Nov. 2010 -- Thanks for the kind invitation to Fictitious Reality Exhibition. Click below to view it. Check it out -- 21 images of Hmong’s everyday life.

Guest book is here

August 4, 2009 -- I’ve been featured on TWTME You may read some of my opinions and observations about photography...


Sept. 3, 2008


"My portrait and people photos are journalistic in style and strive to communicate reality. Recording the fabric of life, I try to portray human dignity and the world we live in with honesty, respect, simplicity and compassion. Making that emotional connection that results, for a brief time, in people sharing there inner soul, is what I strive for. It is an emotional process that works both ways. "

With my images I attempt to portray the essence of life as I see it. With a simple, fresh, and some times raw, observation of how things really are.



NaPix - View my most interesting photos on Flickriver

NaPix (Paix) - View my 'hmong' photos on Flickriver


Special thanks to the following friends who took the time to write testimonials about my images:

Amsterdamned!, ms.donnalee, livetowonder, Lori Smaltz, zitakamugira, Frizz Text, valockett, RIPizzo, igmal_666, mantee.voyager, kimleedesigns, eye for beauty2007, Ainhoa…, pearson251, KB8WFH, amphon Alice, Nganguyen, World100F, albertobari50, Barry Lu 陸維陽, Bird-Z, gobou, Professor Bop, ilsebatten, 1D110 and Risqillo. Please visit them, by clicking the links on the right, to see great images.

***********************************************************
Please note:
My photographs are (C) Copyrighted and All Rights Reserved.

None of these photos may be reproduced and/or used in any form of publication, print or the Internet without my written permission.

Your comments or questions about the Hmong are welcomed and appreciated.

Thanks for visiting.

na,

***********************************************************
Jan. -- Feb. 2009 i'm in Sapa, Vietnam now for the lunar New Year celebration of the Hmong

Leap into the Hmong New Year
Leap into the Hmong New Year
Leap into the Hmong New Year

Explore #1 on Saturday, January 31, 2009

Member of

www.flickr.com/groups/mastersoflifegallery

Winner of the Karma, November, 2008 contest
Open Theme Contest Results
Week 98

1st Place
NaPix (Paix)
Sunrise welcome Hmong spirit
Sunrise welcome Hmong spirit
As of Jan. 9, 2009-01-12 This image is showen on Flickriver’s most interesting from a group as follow:
Karma -- #1 most interesting
*Nature -- #1
U left me in Awe -- #1
Image poetry -- #2
Vision Group -- #3
TWTME -- #5
Poetic landscapes -- #1
Sunsets and sunrises -- #1
From the entire Flicker search for Sunrise -- #3
And many more….
(As of Jan. 9, 2009-01-12)



winner of the Moulin Rouge, monthly contest, August 2008
winner of the week and my pix used as the award logo ... wow...
Seen in: The Garden Of Zen (Invite Only +25 Faves)


Winner of the photo of the week, June 30, 2008, at:
Seen in :

The Golden Dreams

Going home with flowers in my hands…

The Garden of Zen -- Photo of the week, July 30 2008
Pagoda, new moon

Photo of the Day on Best of Flickr
Aug. 24 2008
New moon, Tran Quoc Pagoda

View my photos at bighugelabs.com






counter since May 5, 2008

NaPix. Get yours at bighugelabs.com/flickr

NaPix - View my 'latest uploads' set on Flickriver
NaPix - View my most interesting photos on Flickriver

NaPix - View my 'Black Hmong -- Portraits' set on Flickriver

NaPix - View my favorites on Flickriver

Map posted on Feb. 24, 2008. visitors to this profile page only
Free Profile Map from ModMyProfile.com

Here are some of my favorite groups:

i Admin this one with Ben
The Flickr Portrait Gallery - View this group's most interesting photos on Flickriver

Admin on this wonderful Groups
U left me in Awe...(invited images only) - View this group's most interesting photos on Flickriver

Black & White & Square Portraits !  - View this group's most interesting photos on Flickriver


groups i like:
*Karma* - View this group's most interesting photos on Flickriver

 B Square - View this group's most interesting photos on Flickriver

 The World Through My Eyes - Post 1 / Comment Any 1 - View this group's most interesting photos on Flickriver

Some of my Favorits:

