Dream Trip 2009

Great Travel Moment

When I ask, "May I take your picture?" the most common response--especially in a foreign country--is a quick shake of the head "No." Honoring that personal boundary was no less important to me when capturing this image in Boushan, western Yunnan Province in China last April. As the horse opened the door with his nose I raised my camera. Seeing the man inside I respectfully dropped the camera back to my side, knowing that by the time I asked his permission the moment would be gone. But the man smiled back at me "Yes," and raised his cup of tea my way to punctuate his approval. I released the shutter, smiled back, and tipped my head in "Thank you," with no need for words.