Photos for Day 1 & 2 only

Photos for the rest of the days will be uploaded soon!

080909 Tue [Siem Reap]

Caught a really early flight at 6am by Jetstar. Surprisingly it was not as bad as my first experience on budget airline to Hong Kong. But probably also because I was blessed with the whole row of 3 seats all to myself.

Siem Reap Airport

Due to time difference, I reach Siem Reap Airport at their local time 7am after a 2 hour flight. It's still early and the airport is quite empty. Did ask for airport transfer when I booked the hotel over Internet but apparently they didn't get my request. Luckily there was taxi easily available to town for USD10. And it turn out that the hotel didn't even have my request for the room! Luckily there're still rooms and it's really not too bad for USD21. But can get better and cheaper one. That's what Kriss told me.

Thunborey Hotel

Central Market (near my hotel)

Oh Kriss is the local driver that I found over the net. Thought he's a senior man when I read his profile but he turns out to be 1 year younger than me! First impression not really good I must admit because I wonder how experienced can this young punk have. But he turns out to be really sincere in his service and really went all the way out to help me. Even when I was approached by the locals to buy a book on Angkor Archaeological Park at USD15, he came over, scolded them and made them charged me only USD6 only! He told me the cost price was USD5 so let them earned 1 bucks, which was already a lot he told me. Some locals can earn as little as USD25 a month to survive!

Angkor is further than I thought and the place is even bigger. Walking is not possible to the park nor within the whole park. To travel from one temple to another need a drive. For USD40 I get a 3 day pass to the place. Do we really need so many days to cover the place? You bet!

Initially I kept trying to think positive when it drizzled. But when I started climbing the first, the second temple, I truly thank God. I really don't know then it's the rain and when it's my own perspiration! What if the sun is blazing hot? I would have suffered heat stroke!

Entrance to Angkor Thom

My first stop was Angkor Thom (Big Angkor). It was a 3km2 walled and moated royal city with some existing structures such as Baphuon and Phimeanakas before King Jayavarman VII built it as his capital city. There are also the Bayon, Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King which I covered in 2 1/2 hour before lunch on feet.

Carving on the wall in Bayon

Parts of Bayon

Bayon is a must-see after Angkor Wat. and was build by King Jayavarman VII in late 12th century in Bayon style under Buddhism. It has 37 standing towers and most of them sport 4 carved faces of which is a matter of debate who the faces represented. The wall carving depicts real-life scenes from historical sea battle between the Khmer and the Cham. The unfinished carvings on some walls are likely to indicate the death of Jayavarman VII. The carvings were still visibly impressive even after almost a century of erosion. There I met an Aussie based in Malaysia who have been here about 10 times, bringing his relatives and friend when they visit him in Malaysia.

Next I had to cross a long bridge before reaching Baphuon. It was build in mid 11th century by king Udayadityavarman II under influence of Hinduism. It has largely collapsed and is undergoing extensive restoration. Here the tailing of little paddlers starts. Kids that look as young as 5 years old would follow you around selling magnets, scarf, beads bracelet, postcard. They looked really innocent and I really wanted to help them but the moment I stopped to talk to one, the rest quickly crowd around. And worse after I bought magnet from 1, the rest keep bugging me till my next stop. As much as I had very much expected it to happen, I really can bear to totally ignore them. Hence, subsequently, I reciprocate with a warm smile and a little prayer in my heart for them. That's the best I could do as it would be endless for me to help all!

Baphuon

Local old man resting outside Baphuon

The third stop in Angkor Thom was Phimeanakas. It is an impressive lateritic and sandstone pyramid, making it the tallest temple in Angkor Thom. It is really a challenge for those with height phobia to climb not up but down the long step stairs. It's like the stairway to Heaven and it's always not that good an idea to go back down to earth when you're already in Heaven.

Check out the steep stairs and the view from the top!

As I walked along the Sras Srei which was a Royal Bath then, I caught sight of little naked boys swimming and jumping into the pool. Simple activity and they enjoyed every moment of it. Shouldn't we feel the simple doing a simple act of prayers every day?

On the way to Terrace of the Elephants

Terrace of the Elephants is an impressive 2 1/2 m tall, 300 m long wall. The wall is adorned with carved elephants and garudas. It also has a 5 headed horse in a scenes of warriors and dancers.

The elephants' trunk

Terrace of the Leper King is at the north of Terrace of the Elephants. It has an intricate carving ont the inner wall done in late 12th century. Along the way back to look for Kriss was the beautiful sight of Prasats Suor Prat which consisted of 12 nearly identical sandstone towers.