Eat me (if you are not chicken :)

Eat me (if you are not chicken :)
Explore #1 on Sunday, July 27, 2008
Explore Front Page

Go Fly a Kid (Explore #2) 171 faves/1983 views
Go fly a kid… :)

Soaring Jack Pine Sunrise
Soaring Jack Pine Sunrise
Explore #1

i really this one

Sunrise welcome Hmong spirit

~ Viva's daisy ~ (Explore #9, 331 faves, 10,037 views)
~ Viva’s daisy ~

We are planting the rice now…                    (PLEASE NO INVITE)

my butterfly
My butterfly

93 comments 147 views 58 people call this a favorite
in the first 6 hours, not posted in groups...



Viva on the lake (Explore #19, 100 faves/2,579 views)
Viva on the lake

Hmong Mom, 204 faves/2,344 views
Black Hmong young mother and baby


and this is just a face i can't resist, can you? :)

Little Hmong La at school


SEE MORE ABOUT THE HMONG AT:www.hellosapa.com/

Photos of NaPix -- (Time out) (16)

NaPix -- (Time out)'s favorite photos from other Flickr members (15,945)

Contacts (381)

See more...

Groups (5050)

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Galleries (56)

See more...

Testimonials (46)

  • view profile

    alex.steev says:

    "You are truly a talented photographer, I took a look at your profile and photo's realizing you would be absolutely perfect . I will have fun with it, and that’s exactly what I did. the photographs turned out absolutely stunning, i loved them, it was more than anything i could have hoped for. you managed to find all the right angles . you had a gift and i wouldn't hesitate for a second to recommend about your photos to anyone looking for great pictures, you captured a gorgeous photos i never knew i had."

    21st November, 2009

  • view profile

    Lara-queen says:

    "Lau lam roi toi khong duoc nghe goi "Quynh 'oi" than thiet nhu vay. Lau lam roi toi moi lai duoc yeu thuong Viet nam que toi theo cach cua minh qua tam hinh "Sunrise welcome Hmong spirit".
    Cam on Nam- cam on nguoi Hanoi da chia se nhung tam hinh lam xao xuyen tam hon nguoi xem.
    Toi tu hao duoc la thanh vien thu 435 cua Napix--Hmong Life :)"

    10th August, 2009

  • view profile

    U ...dit Merci says:

    "What you do is the beauty of life.
    gentle and dynamic. quiet and strong. We are still waiting for the portrait to life a time of sharing. Bravo!"

    29th July, 2009

  • view profile

    Tomasito.! says:

    "I'm the newest fan! It started with one photograph - and It drew me to a stream full of glorious wonder and amazing captures of life. In my opinion, this kind of photography is the hardest, and yet the most connected to our humanity. The drama of life - happiness, joy and even sadness which NaPix--Hmong Life captures with so much elegance and depth. I am looking forward to seeing more of the amazing, breathtaking and sublime captures of life this great and wonderful photographer has to offer to our world of flickr :) I am honored to be a contact :)"

    22nd July, 2009

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    jimi_b says:

    "NaPix has more than enriched my life. I have been taken to places that I would never have been privileged to experience. I have gotten to experience the warmth and lives of the Vietnamese people and the lives that they lead. My personal feelings are that NaPix should be working for National Geographic or some other publication because through these photos I have gotten an education into the lives of an indigenous people that I would never have gotten otherwise. Thank you NaPix for the experience of a lifetime. I am honored to be counted among your friends here on flickr."

    20th June, 2009

  • view profile

    [Jongky] says:

    "I love photography very much, but when I saw his pictures, I love photography even more. His picture is fabulous, tell us many things about his passion. I hope one day I can be like him. He is one of my favorite in Flickr, even though I haven't seen him in person, but through his picture, he taught me many things.... thanks a lot NaPix for being my mentor"

    23rd May, 2009

  • view profile

    Chris Schneider Photos says:

    "Na Pix masters the craft of photography in a manner that imparts knowledge and conveys understanding. His photos of the Hmong open a door to a world which is unknown to most. His photos demonstrate his deep appreciation of the Hmong culture and invite others to become familiar with and partake in it. He is one of my favorite photographers on Flickr."

    13th May, 2009

  • view profile

    M R Hasan says:

    "NaPix is an avid photographer who captures the essence of life. It is always a great journey through Na’s photo stream."

