While I was based in London working as a freelance photographer I covering hot air balloon which ultimately led to covering the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico, U.S.A. It attracts more than 800 hot air balloons and crowds well into the hundreds of thousands from all over the world.

From day one I was invited into people’s houses with open arms, treated like part of the family. “It was people being people”. No matter where I went I was always greeted with lots of hugs, warm smiles and treated with kindness and respect.

Is the U.S.A so different today? The recent chain of events reminds us all that living in a tolerant society is not easy. It takes hard work at all levels of society. Everyone aspires to live a life of freedom and be treated, as he or she would want to be treated.

The challenge for all of us is to unite and have tolerance and understanding of all people. By creating a conversation to find common ground, so that we all have the opportunity to partake in social and political development to ensure everybody can live a fair and fulfilling life.


c.1990.