Northampton Ma to show support for our governments support of the Contras in the war against Nicaragua. This guy appeared with his sign "eat at flows" which is a local diner that every one knows. All I can say is that the crowd cracked up and the rally ended. I don't know who he was but if you are out there. I thank you for years of laughter

Holyoke,MA.91 north closed again by truck turn over

RT 91 is getting to be a difficult drive. Yesterday we had an explosion that killed the driver after his truck carrying gasoline swerved to avoid a car. Today the highway was closed again for 3 hours after a truck carrying mulch turned over.

Maximon,Guatemala

I remember walking into the dark room where I was to meet Maximon and thinking to my self, "I am far away from home, very far." According to Wikipedia "Maximón is a saint worshipped in various forms by Maya people of several towns in the highlands of Western Guatemala.

The origins of his cult are not very well understood by outsiders to the different Mayan religions, but Maximón is believed to be a form of the pre-Colombian Maya god Mam, blended with influences from Catholicism. Maximón may also be called San Simón. Originally, he was believed to be a Catholic priest who had looked after aboriginals during early 1600s.

Where Maximón is venerated, he is represented by an effigy which resides in a different house each year, being moved in a procession during Holy Week. During the rest of the year, devotees visit Maximón in his chosen residence, where his shrine is usually attended by two people from the representing Cofradia who keep the shrine in order and pass offerings from visitors to the effigy. Worshippers offer money, spirits and cigars or cigarettes to gain his favour in exchange for good health, good crops, and marriage counseling, amongst other favours. The effigy invariably has a lit cigarette or cigar in its mouth, and in some places, it will have a hole in its mouth to allow the attendants to give it spirits to drink.
San Simón in Zunil, 2007
San Simón in Zunil, 2007

Maximón is generally dressed in European 18th century style, although with many local variations. In Santiago Atitlán he is adorned with many colourful garlands, while in Zunil (where he is known as San Simón) he has a much more intimidating style, with his face obscured by dark sunglasses and a bandana.

The worship of Maximón treats him not so much as a benevolent deity as a bit of a bully whom it's wise to keep on the right side of. He is also known to be a link between Xibalbá The Underworld and Bitol Corazón del Cielo. His expensive tastes in alcohol and cigarettes indicate that he is a very human character, very different from the ascetic ideals of Christian sainthood. Devotees believe that prayers for revenge, or success at the expense of others, are likely to be granted by Maximón." Here is a link to an on-line shrine where you too can worship.

Tibet focus for Taiwan election

I shot this image in Taiwan on my last trip there and am thrilled to be traveling back there in a few weeks. Taiwan will be holding its presidential elections tomorrow and the events in Tibet are of a great concern to them and are changing the predicted out come of the race. I will be posting daily updates during my trip. Here is a link from BBC News to find out more about what is going on now.

In memory of Hal Benoit

Northampton has lost another one of the amazing people that gave us life. I will miss you Hal.
This is a link to his my space page if you want to hear his music or leave him a message. Knowing Hal, he'll be checking in.

Tibetans protest Chinese violence

Tibetan members of the New England Cushi Gangdruk, protested the Chinese crackdown and violence in their country today in downtown Northampton Mass. They handed out a statement that read. "We the members of New England Chushi Gangdruk appeal to you who believe in freedom and democracy to support the cause of Tibet by asking the US government to force China to respect human rights in Tibet and give them independence”

Puyuhuapi lodge and spa Patagonia Chile

"A secret south of silence" is how the Puyuhapi lodge and spa describes their experience. In the midst of the wilds of Patagonia you can find luxury and personal care. Here is a link to find out more about this unique place.

Hotel espacio Y Tiempo La Junta Patagonia Chile

I had the honor of spending a few nights at Espacio Y Tiempo In Patagonia Chile. This mountain Lodge is owned and run by a gracious couple who fed me well and invited over some locals to dance and party the night away. Chile is an extremely beautiful place, with an emphasis on "extreme" The mountains are higher the rivers are faster and the weather is intense. Here is a link to find out more about this cozy little place at the end of the earth.

What I hate about Cancun Mexico

I love Mexico, I hate Cancun. When I look at it too long I fear that I will turn to stone.

Really Mad Cows, Tizimin Mexico

For about a month, my brother Mark and I lived down wind from a slaughterhouse in Tizimin Mexico. In the afternoon it was best to stay inside and try not to breath. I spent a day photographing the slaughter. It was a job, the workers inside were jovial except for the two guys who spent eight hours a day killing the cows before they were skinned and cut up. Those guys were scary, they worked in silence, and you stayed away from them. These heads were bound for the taco stand street vendors in Mexico City.

