RyanCordell.com

8.8.08

Another Brick Falls

This week the theme at PhotoFriday is "Rough." It has been a few weeks since I have posted a PhotoFriday entry, mostly because of the traveling. This one is from the last trip to the Philippines. These are some of the many bricks my team help build alongside the Habitat For Humanity crew. And only one thumb was damaged in the process.

Labels: Photo Friday, Photos

Posted by Ryan at 12:45

13.6.08

Take Me To The Subway

Movement is the theme this week at PhotoFriday. I took this photo this week up in Seoul. I spent more time on the Seoul subway this week than I might have in the last two years. If I am right, I was on it for over three and a half hours on Tuesday alone. I am heading back up tomorrow for one last visit before my boat leaves this country in four days.

Labels: Korea, Photo Friday, Photos, Travel

Posted by Ryan at 00:14

6.6.08

Cuts Like A Knife

Tools is the theme this week at PhotoFriday. This was in the window of a knife store in Basel, Switzerland. If I had a spare thousand Swiss francs around, I could have bought the Swiss Army knife with 85 different tools.

Labels: Photo Friday, Photos

Posted by Ryan at 01:54

23.5.08

As The Lights Flashing Out

Difficult Shot is the theme at PhotoFriday this week.

I took this shot during the Duran Duran concert April 17th, in Seoul, South Korea. It was not easy to get the shot, as security guards were constantly watching for the evil people who brought cameras into the concert venue. It did not help that I was in the very front of the crowd. Luckily, I got a few shots off without being caught. You can read more about the concert in my previous post.

Labels: Music, Photo Friday, Photos

Posted by Ryan at 00:10

16.5.08

In The Heat Of The Night

Fire is the theme at PhotoFriday. This photo is from a trip to Michigan in the middle of winter. We decided to have a little bonfire on the lake.

Labels: Photo Friday, Photos

Posted by Ryan at 01:56

9.5.08

Stick To Your Guns

Professional is the theme at PhotoFriday this week. Had to look though my photos to find someone/thing that looked professional. This photo of my friend Andrew was prefect. He took me to my first shooting range last summer. The guy not only was a great shot, but a great instructor. Guess it helps is in law enforcement. Although I think he was only being nice when he thought my shooting was good. That or I have spent way too many quarters on Virtual Cop at the arcade.

Labels: Friends, Photo Friday, Photos

Posted by Ryan at 00:20

2.5.08

Wrestling With My Conscience

My Little Secret is the theme at PhotoFriday this week. I am not sure if my secret is that I still owned this shirt until about a week ago, or that I still occasionally watch wrestling. The best/worst part about it is that here in Korea there is a channel that shows WWE at least once a day. I think I've watched the Ric Flair farewell address about five times this week. I think I have said too much, and should stop there.

Labels: Korea, Photo Friday, Photos, TV

Posted by Ryan at 02:11

25.4.08

Lead Me To The Harbour

"Electricity" is the theme at PhotoFriday this week. This photo was taken last fall when I was in Hong Kong. Every night they put on an amazing light display in the harbour. I would love to know what the total electric bill to run the Symphony of Lights. I posted a video of the show on the YouTube.

Labels: Photo Friday, Photos, Travel

Posted by Ryan at 00:16

18.4.08

Frozen In The Snow

The theme this week at PhotoFriday is "Cold." Don't talk to me about cold until you have used an outhouse during an Upper Peninsula winter.

Labels: Photo Friday, Photos

Posted by Ryan at 01:20

11.4.08

If The Bombs Fall

"Fragile" is this week's theme at PhotoFriday. This was a bomb I came across while wandering around some old war trenches in the Vosges Mountains of France. I tried to pick it up, just to see how heavy it was. I even thought it would make a cool conversation piece in my apartment. Luckily, there were some people who felt it would be unwise to load a undetonated WWII bomb into the back of van full of students. Those same wise people were not on another trip we made to the area, but that is another story for another time.

Labels: My Life, Photo Friday, Photos

Posted by Ryan at 02:47

4.4.08

All This Wandering

"Far From Home" is the theme at PhotoFriday this week.

I have considered myself fortunate to be able to wander so far from the pumpkin fields of Morton, Illinois. There are hundreds of photos I could use to show myself "far from home" I picked this one, just because it is one of the more recent photos. It was taken in Subic Bay, Philippines, while I was in the area helping with a Habitat for Humanity building project.

To be honest, home is a concept I struggle more and more with. While many of my peers have a place to call home, I feel homeless. Sure there are places I know I can stay for long periods of time and feel comfortable, but a home I feel I lack. In some ways I would love to say because I am longing for a heavenly home, but I think it might have to deal with my ever need to wander.

