Gratitude

I reached out to Joshua Corbett the first day I arrived in Alaska. I had seen his work in The New York Times and wanted to pick his brain about freelance photography. Josh sat with me for hours and we geeked analog photography, film making, and Alaska (my new home). He said he’d do his best to get some work for me. Sure enough, he let me assist on a few video shoots. If you ever see this, Josh, I’m grateful for you.

Building a Resort

For a month I helped build an eco-friendly resort in Puerto Escondido called Barbarenas. We worked mornings from 8 to noon, sorting through piles of rocks, grouting walkways, and plastering the pools with natural mud. By midday, it was in the low 90s and we enjoyed lunch together (rice, beans, and veggies in a tomato base). I worked with my roommates (Niels (pictured), Nada, and Stijn). There was a local artist, originally from Cuba, named Yunior Marino, who was part owner and in charge of the interior design. He’s a phenomenal painter and sculptor. He enjoyed sitting in the shade and smoking cigarettes. My other coworkers were locals who worked extremely hard for very little money (although a decent local wage). On the walk home down the hill and towards the ocean, I’d enjoy a paleta. The rest of the afternoon was mine to play volleyball, surf, and swim.