Intricate carving on the inner wall

Angkor Thom itself is already such a huge area and it's only a small part of the park. I really couldn't imagine the rest! Okay lunch first before I continue with the rest of the journey. Kriss helped me ordered a non spicy green curry chicken with rice at a road side stall and it taste really good. Well have to stock up lots of energy for the rest of the day! And some spiritual power as well please.

Next stop were Thommanom and Chau Say Thevoda. Most of the carvings here are Hindu-themed. A local appear from nowhere and start to explain to me about Thommanom. That's when I first get to know how the building of a library is like. He went on and on in really impressive proper English to explain to me about the temple. Knew he will be asking for something at the end, but I was just so impressed with his language and explanation that I really can't bring myself to send him away. Just as in life, we often know the consequence but we just lead others lead us along. Should have pray for wisdom and determination at such time instead. So when he continued to tag along with me when I cross over to Chau Say Tevoda, I was firmed and told him that I won't give him anymore money even if he carry on. And indeed, he went off quietly. Sometimes we just have to stand firm and not be shaken by other influence.

Thommanom Chau Say Thevoda

The tour in Ta Keo was a memorable one. This little boy came up to me, asking in proper English where I'm from. Since he has no other followers, I just let him tag along, knowing that he must be trying to get me to buy something from him. In fact he reminds me of those rascals in school! Instead of getting me to buy the postcard in his hands, he directed me to another route that is easier to climb up the Hindu temple build in late 10th century dedicated to Shiva. As he climbed up effortlessly in front of me, he would turn back now and then to see if I'm fine, even telling me to keep left or right where the steps are broader. And like a little tour guide, he would tell me what to look out for though no explanation given. A potential Cambodian SNAG. And on the way down, he simply jumped his way down the big boulders like Super Mario. No way am I jumping down like him! I just stand there and stare blankly at him. But he patiently tell me to sit down and slowly slide down the steps. At one point when the step is far too narrow for me to bend and rest my butt, he climb all the way up to guide me down another path! Needless to say, I ask him for the postcard even before he opened his mouth and gave him USD3. He was beaming from ear to ear! Coz he would have to sell 6 sets in order to earn that amount! But the amount is really nothing compared to the valuable lesson he had taught me. Never think despise those who are weaker and young. There are things that they can do but the strong and arrogant can't. Secondly, he made me truly understand how to evangelize and manage new life. Treat them with sincerity and love and eventually they will follow you. Turn back now and then to check on their well being but never hesitate to go back to them to give them strength and power to bring them back onto the right path when they are lost. Thank you God for giving me such a meaningful lesson through the little boy.

The little Cambodia SNAG

Ta Keo

Ta Prohm is my favorite temple in the whole park. Build in mid 12th century also by King Jayavarman, it is intentionally left partially unrestored so that massive fig and silk-cotton trees grow from the towers and corridors, offering a jungle atmosphere. Indeed there were many 'tree-in-temple' photos opportunities. I heard this is also where Angelina Jolie filmed the Tomb Rider. Magnificent.

Check out the roots!

Banteay Kdei was made the last stop for the day as my camera battery went totally flat. A temple used as monastery for years.

Thank God for getting Kriss to bring me for a nice Cambodian massage in a proper massage house. For USD10 I got a great massage on my aching body not just climb the long day walk-cum-climb but also from daily work. Got the best massage on my stiff shoulder. But must say Cambodian massage is really different from the other massages I ever experience. Painful but it really stretched every part of my body. Was twisted and turned into many of those yoga-like pose.

After cleaning up and a short rest back in hotel, Kriss picked me up for dinner. Pork porridge with many ingredient. Pork, intestine, liver, prawn, squid, bean sprouts with seasoning of lime juice. Really great taste. And it cost a mere USD5 for the pot for 2 and 2 drinks. Not those roadside store but nice big restaurant with alfresco dinner area and indoor bar. Will have to check with Kriss regarding the name of the restaurant in my next email to him.

Porridge in the pot with bean sprouts and lime and basil leaves

090909 Wed [Siem Reap]

Woke up early at 445am as Kriss is bring me out to watch sunrise. When I step out of the room, it was pitch dark along the corridor. Thinking of braving through the darkness but a voice in me insisted to bring the touch light. And that turns out be an angel talking to me. For when I reached Angkor Wat. It was also dark too. Everyone is holding on to a torch light! It is totally impossible for someone like me with night blindness to climb the uneven steps without spraining my ankle. And I need my own light; can't depend on others torch light at all! Just as it is not possible for us to tap on others salvation, we have to work for our own salvation in life. Thank God for sending the angel.

No Sunrise... So sad...

