. Posted by Sherrie Thai by Shaireproductions.com .
View more photos at SMUGMUG or FLICKR
. Posted by Sherrie Thai by Shaireproductions.com .
View more photos at SMUGMUG or FLICKR
. Posted by Sherrie Thai by Shaireproductions.com .
View more photos at SMUGMUG or FLICKR
. Posted by Sherrie Thai by Shaireproductions.com . Below are some photos from my trip to Cambodia (Phnom Penh and Siem Reap).
The full photo albums can be seen on Smugmug and Flickr
Siem Reap: Angkor Wat . Bucket list item–check! So surreal and amazing to visit this sight in person after countless hours of researching and dreaming.
Siem Reap: Bayon Temple (with 200 carved faces) . Exquisite temple–timeless heavenly sculptures that have seen years of history, struggle and survival. Unfortunately, there are Buddha sculptures within these temples that are headless–due to the Khmer Rouge/Pol Pot Regime decapitating them to be sold on the black market for weapons in the 70s.
Siem Reap: Ta Prohm (where “Tomb Raider” was filmed–this & “Angelina Jolie” visits are apparently huge selling points throughout Siem Reap). I love how the trees envelope the sculptures and buildings–it’s almost magical in this interplay of nature and architecture.
Siem Reap: Evening Scenes (Pub Street, New Market and the Red Piano). I adored the energy seeming through the bustling streets and stunning smiles of the locals.
Phnom Penh: Royal Palace
Phnom Penh: City Streets. Great contemporary art and crazy traffic!
Phnom Penh: Genocide Museum & Killing Fields
Very emotional to see these two sites and to fully realize how my family and 2 million other people suffered from the hands of the Khmer Rouge/Pol Pot Regime. The Genocide Museum is treated with reverence. After all these years, it’s interesting to see blossoming trees in the courtyard and small farm animals making these once-horrific spots their home, as a type of reincarnation of life, even forgiveness.
. Posted by Sherrie Thai by Shaireproductions.com . Here are some vacation highlights photos from my first trip to Asia. First up is lively Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai!
The full photo albums can be seen on Smugmug and Flickr
Chiang Mai: Wat Phra That Temple. Climb up massive serpent stairs and atop of a hill, you’re greeted with exquisite gold-plated buddhas and an impressive stupa/shrine.
Bangkok: Songkran New Years Water Festival . For 3 days, most of the country shuts down to partake in this fun ritual (which is mostly welcome due to the crazy 95 degree climate). Water is a purification for the coming new year, and the clay is a blessing. In the streets, everyone is fair game for an excellent soaking, except for seniors, babies and the revered monks.
Bangkok: Grand Palace. This locale is full of intricately decorated monuments and sculptures. The artwork is a combination of Buddhist, Hindu and Thai folklore, with beautiful beasts, massive guardian demons and golden angels.
Chiang Rai: Hill Tribes (Karen, Akha, Yao, Lanu). Some of these people are refugees, and others are indigenous people of Thailand, who sustain their living by selling handcrafts to tourists.
Chiang Mai: Night Market and Cabaret Show. I LOVE night markets–food, shopping, culture and fun! Thailand knows how to party!
Chiang Mai: Cooking Pad Thai (dangerous times!) The chef decided to show off his mad skills in the kitchen. I doubt I’ll repeat the dish unless I have proper protection, but I’m pleased to have attempted Tom Yum soup 🙂
Chiang Rai: Wat Rong Khun (White Temple). One of my favorites as it’s a modern take on good vs. evil. You’ll find Batman and the Predator hanging out on the lawn 🙂
