Hello! Sorry it has been somewhat quiet on the blog front but I have been away. Away in Siem Reap in Cambodia. Thats right…all the way over the other side of the world in 42°C heat and high humidity. Hardship it wasnt. I spent much of it exploring (wanderlust-ing as they say) the ruin temples, the jungle and experiencing local culture aka nightlife of cocktails. Travel photography isnt something I often share as its somewhat personal. Sadly for me I broke my trusty filter before I even got off the plane so a lot of detail in the sky in these images was lost. I did eventually find a camera shop to buy a filter but sadly it was too late for much of my images. Yes I know Photoshop could save them but I am just enjoying the images as they are.
Cambodia was amazing and sad in equal measure. The poverty and the riches of a beautiful culture were seemingly always at odds with one another. The evidence of Westernisation but the determination to keep their traditions alive, make Siem Reap in particular an eye opening adventure.
I stayed at the V&A Villa for those curious. I recommend it. Swimming pool, good food, happy people. Perfect.
Now for the travel photography!
Main bar district of the town. Busy and full of tuk tuk drivers wanting to take you to your next destination.
Cocktails!
Nils (travel buddy) enjoys yet another cocktail
Military Museum of Siem Reap
Military Museum of Siem Reap
Military Museum of Siem Reap
Military Museum of Siem Reap
Military Museum of Siem Reap
Miss Wong’s. Amazing cocktails.
The inspiration behind Miss Wong’s.
Yep…even The Beatles get a tribute bar here.
Its nestled in the alleyways of Siem Reap you find the best bars and restaurants.
Heading over the bridge to one of the many night markets…
Competition for customers is tough, so barstaff work hard to tempt punters in.
The temples are very popular
Most of the temples are still active
Monks are all over the temples visiting.
Snapped a monk taking a selfie
Angkor Wat is one of the biggest temples.
So many statues.
Both Nils and II received a blessing from a monk…for a price of $1. ha.
Sadly no crocs in this man made lake.
The carvings are amazing!
The temples are being slowly restored. Damage by the jungle, loiters, the Khmer Rouge and such as taken its toll.
The statues are holding the body of Naga, the serpent god. Often you see him over the sitting Buddha, like an ornate fan of sorts.
The rivers are low as the rainy season is due to start but so far no rain has come
Every wall of the temples are decorated. Be is female dancers, depictions of life or patterns.
Phare, the Cambodian circus. Go see them if you can!
The organisation behind the circus trains street children so their lives can be better. Amazing work and show from all involved.
Heading out of the town towards the jungle. Tuktuks are the main mode of transport in Cambodia for tourists and often locals.
A child’s false leg. A start reminder of the harsh reality Cambodians faced during and after the war. The Landmine Museum are working hard to clear the land mines but every day someone is hurt or killed by them.
School children racing home.
The humidity never really let up.
A monk goes about his day.
An alley way in the town of Siem Reap
Nils lurks in the deep. Somewhat reminiscent of the film Carnival of Souls
Goodbye from me. End of my trip.
