Personal

My parents have two sons. One is a son that no typical oriental parents would ever want. Being a photographer, large format digital print maker, and an entrepreneur he is, by definition, a professional artist without a steady income. He completed a four year business degree program in a school that in 2001 ranked below a school that doesn't even have a business program in the business school section of Maclean's Magazine's annual post secondary institution rankings. He felt it was a waste of almost a fifth of is life upon barely graduating in 2005. When many graduates can joke that all they are leaving with is this piece of paper worth about $20,000 and four years of intensive study, this son has actually managed to lose this piece of paper. They constantly worry about this son not eating properly because he is the only member of the family with clearly visible ribs and protruding hip bones. He alienates people with a ruthless and non-sympathetic attitude valuing only results and never rewarding for fruitless but noble efforts. The other son is who many Asian parents would not only be pleased to have as a son but would eagerly and proudly tell other Asian parents about. He completed his co-op chemical engineering degree from one of the most revered universities for this field, has maintained outstanding academic scores, participated in structured extra curricular activities, is a crowd-charmer, just returned from a research placement in Norway studying carbon recapture and will likely lead a respectable and stable career in something related to his degree. He makes friends easily and is well-liked. On top of all of this, this son works out and is in excellent physical condition.

My brother, the son that many Asian parents would dream of having, leaves for what could be over half a year on a dual sport motorcycle to South America. I know that my mother is very worried for my brother's safety because of all of the accidents she has seen on the news in North America and some truly horrific incidences involving single track motor vehicles back in Malaysia. But I told my mom not to worry; I have instructed my brother that in case of a serious and crippling accident, make sure he dies instead. And since I have refrained from motorcycling for the past few years due to heavy construction on many of the roadways that I normally use, she only stands to lose one son to a motorcycle accident. I guess the math makes sense but I hope that they both know that I am just kidding.

He checks in whenever there is internet access and a chance to Skype back home. It helps keep our mother's worries under control. You can follow his journey on his new blog. I'm sure it'd be cool if you wanted to contact him to say hello but if there is a message you'd prefer for me to pass to him or you'd like to be informed right away of the latest patch of pavement or piece of debris he collides just ask. His blog may have a posting delay since our mother has finally started checking it.

I took a few photos of him before he geared up and left with his friend Jan. At time of writing, Glendon is in Mexico and I believe Jan is returning to Canada to begin his medical residence. If you read this, Glendon, understand that most of the aforementioned is written in jest. It isn't just mom and dad that are proud of you; I am very proud of having you as a brother and I am envious that you are taking this trip. I don't worry for you but still hope that you return safely.

As unbelievable as it may look, this really is his bike and he really does have a Class 6 license.

All shot on Fuji NPZ in the Leica M7 and with the 35/2 and pushed from the rated ISO 800 to about ISO 1600 or so. I had shot some other content on this roll thinking it was Delta 400 that I frequently push to ISO 1600 so everything was exposed for ISO 1600.

Jan is an experienced rider and I think the whole family is glad that he was traveling with Glendon.

The last frame I shoot of my brother for who knows how long. I hope you have a great trip.