But it's a pity I didn't get to catch a good view of the sunrise. The sky was cloudy. Must be because it didn't wake up earlier for dawn. Repent quickly.

Breakfast outside Preah Khan before heading in the huge monastic complex in my rain coat. The long quiet walk down the long passage is rather lonely in the early morning but it allowed me to capture all the shots without having to wait for crowd to pass. Climbing up and down the steps from one tower to another offered good morning exercise too.

At East Mebon, I have this realisation. To commemorate or glorify their God and ancestors, the kings build all these temples. In the past, it is really not an easy task, especially to transport all those rocks from one place to another. Now the Lord taught us to pray regularly any time any where at our own comfort. What does it seems so difficult for many of us to do so then. Indeed time for repentance. East Mebon is build in late 10th century by King Rajendravarman II. It is a 3 level high temple crowned by 5 towers. Here, I managed to catch some explanation by this Taiwanese tour guide that this temple was initially build by the King as a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva in honour of his parents but in order to regain the declining popularity from his people, the king turn it to a Buddhist temple at a later date. The guide also explained that the holes on the stone had 2 explanations. One is because the King wanted to plant gems on the walls so that the temple can grow at night but it seems almost impossible to find so many gem stones at that time. Second explanation if for injection of some mixture made of glutinous rice, sugar an other stuff to hold the stone together. And Kriss explained to me it's simply to join 2 stones together with some mixture just as how we do scoring in clay. Truth is always logical and easy to understand. So which do you think is likely to be the correct explanation.

Further north about 37 km from Siem Reap is the Banteay Srey Temple. It is translated to "Citadels of the women" but has nothing to do with women. It is simple because it is much smaller in size as compared to other temples but it has the most dedicated and beautiful carvings. Its deep and intricate carvings displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art is still very much visible despite being build in late 10th century. Definitely worth the longer drive up.

Finally it's turn to visit Angkor Wat. It is not name one of the world 7 wonders for no reason. It is visually, architectually and artistically breathtaking. It has a massive three-tiered pyramid crowned by 5 lotus-like towers rising 65 m above ground level. Surrounded by a moat, the 350m long Western Causeway led me to the temple. On either side of the causeway stand the libraries. The first level of the temple consists of the North, South, East and West Gallery. Each of them has bas-belief panels representing Army of Surayavarman II, Scenes of Heaven and Hell, Churning of the Ocean of Milk etc. The pillars provide really good photo opportunities as well as a place for one to rest and reflect. I spend some times there with God and truly remember every moment of it. The second level consisted of 4 stone tanks that was once filled with sacred water used for bathing by priests and initiates. The walls are lined with an astonishing number of apsara dancers. Third level which is under restoration and not accessible consists of the central tower and four surrounding towers. Indeed the visual impact of Angkor Wat was awesome.

The "yard" just outside Angkor Wat

The Entrance

The pillars and ceiling

The Gallery

Second LevelPicture-in-the-windowMore in the exterior Playing with the functions in my camera

Kriss droped me off at the Central market for me to get my own lunch and some shopping at the central market. Ordered some basil beef with rice but didn't really like the strong taste. Shopping wasn't really great as many things seems to be the same as those in Thailand. But partly also because I start the day early and been walking and climbing around non-stop, I'm tired.

Back to hotel for a quick wash up and short rest, and Kriss is back again to bring me to Phnom Bakheng to catch sunset. It is the first time major temple constructed in the Angkor area, dated in late 9th century. About 15 min climb before I reach the temple but that's not the end of the climb. Back on four again, I slowly made my way up the tall temple. Reminded me of Ta Keo and the little boy. But the view up there is really scenic. Managed to catch a view of Tonle Sap Lake and Angkor Wat. Not only tourists but locals also crowded the place to watch sunset. Done. Time to climb down the long flight of steep narrow steps on fours once again.

And on my way down the hill, it starts to rain once again. Indeed God is always ready to forgive us and bless us once again if we repent sincerely. I really thank God for the weather.

Dinner was arranged by Kriss at this Angkor Mordial restaurant where I got to enjoy a buffet spread of local cuisine while enjoying the traditional dance. Very popular place with the Japanese and Caucasian. Had a great dinner and finally end off the day with aroma massage. Great sleep for sure.

Get Kriss as your driver when you're in Cambodia... He's trustworthy and good!

