This is a collection of sights, creations, experiences and reflections. Tune in if you're curious and keep an open-mind. If you've got any questions or feedback, please contact me by email at gaoyide.connect@outlook.com
2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 🦁
31/12/22
🏮
2022
The year of celebrating my Chinese identity whilst living in the UK.
31/12/22
⚖️
The readjustment time spent after travelling.
The circle becomes smaller.
A day of decisions.
29/12/22
💖
I read this book: The Heart of a Woman by Maya Angelou.
28/12/22
🤐
I read this book: Zippy and Me by Ronnie Le Drew with Duncan Barrett & Nuala Calvi.
28/12/22
🍺
Alcohol Free.
28/12/22
🏔️
My breath escaped and my heart pounded at the scale of the view in front of me. Photographs don't do it justice. Near the top of Mount Ulriken the snow covered steps became more precarious, the railings offered some relief and security against the strong gusts. There were many others hiking and I reminded myself this was probably a regular jaunt for local Nowegians. I'd invested in some ice grippers that fitted over my boots, highly recommended for rambling in these conditions. I didn't see any of the sheer ice as I'd encountered before, it was likely buried under the snow.
27/12/22
🍺
Alcohol Free.
27/12/22
🐋
A day admiring the collection of art within five buildings. KODE 4 housed the world's largest gingerbread-city. A couple of local specialities for dinner: Bergen fish soup and roasted whale. Retaining the holiday spirit by gazing at the illuminations of Lumagica.
26/12/22
🌭
There were several convenient stores, coffee shops and fast food restaurants open over the holiday days. Today I purchased a reindeer hot dog with festive condiments. I've appreciated the alternating yet complimentary colours of the wooden buildings along the seafront and other unique architecture around the city. I visited St. John's Church on Christmas Day whilst strolling back from the viewpoint at Nordnesparken.
25/12/22
🍺
Alcohol Free.
25/12/22
🕯️
The first attempt hiking Ulriken was stifled by sheets of ice. I managed to climb up some sections, stepping from protuding rock to rock but turned around because it was too treachorous. I will return with better gear to tackle it another time. In the afternoon, I managed to climb Floyen before it got dark. There were some tricky parts with more ice to avoid but by keeping to the sides my boots could handle it. The view of Bergen from above was impressive with a landmark Christmas Tree clearly visible.
25/12/22
🧀
The first taste of Norwegian brown cheese.
24/12/22
⛰️
Scenes from a train window between Oslo and Bergen. Endless black and white landscapes that could almost be charcoal sketches.
23/12/22
🍺
Alcohol Free.
23/12/22
⛷️
A picturesque metro journey to Frognerseteren with the aim of hiking through the snowy forest to Skjennungen. The view on arrival at the station was spectacular. The initial path in deep snow through the giant pine trees was a joy. Later on it joined a course where many Norwegians were kitted out with ski equipment. This was when I realised a missed opportunity. I didn't have the gear or the experience to attempt it anyway so I was content to continue hiking. I made it to the frozen lake by observing and avoiding everyone skiing along the way and this satisfied my cultural yearning within this location. Later I saw a track used for sledging that looked adrenaline pumping. No doubt, if I was local I'd be visiting here again during the winter.
22/12/22
🕊️
All I want for Christmas is...
22/12/22
🦌
Another day navigating Oslo, Norway. A garden submerged in snow offers a very different visual experience (there was a lot of speculation). I would like to see the Viking Garden and the Rock Garden of Botanisk Hage during the spring time. It was still a worthwhile detour on the way to the Royal Palace. Afterwards, a delicious reindeer pie for much needed warmth before venturing on.
21/12/22
🍺
Alcohol Free.
21/12/22
⛪
A large outdoor area to explore at the Norsk Folkemuseum, Oslo, Norway. There were many historically important structures gathered together with signs telling stories from Middle Ages to modern day. Some of the structures were accessible with decorated rooms as to appear authentic, including a store selling tobacco, sweets and comics. The celebration of Christmas was evident throughout, sharing the changing of traditions. The highlight was the Stave Church blanketed in snow.
21/12/22
⛄
Vigeland Sculpture Park, Oslo, Norway.
20/12/22
🍺
Alcohol Free.
20/12/22
🛣️
The beginning of a healing journey.
16/12/22
🤔
I read this book: Common Sense by Thomas Paine.
14/12/22
🎼
I read this book: Singin' & Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas by Maya Angelou.
11/12/22
🥶
Morning view.
10/12/22
🍺
Alcohol Free.
07/12/22
↗️
A last glance at the majestic statue of Thomas Paine on the way out.
'Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms-to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.' - Victor Frankl
07/12/22
🧑🏻🤝🧑🏿
I read this book: Gather Together in my Name by Maya Angelou.
06/12/22
🥋
Training continues in another direction.
06/12/22
👨🏼🌾
I read this book: The Gardener and the Carpenter by Alison Gopnik.
05/12/22
🍺
Alcohol Free.
04/12/22
🎁
A fine assortment at the Thetford Christmas Market, Thetford, UK.
My art is documented on my Instagram: @daz.darryl
30/11/22
🎁
A familiar scent.
23/11/22
🍼
I read this book: Unconditional Parenting by Alfie Kohn.
21/11/22
🏴☠️
I read this book: Piracy: The Intellectual Property Wars from Gutenberg to Gates by Adrian Johns.
19/11/22
🍺
Alcohol Free.
19/11/22
👬
In honour of International Men's Day
17/11/22
🐤
I read this book: I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou.
11/11/22
🌞
A moment of appreciation.
08/11/22
🇨🇳
I read this book: The Communist Party of China: A Concise History.
30/10/22
⛪
Thetford Priory, Thetford, UK.
30/10/22
🌱
This stem keeps on giving.
29/10/22
🧞
The enchanting tale of The Magic Lamp at Norwich Puppet Theatre, Norwich, UK.
29/10/22
⌛
Awol Erizku's neon light titled Nerfertiti (Black Power) was a thought provoking end to this exhibit. The Chinese characters read 'Black Power'.
Visions of Ancient Egypt Exhibition at the Sainsbury Centre, Norwich, UK.
29/10/22
🗿
Sainsbury Centre Sculpture Park, Norwich, UK.
15/10/22
🌱
These seeds didn't choose their environment but they have displayed resilience and perseverance.
15/10/22
🏃
Parkrun
Another adrenaline pumping start to the weekend.
A new personal best after a competition with myself.
12/10/22
🐝
I read this book: The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups by Daniel Coyle.
09/10/22
🍄
A trail between two towns.
The Little Ouse Path between Thetford and Brandon, Norfolk UK.
08/10/22
🏃
Parkrun
Another adrenaline pumping start to the weekend.
06/10/22
🌊
A glimpse of a storm
Escaped to another shore
Or forever bound
06/10/22
🗂️
I read this book: Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson.
01/10/22
🌄
Another day, another hill.
Castle Hill, Thetford, UK.
01/10/22
🏃
Parkrun
Another adrenaline pumping start to the weekend.
A new personal best after a competition with myself.
27/09/22
❣️
I read this book: Emotions of Normal People by William Moulton Marston.
26/09/22
🍱
I read this book: Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek.
24/09/22
🏃
Parkrun
Another adrenaline pumping start to the weekend.
18/09/22
⚙️
Full steam ahead at the Steampunk Weekend, Thetford, UK
My art is documented on my Instagram: @daz.darryl
17/09/22
🏵️
A late bloomer.
16/09/22
Kuk Sool Won
Brown Stripe
Training continues...
15/09/22
🌺
A late bloomer.
10/09/22
🏃
Parkrun
Another adrenaline pumping start to the weekend.
10/09/22
👑
This year I read this book: Queen Elizabeth: A Platinum Jubilee Celebration by DK Limited.
There are some books that I don't document here.
09/09/22
🌕🐇
Happy Mid-Autumn Festival
04/09/22
🤝
Community Day 2022, Thetford, UK
My art is documented on my Instagram: @daz.darryl
03/09/22
🏃
Parkrun
I had the time and the energy.
31/08/22
🀄
Mahjong Minimal
I still haven't played the physical game.
27/08/22
🌼
A late bloomer.
27/08/22
🏃
Parkrun
I had the time and the energy.
25/08/22
🏰
Battlement to betterment
Norwich Castle, Museum & Art Gallery, Norwich, UK
24/08/22
🐺
I read this book: Nietzsche and Anarchy by Shahin.
23/08/22
🏮
A welcome opportunity to attempt to speak Chinese (Mandarin) in the UK.
23/08/22
🦖
A sidequest of haphazardly joining the GoGoDiscover Dinosaur Trail in Norwich, UK.
I found 23 large T-Rexes but didn't count the smaller ones.
My favourite was Roary inspired by classic board games.
21/08/22
🤑
I read this book: Anarchist Communism by Peter Kropotkin.
20/08/22
🌱
Persistence prevails.
After continously watering they finally emerged.
18/08/22
🐆
I read this book: The Art of Patience: Seeking the Snow Leopard in Tibet by Sylvain Tesson.