This actually line of thought could fill a huge post, so for the time being, just enjoy the photo. As with every photo, it was so much better in real life.

Labels: My Life, Photo Friday, Photos, Travel

Posted by Ryan at 00:19

14.3.08

A Glimpse At The Good Life

PhotoFriday's theme this week is "The Good Life." You probably are wondering why a photo of the shore of Lake Baikal is a representation of the good life. Here is the simplified version of the story behind this photo:

I was traveling across Mongolia and Russia with two good friends. We stopped ended up in Port Baikal for the evening due to a mix-up out of our control. In the process we found ourselves on a hike with two complete strangers. As we walked along the train tracks outside of the desolated area, my brain began to play tricks on me. I wondered exactly why these two men had a large backpack and a full shopping bag. My brain was flashing thoughts about the Russian mafia and various ways tourists have been mugged. As the mist began to come down, and my blood was being pumped out by the thousand mosquitoes that surrounded me, I began to wonder if this was the end. Could this be where this crazy adventure of my life ends.

Our two guides then told us to walk ahead another kilometer to a train tunnel, look around for a while, and then return for dinner. We walked ahead to the tunnel, where two of us shared similar thoughts. After some laughter we returned to a campfire along the shore of the lake. The contents of the backpack and bag were being cooked over a fire for our consumption. Our guide had even made tea from various leaves he had collected along the walk. It might have been one of the best meals I have ever had.

Perhaps a little thought about death makes you realize how good life is. I was enjoying a meal beside a beautiful shore with two great friends in a part of the world I never imagined I would explore. That my friends is why I feel I have the good life. Good friends, good travels, good food, and a good God who has provided it all.

Labels: My Life, Photo Friday, Photos, Travel

Posted by Ryan at 08:40

29.2.08

Dope Hat

"Fuzzy" is the PhotoFriday's theme this week. This photo was taken at a friend's house. I knew he liked to wear those crazy Russian style hats, but did not know he had multiple hats. Guess it is good to always have a spare. Perhaps there are different levels of thickness and warmth provided by each hat. I did not bother enough to find out.

By the way, I learned they are called ushankas. I have learned my something for the day.

Labels: Photo Friday, Photos

Posted by Ryan at 05:08

22.2.08

I See Her Drawing

"Art" is this week's theme at PhotoFriday. This is a shot from my recent trip to India. Everyday we would have some time for arts and crafts with the children at the orphanage. We were amazed at the creativity the children displayed in their projects.

If have plenty of photos from the trip, if you want to see them.

Labels: India, Photo Friday, Photos

Posted by Ryan at 06:46

14.2.08

It's Just A Ride

"Infinity" is the theme this week at PhotoFriday. This was my high score on the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster ride at Hong Kong Disneyland. Actually, this was my highest unassisted score. Later in the day, one of the park employees told me how to get a higher score. Although the highest score came when the ride stopped moving for a few minutes, but the targets were still live.

Labels: Photo Friday, Photos

Posted by Ryan at 23:24

25.1.08

But Is It Fast Enough?

"The Machine" is the theme at PhotoFriday this week. Above is the 1989 Toyota Camry that was kindly donated to me this summer. Thanks Dave! I do not know if reasoning was as an easy way to get rid of the car, or because he secretly wanted me to end up broken down along the side of a highway. I was impressed with how well that car performed. It made it all the way from Los Angeles, CA to Marquette, MI without any issues. It did not even take the shortest route, much to the chagrin of a Texan police officer, who told me I should not be driving in his state. That was right before he did a thorough drug search of the car and those riding it in.

Now it sits in storage, awaiting the next big adventure. In fact, last night my dad was asking me if I thought it would make another trip to the west coast and back. Not sure, but I would be game to find out.

I also like this photo of the car, taken by one of my friends who decided to join me for a week of the road trip.

Labels: My Life, Photo Friday, Photos, Road Trip, Travel

Posted by Ryan at 03:48

18.1.08

Long Live The Car Crash

I am back from break, and trying to get back into posting again. This week's theme at PhotoFriday is "Disastrous." I dug up this photo of the first car I owned in Europe. It was a great car, but unfortunately an Italian guardrail was no match for the Mazda. The funny part was that two weeks after I had left in an Italian junk yard, one of my coworkers, who was a complete mooch, called me up asking to borrow it.

Labels: Accidents, Photo Friday, Photos

Posted by Ryan at 03:55

21.12.07

Highway Run

"The Best of 2007" is the theme of PhotoFriday this week. I've posted over a thousand photos taken in nine different countries. It is hard to narrow down to just one as the best. I picked this one, as it shows one of the things about travel that I love most, the open road. Travel to me is not always about the destination, but the journey. Too often for me the best parts about a trip happen on the way. The destination is sometimes the icing on the cake. J.R.R Tolkien said it best, "Not all who wander are lost." I am just grateful I have been able to wander this far and for this long.

