A RUIN IN THE WORLD

Angkor, Cambodia

[War or natural disaster might have weakened the Khmer Empire's ancient capital, but ultimately, it was the jungle that conquered this ninth- to fifteenth-century urban center. Today, the densely forested 150-square-mile Angkor Archaeological Park protects part of a vast cluster of ancient capitals, many of which remain buried. The park's most famous temple, Angkor Wat, is the world's largest religious building. But the park's dozens of other ruins, including Bayon temple with its wall of 11,000 carved figures, offer quieter glimpses into the art and architecture of this culturally rich 600-year period ]-article "Ruins of the World"

Yes, i went there in 2004 and the sure scale of the temples there and their intricate carvings are mind blowing. Of course the highlight of the trip is The Angkor Wat, where stories of the past are woven and carved in stone all around the temple.
 A must see,Kbal Spean, are the carvings in and along a mountain stream,(You have to climb the mountain,Phnom Kulen, first of course!) that is a sight!It is an easy climb of about 30minutes to the head waters of the Siam Reap River,Stung Siem Reap,which flows through the main Angkor Group and the town of Siem Reap to drain into the Tonle Sap.Images of gods are carved directly into the river bed along a 150 metre stretch that was discovered by Jean Boulbet in 1968. Among these are Lingas arranged in rows and these gave its Sanskrit name, Sabsralinga, 'River of a Thousand Lingas'.

Several carvings of Vishnu Reclining in the stream bed.Shiva and Brahma are also represented.Whether the carvings are dry or submerged depends on the water level and the season,and probably at their most impressive at the end of the rainy season,when the fast flowing waters courses around but does not completely submerge the majority.
 Below are a few of the pictures i took during the trip. Next stop maybe the 'ruins' where i live?

Guarding a bridge

A King's Army of attendants

A King's Potrait @ Angkor Thom

Nature tries to claim back its territory,@ Ta Prohm
This temple was chosen to be left in its 'natural state' to show as an eg. of how most of Angkor looked on its discovery in the 19th century.The trees that have grown intertwined among the ruins are especially responsible for Ta Prohm's atmosphere.

Surrounded by many rows of Lingas,a central quincunx of lingas set in a stylised yoni.

Trees growing in and around the buildings,some are Silk Cotton trees and the smaller ones are the Strangler Fig.

Corner carvings in Angkor

The Colonial enclave in Seam Reap

More carvings along stream bank showing a Reclining Vishnu in the stream bed

Vietnam-Danang-Hoi An

A flutist outside his home in the evening

Situated along the coast south-east of Danang 25km away lies the ancient town of Hoi An,nestled among the banks of the Song Thu Bon (Thu Bon River).It was once a flourishing port and a meeting place for the West to meet the East,controled by the Nguyen lords.For several centuries this port flourished but its importance was slowly eradicated due to local politics and by nature as the Thu Bon began to silt up.Soon another port was built at the mouth of the river nearer to Danang.
Isolated and forgotten Hoi An in recent years was restored and renovated and began to attract foreign tourists.Hoi An today is a UNESCO World Heritage site.The best way to see this ancient city is a walkabout and a small fee gains you entrance to museums,private old homes,assembly halls,temples and the like to see the architecture and experience their culture and occupations like lantern making,slipper making tailoring to name a few trades.

A typical street in Hoi An

Strolling down a traffic free street

A row of shops by the river selling Viet lampshades

A cultural music show

Boats awaiting passengers to chug down the river

A local fisherman demonstrating net casting

A local place of worship

Street Performance during Wesak Day

See your personal slipper being made!!

A private home turned museum.You can actually see the waterline mark when the river overflows and floods the city about 10-12 feet up the walls!!

Vietnam - Hanoi

The capital city of Vietnam has many interesting cultures.Below is a small pictorial journey to places i have been.Scroll down for more Vietnam posts.

Flower vendor at a street market

Typical of Halong Bay scenery

Ho Chi Minh's Mosoleum

The One Pillar Pagoda

An Heritage home in Hanoi

Fruits vendor @HalongBay

Part of the Opera House in Hanoi

Confucion Temple of Literature in Hanoi

St Joseph's Cathedral-Hanoi

Explore the network of caves at Halong Bay.The caves are lit with numerous color lights making it easier to navigate the network of passages there.

Most of the streets in the old quarter are named after the things they are selling,like tin street for metal type materials,hardware street,clothes street and so on.The above picture is Bamboo Street where many products fashioned from bamboo may be found from clothes lines to furniture.

This is Old Street Hotel one of the many old hotels on Ma May street in the old quarter Hanoi.A very colorful and unique part of Hanoi where century old trades are still to be found.

Many eating places,like the one above can be found on the road side.They serve the locals food from beef noddles to mixed-rice to just yummy cups of Vietnamese coffee or Beer.Try some if you are able to squat and sit on those tiny tiny stools!
Trawl the city's streets and you will find a 'surprise' at every corner from kem,the local ice-cream to quaint curio shops where you can pick up Vietnamese souveniers.Or you can just relax by HoKean lake one of the many lakes in and around the city.Dine at the food cultural center in the old quarter sampling Vietnamese fare.
The water Puppet show originated from Hanoi,another must see,book your tickets in advance though.Bobby Chinn's cafe is another of the 'must try' restaurants beside HK lake.If you are tired of walking hop on to a trishaw and slowly meander through the streets and alleys,it may take you days to cover a small section and to discover its 'secrets'.

Vietnam- Ho Chi Minh city

Basket Boats on the beach

Cho Bin Tay market at Cholon,the China Town in Saigon you will find a variety of merchandise from gold to hats to all sorts of clothing and food!

A donkey cart ride to a rural Vietnamese riverine village where many cottage industries are located.

The General Post Office visit is a must when in Saigon

If you are lucky you may catch an open outdoor performance at the Opera House

The beautifully designed Municipal Building in Saigon

Yummy ice-cream and pancakes at Fanny's downtown Saigon

We had pork curry cooked in a bamboo container and heated with flames!

A Cottage at Dalat Hill Resort

The Many Faces of Vietnam



Dalat Dam

Vietnam is a vast country with lots of gems waiting for you to discover.For the traveller she is a minefield of interesting ancient sites,museums,markets,food,activities,shopping, all waiting for you!

Banana Flower salad @BiSaigon hotel

Beautiful manicured hedge at a Buddhist Temple in Dalat

Mui Ne a coastal town beach resort.Above a fishing village where spectacular sunsets await you everyday!

Mui Ne seaside resort where we stayed comes with the travel package by Sinh Tourists.White sandy beaches relaxing atmosphere and clear waters to play in.

At Mui Ne there are the white and red sand dunes where you can go and try sand-boarding!A must experience

Sliding down the slopes of the sand dunes is really fun but hot work!

Beautifully crafted laquerware at the various shops and markets will definetly fill your bags.

Enjoy lovely kem or homemade ice cream with a cup of freshly brewed highland's Viet tea is another culinary pleasure.

The reunification Palace and the War Remenants Museum is an interesting part of your itinerary.

Dalat Flower Gardens

Ancient lands of these tribes at Dalat

Embroidery Museum @Dalat

Emperor Bao Dai's summer palace @Dalat