Join us in celebrating Arts & Culture Month in Riverside County
This week, we asked Simon Rose, a photographer, surfer, and traveler living in Riverside County, to pick his favorite photo from his travels.

"Back Alley," West Sumatra
Here's what he had to say:
Tell us about the photo (where/when/why you traveled there):
The Town was Pasar, West Sumatra, taken 2 years ago. We were traveling around West Sumatra, Indonesia, before we went to the Mentawais island for a surf trip. This town was a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The alley caught my eye because it shows the real life of the area - Simple but complex.
What was your favorite cultural experience in Indonesia?
The best part of the trip was all of the culture; we learned a lot about the people, the history of Sumatra, and Indonesia in general. The people were all friendly and welcoming. The nature and wildlife was unreal (friendly monkey!) Food and culture was interesting and amazing.
How have your travel experiences influenced how you navigate daily life in Riverside County?
It drives me to continue experiencing other cultures, while being more in tune with nature and my surroundings, taking only what I need. Living with the land and not off the land, and having a sustainable lifestyle is a valuable lesson learned.
What's your favorite cultural experience?
Tune in next week for another edition!