For those who follow my Facebook page, you already know about this, but I couldn’t not post about it on my blog, you know!

A couple of months ago, I entered a “Cultural pilgrimage” readers’ photo contest run by the New York Times Magazine. We were to submit an image and write a caption/story to go with it. The final selection of photos would be published online to coincide with their “Voyages” February issue and some would be in print as well. When I read about the call, I knew I had to enter. Culture is my thing and what I love to experience when I’m overseas. The first thought that came to mind was to submit an image from the annual junkanoo dance contest I went to in Dangriga (Belize), last December.

I’m happy to share that my image was selected and published – as one of 186 final photos, from among the thousands of photos submitted. I’m so thrilled and honored to see my work printed in the New York Times and to know that the editors themselves picked my work out. So yes, I get lifetime bragging rights now. I’m a NYT-published photographer, look out world!

To view the final selected images, click here.

Lebawit Lily Girma

Travel writer, Photographer, Guidebook author and Blogger Lily Girma has lived and studied in Africa, Europe and the Americas. In 2008, she left behind a prestigious law career to follow her passion. Her work has been published in various outlets, including CNN Travel, BBC Travel and New York Times Magazine, and her photography commissioned by tourism boards. Her first edition of "MOON BELIZE" travel guidebook is due for publication this Fall 2013 (10th edition, Moon Handbooks by Avalon Travel/Perseus Books). Lily's work reflects a deep love for culture and adventure in all its forms.

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