Cambodia - March 2009

I flew to Cambodia this time on an Eva Air 777.

2009-05-26T11:42:39Z

BillJones
I flew to Cambodia this time on an Eva Air 777.

My flight arrived early in the morning at the Taipei airport so it was relatively deserted. I marvel at how modern and clean airports are in Southeast Asia while in the USA, many are old, d ...

2009-05-26T11:42:39Z

BillJones
My flight arrived early in the morning at the Taipei airport so it was relatively deserted. I marvel at how modern and clean airports are in Southeast Asia while in the USA, many are old, d ...

A real flower garden inside the Taipei air terminal.

2009-05-26T11:42:39Z

BillJones
A real flower garden inside the Taipei air terminal.

Live palm trees growing inside the Taipei air terminal.

2009-05-26T11:42:39Z

BillJones
Live palm trees growing inside the Taipei air terminal.

Live orchids in the Taipei terminal

2009-05-26T11:42:39Z

BillJones
Live orchids in the Taipei terminal

From Taipei to Phnom Penh we flew on this smaller MD-90.

2009-05-26T11:42:39Z

BillJones
From Taipei to Phnom Penh we flew on this smaller MD-90.

One must have a visa to enter Cambodia. The easiest way is to get it at the airport when you arrive. The cost is $20 and it usually only takes a few minutes. There is also a $25 departure ...

2009-05-26T11:42:39Z

BillJones
One must have a visa to enter Cambodia. The easiest way is to get it at the airport when you arrive. The cost is $20 and it usually only takes a few minutes. There is also a $25 departure ...

The Cambodiana Hotel in Phnom Penh. I have stayed here twice. I like the accommodations, the location, and the staff, who are all very friendly and helpful.

2009-05-26T11:42:39Z

BillJones
The Cambodiana Hotel in Phnom Penh. I have stayed here twice. I like the accommodations, the location, and the staff, who are all very friendly and helpful.

The grounds of the Cambodiana which face the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers.

2009-05-26T11:42:39Z

BillJones
The grounds of the Cambodiana which face the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers.

My room was the second window directly above the small building with the two golden lions.

2009-05-26T11:42:39Z

BillJones
My room was the second window directly above the small building with the two golden lions.

The view from my third floor room. Here the muddy Tonle Sap River joins the mighty Mekong.

2009-05-26T11:42:39Z

BillJones
The view from my third floor room. Here the muddy Tonle Sap River joins the mighty Mekong.

A small sandy beach at the Cambodiana Hotel

2009-05-26T11:42:39Z

BillJones
A small sandy beach at the Cambodiana Hotel

The woman rowing the boat paused long enough to wave to me when she saw me taking a picture.

2009-05-26T11:42:39Z

BillJones
The woman rowing the boat paused long enough to wave to me when she saw me taking a picture.

An all-wood model of the Bayon (Angkor Wat) on my third floor near the elevators.

2009-05-26T11:42:39Z

BillJones
An all-wood model of the Bayon (Angkor Wat) on my third floor near the elevators.

Apsaras are supernatural beautiful girls: they appear as young women of great beauty and elegance who are proficient in the art of dancing. They are the wives of the Gandharvas, court servan ...

2009-05-26T11:42:39Z

BillJones
Apsaras are supernatural beautiful girls: they appear as young women of great beauty and elegance who are proficient in the art of dancing. They are the wives of the Gandharvas, court servan ...

Sunrise over the Tonle Sap & Mekong Rivers.

2009-07-14T02:32:37Z

BillJones
Sunrise over the Tonle Sap & Mekong Rivers.

On my first day there I had lunch with Mony and Monyka, Samnang and her infant, Vorleak, and my girls Chanthy and Channy.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
On my first day there I had lunch with Mony and Monyka, Samnang and her infant, Vorleak, and my girls Chanthy and Channy.

Samnang and ten-month Vorleak

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Samnang and ten-month Vorleak

She wasn't too sure who this guy was holding her.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
She wasn't too sure who this guy was holding her.

Vorleak seems to be a happy baby.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Vorleak seems to be a happy baby.

Chanthy (center) and her family (L to R) Chandara (23), Soti (19), Dany (17), and Patavy (16)

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Chanthy (center) and her family (L to R) Chandara (23), Soti (19), Dany (17), and Patavy (16)

Channy and the lion.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Channy and the lion.

