We were driving into some beautiful but harsh countryside along the northwestern route of the Silk Road in western China. In the midst of 115°F (46°C) heat, we came upon a huge windstorm that created an amazing light. It was warm and shadowless.
I was looking for pictures that demonstrated how Han innovations, such as irrigation systems, are still in use today. As I looked out over this field, I saw a man still working in the storm. We couldn't drive to him, so I walked across the field for half a mile. The wind almost blew me over a few times. He seemed startled as I approached. All he saw was this person magically appear in his field.
I don't speak Chinese, he didn't speak English, and my interpreter wouldn't come with me in such conditions. So I started following the man and shooting pictures as he crossed the field. He kept waving me off as if saying, "Go away! Go away!" Then he went back to using his primitive irrigation system. It was an amazing day. Everywhere I turned was a great picture.
|
The windstorm we ran into was terribly uncomfortable. I had to literally lean into the wind at about a 45-degree angle to keep my balance. It blew out windshields on buses; about 15 buses waited at a rest area to try to avoid being toppled over.
This massive storm is a yearly occurrence, and it's by far the strongest wind I'd ever seen—and I'm from Kansas where we experience tornadoes. The dirt from the storm stuck in my lens and made it freeze up. That camera was pretty much non-functional for the rest of the trip.
|
I went to a market while visiting a small town that has sustained itself since the Han dynasty. It was busy and full of people. Everything was so visual; I was running around shooting pictures of the vegetables, lamb, and hanging meat. Then suddenly it seemed as if the whole place was empty. I turned around, and the people were all following me. I'd go to one side of the street, and they'd follow me there and check me out. It was pretty funny. They were intrigued by me.
|