    12th May, 2009

  • view profile

    熊.陈美芬.Phan Ly Photography.On/Off says:

    "NaPix is one of the talented photography His photo stream is an excellent His work is amazing! You are best my dear friend Thanks NaPix for sharing your great work"

    12th May, 2009

  • view profile

    psaloa says:

    "Siento una gran admiración por el arte de NaPix, quien me ha mostrado de una manera especialmente poética, la vida del pueblo Hmong, al que ama y respeta.
    Siendo un gran artista, ha tenido la gentileza, el cariño y la paciencia para orientarme en la fotografía, así como para presentarme a algunos de sus amig@s.
    A pesar de ser un amigo virtual, me ha demostrado una gran calidad humana. Para mí es sumamente valioso.
    Dios te acompañe..."

    20th April, 2009

  • view profile

    Ken Lewis - says:

    "If you want to know more about the world, spend some time here at NaPix. If you want to understand more about the human condition, lose your thoughts in his images. If you want to go places where your imagination breathes the light of inspiration, then wander a while among his artistic depictions of real life.

    A true journalist of the soul, na captures the essence of a scene, of a place, of a person, of a moment in time and allows each viewer, each wanderer to find his own meaning and understanding. There is a tender, loving quality to his portraits and a sensitive understanding of what makes a thing beautiful in his landscapes. What touches me most is the humanity I discover here and how I can find glimpses of myself in his moving stories of the Black Hmong People from Sapa of Northern Vietnam. I am fortunate to count na among my good friends here on Flickr and always look forward to another treat from this master of explore.

    There are many reasons to be a fan of NaPix, but put simply, if you want to experience wonder and joy or just the simple pleasure of viewing his world through the lens of his talent, then take the time to see what can only be seen here. In na, you may also find a generous friend."

    21st April, 2009

  • view profile

    GroupFounder says:

    "ArtDirector NaPix -- Hmong Life

    Congratulations - 祝贺您 - Enhorabuena - Parabéns - Félicitations - Gratulation – Congratulazioni – 축하합니다.

    World100F – QualityGroup – Marco"

    19th April, 2009

  • view profile

    "gobou" says:

    "I think Na is one of the most talented photographr in Flickr - his images are really outstanding and a formidable testimonial of the life in his country.
    Na, bravo, thank your very much for sharing and keep us this great job
    Gaby from Abidjan"

    9th February, 2009

  • view profile

    bahketni says:

    "Na is an awesome photographer, excellent personality and a brilliant story teller! Its not long since I met him but already put him in one of my top favorite list of photographers! He is a inspiration for many of us here in flickr. Have a look at his stream, you will be glad you did. I am very glad to have met him, be one of the co-admin of a great group, an admirer of his great work and above all, be a good friend. Thank you my friend for all your support and encouragements. Keep up the great work and continue to entertain and educate us with your magical works! You are asset to the flickr community."

    4th February, 2009

  • view profile

    eye for beauty2007 says:

    "NaPix has a combination of talents that produces images which immediately find a home in the psyche. When you go to his photographs, make sure you have a few minutes to drink in the details. There is an enormous amount to appreciate in his photography, not all of which is obvious at first glance.

    As a superb portrait artist, NaPix captures his subject's human essence with genuine sensitivity. NaPix presents photos that are technical masterpieces but which never put technique over soul. The people seen in these portraits have opened to NaPix with trust. Every single one of his works does something to me.

    Embedded in his photostream is found documentation of contemporary Hmong / Mekong culture that, with no sacrifice of aesthetics, conveys a wealth of information. NaPix is articulate at the keyboard and provides excellent background, further enhancing the viewer's experience.

    When not photographing people, NaPix produces gorgeous compositions that confirm the versatility of his eye for beauty.

    Now, don't waste any more time reading this. Look at the photos.

    _________________________________________________

    This is the first time I''ve given a 'second testimonial' to a Flickr member. NaPix has posted much since the above testimonial. Please find, below, a comment made more recently, in appreciation of the 2009 New Year series.
    _________________________________________________

    You are seeing / capturing / producing a series of images that I suspect is the definitive Black Hmong photo-documentary. This beautiful still-life, along with well over a hundred other extraordinary photographs, deserves attention not only from fans of photography but also from students of humanity.

