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Reports

During my travels, I received free accommodation for a night in exchange for writing a daily travel diary. This diary documented how I reached my next destination, the hosts who welcomed me, the food I was offered, and other experiences along the way. Below, you will find the archives of these extensive reports. Please note that English is not my native language, and most entries were written quickly, often around midnight. Enjoy!
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Sunday, 14 July 2002
--> Maida Vale, Perth, Australia (another day)

I was going to go to another place in Perth today, but unfortunately today's host had to cancel because of circumstances in his family. (Paul, I wish you strength!). It was okay for Jaimes Thorpe if I stay another day. We would just make it an idle Sunday.

What changed the day was an interview a lady from the Australian Who Weekly magazine. A lady reporter came over for lunch time and recorded a chat with me for their upcoming edition.

Half an hour later the photographer entered Jaimes small apartment. Fran, that was her name, wanted to have a shot of me sitting in de kitchen and Jaimes talking to me, both enjoying a cup of coffee. Sure thing, sounds good.

But taking the actual official photograph almost took an entire hour! Special lights had to be installed in the room and even outside this big lightning umbrella created this 'real sunlight' that was preferred. Several Polaroid test shots later Jaimes and I got a bit bored and started fighting with wooden spoons! "Yes, that's a great shot," the photographer squealed, "hold it right there!".

For one other photo (only one!) Fran and her assistant/sister took me out for a drive. Fran found this excellent spot in the hills, and decided I had to hitchhike with all my gear underneath this bullet-shot kangaroo-sign. Because that was typical Australian of course!

Also at this spot an entire studio was built around me, including those lightning umbrellas. I could understand why lots of people pulled over or stopped their car in the middle of the road, because it must have seen quite a movie set.

The sun changed strength too, all the time, so after every test Polaroid the density of the light had to be changed or otherwise it was I who had moved an inch in position.

I was lucky that is was a sunny winter day, otherwise I might have been soaked wet by rain for the two hours I was standing along the road there.

Photoshootings are fun and I can disclose that I am getting rather experienced with them. But afterwards I am so exhausted of the standing, the waiting, the smiling, the waiting, the standing, the smiling – that I really wonder if that all is worth that one extra photograph.

A few days later from today a lady from the Who Weekly magazine in Sydney called me to tell me they couldn't use that outside photo as I did not look into the camera, which is what they wanted. The time I had been standing outside along a road in Perth was for nothing. "Ramon, can we take another photo?" I hope I wasn't too rude when I told her that I only want to spent a maximum time of 30 minutes to it. It is just a photo.


Back at Jaimes place we relaxed while watching another few of her videos, munching crisps slowly the day passed by. Nice to do absolutely nothing for a while!

Good night Maida Vale!

Ramon

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