Bonza Bonza Lao! Photo

Photographer’s Note

In Chiang Mai I watched these two young monks play a game that reminded me of a drinking game my friend Roamermark and I played in China a few years ago, in which a stick (bonza) can beat a tiger (lao), but a worm can eat the stick, etc. etc. These two weren't drinking, but the one on the left had a fag end between his lips moments before I took this photo. He quickly got rid of it when he saw one of his superiors in the vicinity. It was very funny, but I missed it. It's easy to forget that many of these monks are just children, after all.

Wanda1 trouve(nt) cette note utile

Critiques | Translate

ben4321 (9807) 2007-02-10 6:30

It's all too easy to get a bit tired of all the "spiritual" images of monks that we see on this site, so this is a refreshing change. It shows the reality, that they're just people like anyone else, with the same little vices and sense of fun. It would have been great if you could have caught him smoking.
A great little detail, and one that I didn't notice at first, is the ipod earphone in the ear of the guy on the right. Or was it a mobile phone hands-free?
This is a great little slice of life Ryno, well done.

Cheers,
Ben

Wanda1 (11015) 2007-02-10 12:28

Hi Ryno,
A good caught in the act shot. I like your composition and the colours and light make for an eye catching image. Well spotted.
Regards
Wanda

scalerman (25783) 2007-02-10 15:23

Ryno: only better definition and sharpness would have bettered this fine image. I do wish it were more clear - but your bonzai monks define this humorous picture. best, c