    NaPix, you are a master. My eye luxuriates in your work. From your command of composition to your ability to seemingly make yourself and your camera invisible to your subjects, from your understanding of depth-of-field to your rich colour tones, from your attention to detail to your eye for details to show your photosensor; it all speaks of mastery.

    On top of the quality of your work there is also the undeniable evidence presented in your images that Black Hmong land, lives, and culture are full of beauty and integrity. There is so much detail to notice in the photos and your commentary is excellent. I leave your pictures both informed and affected. It doesn't get any better."

    5th February, 2009

  • view profile

    M. Hasan says:

    "Na, an amazing photographer who inspires us and also a very keen commenter who encourages us.

    The more I visit his stream, the more I learn. Thank you very much my friend, for sharing your world of creativity with us. Proud of you :)"

    27th January, 2009

  • view profile

    Dawn's Vision says:

    "I see a lot of great stuff in Napix's photo stream. From different views / angles, I would see a beautiful out there. Stay cool!"

    12th January, 2009

  • view profile

    goorn23 says:

    "I wanna be like you!!!"

    16th December, 2008

  • view profile

    [cation] (totally off...) says:

    "Napix's gallery is really amazing ! A mix of wonderful landscapes, colourful sceneries and (what I prefer in his work) very emotional portraits.
    Even if I don't know him personnaly, I'm sure he's the kind of nice photographer able to install a deep confidence and complicity with the local inhabitants of vietnam... which makes his portraits so magic !
    A real invitation to travel and discover those magic asian countries..."

    9th December, 2008

  • view profile

    lienhp says:

    "I've been a fan of NaPix's photos for a long time now. Always inspiring to look at! Thank you for sharing and your advices are much appreciated :-)"

    8th December, 2008

  • view profile

    T Glow says:

    "NaPix have much feeling in your soul
    is exciting to see your pictures
    for sure...one of the best photographers!"

    23rd November, 2008

  • view profile

    bonus living (away) says:

    "Truth and Beauty. NaPix searches for the truth and beauty in life with his photos and he rewards us with his finds. The phrase "a picture is worth a thousand words" is true about all his photos. Each incredible shot reveals a beautiful story and as you continue to look at it, more is revealed. His Hmong Series will take your breath away. NaPix is a brilliantly talented photographer and you will be glad you have found him!"

    26th October, 2008

  • view profile

    Alessandro Vannucci says:

    "In this photostream we can see the love of NaPix for the photography, for the travel and in particular for the people and their customs. Great sensibility to "catch the moment" and love for life. Definitely a great photographer."

    9th October, 2008

  • view profile

    risquillo says:

    "Na es uno de los mejores amigos que pude encontrar en FLICKR Siempre está dispuesto a ayudar como lo hace aquellas grandes personas, aquellos grandes amigos que pretenden hacerte sentir arropado.
    Tiene una intuición única para capturar verdaderas obras de arte, es creativo y denota mucho talento en cada una de sus obras.
    Gracias por tu amistad, gracias por tu arte!
    Dios te bendiga

    Julio"

    13th August, 2008

  • view profile

    1D110 says:

    "NaPix toujours des images de qualités toujours parfaite des émotions .
    A chaque photos des pays parcouru avec un regard qui en dit long.
    bravo Napix pour ton travail.
    Bertrand"

    10th August, 2008

  • view profile

    ilsebatten says:

    ""I am never quite sure what I will find on na’s site – it may be a Canadian image but it is more likely than not a photograph of the way people live in Asia, and more particularly in his beloved Vietnam. What I am quite certain of is that his images will inspire and delight me and, most important of all, make me think. He consistently opens my eyes to the beauty of the earth and his photographs show a deep respect for all of nature.
    What concerns him first and foremost though is documenting how the individual survives in his/her society, often demonstrating the most amazing grace and strength even under the most trying of circumstances. And always there is careful documentation to help us understand the background to the photograph. I don’t think that, after seeing his rice planters series, I will ever eat another grain of rice without remembering the labour that brought it to my table.
    To me therefore na is a humanitarian who focuses our attention on our interconnectedness and humanity. And beneath every technically perfect shot there beats the heart of an eco-warrior doing the most incredibly valuable work.
    In addition he is one of the kindest contacts on flickr, always taking time to encourage and praise generously. It is a privilege and an honour to see your work every day dear na."

