Aceh 2006
I had an opportunity to help undertake relief and rehabilitation work in Aceh in 2006, more than one year after the Indian Ocean Tsunami devastated the place. As usual, I always had a camera with me while at work and I was able to collect a few photos. The devastation was still very evident when I was in the region but I didn’t want to delve on this subject matter in my photos. In lieu of photographing the suffering, I instead tried to capture how the city and its people were gradually recovering from the tragedy.
Unfortunately, I was not yet blogging then. And when I did start writing short articles and uploading my photos into the net; it was not with WordPress so my photos as of now are scattered in at least 4 different sites in the net. This was why, when I started blogging at WordPress, one of my intentions was to see whether I can eventually consolidate them within this site. So today I’ll begin moving my photos at mylifegains.multiply.com which I have already abandoned to “A Traveller’s Tale” at WordPress.
It’s been almost 7 years now since the Indian Ocean Tsunami happened on 26 December 2004. Many other calamities have happened since then including the more recent and widely publicized tsunami devastation in Japan but still it will be nice to have a second look at Aceh way back in 2006. Here’s a short photo essay.
"Ark": This boat was carried by the waves over a residential area then was left sitting on a house several hundred meters inland. Newly constructed houses can be noticed at the foreground.
"Fishing Boats": Donors worked overtime to support survivors in recovering their livelihoods. These fishing boats distributed by various humanitarian agencies sat on debris of what used to be a residential area by the seaside.
"Waiting for the Tide": This lone fishing boat sat on what used to be a mangrove area that got flattened by the tsunami. Newly built housing units can be seen at the background.
"Relief Workers": Humanitarian aid workers can be found everywhere in Banda Aceh City and the whole province of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam. I captured this photo of young Muslim ladies on their way to their field work as I followed their van along a city street.
"School Girls": Through intensified support from the UN and other international donors, the schools have started operating again. In this photo, school girls carrying their stuff in UNICEF backpacks walk early to school.
"Young Survivors": The one thing I admired most among Aceh people was their resiliency. Not much bitterness can be observed among those I encountered but rather a strong sense of hope and determination was often evident. One of my most favorite photos was of these young Acehnese boys with very strong facial expressions.
"Almost Home": Aceh Province is predominantly agricultural. The locals have started replanting their farms and the ricefields in the plains have started to show signs of renewed life.
"Aceh Highlands": The mountainous portions of Aceh Province were not directly affected by the tsunami but rather benefited from the peace agreement between Jakarta and the GAM secessionist movement that got brokered to bring in much needed humanitarian assistance. Peace became a silver lining to the dark cloud of tragedy that enveloped the province.
"Regrowth": For 3 decades, the Aceh highlands has been a battleground between government forces and GAM rebels. In the aftermath of the tsunami and the peace agreement, signs of livelihoods getting re-invigorated can be seen on these once bloodied grounds.
"Road to Meulaboh": Like the elusive Sumatran tiger that roams the jungles of Aceh, lasting peace and development maybe difficult to catch but can also be just somewhere round the bend.
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I’m so glad you took the time to post these photos. I had no idea of the history and am glad that the silver lining of peace came from the tragedy and that people have the hope of living more normal lives. Your photos are incredible–the group of boys is amazing that you caught them as you did, but the last photo is like a wonderland.
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Hi animalartist. I’m glad I was able to impart a bit of history. Yes, peace after 3 decades of war was the blessing after the tragedy. Thanks for your kind comments.
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Thanks for sharing, these are really great. So you are consolidating everything on wordpress.com? I’m actually contemplating leaving and doing a self hosted website to get more control.
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Thanks for visiting, 2 Rivers. I’m moving those photos I want to preserve from the sites I’ve already abandoned. I’m not ready for a self-hosted website yet so wordpress.com will be the main site for now. Not easy, really, to work in several sites but self-hosting may require much time as well. Regards.
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Another superb post Jessie. Love the photo of the boys faces and the colours in the first photo. Really eye catching.
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Thanks, David.
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Wow . . .
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Really glad you decided to share this with us! The pictures are amazing even though it was such a huge disaster over there. Looking at these pictures makes me appreciate what I have and stop moaning about insignificant things! 🙂
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Thanks, Lilly and Kristina. The Aceh experience made me believe that behind every dark cloud is a silver lining.
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Amazing post. It is shocking how much destruction nature can cause.
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True. And it seems that there have been more frequent natural disasters since the Indian Ocean Tsunami. Thanks for visiting, TBM.
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Perhaps having to consolidate is good…for this is a good reminder of an event that matters! Thanks for liking my site, I may never have made here for a good reflection!
