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Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Three: Expressing human values > Rickshaw Driver, Malacca, Malaysia, 2007
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02-SEP-2007

Rickshaw Driver, Malacca, Malaysia, 2007

Business was slow, the sun was hot, and the man was obviously sleepy. The Malaysian flag, seen at lower left, is similar to the US flag, with its red and white stripes and a blue field in the corner -- only its field bears a golden crescent and sun instead of white stars. He will rest here until there is work for him to do. The hat, flowers and decoration all add context. The image reflects several human values: rest, relaxation, and a casual, informal lifestyle.

Leica V-Lux 1
1/250s f/5.6 at 26.5mm iso100 full exif

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Phil Douglis12-Oct-2007 18:10
Thanks, Tricia, for adding this context. His life is not an easy, relaxed, siesta. It is hard work -- while there may be many tourists for him to carry along the streets of Malacca, he has much competition. And there are times like this when the tourists are elsewhere, and all he can do is sleep.
flowsnow12-Oct-2007 16:24
Always nice to see a picture like this, Phil. Reminds me of the difficult times of looking for money. Fortunately he rides this in Malacca where he can fetch better fees from tourists.
Phil Douglis01-Oct-2007 18:02
Never noticed the double-s vent holes until you mention them. Having travelled in Mexico as well as Asia, I can see the similarities you mention. This man works hard at what he does, and he deserves every such moment of relaxation he gets.
Guest 01-Oct-2007 06:55
This is totally lovely in every respect, but isn't this Mexico City? I mean, his hat is emblazoned with SS, which might easily stand for Señor Saguaro. I love the colors, contrasts, the right-leaning blooms-on-poles, the conked-out guy, the festive air, the dark background and the beautiful light. This shot has it all, especially the sight of a man resting from his labors -- which might have been hauling beefy touristas around in a cycle rickshaw, the sort of thing to cause unconsciousness in a heartbeat. Wonderful!
Phil Douglis28-Sep-2007 04:10
The people of Malacca seem to get great pleasure from life. Even a nap has its rewards. Thanks, Patricia for seeing that in this image.
Patricia Lay-Dorsey28-Sep-2007 02:39
What a perfectly composed shot! To have his decorated bicycle showing evidence of the cart he pulls behind it in the foreground, and the man stretched out horizontally behind it tells everything we need to know. Yes, his relaxed state, sleeping soundly perhaps, makes perfect sense. Especially on a hot day. I'm glad he's getting a rest and I hope when he wakes he will make enough money to bring a lot of food back home to his family. You've made me care about this man.
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