    4th August, 2008

  • view profile

    Professor Bop says:

    "If there is one word that could describe your amazing work it is honesty. I am always impressed by the sensitivity and approach that you bring to your work. You are a very talented and thoughtful photographer in touch not only with the world but with the work of others on Flickr and there is ample evidence of that. Your Hmong set is just extraordinary. You are a very special person among the Flickr community."

    21st July, 2008

  • view profile

    gobou says:

    "Your stream and your work are really splendid - I think you are one of the best photographers in Flickr - thanks for sharing this good job my dear friend - Gaby from Abidjan"

    28th June, 2008

  • view profile

    Bird Z says:

    "NaPix, I love your images..
    All these photographs telling beautiful and honest stories about Humans - and about You.Yes, the photos telling stories about the photographer itself too. The chosen object, the framing... every detail of the photo is a piece of information about you. :-) But don't worry: in your case these small messages are very humane; about a very sensitive eye and soul. Thank you for sharing your images!"

    16th June, 2008

  • view profile

    Amsterdamned! says:

    "Na is a very good friend to have and a joy to visit.
    The quality and depth of his work is really amazing !"

    6th June, 2008

  • view profile

    Barry Lu 陸維陽 says:

    "Na, is one of my fave. photographer in flickr.
    Since first time i seen the little girl, I got very strong
    feel I found a great artist. I see the life and faith of people.
    I see the respect of soul. I see the real love of photographer.
    Na,是我在Flickr裡最讓我注意的攝影家之一. 從第一次看到
    他的"小女孩",我就深深的被女孩的笑容與含蓄溫和給吸引住.
    我想我找到了一個生活藝術家. 從作品中我人的生命與信念
    及對於靈魂的尊重與關懷, 一個有真愛的藝術家"

    3rd June, 2008

  • view profile

    Nganguyen says:

    "Na is a very very very special Flickrian, one of the reasons why Flickr is becoming extremely addictive.

    As an artist, he’s so talented, one of the most talented persons I’ve known. His photo stream is just like a collection of many beautiful pieces of life which reminds you that life is simply too wonderful. Na is excellent at portraits, especially those of H'Mong people, a minority group in the Northern mountainous area of Vietnam. From those portraits, you can tell that beside great technical skills, he also takes photos with all his heart, love and sound understanding of people, life and culture. If other photographers take pictures from the perpective of an observer, his pictures provide us with a view of an insider. I believe that’s the reason why his images are so special and touching, which makes every photo of his an open interesting book.

    As a person, he’s so kind, encouraging, supportive and fun. He’s a great advisor as well. Thanks to him, I’ve learned so much more about photography. I just can’t express how grateful and proud I am to have him as a contact and most of all as a teacher, a good friend : )"

    2nd June, 2008

  • view profile

    alberto bari says:

    "From every innocent smile of a child to each wrinkle on the face of an old man in his photos, I can tell NaPix has a big loving heart for human beings. With the camera, this photographer writes great stories of his beloved lands and people.

    NaPix’s photos are so powerful that even when removing all the titles and captions (which are usually very informative and carefully chosen), they still can communicate so much straight to the viewers' heart.

    I believe as a big heart meets great talent in an artist like NaPix, masterpieces are destined to be born. Having seen his works, you would probably agree with me that many of NaPix’s photos were taken to last forever."

    2nd June, 2008

  • view profile

    Amphone_Alice says:

    "I was born in Laos (Vientiane) and I grew up in France. Sometimes I think about Laos, I wonder what my life would have been if my parents stayed there. I am happy with my life in Paris but I miss my roots very much. It is hard to think about the future when you do not know about your past. Thanks to Na's pictures I feel like I discover a little bit of this past. It helps me appreciating my current life without forgetting where my roots are. Thank you for your wonderful portraits."

    3rd May, 2008

  • view profile

    Matt Cline says:

    "Na's work is grand. Aside from its ability to speak for itself, the work does what every great photograph needs to do. It connects through intimacy, no matter what it is. We should all be so lucky to be able to do this. Many of Na's works are of simple things and people most of us would walk by and never even notice. Na's finds the divine beauty in the simple and shows us the extraordinary we fail to otherwise see."

