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> Expats, Siem Reap, Cambodia      No commentary about SE Asia in general or Cambodia in particular would be complete without mention of ex-pats living there. A generally hardy bunch of sometimes peripatetic souls seeking a bit more adventure in life, specimens range from intellectuals and zealots seeking knowledge and enlightenment, through the NGO (non governmental organization) crowd that so dominates Cambodia with aid projects, to some seriously dodgy characters I won't characterize beyond 'colorful'. These two are clearly seeking both wisdom and enlightenment. Happy birthday Cap'n Jack! Cheers, Doug.
> Monks Strolling, Siem Reap, Cambodia      Brightnening most any scene, a trio of Buddhist monks in saffron robes stroll the pleasant Siem Reap river boulevard as they catch some rays highlighting their ethereal presence. Wherever encountered, which was most everywhere, monks actively engage visitors in conversation to hone english speaking skills and broaden cultural knowledge.
> Tuk-tuk, Angkor Thom Causway, Cambodia      Tuk-tuk crossing a causeway over the 300 foot wide moat surrounding the walled city of Angkor Thom. Each surrounding wall is about three kilometers in length, making it a very large, square city of ruins to explore. Tuk-tuks are motorbikes pulling covered carts in which passengers ride, and are perfect for shuttling small groups and individuals around the large distances across which the monuments are strewn. In 2007 a tuk-tuk with driver could be hired for $10-12/day, more for extended journeys out of town. The ride is relaxed, encouraging big open viewing and frequent stops to walk among the monuments for more detailed examination. Road dust can call for for face and eye protection, while plastic walls that roll down (not on this one) are choice if rain is expected. Whenever not in one, be prepared for continual solicitation by drivers without a job for the day, afternoon, or the next day.
> Stairway to Temple, Phnom Kulen, Cambodia      Life size Buddha and animal friends cavort atop the long stairway leading to the giant Buddha temple at mountaintop Phnom Kulen. The path is amazingly absent people now, and notably the beggars that normally line the stairway to take visitors' small change on their way to the big Buddha. I was told this fortuitous circumstance arose because it was lunch time - the beggars were all on lunch break!
> Pink Sandstone Temple Towers, Banteay Srei, Cambodia      Evening sunset and pink sandstone combine to highlight the intricate carvings of Banteay Srei. Unfortunately, for some reason the temple closes as the best light of sunset approaches, making small payments to guards potentially necessary to stay as others are rushed out of the complex. The smaller and more detailed nature of this temple makes it a popular trip away from the principal Angkor complex.
> Carved Doorway, Banteay Srei, Cambodia      The intricate carvings on this doorway typify one attraction for this temple some 30 km distant from the main Angkor Wat complex. Although almost as far as Phnom Kulen, better roadways in route make Banteay Srei an easier target.
> Waterfall, Phnom Kulen, Cambodia      After the heat and humidity of lower elevations, even the limited 1600 foot height of Camdodia's tallest peak offers relief, especially with a swim at the waterfall. This is the largest and lower of two major waterfall tiers in the dry season. Monsoon season waterflow is supposed to be immense. Modest Cambodians mostly swim fully clothed, and arrive in crowds on Sundays, both for the sacred appeal for devotees of washing under the falls, and for the simple, cool refreshment of it all. As remote as the site is, commercial interests seem to take over as they do wherever visitors flock. Swimming is free for now, once you've paid the $20 admission as a foreigner. Expect to find persistent guides, vendors, and beggars along the way, even this far away from Angkor.
> Mountaintop Temple, Phnom Kulen, Cambodia      Merging harmoneously with the mountaintop jungle, and somewhat lost in it, lies this Buddhist wat (temple) atop Phnom Kulen.
> Giant Reclining Buddha, Phnom Kulen, Cambodia      This giant 900 year old reclining Buddha, carved out of solid sandstone rock, is housed in a small wat on the mountaintop Phnom Kulen. It is the largest Buddha in Kingdom. Phnom Kulen is Cambodia's most sacred place, as mythical birthplace of the country. This mountain is also home to the sandstone quarried for the building of Angkor monuments almost a millennia ago, floated down the Siem reap river on huge rafts.
Expats, Siem Reap, Cambodia     

No commentary about SE Asia in general or Cambodia in particular would be complete without mention of ex-pats living there. A generally hardy bunch of sometimes peripatetic souls seeking a bit more adventure in life, specimens range from intellectuals and zealots seeking knowledge and enlightenment, through the NGO (non governmental organization) crowd that so dominates Cambodia with aid projects, to some seriously dodgy characters I won't characterize beyond 'colorful'. These two are clearly seeking both wisdom and enlightenment. Happy birthday Cap'n Jack! Cheers, Doug.
> Expats, Siem Reap, Cambodia      No commentary about SE Asia in general or Cambodia in particular would be complete without mention of ex-pats living there. A generally hardy bunch of sometimes peripatetic souls seeking a bit more adventure in life, specimens range from intellectuals and zealots seeking knowledge and enlightenment, through the NGO (non governmental organization) crowd that so dominates Cambodia with aid projects, to some seriously dodgy characters I won't characterize beyond 'colorful'. These two are clearly seeking both wisdom and enlightenment. Happy birthday Cap'n Jack! Cheers, Doug.
Expats, Siem Reap, Cambodia     

No commentary about SE Asia in general or Cambodia in particular would be complete without mention of ex-pats living there. A generally hardy bunch of sometimes peripatetic souls seeking a bit more adventure in life, specimens range from intellectuals and zealots seeking knowledge and enlightenment, through the NGO (non governmental organization) crowd that so dominates Cambodia with aid projects, to some seriously dodgy characters I won't characterize beyond 'colorful'. These two are clearly seeking both wisdom and enlightenment. Happy birthday Cap'n Jack! Cheers, Doug.
Photo by: photographie-irie · see photo in gallery
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