November,
1991 Ambergis Caye
The largest
barrier Island off the coast of Belize, Central America.
Looking
through boxes of images I had taken years ago, while I was just discovering my passion for
photography, I came across some richly colored enlargements from a trip to
Belize.
I
had to do a little research to remember when the photo was taken and found the
date of November 1991. Wow!! Almost 22 years ago!
I
remember the island being very remote and simple. A terrifying ride in an ancient propeller aircraft flew us to the
island from Belize City. We then walked
down the dirt road that led to all the hotels, luggage in tow.
No building was higher than 2 flights of stairs.
In
the early 90's, Belize was still considered 'undiscovered' for tourism - so the
country, in
an effort to boost the economy but preserve the environment, started pushing "ecotourism."
It worked. A decade later, tourism
grew, resorts were built along the barrier island, development continued, and
cruise ships were stopping by.
I have not been back since, so I don't know if development improved the
island without taking away the simplistic charm and natural beauty that I
remember and maintaining their "ecotourism" promise.
Things change, the world progresses.
While looking at this photo, I am also reminded of the changes over this
time in the World of Photography.
This image was shot with a 35 mm Pentax K1000, Fuji slide film, developed by
me in a container of poisonous chemicals, then enlarged onto photographic paper
in complete darkness (color processing cannot even be exposed to red light),
and finally developed in an enclosed container of more poisonous chemicals
while rotating and careful timing.
All the while hoping and praying that it will work and a color print will emerge!
.