    19th April, 2008

  • view profile

    pearson_251 says:

    "Na brings something special when he presents an image . His terrific mix of artistic talent and heart work in harmony , making every image joy to view . His photos transcend borders as he brings us the beauty of the Hmong people and the world that he revels in . a world of color , light , culture and emotion . Na is an artist in every sense of the word and his skill as a photographer could bring beauty to any person or subject that he wanted to focus his camera on ."

    14th April, 2008

  • view profile

    Ainhoa... says:

    "NaPix has a pallet of life. Photos that capture the essence of beauty and wonder. I am inspired and frozen in time when I look at these images. A true inspiration and joy of soulful art."

    11th April, 2008

  • view profile

    kimleephotography says:

    "Hi Na, I'm so glad I found your photostream. Your pictures are fantastic. I was adopted by American parents from Laos and on my birth certificate it says I'm Hmong. Seeing your pictures warms my heart because it gives me a glimpse of people who are my people. I always wondered what my parents might have looked like. Thank you for capturing the beauty of the Hmong culture and the people. We are better because you are sharing this snapshot of humanity. It is an honor to have you as a contact. :-)"

    17th March, 2008

  • view profile

    manatee.voyager says:

    "Hi Na, your portraits especially from Hmong are a feast to the eyes, there is joy, sadness, hardship, life, young and old, faces that have seen so much. Each and every picture tells a story. your talent is being able to enter the lives of people of all ages and capture the "person" in such fine detail. I believe you have a real gift and wish you continued success because I, like a lot of people on flickr love your photos"

    16th March, 2008

  • view profile

    IQMAL_6 | 6 | 6 says:

    "love your potrait shots.......awesome & stunning.......keep on posting.....:)"

    12th March, 2008

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    RIPizzo says:

    "Hi na !
    I am loving the beautiful faces you photograph. They aren't the usual faces I see in my regular day. They are so telling. Thanks for posting them. I have invited you to a couple of groups to post your Hmong Man. Hope lots of people get to see it. It's wonderful.
    Rebecca"

    2nd March, 2008

  • view profile

    valockett says:

    "Everytime I catch sight of one of NaPix's photos in a group pool (easy to do, as his portraits are so striking, even as "thumbnails"), I feel like the lady he pictured here: www.flickr.com/ph... --on the edge of my seat, hand on my heart, so pleased to have such a fine view of the world from my window!"

    29th February, 2008

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    Frizztext says:

    "Since the USA attacked Vietnam, since I saw the famous pic, presenting that young, naked, crying girl, escaping Napal bombs (now Canada has given her asylum) - since then I am interested on the life of Vietnamese people - and I am pleased to find a bridge directly into the facial landscapes of those human beings, portrayed by NaPix in a style of impressing dignity. The portraits are not anonymously taken in a hidden spy street-shot style, in the contrary: the portraits are the result of knowing people very well as friends or relatives a long time. High quality and an intensive dialogue via the eye-contact is propelling NaPix's storytelling photographies up to an artwork-level. Big compliment!"

    28th February, 2008

  • view profile

    Zita Kamugira says:

    "NaPix appears in Flickr Photos as an hurricane. His photos, suddenly, take part of my life here. Its almost impossible to see a single photo and have the need to see ALL the photostream of his maker....and I know his entire stream... Looking each photo, so much as beauty , I can sense life inside themes.
    My old wish to go to Vietname, is now becoming the reality of my next trip.
    Thanks Na, for the rare talent that you have to transmit feelings."

    27th February, 2008

  • view profile

    livetowander says:

    "NaPix brings an insider's eye to the lens. His intimate portraits take the viewer to another world. Keep up the great work!"

    27th February, 2008

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    ms.donnalee / donna cleveland says:

    "I am pleased to write a testimonial for Na's photos, with special reference to those taken in North Vietnam. His affection for the Hmong people plainly shows in the beautiful imagry. This kind of social documentary is not only fine art -- it is education and public service. The real "diplomats" on this horribly conflicted planet of ours are people like Na who make a personal effort to connect with small parts of the whole, and who find a way to make the unknown known."

    26th February, 2008

Name:
N A
Joined:
January 2008
Currently:
Montreal (when not in Sapa :), Canada
I am:
Male