Tag Archives: Siem Riep

Travel Photos: Cambodian Religion

Cambodia, Destinations, Photos, Travel, , , , , , ,
Monks and wood sellers outside Angkor Thom
Monks and wood sellers outside Angkor Thom

To Western eyes, coming from countries where church is separated from daily life, clergy is separated from the general populace, and you believe in one creed at a time, there was a lot to get used to in Cambodia.  For one thing, most boys from Buddhist families become monks at some time in their lives, and women may become monks, too.  It may be for a short time before they move back into daily life, or it may last a lifetime. But either way, you will see the brightly colored orange robes and shaved heads everywhere. Continue reading Travel Photos: Cambodian Religion →

Travel Photo Thursday: Cambodian Temple Art

Cambodia, Destinations, Photos, Travel, , , ,

Today I continue sharing my photos of Cambodia, even though A Traveler’s Library is in the midst of England week. The truth is, I have very few pictures of England because I have spent such brief periods there.

Asparas at Bayon
Asparas at Bayon

Additionally, I want to continue with Cambodia and show you some of the carvings that amazed me when I was visiting the Bayon Temple at Siem Riep, not far from the more famous Angkor Wat.  To put this in perspective, you have to remember that the art was created during what was known as the late Middle Ages in Europe (in the 12the and 13th centuries). At that time, Europeans had no knowledge of the cultures of southeast Asia and vice versa. Each thought, as people tend to do, that they were the center of the universe and the height of civilization. Continue reading Travel Photo Thursday: Cambodian Temple Art →

Travel Photo Thursday: Cambodia and Food

Cambodia, Destinations, Photos, Travel, , , ,

This is week two of Cambodia pictures at A Traveler’s Library. Cambodia was one of my favorite destinations ever. Partly because I had waited so long to go there. Partly because during the 1970’s I thought it would be impossible to ever get there. So when I had a chance in 1999, I was thrilled. We only went to Siem Riep and to several of the temples nearby, plus a drive to the floating village of Tonle Sap, but it was an amazing experience. If you have the chance, GO. And although you’ll think you are going for Angkor Wat, remember that is only one of dozens and dozens of temples. Take my word for it, don’t miss Banteay Srei, the Woman’s Temple–a glowing golden delight (but we’ll see some of that next week.)

This week we are in and around Siem Riep. First the downtown market, which was right next to our hotel, The Ta Phrom. I got up before breakfast and wandered through the market. Other than the gag-inducing meat section, it was a delight. But how much can you identify?

Veggies at market, Siem Riep
Veggies at market, Siem Riep

Continue reading Travel Photo Thursday: Cambodia and Food →