Five things I learnt about Cambodia

Having visited Cambodia made me realise that:

1. Lemon grass & palm sugar can be used in every meal

2. When stuck in heavy traffic at a cross junction - just close your eyes and go

3. USD is the functional currency (of tourists) in Cambodia

4. Always slash prices by at least 50% when bargaining - don't be shy!

5. Learn basic Khmer (if u're Asian) - at tourist locations pretend to be a Cambodian & you'll get free access.

The jungle temple - Ta Prohm

This is a place that gave me the "wow" factor from the get go. My local driver told me that Ta Prohm is also known as the jungle forest and the place was made famous by the movie "Tomb Raider". It's really easy to see what Hollywood has chosen this to be the setting for the Lara Croft movie - the whole temple is shrouded in dappled shadow yet extrudes a sense of calmness and serenity - exotic. 


The extensive root system dug deep into building structures creating a manicured look that reminded me of a bonsai plant - except that in this case the trees are "life-size". While the trees and its muscular root system is a definite highlight of this place, there is no doubt that its these roots that are slowly destroying the temple consuming & breaking it down with the age of time.


Along the way into the temple you'll see many kids and teenagers who would offer to be your guide. What's surprising is that most of these kids speak really good English without any hint of local accent. Some were so good that I wouldn't be able to tell them apart from the foreigners... These kids are extremely street-wise and have probably been trained in their early days to survive in this real world. So if you are feeling generous, there's no harm letting one of them guide you through the temple for a small fee... (always agree on a price before you start with them).


Pearly told me that this is her favorite place in Siem Reap.

The magic of Angkor Wat

Ok, on arrival in Siem Reap, Cambodia, this is the place I most eagerly wanted to visit - of course... who wouldn't?


Angkor Wat is world-renowned (although two of my good friends in Singapore have never heard of it?), it is one of the 7 wonders of the world and listed in the UNESCO heritage site. What's more important to me is that I have seen countless numbers of fantastic photos of this place and after many months of planning, it was finally time for me to take some photos of my own.


Angkor Wat struck me as a place that was "lost in time". The temple looked more like a walled city from outside and surrounded by a moat. As I stood outside the main entrance, I could almost picture it in its fullest glory in the olden days.


This picture was taken during sunrise. This is my first sunrise shot... I guess I just never had the discipline to wake up that early in the morning to catch the sunrise. I still recall scheduling  morning call at 430am with the hotel... and telling myself "I hope this is worth the early rise". Pearly and I reach the temple at around 530am, this is when the first light occurred. When we were at the temple, there was already hordes (over a thousand) of tourists lining by the pond to catch a shot of the sunrise. With much apologies... we managed to "squeeze" pass the crowd to get to the edge of the waters. I went straight to a spot where a number of tripods were set up... why? Simple... (a) photographers are usually more accommodating than the usual tourists & don't usually mind sharing a spot with other photographers - so long as you don't bump into their tripods (b) they have probably arrived early to survey the land and noted that this is the best spot to get good photos.


The moment was magical... as the light came up, the sky turned into a deep purple before lighting up with an orange glow. It was a sight to behold... and the early rise was all worth it! (click on image to see full size)

Banteay Kdei - small but wonderful

I like the shots taken in this temple. 


3 reasons:

1. We had a photo guide who speaks immaculate English & knew all the right places to take a shot... we did have to pay him ~US$8 at the end of the 45mins.
2. It was beautiful! There was a lot of action in the clouds.
3. Most importantly - THERE WAS NO TOURIST!

Compared to the surrounding temples in Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm and Angkor Wat, Banteay Kdei is small. The temple measures no bigger than a football field, yet it feels very complete and has no lack of great sights compared to it's bigger siblings. The temple is surrounding by 4 concentric walls with 4 entrances (each decorated by carvings of Garudas) and the at back of the temple is a small pond which completes its tranquil settings.


This place is definitely worth the visit ... the light tourist traffic is a real plus - especially when you are taking photos! (click on photos to see full size image)

Lest we forget... Capitol Theatre

Growing up in Singapore, I always have fond memories of the Capitol Theatre. The place reminded me of a time (when life was carefree) during my teenage years. I have always admired the structure of the building - in particular it's uniquely shaped ceiling which I believe to be representative of a neo-Classical era. 


The building was originally used as a cinema and screened shows by the Shaw Organisation - however, after screening it's last movie in 1998, Capitol Theatre was left on its own (unoccupied) for about over a decade. During the interim period, it seems that the Singapre Tourism Board had intended to use the theatre for Arts group - however, that did not eventuate. The doors of Capitol Theatre was henceforth shut to the public and while the rest of Singapore has evolved over the next decade, it slowly deteriorate through the passage of time & lack of upkeep.


In my recent trip back to Singapore, one of my "must-see" destination was the Capitol Theatre. Firstly, to jolt some good old memories of my teenage years... Secondly, I had heard that there is a development project to restore the theatre and I wanted to catch a shot of the "original" theatre before it's makeover. 


The way in which the photos was taken was an adventure in itself. Firstly, the theatre is currently under construction so all areas were condone off to the public. On arrival at the theatre, the first thing that one would see is a big "All visitors must report to the guardroom" sign. Well, I thought I should do the right thing & do what the sign says... but after waiting for about 5 mins outside an unmanned guardroom I figured that I should have a look around the building to see if I might be able to get some help from the workers on-site. I then came across a friendly (foreign) construction worker and asked him if he knew how I could go into the theatre... I think he understood my question and promptly pointed me to what seems to be the only open door into the building (all other entrance were locked or sealed off).


Normally, I would hesitate & not enter into a building that is under construction without proper authorisation but (I guess) curiosity got the better of me and I entered into the premise... it was a sight to behold! Without wasting any time (as I know that I'll have to leave once someone sees me), I promptly set up my tripod and camera & went on a series of rapid fire with my trusty 5D. As expected after about 4-5 shots, a gentleman (who appears to be the foreman) entered the building & proceeded to give me a earful. I still recall that while he was lecturing ... I was still trying to stall time for my last bracketed shot to complete. 


Here's the result of my 30 mins adventure in Capitol theatre... (impt: click on the image to see full size pic)

Colour and texture - Turkey

Oh Christmas is almost here again - my fav time of the year! Prepare the turkey for the feast!

London Bridge - Great Ocean Road

Ok, this is the fourth time I have visited this spot. The last 3 times - I have either not really taken up photography or have forgotten to bring my camera along. So when my family arrived - I thought.... let's do a trip that allows me to take some photos & show them the natural wonder of Victoria! That's two birds with one stone... win win!


When I arrived, I almost didn't manage a shot as the sky was gloomy and threatening to pour forth wet blessings on me! Fortunately, I managed a few shots on my camera before it all came down!

Kyoto - in front of the temple gate

Tori gates are a big thing in Japanese culture. Almost at the front of every shrine or temple is one or more of these Tori gate. It's usually painted in bright red (this one isn't) & some has interesting craving on the pillars.

Churches and cathedrals are such beautiful place

I mean the painting on the walls and the stain glass windows are such a display of artistry! It can take me hours to just sit down and go through the paintings on the wall tile by tile... I am amazed by the intricacies - every little detail, every tone. This experience in the church has left me in awe!