This shot was taken from the inside of Angkor Wat, the largest and best-preserved temple. I left my guest house at 4:30 am to watch the sunrise among hordes of tourists. It's no surprise that watching the sun come up over Angkor Wat is a popular thing to do.
I took a somewhat speedy tour of Angkor Wat so I could beat the crowds and scout out sites where there were little or no tourists. It's difficult to capture on film how amazing the experience was.
The photos below are from my favorite temple, Ta Prohm. I've never been to a place that feels so magical, the kind of place where you would expect hobbits to live:)
Aren't these trees amazing!?
Before visiting Angkor Wat, I traveled to Sihanoukville to get in some beach time. Sihanoukville is a popular backpacker destination, so it was easy to meet other travelers to enjoy late nights and lazy days with.
I went for a few dives while I was there - the dives were so-so, but I had a wonderful day out on the boat hanging out with other divers and visiting a tiny island village. All it consisted of was a few dilapidated houses on stilts, chickens, the island shop, and about twenty or thirty inhabitants, most of which were crowded around the village television set.
The people here - and actually everywhere I went in Cambodia - were lovely. For a country that is extremely poor, the people were so warm. The children are beautiful (and always trying to sell you something!). They are professional charmers. I bought countless mangos, pineapples, and beaded bracelets I will never wear.
These two photos are from Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital. It's just as chaotic as Ho Chi Minh City, but much poorer. In the photo below you can see tuk-tuks (carts pulled by motorbikes) lining the street. They're a common mode of transportation, and as in Ho Chi Minh City, you can't walk far without being offered a ride.
I was thinking of Iowa when I took this last photo. The Cambodian countryside reminded me of home - minus the palm trees, of course.
That's all for now! I miss you and hope you all are well:)
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2 comments:
Wow! Jenna, what a cool trip! Not only are you lucky to be near such a magical place, you are also a great photographer. I can't imagine the feelings to be there. Miss you, Jenna, glad you are living your dream...
Jenna, I'm beginning to get the travel itch! The hobbit hut needs a giant rabbit looking out a door or window. Your photos are fantastic. Keep sharing!
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