Returning from a less developed country can be an emotionally rewarding experience. Some return home feeling more appreciative of what they have. For me, I was envious of what the Cambodians have. We were once like them before we became prosperous, competitive, nonchalant and selfish. I saw life as it really is and experienced the sense of community that we have lost in...
Temples built in the jungle are subject to weather conditions and the invisible forces of Mother Nature. People come to see how the jungle has ruined the temples but at the same time, works are ongoing to protect the temple from being destroyed by nature. Paradoxical tussle. ...
8 am. No one in sight. Walking through door after door, I found myself in front of a shrine. How rare. Other than Angkor Wat, I haven't seen any shrine in the rest of the temples. It was even properly decorated with ornaments and colourful streamers. More importantly, the statue was the only statue I have seen that is complete. No missing head,...
East Mebon, Siem Reap ...
Angkor is a fragmented mess. I see both overlaps and remnants of Hindu myths, Buddha faces and Thai dancers. In the process of figuring out its long and complicated history, I was intrigued by how the turn of events have influenced and shaped the country. Don't bother to read the books, they're just too overwhelming and confusing. Watch Jewels in the Jungle or Digging for...
I know I have stopped believing sunrise exists in this world when I didn't feel disappointed after dragging myself out of bed at 3.30am to see this. First it was Meili then it was Kinabalu. Cairns too. Those photos you see in books and on the internet, they are not real. I had enough of getting up early to nothing. That's it. My last...
Jasmine was established by Kunn, who gave himself the designation of Director. He must be filthy rich bcos he carries an iPhone 4. Mind you, iPhone 4 in Cambodia costs something like US$1,500. He's busy with his second branch just opposite the road and leaves it to his staff to manage the place. We could tell the boys and tuktuk drivers are quite...
Everyone has heard of Cambodia and nobody asked me geography-related questions this time (though I suspect some people think that Cambodia = Vietnam = Laos). Instead, they asked me why I go to Cambodia and what's interesting there. I thought the answer was obvious. No I am not going there to build schools or toilets. It's sad that people know Cambodia as a...
