Cambodia x 1

Back finally.
It was my first time visiting Siem Reap..most people will know it for ANGKOR WAT - world's largest temple... ANCIENT... Not sure how i feel about what is happening overall there. Development is good.. alot of NGO's and other companies helping developments there and i am sure also profiting. The people are amazing.. they have been to hell and back..and that is what makes it more worthwhile to be there and share a part of what they have and the knowledge that they crave.

Cambodia is a country that is still developing and recovering. It's people have been through an awful lot.. much more than many of us in a lifetime. If you want to know more -- check out the recent Khmer Rouge article where a number of officials are being tried for crimes against humanity. Another issue that was bought to light a number of years ago.. which some of you may remember...Children for sale.

So on a lighter note.. embracing the place....

HERE I AM


and this is SAmPO my lovely driver who also protected me from everyone.... haha


First stop for me had to be FOOD....

I checked out their Roast CHICKEN...... SUPER YUM..


forgot to take the pic of the Bamboo sticky rice which took me about 20 mins to figure out how to split open.. and it is really delicious..look out for it..

Khmer fish soup...

sticky peanut dumplings in coconut milk..

YUM....

Surrounded by ricepaddies... and a lot of water coming and going. I stopped by some of the surrounding temples and must sees...and it really got me in the gut.


Angkor Wat is HUGE... alot of passages, beautiful light and serenity aside of all the other tourists.

A bit of local fashion...


There are so many beautiful details in the stone carvings...

Some translate into modern cool graphics...LOVE


The drive to Chong Kneas - floating vilage on Tonlé Sap Lake - this village is divided on water - Vietnamese, Cambodian/Muslims... they migrate according to the movement of the water.. to the mountains when it's wet.
THE PIER.. a bit rough WIP



THE CLUB - local youth hangout - drinking, games and sociallizing..


Right next door was basketball court - full size on water... amazing
These kids take their basketball SERIOUS... and this is court #2..


They take pride in their boats.. a beautiful flower garden!


Vietnamese kids schoolboat... 190 kids - 5 sessions a day with about 35 - 40 kids per class... and a dedicated retired vietnamese teacher.. who had volunteered his last days to teach these kids. He lives on the boat. Another younger teacher was bought in subsidize by the Vietnam government. Also lives on the boat.


The kids come in from the surrounding boats whenever they can.
Average household income is 10 - 15USD per month.

Should you ever decide to go.. suggest to take some writing pads and a ton of pencils for them. They have little access.. and it helps. They really want to learn!

The other places to stop by are Bayon and Ta Prohm.. both with their own characterisitcs

A face looking at you from every direction...


The trees are taking over the restoration process which is very slow..... i wonder why....

this is like a mad jigsaw puzzle.....

Stopped by Wat Prasat.. and was kindly shown around by a young 19yr monk.. who's determination to learn english and bring knowledge back to his village is astounding.. he was so passionate about this.


YAT in his classroom. He asked for nothing except time to practice.

The cooks..prepping the second meal of the day for the monks


A bit of daily passing temple art !



Hung out at the local markets too... i always love to stop by and check out the local spots.... and here it is....



Lord of the flies...


Is this how he/she got there???


Motojuice....


and for those that have a need!


Hope you all enjoyed that small sneak preview with me to get to know the place... watch this space.. more to come on the reason why i went to Siem Reap.

PEACEx