The most beautiful carvings

Here comes the last one on Cambodia, and a long-overdue one.

A bit of history about Banteay Srei Temple first, just to refresh our memory. " 'Banteay Srei' (Citadel of Women) is the modern name of which was originally called "Tribhuvanamahesvara" (Great Lord of the Threefold World), an appellation of the god Siva. Consecrated in 967A.D., Banteay Srei was the only major temple at Angkor not built by a monarch; its construction is credited to a courtier named Yajnavaraha, who served as a counsellor to king Rajendravarman." (will offer $5 to whoever can pronounce all these names correctly)

Due to its relatively remote location, 25km north to the main group of Angkor temples, we made a separate trip to Banteay Srei. (no, it was not a typo, 25km in Cambodia is a long way to go)

We have long heard, during our stay in Siem Reap, that Banteay Srei is famous for its intricate, beautiful carvings, and it's definitely right. Amazing details!!!

Before we left the temple, I spotted this lovely girl sitting by the doorway. She looked so happy and contented playing with that plastic bottle, paying little attention to tourists passing by -- a reminder to us city dwellers: hapiness is to treasure what one has, often the simplest things in life.

Temple-in-Jungle

Being referred as the "big-tree-temple" by the local cab driver, Ta Prohm is famous for its jungle atmophere.



According to the guide book, Ta Prohm was intentionally left partially unrestored from jungle overgrowth, to provide a unique "temple-in-jungle" scenery.

Angkor Thom & Bayon

The highlight of the day is Bayon.

Constructed under King Jayavarman VII, during late 12th century, the giant stone faces of Bayon have become one of the representatives of the classic Khmer art and architecture.



Although early in the morning, Siem Reap was still brutally hot.

June is the rainy season in Siem Reap. We were very fortunate to have clear sky everyday, which definitely made the outlines of the temples more breathtaking.

Other temples/monument visited in Angkor Thom area: Terrance of the Elephants, Terrance of the Leper King, Phimeanakas.

Lao gong had a unique feeling while climbing up the sandstone pyramid of Phimeanakas. =P

Hotel de la Paix - Siem Reap

Can see the Angkor / Khmer art influences everywhere.



Real flowers, with a little creative touch.

Siem Reap, Cambodia (June 2008)

Angkor Wat

(Constructed in early-mid 12th century, under King Suryavarman II.)

We arrived around 1pm, which according to the travel guide, has the optimal lighting condition. Surprisingly, Angkor Wat, which is considered to be most popular temple in the area, was very quiet and peaceful.

Bas-reliefs on the lower level, & Apsara carvings on the wall of central courtyard.

午后的阳光投射在长廊上, 让那天出奇安静的Angkor-Wat多了份懒洋洋的感觉.

After having water-like coconuts, running away from monkey's attack, and the long wait for Hans' brother, we went to Phnom Bakheng for sunset. (constructed during late 9th - early 10th century, it was the first major temple in the Angkor area)

While waiting for the sunset, we figured out a tip to make one's face look more slim, which came in very handy for my lao gong for the next couple days.

Beautiful Sungei Buloh

Myths
1) Singapore is a concrete jungle.
2) All crabs move sideways.
3) Humans are the smartest creatures.

Facts
1) Sungei Buloh Wetland reserve is an ecological jewel, a resting and refuelling ground for migratory birds from as far as the Himalayas.
2) Some crabs move forward and backwards and they could be found at Sungei Buloh.
3) How could we be the smartest? Year over year, birds fly across the globe and rest at the same exact spot at Sungei Buloh. We need sophisticated navigation equipment; birds have it built-in their brains.

My Nephews and Niece

This is 靖宇. His favorite phrases: 1) 不要, 不要, 不要 2) 给你给我 (meaning give me) 3)去哪里 (meaning I want to go).

Yesterday, he woke up in the middle of the night saying "不要, 不要, 给你给我" and according to my mom "sleep walked" to the door and shouted "去哪里,去哪里". My mom said "都是因为叔叔出门老是不带他". Poor 靖宇 and poor me for getting the blame.


设计对白: 叔叔又一个人溜出去了。

This is Ethan and Eryn at Haw Par Villa (虎豹别墅), a very old 名胜 in Singapore. I think I had a similar picture at the exact spot when I was young!

Wait, I think I missed someone, 靖轩，the latest addition to our family. I don't have his pictures. He's 3 months now, a rather quiet but handsome boy.

Here are my little ones. In case you wonder, they are twins. They bear an uncanny resemblance to my wife. My wife doesn't like this picture very much, so I will make it small for now.