Aviarios del Caribe Costa Rica

Aviarios del Caribe is a wildlife sanctuary near one of my favorite parts of Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo. A very cool area with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world .Here is link to find out more

Tiputini Biodiversity Station, Ecuador, Western Amazon

This is a story of loss. I had the chance to visit the Tiputini Biodiversity station twice, once for pleasure and adventure and the next time after pitching an assignment. It is long journey to the middle of nowhere. Five hours under a plastic tarp down the Amazon in a long canoe, Three hours over bumpy jungle roads, in a pick up truck then back in the canoe. The journey is well worth being able to experience one of the most remote and diverse ecological environments on the planet. It is spectacular. While there I spent the day following a column of army ants and a troop of monkeys with one of the visiting researchers, and somehow lost my film pack in the jungle. A small black fanny pack out there somewhere that I was sure would never be found. Two weeks later I got a phone call in Quito, the capital of Ecuador where I was staying that they had found my film and were sending it to me with the next return trip form the station. I was saved. After making it back to the states I went to my trust worthy local professional lab to have my booty processed. Two hours later I got a call saying that a technician had inadvertently destroyed 90% of my film. I thought of Robert Capa, the only photographer at D-day who had most of his film from that deadly day also ruined by a lab rat. Life cannot be repeated and I felt like I had lost a child. This is one of the few shots I salvaged. Here is a link to the Tiputini website for more info on this amazing place.

NY Times Travel Show 2008

I just got back from working the crowds along with the rest of the Gonomad crew at the NY Times Travel show. Check out Max's blog, Readuponit for all the details. It was a great show and a real victory for the site. Taiwan had a large presence there along with many other countries from around the world and as always, the streets of NY City were alive with characters

Aragon Shepherd, Zaragoza Spain.

This is Manuel, a shepherd that was quietly tending to his sheep among the rolling hills out side of Zaragoza Spain when I sprang upon him with my camera out of nowhere followed by the beautiful Meredith Pillon . This guy was the real deal. After I talked with him he agreed to have a portrait taken but he said. " Holy Jesus don't print a picture of me with your beautiful friend, my wife will kill me."

Drunk Stuntmen, drunk again

Last night I was over at the backwoods studio of the Drunk stuntmen to shoot their new publicity photo. These guys are everything a rock band ought to be; Well-crafted songs, inspired lyrics, kick ass guitar and piano. They laugh too loud, drink to much, play hard, party hard champions of the working class that give you their souls at every live performance. As I expected I was going to have a great time, work my ass off and probably hurt in the morning. My camera hit the floor for the first time in two years; one of my lights fell off the organ and blew a 100-dollar flash tube. One of the stuntmen in a musical trance tripped over a camera case almost taking out the drummer and I woke up late with an impressive hangover. It was a blast. Here is a link to there website and a you tube video of a performance of theirs with the country’s oldest- newest movie stars , the young at heart chorus

Trash Talk

This is the cover of the Valley Advocate that I shot for this weeks issue for a story by Maureen Turner.Does a proposed transfer station unfairly target one Holyoke neighborhood? That’s what could happen, if a proposal to build a 22,575-square-foot trash transfer station at 686 Main St. succeeds. The project, proposed by United Waste Management, Inc., based in Bolton, Mass., would be a drop-off site for solid municipal waste, collected from neighboring communities, and for construction and demolition, or C&D, waste. The waste would be consolidated and then transported to landfills. Angry residents are organizing against the project, citing worries about pollution, increased traffic and noise. Proponents of the project counter that the station would bring jobs and tax revenue to a city that could use more of both, and say fears about the project are off the mark. Here is a link to the full story

My not so funny valentine

As Schools Match Wits

I photographed television game show host Chris Rohmann last night on the set of As Schools Match Wits: "Produced at the studios of Westfield State College and broadcast on WGBY, As Schools Match Wits delivers all of the fun of the classic high school quiz-show and introduces a new generation of high-school students to one of the few public competitions that stresses knowledge over physical ability." Here is a link to the show.

Greenland

These hand prints were on the side of a bus stop wall in Greenland.

Nicaragua

Aging with grace and humor

I photographed this couple in Holyoke MA. during an assignment for Commonwealth magazine. It makes me look forward to growing old enough that I can get away with wearing glasses like that.

Mexico Death Master

The guitar man

This is the cover that I shot for the Valley Advocate this week of Jose Gonzalez. Here is a