Well, 2016 was certainly interesting. So many things happened around the world that made this year especially memorable, and for many people it’s a year they’d rather forget. Political turmoil and uncertainty with Brexit and Trump; Europe’s migrant crisis and the Syrian tragedy; terrorist attacks and ISIS; and countless other events around the world that western news outlets didn’t deem newsworthy. Add to that the passing of some of the most iconic artists and entertainers of a generation (Bowie, Prince, Leonard Cohen, Carrie Fisher – the list goes on) and it becomes downright depressing.
But to keep it all in perspective, know that despite the constant barrage of doom and gloom, there are still ordinary people out there quietly doing extraordinary things to make the world a better place. Here are 99 good things that happened in the past year – every one a groundbreaking achievement, just not necessarily headline material. 2016 wasn’t all bad, and 2017 will be even better, if you allow it to be, and especially if you make it so.
Canada Day fireworks at North Bay, Ontario, Canada. July 2016.
As I look back at my 2016 posts, I’m reminded how truly fortunate I am. I get to spend half the year in my ancestral home, Hong Kong, during the time when the weather is the most pleasant. And the other half in Toronto, my alternate home, for the best of Canadian summers and traditions. It’s literally the best of both worlds. I get to travel, road-trip, camp, and hike. None of this would be possible without the love and support of my wonderful wife, and the flexibility and understanding of my great employer. Indeed, I have much to be thankful for.
This post contains some of my favorite photos from the past year. While they may not be the best technically, they hold special meaning and memories for me, and bring me back to the place and time where each was taken. And I guess that’s the whole point of photography, and this blog.
To all my family, friends, readers and followers: a Healthy and Happy New Year to you all, and thank you for supporting this site. Let’s take on 2017 in high spirits and look forward to more wonderful experiences and memories.
Clicking on each photo will bring you to the specific blogpost.
Handmade traditional silk lanterns in Hoi An, Vietnam. January 2016.
Traveling from Da Nang to Hue along the Hai Van Pass, Central Vietnam. January 2016.
Exploring the walled village of Kat Hing Wai. Kam Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong. February 2016.
Daybreak at Lantau Peak, the tallest mountain on Lantau Island, Hong Kong. February 2016.
Descending hike towards Shing Mun Reservoir, Lantau Island. February 2016.
Hiking on Needle Hill, New Territories, Hong Kong. February 2016.
“Lego” houses at Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan, South Korea. March 2016.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Busan, South Korea. March 2016.
View of Discovery Bay from Lo Fu Tau peak, Lantau, Hong Kong. March 2016.
Old building facade on the Ping Shan Heritage Trail, New Territories, Hong Kong. March 2016.
Recreation of Showa-era Tokyo at the Yokohama Ramen Museum, Japan. April 2016.
Make-your-own instant noodles at the Momofuku CupNoodles Museum, Yokohama, Japan. April 2016.
The Toden Arakawa line, Tokyo’s last remaining streetcar, Japan. April 2016.
Iconic Tsukiji Fish Market before its closure and relocation, Tokyo, Japan. April 2016.
Inukshuk on the Bruce Trail near Tobermory on Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada. May 2016.
Giant mirrorball at The Hearn, Luminato Festival, Toronto, Canada. June 2016.
Sunset on Lake Nipissing. North Bay, Ontario, Canada. July 2016.
Starlight camping at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada. July 2016.
Chihuly sculpture at the Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, New York. July 2016.
Vintage automobile at the George Eastman Museum of Photography, Rochester, New York. July 2016.
Twilight at Killarney Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada. August 2016.
Canoe camping at Killarney Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada. July 2016.
Early morning paddle at The Massassauga Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada. August 2016.
Campfire under the Milky Way. Massassauga Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada. September 2016.
Morning mist in the backcountry. Massassauga Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada. September 2016.
Northern lights at The Massassauga, Ontario, Canada. September 2016.
Financial towers during Nuit Blanche 2016. Toronto, Canada. October 2016.
City hall at Nuit Blanche 2016 arts festival, Toronto, Canada. October 2016.
Reflections off Green Lake on the Sea-to-Sky Highway. Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. November 2016.
Family roadtrip to Whistler, British Columbia. November 2016.
Annual Christmas market in Stanley, Hong Kong. December 2016.
Peter Lam Photography 