Looking in Darkness in Perugia, Italy - Los Angeles Travel Photographer

Have you tried looking for a place at night, in rain? A friend that I made on Instagram recently reminded me of my first impression of Perugia.

Looking-in-Darkness-Perugia-Italy-Copyright-Jean-Huang-Photography

Looking-in-Darkness-Perugia-Italy-Copyright-Jean-Huang-Photography

It doesnโ€™t always happen. But it had to be this day, when we were driving into Perugia after sunset, where itโ€™s not just any Medieval town thatโ€™s perched on top of a hill. Itโ€™s a city whose historical center is perched wayyyyy up on the hill and the parking lots are wayyyy down. So, the trick was to find Piazza Partigiani, park the car there and take the escalator straight up to our reserved hotel.

When we pulled into the parking lot, I went out to find the way to the hotel, without the hindrance of the luggage or the car. As the seemingly endless sections of escalator took me further and further away from the car and my Assistante, I started getting worried. When the bottom of the escalator was finally out of my sight, I was staring into the darkness of the night. Thereโ€™s no immediate structure within a reasonable stoneโ€™s throw.

Luckily, a lady came up behind me, the only one person that I met since getting out of the car. I quickly grabbed the opportunity and blurbed the hotel name to her. She took my arm and gestured that I could walk with her. I felt relieved.

Five minutes later, we were still walking, in darkness. I wanted to tell her that I still have a companion waiting for me behind. But my translation skill was not up to par. I looked at her and she pulled me closer to her under the umbrella. I couldnโ€™t do anything but following such a nice lady. The only thing that I was worried about was how I would track my way back. After what felt like a really long time, we arrived at a central bus station and she handed me to a gentleman that speaks good English. My search for the hotel continuesโ€ฆโ€ฆ

Aquaduct-and-Street-Perugia-Italy-Copyright-Jean-Huang-Photography

Aquaduct-and-Street-Perugia-Italy-Copyright-Jean-Huang-Photography

Do you want to know what happens next? Let me know and I might have a follow-up post. :-)

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Eye for An Eye in Porto, Portugal - Los Angeles Travel Photographer

While exploring Porto, Portugal, I noticed there were eyes everywhere and I had being watched for who-knows-however-long. You know me, Iโ€™m no sitting duck type of person. I thought Iโ€™d give them eyes back. Being a visual creator, my best weapon would be just that - my eyes (not necessarily my vision though counting my glasses ๐Ÿค“ ).

Anyways, I had to not be caught. It helps when people are looking up:

Looking-Up-Porto-Portugal-Copyright-Jean-Huang-Photography

Looking-Up-Porto-Portugal-Copyright-Jean-Huang-Photography

Or, when their hands are heavy with the flowers for the lovely lady at home:

Weekend-Shopping-Porto-Portugal-Copyright-Jean-Huang-Photography

Weekend-Shopping-Porto-Portugal-Copyright-Jean-Huang-Photography

As time went by, it got really easy. I started thinking that I can do this professionally. ๐Ÿ˜

By the time I arrived at the Sao Bento train station, Iโ€™ve lost myself and wouldnโ€™t blame this gentleman for being too excited. In a place thatโ€™s covered with such beautiful
azulejo, I got a little hot-headed and couldnโ€™t quite hold myself or my lips together.

Excited-Tourist-Sao-Bento-Train-Station-Porto-Portugal-Copyright-Jean-Huang-Photography

Excited-Tourist-Sao-Bento-Train-Station-Porto-Portugal-Copyright-Jean-Huang-Photography

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I Was Too Young - Los Angeles Travel Photographer

When we got to Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, the whole trip was winding to an end. Angkor Wat was the international sensation and we had just checked it off the list during the trip. It was how we traveled back then, in a checking-things-off-of-other-peopleโ€™s-list kind of way.

Upon arriving at the
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, I was ready to quickly walk around the once one of 150 torture and execution centers established by the Khmer Rouge, so we could move onto the next site. Yet, the guide started the emotional recounting of what his family and people like his experienced after the fall of Phnom Penh. Half an hour would go by as we stood under the scotching sun. All the while, I was eager to leave and see the exotic and pretty Cambodia that we went to the country for.

Statues-with-Offerings-Wat-Phnom-Temple-Phnom-Penh-Cambodia-Copyright-Jean-Huang-Photography

Statues-with-Offerings-Wat-Phnom-Temple-Phnom-Penh-Cambodia-Copyright-Jean-Huang-Photography

Even so, two things that the guide shared stayed with me. One, after the Khmer Rouge took over the city, everybody with glasses (i.e., the educated) were rounded up and sent to far away places, supposedly to do labor work. Two, his father was one of those people in glasses. They have not heard from him since and do not even know if heโ€™s still alive.

Looking back, I realized I did not have any photographs from the Genocide Museum. I wish I had listened more closely.

It was ten years ago. I was too young.

Man-Praying-Wat-Phnom-Temple-Phnom-Penh-Cambodia-Copyright-Jean-Huang-Photography

Man-Praying-Wat-Phnom-Temple-Phnom-Penh-Cambodia-Copyright-Jean-Huang-Photography

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