100909 Thu [Battambang]

The boat ride to Battambang was an experience. Along the side of the river were stilt houses of many locals. Those kelongs in Singapore is mainly for fishing purpose. Along this river, you really get to see the authentic lifestyle of the river village people. How they wash the clothes and bath in the river, how the child have fun in the water, how the women chop the wood gathered from river bank to prepare their meals. That one house has no partition inside. It is the same area where they eat, sit, sleep. Some set up stalls at their door step selling some basic necessities. Now and then the boat will stop by to drop some passengers at their house. Their neighbors, especially the kids will wave eagerly to them, quickly hop onto their boat and row over to their house to welcome them back. Even along the way there will be kids running to their doorsteps to wave to the rest of us. Just a simple gesture and it really warm our heart. It would be really nice if in our busy city life we just smile and greet the people around us.

There was also moments whereby the boat have to sail through a narrow path with plants at the side snapping at us through the window. Luckily there're thick curtains to pull down to protect us from being hit by the plants. Reminded me of the scripture in the bible that says that the road to heaven is a narrow path. It will not be an easy path and will be full of obstacles. But as long as we stay on path and within God's domain, we will be safe. Many a time the boat got entangled with the submerged plant and can't move on. The boaters would use big wooden poles to push the boat away. There's even once that one of them had to jump into the water to pull the plants away. Indeed in our life there will be weeds growing along the way. If we don't remove them it would not be possible for us to move on smoothly. And we must remove them immediately and not them accumulate. Thank God we manage to reach the destination safely though it was delayed. Boarded the boat at 730am and reached only at 230pm. Even the hunger bang went off.

Plan to try the bamboo train and visit the Phnom Sampeou Mountain. But met a horrible tour guide. Decided to erase the long paragraph that I had initially blog about him since this blog is dedicated to God and God don't like us to complain. Still thank God that I got to experience the bamboo train and see what happen when 2 trains meet face to face. Well, one party just step off the train, carry the train off the rail to let the other pass! Simple logic, no need to think too much. A lot of problems in life are also very simple and can be solve with simple logic. But man just make it so complex. Isn't praying something simple and logical to do?

Although that's all I get to do at Battambang, I get to rest well in the nice hotel. Almost 11 hours of sleep. Thank God for the long desired rest.

110909 Friday [Phnom Penh]

Another long journey to take but I thank God for the time well spend. Read the book <> and I had so much realisation. Had a good reflection on my faith and there is so much I must repent about! Thank God for letting me realise my sin for Heaven is the place that I really want to go. Not just because I scared of hell (who's not if they have read the book<<>>) but also because I want to go to thee palace that the Lord has prepare for us and I want to be with Him forever.

After 5 hour bus ride I finally reached Phnom Penh. It was raining really heavily and it seems almost impossible to stop. In the book I read "The human way is to worry. The God's way is to trust." So I stop myself from worrying, believing that God will take care of such small issue. Anyway out of all the places I want to go there must be some indoor. Kriss recommended his friend, Ravy to be my tuk tuk driver in Phnom Penh. A really charming humble man whom you know you can trust upon 5 min of interaction. He ensured that the canvas was well-covered before driving off. Gosh this is the first time I'm travelling on a road that is so flooded! Thank God for the experience and I managed to reach the hotel safely and dry! And there's massage service at the hotel! Cool!

After I put down my backpack and came back down to meet Ravy, I experienced the impossible. The heavy rain actually stopped. Within 5 min? Unbelievable! God really never fail to show us miracles! And I was thinking what a pity I can snap a shot of the flood due to the canvas. Well check out the shots below as evidence of the miracles.

Now reflecting back, I really thank God for the rain in Siem Reap as well. Huey the air will be dusty with the red sand. But God has send the rain to wash the air for me. Yet it was not heavy rain but drizzles which allowed me to continue with my touring and photo taking. How much more do I need to be convinced of God's love for me.

I also thank God for sending Ravy to me through Kriss. Indeed as Kriss said, the people in Phnom Penh don't seem to be honest and pure as those people in Siem Reap. Their stares were so scrutinizing while those at Siem Reap are just innocent. Probably because it is more developed and as they receive more blessing from God, Satan's influence is greater too. Even the smell in the air is so different. You can sense stenches of decomposed stuff which is not detectable in Siem Reap though it not exactly very clean.

