I have now been in Penang for almost three weeks and I’m starting to really understand the island and its population. I must admit that at first I was not entirely attracted by the place: the heavy-traffic highways, impossibly tall condos and diffused modernity just appeared too aseptic and dull to me. But then I walked in the old Georgetown streets, ate at the joyous and psychedelic hawker stalls, visited the many temples scattered around the island and slowly discovered the incredible variety within the population where different ethnic groups, each with markedly opposite ways of living, interact harmoniously although never mixing together. Now Penang is slowly finding its way in me and I’m more and more connected with the surroundings and the people. It’s the feeling of ease and understanding you have with an old and trusted friend… More »

I’ve just published in the Gallery a collection of photos taken in Kashgar during my trip to China in 2007. Kashgar was once the main crossroads of central Asia, famous for its markets full of goods and merchants from the east and west of the known world. Nowadays part of China’s Xinjiang region, the town is rapidly changing under the influence of Chinese Han and becoming more and more modern. Nonetheless, the charm is still there: especially in the old town, the Livestock Market (Mal Bazaar) and the Sunday Market (Yam Bazaar). Enjoy the shots!

As Christmas approaches, I get asked by many friends which are the nicest Christmas markets to visit and to start getting in the mood for the festivities. Some years ago, I’ve visited each year a different market of the many available in Italy, France, Austria, Germany and this explains my reputation as a “Christmas markets expert”. I know I’ve seen only some of the most famous markets and many more I have yet to visit but I think I can give some good advice anyway. More »