my monk.

i can't tell you how happy i am to finally have this photo.

i pass this man about twice a week on a back road near a monastery. he is one of the monks. i've been wanting his portrait for about 4 months, but i either didn't have my camera, or i was too afraid to get out and actually ask him for it.
the other day i went out with my camera in the passenger seat to hopefully see him on the road. a couple yards away, i saw him with his headphones on and walking down the middle of the road. he didn't even notice i was there, and was going slow enough to where i might as well have stopped to get out. it was one of those "here's your sign" moments. so i got out and explained to him that i had seen him all the time and had always wanted his photo and asked for his permission. (by the way, that's a big step for me). i think he was startled that some American girl that was about a foot taller than he was asking such a random question. i don't think he knew much English, except for "yes" :)
so i took his photo, said thank you, and we each went on our way. he gave me a wave (as he always does) as i drove back by him.