Travel & Humanitarian Photos
So, I’m walking along the road, minding my own business – which makes a change – and my foot kicks something lying on the pavement. I catch sight of a metal object skittering along the ground in front of me. Brass perhaps. Dented and scuffed, it comes to rest in the gutter. A lantern. A brass lantern. Who’d have thought?
I retrieve it and turn it over in my hands. Grimy now, I’m sure it would once have been a much-loved, shiny ornament. I gather up the hem of my sleeve and rub the lantern. Can you guess what happened next? Can you?
So, the genie, not one for small talk, wants to know my three wishes. And I, knowing that I have yet to produce the free desktop wallpaper for May, take the opportunity to get that job off my To Do list.
Genie: Right mate. Three wishes. Get on with it.
Me: Oh, OK. Thanks. Well I have to produce this free desktop wallp…
Genie: Look, do you think I can fit a computer in this lantern? Not even an iPhone. So if you wouldn’t mind sparing me…
Me: Sure. Sorry. OK, I’d like to be standing beside Boudha Stupa with my camera.
*PUFF*
Genie: OK. Next.
Me: Great! Right, I’d like there to be a group of Buddhist monks standing in front of me
Genie: Seriously? Most people go for World Peace.
Me: Do they? How’s that working so far?
Genie: Not so well to be honest.
Me: OK, let’s just go for the monks then.
Genie: Right.
*PUFF*
Genie: OK, last wish.
Me: And I’d like on of the monks to be holding a rainbow-coloured umbrella.
Genie: Really? What is this, a Gay Pride march?
Me: No, I’m a photographer.
Genie: Oh! Fair enough. You should have said.
*PUFF*
Me: Nice one. Thanks.
Genie: Whatever.
And so it came to pass: I have forsaken health, wealth and the chance of dinner with Nigella Lawson to bring you this month’s free desktop wallpaper. Sorry about the World Peace thing.
May Desktop Wallpaper (1024x768)
May Desktop Wallpaper (1280x1024)
May Desktop Wallpaper (1280x800)
May Desktop Wallpaper (1920x1200)
Gavin, you should give up on this seedy life as a travelling photographer and become a comedian.
Oh, and also MY BOOK JUST ARRIVED! Oh, sorry, it just kind of came bursting out.
My bad. What were we talking about? Oh, right, your gay monks…
Seriously, great shot. You’ve recently shot some truly spectacular images and it seems both your vision and your voice are changing – I love it. Truly gifted, mate.
A really nice shot Gavin
Its true what David says you do seem to be on some kind of a roll.
Don’t worry about the world peace thing I don’t think too many people are blaming you.
Gavin, great shot, but, David, that was hilarious.
Fabulous shot. I’m doubly impressed because I would have totally chosen dinner with Nigella.
amazing photograph and a true inspiration. ur genie one was just amazing too.
Gavin, Now I know why my genie didn’t show up to work this month! I have to agree with David, this is amazing. One of those, “let’s trade” shot. I want this on my wall.
Of all the umbrellas they could have picked. You lucky, lucky b…..
Wonderful shot. Humorous post. Nice one.
[...] Free Desktop Wallpaper – May 2009: Boudha, Nepal | Gavin Gough …Gavin Gough is an award-winning adventure travel photographer and writer based in Bangkok, Thailand. [...]
Huh! Being in the right place at the right time indeed. I`ve been looking for that brolly ever since you left UK!!! Still, I can see that it was put to ingenious use, so I mind a bit less now.
David, sounds like a good plan. Will I need an alter-ego as a comedian? I understand “rubber chicken” is taken already? Tom, thanks, I get the blame for most other things. Erin, I know, I’m kicking myself now though. Matt, I’ll gladly swap for any of yours! Masher, Cheers!
[...] Instead, I would like to send you to fellow photographer’s Gavin Gough’s blog, where along with his outstanding monthly wallpaper offering, he has an even better story to go with it: check it here. [...]
Gavin, great post! I’ve been lurking around your blog for a while, and I love seeing your images and hearing the stories and thoughts behind them.
This one though… this one had me cracking up. David, can Gavin come to Ladakh with us? You guys can be the entertainment for the rest of us
What a great way to end the week: a gift and a smile! Thanks for the photo and the funny post, Gavin.
There I was talking to Nigella (roowrr) the other day (when she was doing an interview on NPR). I should have mentioned you in fact but she just doesn’t listen Gavin, she’s not right for you.
Nice, nice image
Oh, and also David’s book just arrived. He’s very happy. Sorry, it just kind of came bursting out.
Excellent photo!
Very nicely seen and captured – And it does, in fact, my new wallpaper (was looking for one, when got to your blog)
Wonderful photoblog you have here
Gavin, I have been working the past 5 days and completely missed the original post but popped onto your facebook tonight and loved the posting and the photo. Marvelous shot. Ralph
Just discovered your photos via Twitter. LOVE the story and photo. Why is it that all you Brits are so bloody funny? And who IS this Nigella person? With a name like that I hate to imagine.
Wickedly funny, Gavin!
Great wallpaper and you made me laugh. Even though I produce my own wallpapers, I’m going to use this coz it’s better than mine. Thanks.