On Tuesday after I arrived, we took the bus to Siem Reap. The cost was $11 for me and $8 each for Chanthy, Samnang and her husband.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
On Tuesday after I arrived, we took the bus to Siem Reap. The cost was $11 for me and $8 each for Chanthy, Samnang and her husband.

As Siem Reap is a five-hour ride, the bus stopped half-way for those who needed lunch or refreshments. As expected we were met by a horde of vendors.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
As Siem Reap is a five-hour ride, the bus stopped half-way for those who needed lunch or refreshments. As expected we were met by a horde of vendors.

Some wrapped unknowns and a plate of UFOs (unidentified fried objects).

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Some wrapped unknowns and a plate of UFOs (unidentified fried objects).

A bug-lady conference

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
A bug-lady conference

Deep-fried spiders and crickets are common snack foods in Cambodia.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Deep-fried spiders and crickets are common snack foods in Cambodia.

A fine kettle of crickets!

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
A fine kettle of crickets!

The picture speaks for itself.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
The picture speaks for itself.

Dried sausage and fish.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Dried sausage and fish.

Kimlong, Vorleak, and Samnang.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Kimlong, Vorleak, and Samnang.

Fresh fruit ready to eat...perhaps mangos.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Fresh fruit ready to eat...perhaps mangos.

A bowl full of lotus buds. Each small circle on the bud contains an edible seed.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
A bowl full of lotus buds. Each small circle on the bud contains an edible seed.

Fresh pineapple is very common in Cambodia

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Fresh pineapple is very common in Cambodia

Many buses stop here so there are many vendors.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Many buses stop here so there are many vendors.

Slabs of dried fish.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Slabs of dried fish.

My purpose for going to Siem Reap was to meet Ponheary Ly and Lori Carlson who founded the Ponheary Ly Foundation. I also wanted to visit at least one school under their care. Here is the ...

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
My purpose for going to Siem Reap was to meet Ponheary Ly and Lori Carlson who founded the Ponheary Ly Foundation. I also wanted to visit at least one school under their care. Here is the ...

The newer five-classroom school at the site of the older building.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
The newer five-classroom school at the site of the older building.

Ponheary in the small school library, explains how one can of sardines feeds four children.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Ponheary in the small school library, explains how one can of sardines feeds four children.

This is the "kitchen" at the school where six mornings a week, a breakfast is prepared for more than 300 children. The breakfast normally consists of rice, vegetables, and fish. The founda ...

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
This is the "kitchen" at the school where six mornings a week, a breakfast is prepared for more than 300 children. The breakfast normally consists of rice, vegetables, and fish. The founda ...

Using very large kettles, this is where the breakfast is cooked for the 300+ children at the school.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Using very large kettles, this is where the breakfast is cooked for the 300+ children at the school.

Ponheary explains the breakfast routine to Samnang.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Ponheary explains the breakfast routine to Samnang.

This is the school garden but it does not produce enough vegetables to meet their needs so extra vegetables must be purchased.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
This is the school garden but it does not produce enough vegetables to meet their needs so extra vegetables must be purchased.

Curious kids wonder what these strangers are doing at their school.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Curious kids wonder what these strangers are doing at their school.

I'm wondering if this little girl is trying to tell me she is seven years old.

2009-12-17T06:07:41Z

BillJones
I'm wondering if this little girl is trying to tell me she is seven years old.

What will they be as adults?

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
What will they be as adults?

School was out for the day but they are reluctant to go home.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
School was out for the day but they are reluctant to go home.

We arrived around noon so school was between sessions but many students chose to hang around even after their morning session was over.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
We arrived around noon so school was between sessions but many students chose to hang around even after their morning session was over.

This is the school's water supply. The water is pumped manually by this foot pump, to a large storage tank. There is a clay water filter in the classroom to make the water more potable.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
This is the school's water supply. The water is pumped manually by this foot pump, to a large storage tank. There is a clay water filter in the classroom to make the water more potable.

Entering Banteay Srei

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Entering Banteay Srei

A common decor at Banteay Srei

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
A common decor at Banteay Srei

Entrance to Banteay Srei

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Entrance to Banteay Srei

Intricate carvings at Banteay Srei. The words loosely translate to "citadel of the women."

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Intricate carvings at Banteay Srei. The words loosely translate to "citadel of the women."

Samnang and family

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Samnang and family

Banteay Srei is an 11th century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. It is built largely of red sandstone. The "Temple of Women" is known for the detail of its bas-reliefs depicting su ...

