Monday, January 17, 2011

Impressions of Cambodia

Cambodia is, quite frankly, one of the most amazing countries I have ever been lucky enough to visit.

Until we moved to HK, it was never on my List. Just hearing the word Cambodia would conjure up some terrible images in my head, images I had no desire to look at. Images I wanted to get out of my head. I didn't want to be upset. There were so many other places to go...why visit somewhere so troubled? Somewhere you were forced to acknowledge how cruel the world can be, how hard so many people have had it, and so recently. The war ended in 1989. I look back to what I was doing in that year. I was 22. I was young and happy. I wasn't really interested in the news, especially "bad" news in faraway countries. It was worlds away from my life. Of course I thought I had problems, things to worry about, and worry I did, even at such a young age. I had no idea how truly lucky I was. Anyway... I digress slightly, but if I was disinterested all those years ago, then by contrast I did not want to leave Asia without having visited at least one country that was not all about fancy skyscrapers and designer shops. I wanted to experience something else, to at least be a little more aware of how things are in far away places.

Siem Reap did not disappoint me. Despite our rather luxurious hotel in the middle of the town, you simply had to step outside of the air conditioned haven, to see how some of the locals lived. You certainly get a sense of the change that is underway, the adjustments that the country has made in the last 20 years. The people are definitely learning about tourism, and fast, but of course there is still extreme poverty here too and so many have had their lives so brutally affected by land mines, which still exist in some parts of the country. A concept that is so far from my comprehension, but a very real fact of life for many.

The people of Cambodia, or to be more precise, Siem Reap, were friendly and in the main, happy souls. Many of us could learn something from their ability to smile through poverty and hardship. They seemed very happy to have all the tourists there and did their best to speak english and communicate with us. We had a guide to take us to see some of the major temples in Angkor Wat so that we could learn a little too, rather than simply wander around taking photos, which for both of us, can easily happen. We were lucky with our guide, he was keen to share much of Cambodia's history, both the good and the bad, and on top of that he kept offering to take our photo...together, which becomes a rare treat when you travel as a couple!

Having said all that, mine is not a history blog, more of a photo blog, so here comes just a few of my favourite snaps from our temple tours around Angkor Wat & Siem Reap.

On our first morning in Siem Reap, we booked a 5am alarm call so that we could be up in time to see the sunrise over Angkor Wat. It was rather cloudy unfortunately, so as photographers we were a little disappointed not to get the colours we craved, but just to be there and witness the new day dawning in such an amazing place, really was worth the early start.

There were exquisite carvings all over the place...these are from Angkor Wat.

Just one of the many faces of Bayon. This one does not show you the perspective or reflect the actual size of these carvings, but I can assure you that they were magnificent...and huge!

If I had to pick my favourite temple in Cambodia, from the few I've seen, this one, Ta Prohm, probably would just about pip the others to the post. I love how we have no option but to marvel at nature. When She wants something....she will just take it. Truly awesome, in the true sense of the word.
It can be difficult to portray perspective and size in photos, but hopefully this one gives you some indication of the incredible size and vastness of some of these tree roots!

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I love that I can share my pics on my blog, but I find it frustrating that I can only post 5 per blog, as I have SO many wonderful photos from Cambodia! It really is one of the most photogenic places. I'm going to have to add some more to another Cambodia post....so watch this space....



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