Photo of the Week February 24th

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!

 

 Yes, things change and the world progresses.

 

 

 

 

 

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