Labels: Photo Friday, Photos

Posted by Ryan at 00:33

14.12.07

Reach Up For The Sunrise

The PhotoFriday theme this week is "Sunrise." It must be proof that I am not really a morning person, when this is the only sunrise photo I have. I took this from the top of an orphanage near Bangalore, India. I am excited to be able to return there in about two months. This will be my third time taking a group of students from our school to work with the children there.

Labels: India, Photo Friday, Photos

Posted by Ryan at 04:10

30.11.07

How Does It Feel When You're Alone

"Dead of Night" is the theme at PhotoFriday this week. This was taken two summers ago in Moscow. My friends had left for the airport, and I decided to wander around Red Square at midnight. One of my favorite activities when I travel is to wander major cities in the middle of night. A city changes so much when all the activity dies down, and the locals all go home. There is something about wandering around streets that are usually full of activity, but at the time are deserted. One can get the feeling of being the only survivor in a ghost town. Plus, you can save a few bucks on lodging that way.

Labels: Photo Friday, Photos, Travel

Posted by Ryan at 00:19

23.11.07

There Were Two Sisters

PhotoFriday's theme this week is "two." I took this photo in the Philippines. This is the Two Sisters, a boat that will take you to the base of Taal volcano. There you can see the largest island in a lake on an island in a lake on an island.

Labels: Photo Friday, Photos

Posted by Ryan at 01:40

16.11.07

Picture Yourself On A Train In A Station

"Travel" is the theme at PhotoFriday this week. This might be the toughest theme for me to narrow down. Having passed through over thirty five countries, how do you pick one photo from all those adventures? I chose this photo of the Basel SBB train station. It has been a starting, ending, or midway stop to some of my greatest adventures. From here I started several ski trips into Switzerland. I pass through here three times on a fifteen day, fifteen country trek across Europe. Even on my summer of riding the Trans-Siberian railroad, I managed to pass through the SBB. On that trip, I arrived and found a place to store my luggage. Ten minutes later I entered one of my favorite churches, only to miss the first song of the morning service.

I look forward to my next time through that fine station.

Labels: Photo Friday, Photos, Travel

Posted by Ryan at 07:19

9.11.07

Just A Little Bit Dangerous

This week "dangerous" is the theme at PhotoFriday. I loved when the frog signs and fences would pop up in Germany. The fact that you have to drop your speed almost fifty percent shows that danger those frogs can bring.

Labels: Germany, Photo Friday, Photos

Posted by Ryan at 00:36

2.11.07

It's A Tug Of War

"Strength" is this week's theme at PhotoFriday. This game of tug of war happened last year in India. I am excited about going back again this February for my third visit to the orphanage.

Labels: India, Photo Friday, Photos

Posted by Ryan at 00:35

26.10.07

In The Playground On The Dark Side Of Town

"Silence" is this week's theme at PhotoFriday. This is a the playground along the Michigamme River in Republic, Michigan.

Labels: Photo Friday, Photos

Posted by Ryan at 01:16

19.10.07

In The City Of Blinding Lights

"The City" is this week's theme at PhotoFriday. This is a shot of the "Symphony of Lights" in Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour.

Labels: Photo Friday, Photos

Posted by Ryan at 01:20

12.10.07

Right Here Waiting

The PhotoFriday theme this week is "Real Life." I took this shot in Hong Kong. I am beginning to think that while on vacation the only real life is that you see in the people who are living out their normal day to day lives.

Labels: Photo Friday, Photos

Posted by Ryan at 04:26

5.10.07

These Wholesome Memories

"Wholesome" is the theme at PhotoFriday. Last week in Hong Kong, I experienced many different culinary delights, including chicken feet. They told me that it was actually considered a very healthy dish.

Labels: Food, Photo Friday, Photos

Posted by Ryan at 01:34

21.9.07

Take Me To My Beach

This week "The Beach" is the theme over at PhotoFriday. Here is a shot of the area where the "The Beach" was filmed. I was fortunate enough to do some night diving in that bay.

Labels: Photo Friday, Photos, Travel

Posted by Ryan at 00:20

14.9.07

Sailin' Ships The Viking Spits

"Fantasy" is the theme of PhotoFriday. Here is a photo from the opening ceremony at Hume Lake this summer. They put on a performance of a Viking attack on a Nordic town, complete with fake rain and pyrotechnics.

