Follow our adventures as we share our thoughts, impressions and awe at what could be called: Foreign Service's Wide World of Talalay.
Monday, 30 July 2018
Friday, 27 July 2018
Channeling Francis Frith At Siem Reap
Francis Frith was the great English photographer, most famous for serene landscapes of the Middle East in the 19th century. He set a high bar for capturing iconic places in a calm, direct manner.
One sees echoes of Frith in Siem Reap, at least when the heat drives crowds away.
Wednesday, 25 July 2018
More Portraits At Siem Reap
Go a second time to Siem Reap and you run into another set of people worth photographing.
Security guard, holding a pamphlet containing the rules. American tourist on a stage.
Corn boy, more pajamas. Young Cambodian tourist.
More pajamas, the clashing style. And long sleeve, in the heat! Driver.
A boy hired to pose as ancient royalty.
Security guard, holding a pamphlet containing the rules. American tourist on a stage.
Woman in the iconic pajama style.
Corn boy, more pajamas. Young Cambodian tourist.
Monks. And elephant bag.
More pajamas, the clashing style. And long sleeve, in the heat! Driver.
Chinese tourist, with retro Journey concert T-shirt.
Monday, 23 July 2018
Friday, 20 July 2018
Snippets From Siem Reap
Sometimes one loses the sense of everyday life when concentrating on awe inspiring ancient architecture. No matter the monument, life goes on.
A young monk at Angkor Wat.
Fishing in the moat around Angkor Thom. Detail of a mural at the Buddhist enclave near Angkor Wat.
A special day at Angkor Wat, a once a year ceremony for new monks.
Chinese tourist, posing. Cambodian tourists, posing.
Picture in a restaurant, a fantasy of what the country was and/or should be.
A young monk at Angkor Wat.
Fishing in the moat around Angkor Thom. Detail of a mural at the Buddhist enclave near Angkor Wat.
Chinese tourist, posing. Cambodian tourists, posing.
Wednesday, 18 July 2018
Exploring Beng Mealea
If you want to go full Indiana Jones at Siem Reap, head out of town and explore the endless ruins at Beng Mealea. It's located in the jungle, is still in ruins and looks like it could be swallowed back up at any time.
Cut stone scattered everywhere, a temple starts to appear.
Awed tourist, taking in the trees that sprout from the temple.
The temple can definitely be seen among the stones, scattered a bit like heavy Legos.
Details to see, five-headed snakes and nicely-carved columns.
Inside the temple, a monumental task ahead, should they ever decide to reconstruct Beng Mealea.
Cut stone scattered everywhere, a temple starts to appear.
Awed tourist, taking in the trees that sprout from the temple.
Details to see, five-headed snakes and nicely-carved columns.
Monday, 16 July 2018
A Relaxing Visit To The Roluos Temples
Away from the bustle of the main Angkor temples sit the earlier Roluos temples, built by Indravarman I in the 9th century. Besides the innate beauty of the temples, the best part of visiting them is having the place to yourself, a welcome change from the crowds at the main temple location.
Approaching Bakong.
Looking down from Bakong, an active Buddhist monastery beyond. Cute elephant sculptures mark several corners of the pyramid shaped temple.
On to Preah Ko, a set of grand, red sandstone towers.
Preah Ko details, holy cow and plaster detail.
Restoration in progress, donation desk and the place to yourself.
Approaching Bakong.
Looking down from Bakong, an active Buddhist monastery beyond. Cute elephant sculptures mark several corners of the pyramid shaped temple.
Preah Ko details, holy cow and plaster detail.
Friday, 13 July 2018
Basking At Banteay Kdei
At Angkor, there are many temples and structures to explore. There's a monastery to see, called Banteay Kdei. It may not have the majesty of some of the more famous places. No worries, the monastery more than holds its own, featuring fine carvings, a lovely layout and rich patina.
The mystery awaits.
Entrance gate and inside, still in use.
Inner courtyard.
Carving detail. Hi Sarah!
Out back, the posing tree (we made up that title).
The mystery awaits.
Entrance gate and inside, still in use.
Carving detail. Hi Sarah!