Jerusalem, Israel

In the 19th century, women were allowed to pray at the Western Wall. Today, only men can access the Wall and the Torah Ark covered section. There is however in Jerusalem a feminist organization whose goal is to secure the rights of women to pray at the Western Wall. December 2009. Au XIXème siècle, les…

Tokyo, Japan

The shinto marriage is the traditional Japanese marriage. The bride wears heavy make-up and a white kimono, that symbolizes virginity and obedience to her husband. I had the opportunity to witness several ceremonies in Japan. They all end up with a photo session. Nothing proves that the guests will have a good time. The ceremony…

Kyoto, Japan

This man with a strange hat does not move. He is a buddhist monk begging for alms in front of the Kiyomizu temple. Begging is the only occasion monks appear in public. February 2012. Cet homme avec un étrange chapeau ne bouge pas. C’est un moine bouddhiste qui demande l’aumône devant le temple Kiyomizu. La…

Bangkok, Thailand

A group of monks is waiting for a plane in one of the halls of the Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok. I liked the contrast between the modern, clean and cold building and the traditional outfit they were wearing. March 2007. Un groupe de moines attend l’avion dans un des halls de l’aéroport Suvarnabhumi à Bangkok.…

Petra, Jordan

This shepard who looks like Johnny Depp in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ was having tea in front a tourist shop in Petra. He belongs to one of the many nomadic Bedouin tribes you meet in the Jordan desert. February 2012. Ce berger qui ressemble à Johnny Depp dans « Pirates des Caraïbes » prenait le thé devant…

Pushkar, India

I met this young Indian man on the banks of the holy lake in Pushkar, Rajasthan. Pushkar is one of the oldest existing cities of India and a big religious center. Shiva’s tears are said to have created the pond. The young man may look like a beggar but he is a sadhu, someone who…