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Posted on October 29, 2009
Siem Reap is a city within Cambodia where the famous Angkor Wat temple complex is located. Built almost eight centuries ago, it now stood as Cambodia’s most famous historical and religious landmark.
I have never stepped foot into Cambodia, so it was with some sense of curiosity and excitment when I embarked on this relatively short trip. It was also a photo trek with a group of like minded photography enthusiasts, and it was really fun getting to know them especially when we all have a common interest.
I think Siem Reap is probably what Singapore looked like in the 50 and 60s. The roads are dusty, and the most common form of transport are bicycles and the tuktuk (something like a motorcycle with a 4 seater carriage behind). To get to places, we hire a tuktuk and negotiate the price with the driver. Usually it is USD1 per person.
I also found out that the people there do not earn much. We asked a waitress in the hotel that we stayed what her monthly salary was. It was USD50, not inclusive of transportation, housing or lunch. That really don’t leave her much!
During this trip, I realise that I was drawn to the children of Siem Reap. They are mostly poor, and the more fortunate ones get to sell bits of art and craft, and tourist knick knacks such as postcards. Many of them are orphans and they were forced to grow up quickly and learn to be independent.
I hope you can catch a glimpse of how life is like in Siem Reap in the following images.
One of the many sunrises we get to see at Siem Reap. Mind you, we got to wake up at 4am!
The well familiar Angkor Wat
Another view, from the West Gate
This was taken near to the Terrace of the Leper King. I wonder what is the story behind the name...
Water buffalos are quite commonly seen in the countryside
Just one of the few locals we see without their limbs. We believe most of them are the victims of landmines that is scattered throughout the countryside. These mines are still not completely cleared.
Children rushing off to school at first light
And having fun before the first class starts
We were met with curious stares when we visited a school at the outskirts of town
This lady saw me outside her gate from afar and walked towards me to welcome me. Many Cambodians are friendly and warm in nature. When showed an earlier picture that I took of her and her child, she broke into a large smile!
We saw this group of children looking at us. Most of them have a curious fascination with strangers and they are not afraid to stare, and sometimes giggle at us
A scene taken in a busy local marketplace. I like this place as tourists do not usually come here. The locals do not mind a stranger with a camera pointing at them. In fact, they would often tease each other when they see me trying to shoot their friends
A worker of a temple taking a breather and washing her hands. Did I mention that it was really hot and humid there?
Many young children, like this little boy here try to sell postcards and other things to tourists. Although they are small, they are pretty persistent when trying to sell!
I was simply captivated by the look of this little girl in this image. To me, it represents the innocence of a child, rendered helpless in the face of reality and hardship
One of a student in a school. Many children do not have a chance to go to school, for this little boy, I wonder what his future holds?
I was at an old temple waiting to shoot the sunrise when I spotted this little monk sitting at the entrance of the temple. I reckon he was also waiting to see the sunrise, so I snapped this picture before he realised it. The very early morning light just created this beautiful soft golden glow on the temple walls and on him...
The same little monk, but I think he realised what I was doing this time round haha
One of the many foreigners that like us, is trying to enjoy a beautiful sunset!
Posted on October 26, 2009
After a relatively short 6 days in Siem Reap, I’m back to Singapore. Like they always say, there’s no place like home! How true it is!
I went for a photography trip with a group of like minded photographers to Siem Reap. Over the past week, we have been waking up at ungodly hours just to catch the perfect sunrise. Unfortunately, the weather was not as ideal as we expected, and it rained quite a fair bit. Nevertheless, we enjoyed ourselves and to most of us who went to visit Angkor Wat for the very first time, it was truly an eye opening experience.
I have many images to share with you, but I’ll start off by sharing with this. More to come!
Posted on October 19, 2009
I will be in Cambodia for a photo trip till this Sunday. I’m not sure if I will be able to reply to your mails, so please do be patient till I get back.
In return, I promise to share some really nice images with all of you 
Posted on October 15, 2009
Maoxuan and Yanhong met all the way back since their school days. They remained in touch, and in love even when Yanhong went to Australia to further her studies. Whenever I hear of such “marathon” relationships maturing into marriage, I just could not help feeling happy for the couple!
So it is with a sense of joy that I witnessed their solemnisation thru my lenses 2 weeks back. Here are some highlights of the evening!
We managed to sneak out during dinner to take some shots…
Posted on October 14, 2009
My web hosting provider has been experiencing some server outage for the past 2 days. As a result, access to my website and this blog has been affected. I do apologise for any inconvenience caused or if you have suffered some withdrawal symptoms:)