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Thanks, Dave. I have not been very good at managing my photos and I realized that I can’t keep track of some of them anymore so I thought it’s about time to consolidate. I appreciate your kind comments.
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Amazing. All of your work is really vibrant, but the way you capture the expressions on people’s faces really tells so much.
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Many thanks, spurandprod.
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What wonderful photojournalism! I’m so glad you posted these here. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
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Thanks, Susie.
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Jessie, incredible images! I respect your philosophy about capturing the survival aspect, and not just the terrible tragedy. Your photographs of the people are particularly very expressive, but the panoramas are equally beautiful. Thank you for taking the time to share!
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Hi, Tricia. Humanitarian work can be very stressful especially if one loses hope and cannot see improvements in the situation. Thanks for your kind comments.
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Fantastic vivid green colours!
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Thanks.
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What a lovely set of pictures, good to see the hopeful side of the tragedy. The young survivors picture is great the facial expressions are caught so well.
All the best
Mike
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Thanks a lot for the visit and for your kind comments, Mike. Regards.
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outstanding work!
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Thanks…
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That’s quite a collection of exceptional images accompanying this extremely interesting and informative entry.
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Thanks a lot, Kerry. Grateful for the visit.
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These aftermath photos are as powerful as the tsunami itself!
They tell a lot of stories.
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Quite a strong comment, LC — in a good way. Thanks a lot!
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Thanks for the sharing…
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Outstanding photography! Thanks for stopping by my blog.
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Thanks, Dedot and joyfulwise. 🙂
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Incredible article and the photographs are astounding. You have the gift of sight and the magic to catch visions.
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Hi Beth. I’m pleased to have you visit my blog. Thanks a lot for your kind comments.
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Amazing photographs! I especially like the composition on “Relief Workers;” the framing is perfect
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Hi blepfo. The photo you like is a bit grainy because I took it from a car and we were mobile but yes, I also like the image. Thanks for your kind comments.
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Beautiful pictures. Especially the picture “Young survivors”, it’s perfect!
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Many thanks, Jenny. I treasure that photo as well. Regards.
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Thank you for sharing Aceh with me,your view has been my only view of that tragedy. I thank you for sharing your travels and images. It is inspiring because I want to travel and photograph the world. Look forward to seeing much more. Also, thank you for stopping by my blog.
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Hi, xpodesignva. It’s good to know we have a common view about the tragedy. We also have a common desire to travel and photograph the world. There’s just so much to see, too much we don’t know about other places outside the small corners we call our home. Thanks for dropping by.
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These photos are really powerful! I’ll come visit your blog more often. Thanks for liking some of my pictures! 🙂
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Hi hinblick. Thanks for the return visit. Glad to have found your blog as well.
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Very interesting perspective especially to be able to step away from the devastation and focus on the progress being made there. It is very good to remind those of us who have not lived through anything as horrific as the tsunami how fortunate we are.
Thanks for sending me a note to take a look at your blog. Cheers.
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Hi, Ann. I agree, we should be more thankful for each day we survive without experiencing such devastating incidents.
Thanks for visiting.
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Wow, I really liked your photos of the boats, as I row similar shaped ones down the Salmon River in Idaho. They make great whitewater craft, not only fun to ride in, but offer wonderful opportunites for photography
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Thanks, wapitisriversedge…
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Thanks for “liking” some of the images on my mom’s blog (annsullivangallery.wordpress.com). I moderate her comments for her and came to your blog. Your photography is absolutely amazing!
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Hi, Kris. Now I have yours and your mom’s blog to check out. Thanks for the return visit and your kind comment.
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This is amazing.
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Thanks, winegums..
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Wow! I love two of these especially, the one of the boys faces and the last one “Road to Meulaboh”.
Fantastic. I just want to be there so much, taking the shot myself. I had to stumble it.
M.
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Thank you very much, MikeC366.
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what an amazing experience…your images are beautiful and thought provoking…thanks for sharing them
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Thanks, jmpix…
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These pics are just lovely. It’s so inspiring what experiences these photos convey. I love the abandoned boats and the pic in particular. My best to all these people and for their well-being. Beautiful work!
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Thank you very much, LegosnEggos for you kind comment. And thanks for your wish to the survivors as well.
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Jessie, there is so much to see on your blog. I’m just getting started and my only regret is that I can’t take a day off and spend it all exploring what you have done. But I’ll get there. I have come back to study “Survivors” almost every time I visit your sight. It just keeps on talking to me, and I want to know those kids.
