In 1992 I went on a big adventure during a year off after finishing school before going to university. I travelled on the Trans-SIberian train from Moscow to Beijing and overland through China to end in Hong Kong. Then through some of Asia and on to the Antipodes.

By this time I had become more interested in photography and had been given a new SLR for my 18th birthday - the Canon EOS 1000. A great camera that lasted me through university and beyond. However I did not want to take a big camera set up with me on this trip but instead took a Canon compact with dual lens options. Not even a zoom but a button to switch between 35mm options and 70mm option and no manual controls which I did regret at times; as a novice though I think this was a sensible decision and I ended up with a full backback anyway so an SLR system would have been difficult to manage.

Photographically this trip was a great experience but there were not many images I would look at now and rate terribly highly which is understandable. This would be a trip I'd love to repeat now - or at least in the future.

28 years on and this print is still looking good!

The photos were taken on Kodak Ektar. I did not see any images until I returned after 5 months – I sent all film home at various stages so my family were seeing what I was up to. How different are travels be now. The ability to see images instantly and improve them and your own skills at a rapid rate; social media with instant connection to home. I’m not sure if I would prefer it or not. I used to fax home when I arrived in different countries because it was cheaper than calling.

This image was taken in either Chongqing or Wuhan. I cannot remember without referring to my diary from the trip. Which is stored away deeply. I think I took a couple of shots and this was the better ‘expression’. I was really pleased with the framing and correct flash exposure and entered the image, unsuccessfully, for at least one competition. This boy could easily have a child this age himself now.