Choeung Ek killing field is the place that truly the place that shaken my iron heart. Known to be someone who don't shed a tear during sad movie and laugh during ghost movie (that's only after I learn about the spiritual world during bible study), I must admit that there is a strong urge in me to quickly get out of the place. For I couldn’t bear to learn more about how many innocent lives were killed by Pol Pot. A number of the leaders were educated in France and were exposed to French Revolution. It really pricks my heart to know that during the period of time when I'm born into God's earth, these innocent lives were executed without knowing in the first place. As many as 300 were killed in one day, and it included children and women. God manage the time so well for me that I got to watch a movie to understand more. And as I walked around the killing field, I have 2 pairs of Caucasian couples, one couple in front and another couple behind me. They were like angels sent by God to be there to comfort me and boost my courage. The slight drizzle was like God's tears over all these innocent lives killed. And just like these innocent lives, if we don't quickly evangelise and share the words of God with them, they will end up in hell like these people not even knowing that it would happen to them! So people out there, come and know more about God! Don't be ignorant anymore! God wants to love you and have you in His Kingdom. But if you don't go to him or even reject Him, how can He give you His Kingdom? Wake up people and receive Christ! For the time is near and the Second Coming will here soon.

120909 Saturday [Phnom Penh]

Ravy picked me up punctually at 8am and drove me my first destination - Royal Palace. Known locally as Preah Barom Reachea Vaeng Chaktomuk, it is the official residence of the Cambodian monarchy since 1866, with a large part of it open to the public. I've always love to admire the architecture of temple, paying attention to the title details here and there as well as the carving. In photos, I love to capture them in such a way that it comprises of a few levels within 1 shot. Within the accessible royal ground there's the chan Chhaya Pavilion, The Royal Throne Hall, the Royal Banqueting Hall and the Napoleon III Pavilion. The Pavilion was said to be initially given by Emperor Napoleon III to his wife The Empress Eugenie, who in turn had it taken apart and send to Phnom Penh as a present to King Norodom in the 1870s. Further down south is the compound for Wat Preah Keo (Silver Pagoda). This structure, so named because its floor was lined with more than 5000 silver tiles weighing more than 1 kg each. There were also some small exhibition halls within the compound that display traditional Cambodia stuff.

Ravy went on to drive me pass the National Museum, Wat Ounalom, General Post Office Oformer French Quarter), Wat Phnom and Psar Thmei(Central Market - under renovation).

We then head south to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. It is here that during Pol Pot's years in power, around 18 000 people were interrogated under torture and subsequently murdered, usually with their family members. This place was originally a school. Thank God once again for the great timing that I manage to reach just in time for the movie, which screen only once at 10am in morning and 3 pm in the afternoon. It was a really touching movie which interviewed people who had lost their family members, people who served in Khmer Rouge, prisoners who managed to survive and a love story of a couple who were separated during that time. Initially only the class people, intellectual and government officials were killed. But the atmosphere had became such that there was no trust among people at all and many were wrongly accused. Even the Khmer Rough officials suffered the torture and execution when they were betrayed by others. When I walked around to view the exhibits, I felt like something kept stinging my heart. The photos of the scene during the revolution, the people who were involved, the people who suffered and all the heart pricking stories. The cells that were built for the prisoners were still kept intact, including the blood stains on the ground. The interrogation room, the skulls of the victims showing the cracks as a result of the abuse and the equipment used then. I simply couldn’t bring myself to take any of the photos of the displayed photos of the actual suffering. Only paintings painted by painter who went through and seen everything, and thank God is still alive to tell his stories through his painting. Every spot where certain inhuman activity took place was labeled. Many a time I really wanted to walk out but I hanged on as I told myself I must finish the journey and truly understand the situation. Throughout my 2 hours there, there was very slight drizzle. It really felt like God’s tears. It was like God crying over the loss of his innocent lovers out there. If this is hell on earth, how scary would hell in the spiritual world like. It’s eternal suffering in hell. Who wants to go there? If you are very sure you don’t want to ever step into hell, quick repent and follow Christ. For the judgment time is near. You have to be a righteous person AND a follower of Christ before you can every enter Heaven. Me, too, is still a sinner and have a lot to repent.

When I walked out of the museum, I realized I have been frowning for the past 2 hours. For my brows area was actually aching due to the long hour of frowning. Indeed the visit was really enriching but not something that I would want to visit again. I really thank God that He is giving me a chance to go into His Kingdom. But of course it’s only a chance. The rest is up to me.
Went on to drop by at Russian Market for about 15 minutes before heading for lunch. The things on sale there is very much similar to the souvenir from Thailand and many cheap T-shirt. Nothing much that interest me though. Asked Ravy to recommend me a nice place for French food for lunch but he brought me to a western café where I only manage to grab some sandwiches which I don’t really think it’s really French. Nevertheless, it was a nice place to rest before he picked me to up collect my backpack and head off to the airport. On the way to the airport, it rained heavily again. My realization about this last downpour was a message from God reminding me once again the importance of God’s Word. Word is like water that we must consume and use every day. We must cleanse ourselves with the Word every day so that we would not end up in hell. Thank God for the enriching trip and the wonderful message. I would work hard to follow your will.