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Hello again, Dave. I’m truly grateful for your interest in my photos and stories. It’s an honor.
Yes, those young survivors are really ‘talking’ to the viewer, aren’t they. It’s also my personal favorite. I wish I was able to gather more info about them so I can share them with you. Unfortunately, I was in the midst of a village meeting when I caught this photo and I couldn’t find them anymore when I have discharged of my responsibilities in the meeting.
Thanks again.
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Nice pictures, remind me of Aceh. Within 2006-2008 I was working in Aceh for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Housing and Settlement under German Government projects. I worked in Banda Aceh, Sigli, Meulaboh, Lamno, Takengon, etc. It was a very remarkable experience. I will post some pictures later.
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Thanks, alonsohutapea. I left Aceh in November 2006 so both of us must have been there at one time. Will look forward to seeing your photos of Aceh.
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Thanks for the Like! The colours and composition in ‘Ark’ are so graphic and fresh, and I love the way you capture the sky and clouds. I think it’s your trademark.
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Thanks, Mark.
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Thanks for visiting my “punny” photoblog and leaving a “like.” Also thanks for the hopeful signs of recovery from the Aceh region. I haven’t seen any images since those seen worldwide immediately after the tsunami.
–John R.: TheDailyGraff.com
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Grateful for the return visit, John. I consider myself an artist so I leave a “like” to anything I find artistic. 🙂
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Beautiful photogtraphy…love seeing the faces here as well.
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Thank you, David.
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Beautiful work and frame of mind. Thank you for visiting your fellow photojournalist. I too had my travel stories transferred from Multiply to WordPress and it’s very tasking (and am not done yet). It was a pleasure to discover yours. Continue to make us proud.
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Jojie! I was wondering why your name sounded familiar until I read you bio at WP. It’s truly a pleasure — no, an honor — that you visited my blog! Lots of things I can relate with you. I used to paint as well, loves to travel (obviously), was in multiply (closed my site here), lives in Davao, and loves photography — but I obviously lag behind in terms of achievements in this area :). Will be following your blog closely. Thanks for the visit and your kind comments.
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Haha, oh I hope you’re not one of those who thought of me as male! Kidding aside, I didn’t know you “existed” (for lack of a better term) until I read your blog. And what a damn good find. You are one of those silent achievers that are better off than the loud ones in my industry (oops). I can’t wait to see your artworks as well. We will now be following each other closely (stalkers alert!). 🙂
Mabuhay, kabayan. 🙂
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This is a very profound and insightful posting. I appreciate your coverage via your photographs, and I absolutely love the “Young Survivors” image you captured. Very moving portrait of so many different expressions.
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Thank you so much.
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such a fascinating place…. wonderfully captured.
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Thanks, Derrick.
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In my opinion, “young survivors” is the best capture about this essay of this tragic event. Keep shooting!
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Will do, Stephen. Thanks.
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I was in Thailand when the Tsumani hit and worked in Koh Lak – thanks for sharing
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Thanks for visiting.
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Gorgeous shots! You captured the mood so well, it was [ and is ] a pleasure to feel the shot 🙂
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Thanks a lot, Zakiya.
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Wonderful photos.
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Thanks you very much…
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I sent you a blogging award because I like your work very much.
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Hello, Mary Lou. I’m truly grateful for the recognition you’re giving my blog and for nominating me for a blogging award. I am deeply honored and my congratulations to you for having received the award as well. Regards.
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Your photos are amazing!
What a story. May we all have peace.
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I’m with you, margareeta. May we all have lasting peace. Thanks for your kind words.
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Than You very much for the Like.
Great photos by the way!!! you do travel a lot…
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Thanks, simphonyblue…
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Your stories and your blog take my breath away…. 🙂 I will be back often….
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Truly appreciate your return visit, Andrea. Will be dropping by your blog as well.
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Well worth the read and thanks again for sharing your images
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Thanks, David. Appreciate it.
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Your work is exquisite, and such a provocative reminder of how much a single photo can say. I am honored you liked one of my amateur photos. Thank you for liking my post so I could find my way to your blog.
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Thanks a lot for the return visit, Erin. I’m touched by your kind comment as well. I’m sure I found something beautiful in all the photos I liked including in the one you called ‘amateur’ in your blog. Regards.
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I really like the ambiance of your photographs. Somehow the photos speak of the pain and hope after the tsunami. Have you returned to Aceh recently? Even I myself as a person who lives in Indonesia haven’t visited Aceh yet.
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Hello, Bama. Thanks for you kind comment and for visiting this blog. I wish to visit Aceh again in the future (I’ve made a lot of friends and acquaintances there) and see how far the place and people have moved on after 2006. Thanks again.
