My First Time – Photo Meditations – Ode to England

August 23rd, 2012

This post is to honor my first photo meditation journey, which took place decades ago, when I was in my twenties.  It is also to honor the upcoming visit of my dear friend Sharon from Kent, England, home of Sissinghurst Garden.  These photos show the first time I fell in love with England.

My first photo meditation journey was in England.  I had just bought my first  camera, an Olympus with telephoto and other lenses.  I didn’t have any experience really, so I thought this would be a good time to learn. I was traveling alone, with my camera as companion.  Together we would see this part of the world.

I got a free round trip flight through DHL couriers from Chicago to London.  All I could take on the plane was one carry-on piece of luggage.  It was full of rolls of slide film – Ektachrome & Kodachrome – my camera equipment, and a few pieces of clothing.

I rented a red Mini and drove south through the countryside to  Portsmouth.  There were many stops to look at the map and find my way.  I had no reservations for places to stay or about exploring and seeing where this journey would take me.

I came across a parade of Morris Dancers who offered me a beer after their dance.  My Midwest accent felt like a Southern drawl compared to their quick precise words.

Two charming boys let me take their photo.  I can’t remember why they had a magnifying glass.

Most of my time was spent in villages with narrow main roads down the center.  There were few people around, just signs of their working and living.

My week long trip let me fall in love with all I saw, and let me fall in love with photography.  Together the many cameras I have owned  have been my companions sharing the road and seeing the world (if only in my backyard) with new and open eyes.