Angkor What?? This was the first question I asked when I
knew (during university days) that Angkor Wat had
become a cult destination for backpackers and filthy rich
travellers alike. After decades of war and instability,
Cambodia had opened itself to the world. Gone were the crazy
Khmer Rouge dreaming of their utopian empire. Instead, we
see hordes of eager visitors queuing up eagerly at the checkpoints
to pay their on-arrival visa (USD$25). Coffee table books
on Angkor Wat fills every gourmet coffee joint.
That is how fast market economy can bring "development"
to a war torn country.
My
initial plans was a weekend getaway to Manila (Philippines)
via a "free" return air ticket by a budget airline.
When I tried to redeem it, it only allows me a S$40 discount
(ticket still cost S$210). This gave me enough reasons to
change my plans to Siem Reap/Phnom Penh. Manila will have
to wait: that is when I can afford longer holidays.
Thus,
I was on the move again. The significance of the trip is
that I am going to travel alone for the "first"
time. "First" are in quotes because it will be
the first time I would not be meeting anyone I know (unlike
Shenzhen).
This will give me the freedom of going whatever I like.
There were concerns on whether I will get into undesirable
situations (i.e. touts, one night stands): I couldn't care
that much and I can't be bothered. I have to do it; I simply
had to. There was no turning back.
Aren't you guys going to welcome me to Cambodia?!
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On a moto
to Angkor Wat, immediately (after finding accomodation)
after arriving in Siem Reap. The ride cost me USD$1 for
a 7km journey. I noticed that alot of moto drivers were
wearing caps having the following imprinted: "Have
Sex With A Child, Go To Jail".
Not sure whether that goes inline on the countless solicating
from the driver: "Sir, you want bom bom with young
girl? Only USD$30." Sometimes I wondered if I I do
look like a god-damn sex tourist? |
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Angkor
Wat: my first interaction with a headless fixture.
There will be more to come. |
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My first
Beer Lao. Been hearing tales from fellow backpackers on
this cult beer but it's a shame that I am drinking in for
the first time in Cambodia (and not Laos). USD$0.45/can.
The drink was really ok: not something I will die for. Perhaps
I was not in Laos. |
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My relatives
(especially my mum) is going to scold me if they know all
I had for breakfast was a can of Beer Lao and a loaf of
Farang multi-grain bread (USD$1 from Blue Pumpkin). Sometimes,
I am such a mommy's boy. |
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Along the
way to Angkor Wat. That's another thing that I
did that will earn a scolding from mum: riding an electric
bicycle. Though it’s pretty slow as compared to other
vehicles, its pretty vulnerable. You will never know when
someone decides to drive recklessly. |
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That's
just my hand (together with the Buddhist bracelet) embracing
the bas reliefs. |
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Ok, that
is the first play-acting picture that I fabiricated. It
even manage to get into my boss's birthday card! - Scenes
from Angkor Wat |
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And here
I show proudly, my 3-day pass into temples of Angkor. USD$40.
I paid eagerly as if I was a tourist from a tour group.
It was shameful! - Scenes from Angkor Wat |
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Just trying
out my camera. I love the shadows generated when the sun
shines though the pillars.
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There
are countless headless statues in Angkor Wat. Perhaps
this is what attracts the hordes of tourists. They are just
suckers (like me) who loves imperfection (or maybe it's
the opportunity to experience imperfection so that they
can tell the whole world about it?). |
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