Hello friend,
I’d like to take some time to share something that is very dear and personal to me. It’s something that I’ve been musing about on this stormy day here in Ottawa, with my trip to Thailand looming ever closer.
My childhood.
When I was very young, I lived in two very different worlds
I had what most would consider a “normal” childhood, by North American standards, but when I look back at that distant time, I find myself unable to recall any vivid memories of my younger years living on the West Coast.
It’s the memories of bustling Southeast Asian airports, and dusty rural roads surrounded by old teak houses. Memories of being bathed outside in a large bucket of boiled water during the humid nights. I remember being surrounded by mosquito netting while I listen to the hum of insects and frogs, lulling my young child-mind to sleep.
This is how I remember growing up, and when I returned to my home in Los Angeles, I found myself sometimes not being able to relate to other children. Growing up in the district of Woodland Hills, in comparison to a world of bizarre exotic fruits and elephants, how does a child relate to another of the strange, yet wondrous world that only I seemed to knew.
It’s been four years since I’ve been to Thailand.
I want to recreate that childlike view of the world. To show you what I’ve seen, and what I have yet to.
I hope through my filming to come, I can guide you through the faraway lands of Elsewhere.
Like I was as a child.
- Benjamin Sperling
All photo credits to Dave Sperling. I can never give enough thanks to him.
Cute photographs! I’m so excited for you guys.