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Amazing photos, here and everywhere else. Thanks for stopping by my blog and clicking like. That’s a serious compliment coming from such an accomplished photographer. I won’t forget it!
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Hello, giazon. Thanks for returning the visit. Checked the post I recently ‘liked’ in your blog and confirm that they’re all gorgeous — perhaps you’re just too modest. 🙂 Thanks for your compliment.
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I had meant to say in my earlier comment….that boats from around the world are all so different. Each region/nation has its own style
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I agree, David. ‘Boats from around the world’ would make for a good photography project because of their distinctions, as you said, and the tendency of boats to be situated in scenic spots. Hmm.. you just gave me an idea. Thanks for checking back on this post, David.
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IF you publish a book….me can negotiate an ideas fee!!! Have a good day, Cheers
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Great photos! The first one perfectly captures the terrible power of the Tsunami.
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Thanks, Bassa.
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i have seen so many photographs, the amazing ones, photos with special effects , with so many wow factors; but these photographs are so much natural. I feel myself walking through these roads..beautiful work done…Keep the good work doing…
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Thank you, parashartales. You are actually helping me define my photographic style 🙂 Regards.
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Wonderful pictures! I love the story behind them, the raw and realness of the people and their landscape. Just beautiful!.
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Thanks, Christine. Better late than never with my reply 🙂
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What an amazing post! Your pictures are incredible!
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Thanks so much.
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Incredible photos Jessie. I’m looking forward to reading more.
Rick
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Thanks, Rick. Sorry for the delay in acknowledging your comment. Regards.
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Beautiful shots, I’m glad things are going well for those folks, its hard to believe that was 7 years ago.
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Thank you, Ed.
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There is great beauty in helping others.
Perfect love to you my friend
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And perfect love back to you, Rasta teacher. My sincere apologies for the late reply.
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This is some incredible photography and writing. Thanks for your visit and I will add you to my blogroll. very glad I found your work!
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Hello, mimo. So sorry I failed to acknowledge your comment on time. Thank you so much for your kind words.
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I learn so much when I visit here. Really enjoyed reading this entry and I especially liked “Road to Meulaboh”.
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Thanks, Bill.
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Wow gorgeous photography C: Lovely colours too.
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Thanks, Dreamreflector…
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I am impressed so much. These are beautiful photographs. Thank you for sharing with us, have a nice week, with my love, nia
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Thank you, Nia. Sorry for the late reply.
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Thanks for sharing these! I especially love the colors of “Ark” and “Road to Meulaboh” is enchanting.
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Thank you, Ambre Falls…
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Gorgeous photos!
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Thanks, Lisa.
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Beautiful photos! I especially like the “Young Survivors” photo. Such an incredible story told in that photo! Great job.
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Stunning photographs!
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Your photos are stunning and inspiring! Thanks for visiting my blog and liking it. It means a lot to me to hear from other photographers. …
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Your landscape photos are stunning. That’s something i suck at.
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Excellent work!
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Hello…like everyone else…I love your work! ~Sherry~
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You do some awesome work bro! Keep up the good work and thanks for dropping by,
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amazing!
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Gorgeous pictures. The picture of the boys is haunting.
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Great shots! I agree with the others… the picture of the boys is fantastic. Keep up the wonderful work.
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Love the second one. Your warm tones are very welcoming to the eye. 🙂
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Very nice!
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cool shtos, well done
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excellent photos and much better than that, you were able to help
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I have no words for your incredible pictures… i am speechless, to say the least!
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Breathtaking pictures! I especially love “Waiting For The Tide”… very powerful image!
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Excellent photojournalism! Compelling photos are stunning and heartbreaking…
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Your photographs are stunning. You have beautifully captured the heart of a place and people struck by tragedy.
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Marvelous shots. Fabulous Color.
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what a wonderful thing to be part of relief and rehabilitation work. this photo essay is wonderful and touching to view.. ; )
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Your photos are outstanding and speak volumes.
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Some excellent photos here. Thanks for sharing
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pinoy ka po? ako from cebu
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Yes, from Davao.
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hehe.. nice to meet u sir. kababayan!
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Wow, you did an amazing work in the western part of my country! Great job, Jessie! 🙂
May God Bless You. I am so happy to find these pictures and felt very touched how a foreigner would care of helping those who were in need. I was in Jakarta when that happened, but yes, the grief was enormous and people felt depressed. So thank you once again for capturing the moment! 🙂
Subhan Zein
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Hello, Subhan. Sorry for the late reply but would like to thank you for your kind comments. I feel like I’m part of Indonesia already having had many exciting experiences there and many people who I already consider as my family. Thank you so much!!!
