“A traveling man, is like a flowing river. Clean and pure.” Meaning, when you meet others around the world, your heart is opened. You have a different view of the world.
I have this insatiable, genuine passion and curiosity, to see how others live. To learn about people and cultures. To hear what makes them happy, and what makes them sad. I’m lucky to have met the nicest people around the world
BUT I CAN’T CONTROL MYSELF. “Hello. How are you today? Where are you from? I mean, your heritage? Where does your family live? How long have you lived here? Do you have children? What’s it like living here? What do you do for a living? May I take your picture?” Some of this persistent, sometimes irritating, line of questioning surely comes from one’s heritage, family, and experiences. Somehow, I’ve been lucky to engage others with offending only a few. But, I am sincerely interested in people and cultures.
My wife and I began traveling in the 90’s. We’ve ventured throughout Europe and into southern Africa. In 2003, I began traveling to Asia and the Middle East on business and pleasure. Laurie had no desire to see Asia (her first trip was in 2016). I frightened her with pictures of the unusual food. Unfortunately, we didn’t have digital photography in the early 90’s.
The majority of pictures were taken in Asia, as I’ve traveled to Asia extensively since 2003, and I’m intrigued by the culture.
It simply feels natural to engage people. I smile, and ask genuine questions about their lives. I have been known to jump into a New York City cab and ask, “What’s it like to be a Muslim after 9/11?” My approach seems to be disconcerting to my friends. I always seek permission to take pictures. Most women refuse, unless accompanied by a baby or younger person.
My friendliness has only failed me on two occasions. An eccentric young woman in London, covered with tattoos and piercing, asked for money. I refused, as I’ve never paid anyone for a picture. An old man in Yantai, China, wanted to fight me, after he agreed to have his picture taken, and then asked for money. I again refused.
This is an attempt to showcase the people I’ve met. I will gradually add photos. Hopefully, readers will be encouraged to meet the world.
Andy McCluskey
NAQ (No Asked Questions—-No-one has ever asked a question)
Are you a professional photographer? Take a look at the pictures and judge for yourself. Absolutely not!
Who are you? A friendly fellow who likes to engage with others.
Did you receive verbal permission to take the pictures. Absolutely yes!
Did you receive written permission to take the pictures? Absolutely not!
Why did you publish this website? I was bored during the COVID self-quarantine.
The stories under “Blog” are just stories, my impression of an event, at the time. It would be naive and wrong to judge a culture after a brief encounter. So, any observations are mine and not intended to hurt anyone.
Flowing River 