chloe3 by John Yingling, on FlickrThe last week, I was in Japan. The purpose was a very triumphant run to get a work visa processed for China, which almost didn't happen, but then at the last, most nerve-wracking minute, did. I met Hirokazu Tanaka, who composed on Metroid, Super Mario World, Tetris, Dr. Mario, Mother, Kid Icarus...caught Blond New Half twice, and it really got me thinking (even more).I'll tell you the whole story on this one, but you can file me under speechless for now. I've been fairly quiet lately. As the weather shifted, and my life turned on a dime, I began to become a bit more wide-eyed about my surroundings. I've always considered myself lucky, but lately I've tried to really marinate on things and open my eyes to the sight, smell, and sound of it all. The last quarter of this year has changed literally everything, and being in the moment for it all has been absolutely paramount. Next year is going to be a wild ride, and should create my best work. For now, I'll do my best to taste, hear, and drink it all in. I hope your year has been going well, and that the next can be fruitful and positive. Take care out there.

chengdusausage by John Yingling, on FlickrSeasons changing bring all sorts of different things out in China. In the Northeast there were cabbages laying on the sidewalk ready to be pickled. Chengdu is littered with racks of drying sausages (腊肉) and hunks of pork, beef. A surreal amount of jerky is always on display everywhere, which I'd never really took notice of before. Winter is extremely mild here after a few years in Harbin. Jacket weather, sure, but being able to feel my hands and face after thirty minutes of walking sure is nice. Finding some really good spots to eat these shouldn't be too big of a problem. A few walks will do it. Winter in Chengdu brings complaints from some, mainly a lack of sun, and a bit more haze than one would like, but I'd be willing to bet they haven't gone through a few in Dongbei. To me, this is maximum comfy.

osaka punk by John Yingling, on FlickrVery small kiddo up front at the punk show. Shot from his perspective, crouching. I think this was Sengoku Daitoryo? Disposable film. Osaka, Japan. 2018.

1 by John Yingling, on FlickrIt had been years since I'd visited Morning House, far from the city center. There's a lot more to this than its connected hot pot restaurant and cafe would lead on. It's been a long-time home for Stolen to rehearse, which was my first visit here. The band moved out this week. They've had sporadic events, large and small. Pool parties. TAG has used it for electronic gigs. They held a music festival, until a large swathe of neighbors showed up with shovels and demanded they stop...saying something like we won't be calling the police. Leave it to Wu Zhuoling and the Small Projects crew to test the waters with a low-key event, and the fifth installment of the series. Mongolia and Xinjiang musicians. BBQ and Laba Congee. The first campfire I'd seen in years. Stellar as always, Chengdu.

The road to Flower Town. kiddo by John Yingling, on Flickr

yingchloe by John Yingling, on FlickrI turn 35 in about an hour...in China at least. Here's my favorite photo of the year that was taken by someone else. Li Ping and I. It reminds me of how quickly things can change. What a year it's been. Lately, I've been feeling like I've lived for a few centuries...in a good way. Couldn't be more grateful for all the things going on, to be healthy, and to call Chengdu home. I'll keep on rolling hard. Cheers.

...aaaand we're back.bike2 by John Yingling, on FlickrNew whip. Joining the Chengdu e-bike gang. Cheap enough, zippy as hell. The south really got to me I guess, but this is one of the few cities where you can just go and grip easily and legally. Driving this is pretty hilarious. It's pretty much all bets are off and you can do whatever you want. They laughed when we asked where to get helmets. I'll be safe. Most of my friends here have had theirs stolen multiple times, so I put some Stolen stickers on it for good measure. At least it will be ironic when the time comes. New semester is chill, and I'm getting back in the swing of things. Editing computer got cleaned of four years of pollution and heads to the shop next week for some more tuning, and we're back in business. Definitely ready for summer now. Onwards!

chengdu by John Yingling, on FlickrMy love for this city grows as the weather heats up. There is indeed a pang of laziness, but it's comforting to me, and sits alongside a breezy, slightly wet winter of great low key events, ran by an amazing community. We went to TAG over twenty times. This weekend is Chun You festival, which is, essentially, a very beloved, grassroots, ran-with-heart version akin to the big ones everywhere else. Stolen headline, and it's the first of many years Hiperson will not perform. We found a little hidden enclave filled with shady Japanese KTV's, Korean BBQ, yakitori spots. Hunting for shenanigans has begun, and my walking beers are barely sweating. Still waiting on the final fixes to my editing computer. A renewed vigor should follow. Cheers, Chengdu. ¤ï¸

lol hes still taking pics in china? extremely beautiful but also... this is porn

musings about my little dabble in photographing the unsuspecting in a foreign land to relate back to white guys indulgencelets just call porn what it is finally