15/08/22
🐉
I read this book: The Shortest History of China by Linda Jaivin.
13/08/22
🎭
Creative Carnival 2022, Thetford, UK
My art is documented on my Instagram: @daz.darryl
09/08/22
🍃
Windmill spotting in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
08/08/22
🦴
Body Worlds, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
08/08/22
🌲
The egyptian geese were really trusting here.
Vondel Park, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
08/08/22
🌵
Hortus Botanicus, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
07/08/22
🎨
Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
06/08/22
🖼️
Rijks Museum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
06/08/22
🏳️🌈
Straight men can like bright colours.
02/08/22
🧻
I read this book: Get Your Sh*t Together by Sarah Knight.
I picked this up for 50p at a Library sale. I also scored Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein for £1.
31/07/22
🐞
From one fortress to another.
Cliffords Tower, York, UK.
30/07/22
🎨
York Zine Fest 2022, York, UK
My art is documented on my Instagram: @daz.darryl
28/07/22
🥋
5th demonstration
23/07/22
🏃
Parkrun
I had the time and the energy.
17/07/22
🔍
Local scenes.
I don't mean to pry.
16/07/22
🏃
Parkrun
Back to this after a period of stability.
14/07/22
💟
Creative commute.
11/07/22
🌿
A follower is still going.
10/07/22
🍺
Alcohol Free.
10/07/22
0️⃣
Zero sugar.
09/07/22
🎨
ThetFest 2022, Thetford, UK.
My art is documented on my Instagram: @daz.darryl
05/07/22
🤲
I read this book: Wing Chun, Sil Nim Tao, The Internal Path by Siukee Wan.
05/07/22
🐞
Bug spotting.
29/06/22
❓
I read this book: A Guide to Belbin Team Roles by Max Isaac and Kevin Carson.
22/06/22
🌼
Blossomed for a day.
19/06/22
🥋
The World's Warriors come in many different shapes and sizes.
17/06/22
🐜
I read this book: Empire of Ants by Susanne Foitzik and Olaf Fritsche.
16/06/22
Kuk Sool Won
Red Belt
The journey is the most important.
11/06/22
🍺
Alcohol Free.
11/06/22
🦋
Damselflies flutter near the river.
09/06/22
🐣
It's a sad afternoon.
08/06/22
🐤
Now there is only one left. I wonder what happened to the other...
06/06/22
🍃
Change is inevitable.
05/06/22
⬜
I read this book: The Unknown Unknown: Bookshops and the delight of not getting what you wanted by Mark Forsyth.
05/06/22
🦆
Feed us: barley, cracked corn, birdseed, vegetable peels and oats.
Bread is dead.
My art is documented on my Instagram: @daz.darryl
05/06/22
🐆
I read this book: How to be Animal: What it means to be Human by Melanie Challenger.
04/06/22
🐞
Hello, little one.
I've never met a cockchafer beetle before.
03/06/22
🌱
The leaders and the followers.
I tried to save the plants that took damage but my efforts were in vain.
02/06/22
🐣
There were five initially and now there are three.
02/06/22
🐤
Now there are only two left. I wonder what happened to the other one...
29/05/22
👁️🗨️
Eyecatching murals in Deptford, London, UK.
29/05/22
Kath's Place
A community space in Deptford, London, UK.
29/05/22
🐐
Mudchute Park and Farm, London, UK.
28/05/22
THE SHOW MUST GO ON!
South London Zine Fest 2022, Deptford Does Art, London, UK.
My art is documented on my Instagram: @daz.darryl
26/05/22
🏘️
I read this book: Chungking Mansions, Hong Kong: Ghetto at the Center of the World by Gordon Mathews.
25/05/22
🐤
Afternoon view.
25/05/22
🦌
Morning view.
23/05/22
🐤
There were five initially and now there are three. They are more agile and larger than before.
22/05/22
🌱
Leaders take damage.
20/05/22
🛁
I read this book: How To Take A Japanese Bath by Leonard Koren.
20/05/22
🍃
Evening view.
18/05/22
🌱
The project continues...
15/05/22
💭
I read this book: Great Anarchists by Ruth Kinna & Clifford Harper.
14/05/22
Here today
The Illustration + Print Fair, St Barnabas Church, Cambridge, UK.
12/05/22
🐥
Evening view.
12/05/22
🐜
I read this book: The Garden Jungle or Gardening to Save the Planet by Dave Goulson.
11/05/22
🐤
Morning view.
10/05/22
🌱
The project continues...
07/05/22
🌕
The project continues...
07/05/22
🚶
A trail between two towns.
06/05/22
🍺
Alcohol Free.
