I visited Bagan some 30 or so years ago. Given the number of temples there, it is not surprising that quite a few of them were in poor shape. This did not seem to matter much to the Burmese at that time, because there was not much tourism going on. I pointed out to the Minister of Planning that the lack of tourists, leaving politics aside for the moment, was the inevitable result of a hugely overvalued official exchange rate and an almost complete lack of adequate facilities for tourists. Even in the hotel at which the government had booked the World Bank's economic mission (in Yangon) I saw rats running across the dining room floor on at least three occasions. Two of the mission members and I also got severe bouts of food poisoning. The hotel situation, I gather, is now much better, and general economic management may have improved, but the Burmese still have a great deal to do if they want to catch up economically with their Thai and other neighbors. Myanmar has all the potential, but the generals must be prepared to accept major changes in economic policy.

A superb set, as would be expected from a photographer of your caliber. Congratulations. Keep them coming.

Many thanks for the response, and for remembering our interaction some time ago concerning your photographs on Oman. You really have a keen eye for composition, color, and detail. And, of course, you must enjoy travel, including putting up with problems that can often arise. On one of our trips to Myanmar I got a bad case of food poisoning, and was pleased to make it to Bangkok where the Oriental Hotel upgraded my wife and me to a suite that was next door to that occupied by King Sihanouk of Cambodia. Our suite was luxurious and our stay very comfortable, only it was a bit disconcerting to see a couple of heavily armed guards leap to their feet and glare suspiciously in our direction every time we got out of the elevator on that floor.

A fascinating series. Thank you very much for posting. I have been following it from the beginning. An interesting point in Yangon's history is that the last Mughal Emperor of India was exiled to Yangon (Rangoon) in 1858 following what the British call the Great Indian Mutiny and Indians, Pakistanis, and Bangladeshis call the First War of Independence (1857). The tomb of the Emperor and some members of his family are in Yangon, and were in a decent state of repair when I visited Myanmar some 25 years ago.

There was a TV program called, I believe, "Too close for comfort." A female character said to her husband, "women live longer than men." The husband replied, "That's because they don't marry women."

I don't dive. However, my wife and I went snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef. Those days one could climb Ayres Rock, which we did. Enjoyed the drive from Ayres Rock to Alice Springs. On the next trip we took the train from Brisbane to Cairnes. I love train journeys, and I promise myself that I will do one from, is it Adelaide to Perth? The long one.

Also went to New Zealand (my elder brother was a cardiologist, now retired, in Christchurch). Took the Trans-Alpine Express to Greymouth, and was absolutely stunned by the variety of the scenery and vegetation one passed through. We saw a fair number of kangaroos on the journey between Brisbane and Cairnes and, of course, in the various zoos that we visited.

Loved your pictures. Keep them coming!

Thank you. Brought back wonderful memories of my visits to Australia. Went to Sydney, Brisbane (saw a day of the Ashes test [Slater c & b Gooch 176]), Ayres Rock (I guess it has changed its name), Darwin (for the parks with the rock pictures, Lightning Man, etc.), Alice Springs, the Great Barrier Reef, etc. Still mean to go back again.

The Karsh portrait that I admire most is one in which you do not even see the face of the subject. It is of Pablo Casals playing the cello with his back to the camera. It amazes me how such a "portrait" could capture the essence of the subject.

A story I heard is that a man used to come to a photo museum every day and stand for a long time in front of this picture. Finally, one day the museum director asked him why he did this. The man replied simply, "to hear the music."

Brilliant composition! You were quite right to go for a "setting" composition. Congratulations!

Paul Brit has said it all: "almost beyond words," and something that causes one to reflect on the universe. Congratulations on an absolutely superb image.

Enjoyed your pictures; you have a very good eye for composition. But please note that the Alhambra is not a ruin; it is in great shape.

They multiply on log tables

Great picture! Loved my visit to Christchurch (my brother lives there). Also enjoyed the trip on the Trans-Alpine express.

Outstanding picture. Congratulations, and thanks for sharing.

Ranger is going to win. He is concentrating on the board, but you are looking at him.