almost not here

almost not here, originally uploaded by china.sixty4.

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since Jan 2004 I have lived in China (with a short break for less than a year during 2008) it's been both amazing and frustrating. Our first daughter was born here in 2005, I turned 40, I now have less hair and more belly. I have taught English, Culture and Drama. Loved and hated it. I came for 12 months and stayed for much longer.
Thanks to all who have been witness to my evolution as a photographer and perhaps a person. I know I am both older and wiser. My gratitude to my beautiful wife and friend who has put up with the 'artist's' angst (and joys).
All images contained within the stream are dedicated to both our amazing children Lucy and Alex. Stay tuned for a new adventure

sets

sets, originally uploaded by china.sixty4.

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dumped television sets 'ready' to be disassembled, for recycling - west of the city - afternoon - Shangqiu, Henan, China

the guang # 4

the guang # 4, originally uploaded by china.sixty4.

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Guangzhou central train station platform - train to Shangqiu an 18 hour trip - early evening Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
I had a 'soft sleeper' ticket (I actually wanted a 'hard sleeper', it's slight cheaper and justas comfortable), it was ok, I slept, wandered around the train and listened to a podcast or two. It was great to get home!
Over the last month or so I have been 'seriously' preoccupied with VISA'S, my wife (Cecilia) and our kids were rejected "tourist visa's to Australia" not actually sure why, they will apply for a 'Spousal Visa" whist in The Philippines" - . Anyway I went to Guangzhou to apply for an RRV Visa (resident return visa) to Australia, (Just today I sent 18 further documents, etc to Guangzhou Australian Consulate, after a phone call last week requesting further evidence of my 'ties to Australia') .I lived in Australia for over 38 years as a permanent resident, (but still remaining a British Citizen) - (My Mother, British Born, became an Australian Citizen in 2005) I think of , as you know as Australia home, it is where I went to School, High School, and University. It is where I had career as an actor, film director and producer, I came to China in 2004 thinking that I would stay for no more than 12 months, 9 years later I am here....Waiting, Hoping for a visa, (I have both a job and a home waiting for me in Australia) to a place that I think of as home....I'll let you know when I know.........!

the guang # 2

the guang # 2, originally uploaded by china.sixty4.

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freeway overpass close to Guangzhou Railway Station - afternoon - Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

the guang

the guang, originally uploaded by china.sixty4.

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highrise office building - central Guangzhou - night - Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

hand

hand, originally uploaded by china.sixty4.

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subway - Guangzhou - afternoon - Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

when she bites

when she bites, originally uploaded by china.sixty4.

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stopping 'work' for a quick bite - Guangzhou railway station - afternoon - Guangzhou, Guangdong

wait

wait, originally uploaded by china.sixty4.

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wait - Beijing International Airport - afternoon - Beijing, China

been busy

been busy, originally uploaded by china.sixty4.

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Shangqiu to Beijing train - night

front view

front view, originally uploaded by china.sixty4.

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not a pretty picture - view from our front window - afternoon - Shangqiu Normal University - Shangqiu, Henan, China

sanqiu

sanqiu, originally uploaded by china.sixty4.

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hotel sign (it should read Shangqiu Hotel) - central Shangqiu - afternoon - Shangqiu, Henan, China

stadia

stadia, originally uploaded by china.sixty4.

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pollution casts a 'glow' on the overly large stadium of Shangqiu Normal University - afternoon - Shangqiu, Henan, China

capturing beauty

capturing beauty, originally uploaded by china.sixty4.

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photography studio - market street - afternoon - Shangqiu, Henan, China

qingming afternoon

qingming afternoon, originally uploaded by china.sixty4.

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Qingming is 'tomb sweeping day' a holiday in China - a day to remember and take care of your ancestors - this year (2013) Qingming fell on the fourth day of the fourth month, which apparently is unlucky so, Beijing went shopping! - afternoon, Beijing, China

offerings

offerings, originally uploaded by china.sixty4.

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small store 'Ancient City Shangqiu' - afternoon - warm - Shangqiu, Henan, China

changes - nong tang # 133

changes - nong tang # 133, originally uploaded by china.sixty4.

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alley (nong tang) - with highrise - afternoon - Shangqiu, Henan, China

platform

platform, originally uploaded by china.sixty4.

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market street - afternoon - Shangqiu, Henan, China

new do - hair cut

new do - hair cut, originally uploaded by china.sixty4.

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our amazing daughter Lucy got a hair cut (it was her idea) so cute. so amazing - Shangqiu, Henan, China

ribbon

ribbon, originally uploaded by china.sixty4.

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highrise department store - construction - afternoon - central Shangqiu - Shangqiu, Henan, China

yard smile

yard smile, originally uploaded by china.sixty4.

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children - Ningbo - afternoon - December 2009