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fascinating range of photos
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Thanks for liking one of my posts. Coincidentally, I did post-tsunami relief in Aceh, too, but I didn’t take nearly as many photos as I wanted to. Love your collection, really brings me back.
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Your work inspires, simple as that. Beautiful and sad alike.
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Beautiful photography… will definitely have to take a few tips from you. Looking forward to more…
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Wow ! The pictures say it all !
Good work !
Congrats !!
utham
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Hi,
This is for you 🙂
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Raining awards everywhere! You are nominated for The Versatile Blogger award!
Check here for details – http://theurgetowander.com/2012/03/15/its-raining-blog-love/
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Just started to follow you after you “liked” my blog and wow, your photography captures such beauty and heart, I’m very happy to have found you. I’ll tweet this post on my account too. Thanks and take care.
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Hi,
I’m giving you this
http://whatlifesays.wordpress.com/2012/03/16/one-more-feather-in-cap/ 🙂
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Your photographs are amazing! Thank you for sharing.
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Hi Your photos are just lovely they really portray the beauty of the country even after the Tsunami!
Will be keeping watch 🙂
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i am touched. you are a good person 🙂
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Just beautiful (the photographs and your work there)! Thank you so much for sharing with us.
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Wow. Incredibly subdued images, which is strange I suppose, considering the upheaval.
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I love the last photo, very atmospheric and almost like a drawing. The different shades of green are divine. A very subtle flow from back, through shades of green, to white.
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*black instead of “back”
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Very inspiring photos , thanks for sharing them with us 🙂
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Humans are so resilient!
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Beautiful pictures !
Interesting tales !
Eagerly waiting for more of them .
Keep posting !!
utham
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Beautiful images unmongst the tradegy. These people must be very resilient.
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awesome photos
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Thanks, adrianaaron.
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You’re welcome=)
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Jessie your passion for what you do comes through clearly in your photography. I especially enjoy the portraits of the people you have encountered. So lovely! ~ Lynda
PS: And Thank you for visiting me today too.
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Hello, Linda. Thanks for returning the visit and for your kind comment.
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Superb, what a weblog it is! This web site gives helpful data to us, keep it up.
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Thank you so much. Appreciate it.
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Love the last picture the best 🙂 Very cool 🙂
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Lots of comments, lots of awards, but here’s one more: I nominated you for the Kreativ Blogger Award. Keep up the good work!
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Hello, Brett. Thanks so much for the nomination. Truly appreciate it.
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An amazing post and an amazing selection of photographs. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
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Hi! I really enjoy your blog so I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award!
http://nikitasmits.com/2012/08/22/versatile-blogger-award/
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Thank you so much for the nomination, Nikita. Really appreciate it. Cheers!!
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Hi,
It is funny I just notice the previous post. I also nominated you to join Capture the Colour contest! it is very easy and they have amazing prizes. Check out my latest post or go to their website: http://www.travelsupermarket.com/c/holidays/capture-the-colour to find out all the details.
I hope to see your awesome photos in the contest 🙂
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Hello, Pamela. Sorry for the late reply (Been out in the bush lately). Thank you so much for nominating me to the Capture the Colour contest. It looks fun although I realize that it’s too late to join now. But still, thank you for the nomination.
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Hi there,
I just nominated you for One Lovely Blog Award. I would be honored if you accepted.
Thank you for an awesome blog.
http://pictureperfectmemoriesforlife.wordpress.com/2012/09/17/my-first-blog-award-nomination/
Coreen
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Your work inspires. Especially the picture “Young survivors”, it’s perfect! Cheers ^ _ ^
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Thank you so much! “Young Survivors” is one of my favorites as well.
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Nice to see some more recent photos as my brother-in-law, his then wife and their child were in Sydney NSW at the time. They flew back to their home in Medan and a small surfing resort they had only set up a couple of years earlier on Simuelue Island not knowing what to expect. Her family in Aceh was directly affected and her cousin (a father to two high school aged children) was never found. I recall that their island resort accommodation building was more structurally damaged by the earthquake that occurred in February the following year.
Lovely tones in t\your selection here. Thank you. <Alexandra
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Hello, Alexandra. Yes, in my 11 months in Aceh I heard lots of horrible stories about how people survived and how others were not so fortunate. I hope your family members and acquaintances have fully recovered from that tragedy. Thanks for sharing your memories and leaving a kind note. – Jessie
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