06/05/22
🌱
The project continues...
05/05/22
🏡
Garden view.
02/05/22
🏔️
I read this book: The Living Mountain by Nan Shepherd.
02/05/22
🌱
The project continues...
28/04/22
🛡️
I'll stand guard.
27/04/22
✉️
I read this book: The Book Seller Googles Hell by Dennis Gould.
27/04/22
🤝
I read this book: journeys with mindfulness by Chloe Asker and Isabel Mae.
27/04/22
💭
I read this book: Are We Good Enough? by Pyotr Kropotkin.
26/04/22
🌳
Morning view.
24/04/22
👥
I read this book: Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell.
23/04/22
©️
World Book Day and Copyright Day
I'm working on getting permission to use particular origami models as part of my self-published books.
23/04/22
Baklava
An impulse buy whilst shopping.
19/04/22
🌍
Reflection of volunteering and travelling in East Africa (Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar) March - May 2007
A few pages from my latest project. A reimaging of my journey using my photographs as a reference.
My art is documented on my Instagram: @daz.darryl
17/04/22
🏡
Garden view.
17/04/22
🌱
The project continues...
16/04/22
🍺
Alcohol Free.
16/04/22
📔
Reflection of volunteering and travelling in East Africa (Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar) March - May 2007
A self-funded trip after University. I used money that I made working in a factory.
My original diary that I created over a period of nine weeks. Whilst downsizing I decided to throw away the diary but one year later I deeply regretted the decision. This photograph is the only record I've got.
I wish I could read it now.
14/04/22
🖌️
The project continues...
09/04/22
✨
A marathon of folding at the British Origami Society Vcon.
08/04/22
😃
C:DT
CAN
03/04/22
🌹
I read this book: William Morris: How I Became a Socialist by Owen Hatherley.
02/04/22
✋
Life Lessons
I'm continuing with the self-publishing route.
I experienced COVID-19 Lockdowns whilst living in Germany. I used the time to challenge myself to create artworks using origami and collage. Previously I've used origami as a tool to build connections with others whilst travelling and working abroad. As a result there are many memories attached to particular models. Most of the designs I've created are based on reflections of my journeys and the lessons I've learned along the way.
My art is documented on my Instagram: @daz.darryl
30/03/22
➕
The ironic side of this mask has reared its head.
I've done well to avoid this until now.
29/03/22
🦁
Morning view.
28/03/22
🌳
Morning view.
27/03/22
🌼
The project continues...
26/03/22
🏃
Parkrun
I came in 16th today and was close to my personal best. I'll aim for consistency from now on.
25/03/22
🌄
Morning view.
24/03/22
🏰
This smart bird has built a nest behind the spikes that are supposed to prevent it from landing. The needles now form a protective barrier.
23/03/22
🚉
Morning view.
19/03/22
🏃
Parkrun
I ran flat out to the finish and placed 13th this week. I managed to shave off over a minute for a new personal best.
18/03/22
🛥️
A walk near the river.
16/03/22
Kuk Sool Won
Blue Belt
Training continues...
14/03/22
💮
In bloom
13/03/22
🧩
I read this book: No Man's Land: Living Between Two Cultures by Anne East.
12/03/22
🏃
Parkrun
I started quickly and noticed my shoelace came undone on the way around. I pushed on regardless and was able to place 12th. It's a personal best.
10/03/22
🌈🏮
Straight men can like bright colours.
09/03/22
❤️
DO WHAT YOU LOVE
08/03/22
👭
Happy International Women's Day
06/03/22
🍺
Alcohol Free.
05/03/22
🐣
One of the young birds is missing.
I wonder what happened to it?
05/03/22
🏃
Parkrun
It's a wet day but the parkrun did indeed run. Despite the puddles, marshy grass and an alternative route I was able to place 26th. I think that means I've improved but then there are a multitude of factors to consider. I'll check the time later.
I must keep this momentum throughout the rest of the day.
28/02/22
🌲
The project continues...
27/02/22
🖌
The project has begun.
27/02/22
🌱
A new project.
27/02/22
⚫
Converge - Petitioning Forever (white)
My favourite track on Petitioning the Empty Sky is Antithesis.
27/02/22
🐣
I've kept my eye on this pair for a while. They chant in unison when anyone gets close.
For a period, one of them vanished and I was concerned something happened to it. The lone bird wasn't as vocal without the partner even when stepping closer towards it.
Yesterday the mystery was solved with a reunion followed by some new arrivals.
26/02/22
⚫
Converge - Petitioning Forever (white)
My favourite track on When Forever Comes Crashing is When Forever Comes Crashing.