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Banteay Srei is an 11th century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. It is built largely of red sandstone. The "Temple of Women" is known for the detail of its bas-reliefs depicting su ...

The umbrellas were for sun protection - not rain!

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
The umbrellas were for sun protection - not rain!

This was my first visit to Banteay Kdei - a small but interesting temple complex.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
This was my first visit to Banteay Kdei - a small but interesting temple complex.

Banteay Kdei

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Banteay Kdei

I had many opportunities to take window (framing) shots which are always interesting.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
I had many opportunities to take window (framing) shots which are always interesting.

One of the few undamaged figures.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
One of the few undamaged figures.

Ponheary and Chanthy

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Ponheary and Chanthy

There are several species of large trees whose roots can envelope these temples if left unchecked.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
There are several species of large trees whose roots can envelope these temples if left unchecked.

Entrance to Banteay Kdei

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Entrance to Banteay Kdei

An interesting design of algae on this pond.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
An interesting design of algae on this pond.

Looking through three windows.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Looking through three windows.

I don't know why the slabs are of different color.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
I don't know why the slabs are of different color.

It was quite pleasant walking along these paths leading to the temples.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
It was quite pleasant walking along these paths leading to the temples.

Ponheary and Chanthy framed in a doorway at Banteay Kdei

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Ponheary and Chanthy framed in a doorway at Banteay Kdei

It is amazing that this shallow relief has survived so many centuries.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
It is amazing that this shallow relief has survived so many centuries.

In these temples the doorways usually line up in a straight line.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
In these temples the doorways usually line up in a straight line.

At Banteay Kdei

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
At Banteay Kdei

More amazing stonework

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
More amazing stonework

Framed at Banteay Srei.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Framed at Banteay Srei.

The moat around Banteay Srei.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
The moat around Banteay Srei.

Banteay Srei carvings

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Banteay Srei carvings

A window at Banteay Srei

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
A window at Banteay Srei

These carvings have survived the weather for eleven centuries.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
These carvings have survived the weather for eleven centuries.

Banteay Srei

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Banteay Srei

This little girl does not go to school. We asked her why and she said she feels sick when she goes to school. Her family was nearby playing music for tourists. Truthfully, I believe her f ...

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
This little girl does not go to school. We asked her why and she said she feels sick when she goes to school. Her family was nearby playing music for tourists. Truthfully, I believe her f ...

Banteay Srei

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Banteay Srei

Banteay Srei

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Banteay Srei

Banteay Srei

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Banteay Srei

Banteay Srei

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Banteay Srei

Banteay Srei

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Banteay Srei

Towering tree at Banteay Srei

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Towering tree at Banteay Srei

At Banteay Srei

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
At Banteay Srei

It would be very interesting to know how those large stones were placed above this doorway.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
It would be very interesting to know how those large stones were placed above this doorway.

Notice the missing face on the figure on the right. Pontheary told us that this was a Buddhist temple but later, when a Hindu ruler was in power, he ordered the Buddhist faces to be destroy ...

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Notice the missing face on the figure on the right. Pontheary told us that this was a Buddhist temple but later, when a Hindu ruler was in power, he ordered the Buddhist faces to be destroy ...

Banteay Kdei

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Banteay Kdei

Chanthy in a natural swing.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Chanthy in a natural swing.

This youngster was trying to sell us a bamboo flute.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
This youngster was trying to sell us a bamboo flute.

Banteay Kdei

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Banteay Kdei

At the entrance to most of the major temples in the region, you will encounter these small music groups comprised of landmine victims who are trying to make a few dollars selling their CDs i ...

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
At the entrance to most of the major temples in the region, you will encounter these small music groups comprised of landmine victims who are trying to make a few dollars selling their CDs i ...

Ta Phrom is the premier example of how the jungle can envelope the ruins if left unchecked.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Ta Phrom is the premier example of how the jungle can envelope the ruins if left unchecked.

Ta Phrom

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Ta Phrom

This view has been somewhat ruined with the building of this platform. When I was at Ta Phrom in 2004, one could take this scene without including the platform, which made a much better pic ...

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
This view has been somewhat ruined with the building of this platform. When I was at Ta Phrom in 2004, one could take this scene without including the platform, which made a much better pic ...

Samnang and family in the natural tree swing.

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Samnang and family in the natural tree swing.

Entrance to Banteay Kdei

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Entrance to Banteay Kdei

Ta Phrom

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Ta Phrom

Ta Phrom

2009-05-26T11:43:04Z

BillJones
Ta Phrom