Labels: Photo Friday, Photos

Posted by Ryan at 00:49

7.9.07

Blinded By The Light

"Purple" is the theme this week at PhotoFriday. Here is a shot of one of my favorite musicians, Bill Mallonee. This is him perfoming at London's Borderline back in March 2004.

Currently listening to: Bill Mallonee -

Labels: Music, Photo Friday, Photos

Posted by Ryan at 01:26

31.8.07

Insignificant Little Things

Time for another PhotoFriday entry. This theme this week is "insignificant." I took this photo on the way home the other night.

Labels: Photo Friday, Photos

Posted by Ryan at 00:30

24.8.07

Jeremiah Was A Bullfrog

This week's theme at PhotoFriday is "Unfinished." Here is a photo I took this summer of a snake snacking on a frog. At this point, he is about to enjoy some tasty frog legs.

If you want, here is a video of the event.

Labels: Food, Photo Friday, Photos

Posted by Ryan at 00:18

17.8.07

If You Are The Big Tree

"Old" is the theme of PhotoFriday, not to mention how I feel some days. Here is a photo from my summer adventure. It is of my head and the General Grant Sequoia. The tree's age is estimated at 1650 years old, myself around 34.

Labels: My Life, Photo Friday, Photos, Road Trip

Posted by Ryan at 00:23

10.8.07

Lonely Soldier Go Home

"Oddity" is the theme at Photofriday. On my road trip across America, I stopped in Springfield, Missouri to visit a friend. We were hanging out at Steak and Shake around midnight when in walked a young boy. With a lisp, he asked for water. When he received his water, he thanked the waiter and walked out. Oh yeah, he was also dressed like a Roman soldier, complete with sword and shield.

Labels: Photo Friday, Photos, Road Trip

Posted by Ryan at 22:06

13.7.07

There Was Sand And Hills

"Barren" is this week's theme at PhotoFriday. After two days in the desert, I think I saw plenty of barren land. Here is one of the photos from the road.

I've posted some more photos from the first part of the trip. Chris has also has posted his photos. Check them all out.

Labels: Photo Friday, Photos, Road Trip, Travel

Posted by Ryan at 17:15

15.6.07

Volcanoes Melt You Down

"Active" is the theme at PhotoFriday this week. Here is Crater Lake on the Taal Volcano.

Taal Lake is home to the "Largest island in a lake on an island in a lake on an island." The Taal volcano is also said to be the smallest active volcano.

Labels: Photo Friday, Photos

Posted by Ryan at 03:13

8.6.07

You Must Show The Way

"Purity" is the theme at PhotoFriday. I took this photo of a child of nomads in Mongolia. I can only imagine what it would be like to be raised without the influence of mass media all around.

Labels: Photo Friday, Photos

Posted by Ryan at 09:30

1.6.07

Stranger In Moscow

The theme at PhotoFriday this week is "How I See Myself." At this point I see myself as a world traveler, who does not really like photos of himself.

Labels: Photo Friday, Photos, Travel

Posted by Ryan at 07:47

25.5.07

Sit On Strange Toilet Seats

"Futuristic" is the theme at PhotoFriday this week. While I was in Switzerland this spring, I came across this futuristic public toilet. For some reason I was impressed enough to take a photo. Guess it was the fact that the toilet bowl also served as the sink, plus I'm pretty sure it was self cleaning too. What more could you ask for?

Labels: Photo Friday, Photos

Posted by Ryan at 00:46

18.5.07

Water Under Another Bridge

The PhotoFriday theme is "Large." I give you the Mackinac Bridge.

Labels: Photo Friday, Photos, Up North

Posted by Ryan at 00:38

11.5.07

Little Seas Can Be Big Seas

Once again it is time for another PhotoFriday, and the theme this week is "Amber." This photo was shot on a trip with the BFA seniors to Italy.

Labels: Photo Friday, Photos

Posted by Ryan at 02:54

4.5.07

Smoke Against The Sky

Time for another photo in the PhotoFriday collection. This week's theme is "smoke."

Currently listening to: Snow Patrol - Signal Fire (As Featured In "Spider-Man 3"

Labels: Photo Friday, Photos

Posted by Ryan at 00:23

27.4.07

Paddling In His Canoe

The theme at PhotoFriday this week is "Relaxation." Sometimes there is nothing greater than a canoe, a calm lake, and no schedule telling you when to return.

Currently listening to: Hayden -

Labels: Photo Friday, Photos, Up North

Posted by Ryan at 00:57

20.4.07

In A Big Country

This week's theme at PhotoFriday is "The Country." Here is a shot from the trip through Mongolia last year. I would love to go back there again.

Currently watching:

Labels: Photo Friday, Photos

Posted by Ryan at 01:07