26/02/22
🏃
Parkrun
The trees have been cleared but we ran a slightly different route this week. I had a bit more left in the gas tank to push myself to the finish.
Another fresh start to a Saturday.
20/02/22
🚪
I've been looking over some photographs of a series of advertisements for London's Global University.
Each of the ads appeared to have cracks in them but on closer inspection it was only the laminate that was creased. I'm looking past the imperfection and thinking about the next door that will open.
20/02/22
⚫
Black on Black (A Tribute to Black Flag) - Various (blue and grey marble)
My favourite track is Life Of Pain by Anodyne.
19/02/22
🏃
Parkrun
The event was cancelled today because of the aftermath from the storm yesterday. Several trees had fallen and one in particular was blocking the route near the river.
I decided to run anyway by taking an alternative path. There wasn't a marked start or finish line and I won't know where I placed. It doesn't matter.
14/02/22
💖
I read this book: Usborne Illustrated Stories from China retold by Rosie Dickens & Andrew Prentice.
12/02/22
🏃
Parkrun
I forgot my barcode and I left my mobile phone at home so it didn't weigh me down. I still gained the experience but it wasn't documented.
At the finish someone just crossed the line in front of me but I managed to pick up the barcode first. I think that means I placed before the person even though technically I passed the line afterwards. I got either 41st or 42nd. I'll be more aware of this tricky situation next time.
10/02/22
⚫
Necrophagist - Onset of Putrefaction (orange with black splatter)
My favourite track is Culinary Hyperversity.
10/02/22
🛒
Evening view.
08/02/22
Kuk Sool Won
Training continues...
08/02/22
⚫
Converge - Jane Doe (clear)
My favourite track is Fault and Fracture.
08/02/22
🐦
Morning view.
07/02/22
⚫
Morbid Angel - Altars of Madness (picture disc)
My favourite track is Maze of Torment.
07/02/22
🌳
Morning view.
06/02/22
⚫
The Ocean - Precambrian (red, orange and grey swirl)
My favourite track is Stenian.
06/02/22
🍌
I read this book: The Great Food Bank Heist by Onjali Q. Rauf.
06/02/22
Sign of the times
Avoid the opposite sex.
05/02/22
⚫
Converge - You Fail Me (red with black stripe)
My favourite track is Last Light.
05/02/22
🧪
I read this book: The Secret Lives of the Elements by Kathryn Harkup.
03/02/22
⚫
The Dillinger Escape Plan - Calculating Infinity (phlegm)
My favourite track is 4th Grade Dropout.
01/02/22
🌅
Morning view.
01/02/21
🐅
Happy New Year
新年快乐
Xīnnián kuàilè
All the best for 2022! 🐅
30/01/22
⌛
👣
30/01/22
⚫
Jesu - Jesu (picture discs)
My favourite track is Sun Day.
30/01/22
☯
☯
29/01/22
⚫
Old Man Gloom - Christmas (clear/gold)
My favourite track is Christmas Eve Parts I, II, And III (Alt Version).
29/01/22
🏃
Parkrun
28/01/22
⏱
Morning view.
27/01/22
⚫
Isis - Oceanic (picture discs)
My favourite track is Weight.
26/01/22
🌘
Morning view.
25/01/22
⚫
Envy/Jesu Split (white)
My favourite track by Envy is Life Caught In The Rain. My favourite track by Jesu is Hard to Reach.
25/01/22
〰
Morning view.
22/01/22
🍺
Alcohol Free
22/01/22
🏃
Parkrun
21/01/22
⚫
Godflesh - Pure (black)
My favourite track is Predominance.
21/01/22
🌑
Morning view.
19/01/22
⚫
Nadja - Thaumogenesis (purple)
The tracks are untitled and this plays as a single composition over 60 minutes.
18/01/22
💧
Morning view.
16/01/22
⚫
Jesu - Silver EP (clear with grey splatter)
My favourite track is Wolves.
12/01/22
🧊
Morning view.
10/01/22
🔥
Morning view.
09/01/22
🐦
I was startled by a crow when walking out of my bathroom. It was perched on a clothes horse in the house. I've got no idea how it got in but fortunately it made its own way out.
It reminds me of the sheer number of crows I saw gathering in a park in Tokyo. I didn't expect to see so many of those birds in that city.
02/01/22
☯
I read this book: Yinyang: The way of Heaven and Earth in Chinese Thought and Culture by Robert R. Wang.
02/01/22
⛓
Some achievements are worth celebrating in the new year.
9 cranes joined tail to wing. This model required a lot of patience to ensure the connections didn't break.
