APAD 140: Silhouette
Yearning to visit this place again… It’s been years since we last came here and I want to go back soon.
This is the silhouette of Phnom Bokor, in the province of Kampot, as seen from the window of our guesthouse in Kep.
Just counting the days till I see Kep and Phnom Bokor again.
APAD 139: Waiting
This is one of the waiting areas at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand. It was a quiet time when I took this photo as I was waiting for a very early morning flight to Kathmandu. My travels are only limited to Asia, so far, but let me just say that this airport is one of the flashiest airports I have ever been to.
Massive, delicate and modern.
Suvarnabhumi International Airport is one of the largest hubs in Asia. Millions of passengers come and go through this airport notice the massive glass and steel structure with a sleek, modern design. On the top photo, the yellow triangular-shaped object is some kind of a stupa.Other signs plastered on the glass rails are also in yellow. The colour stands out for everyone to see, even if the hall is filled with people.
I love airports, they fascinate me. I love the frenzy. The sounds. The United Nations-esque feeling when you meet people of different nationalities and brush shoulders with. And I like people watching. In airports. And make up stories about them inside my head. But this crazy hobby aside, I am also fascinated with airports. In the system(s) that they operate. I wonder about what goes on behind the scene, so to speak. From the control towers, aircraft maintenance, passengers, luggages and most importantly, food (catering)! And oh, this airport is also a haven for shoppers.
APAD 138: Safe sex
I have this photo taken from the 2007 (or 2008?) during Cambodia’s Independence Day celebration. To those who are not familiar with Cambodia’s history, the country was once a French protectorate for 90years (beginning in 1863) before it gained it’s independence on November 9, 1953.
Every year, colourful celebrations are held , beginning at the lighting the torch at the Vimean Eikareach (Independence Monument) in Norodom Boulevard by His Majesty the Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and culminating in a huge parade. I particularly enjoy the miles-long parade showcasing floats of the different government ministries, agencies as well as international and local non-government organisations and business establishments in the country.
The photo below was part of the Cambodian Ministry of Health’s contingent.
Signs are very important tools in informing and educating the general public about HIV/AIDS and other sexually-transmitted diseases in Cambodia.
The poster is promoting condoms for safe sex, a protection against HIV/AIDS and other sexually-transmitted diseases.
In 1997, Cambodia had the highest prevalence rate of HIV infection in the region at 3.7 percent. Due to the aggressive 100 percent condom use and education campaigns led by the Cambodian government and supported by various international organisations, the recent prevalence rate is now down to 1.9 percent. National and international agencies hailed Cambodia as one of the few countries who have successfully controlled the HIV epidemic among its general population.
However, despite keeping the HIV prevalence rate at bay, there is still a lot of work to be done.
APAD 136: Glass on wheels
This is one of the world’s most dangerous jobs. Why so? Just go and have a closer look…
Look, ma, no protective gloves! And you know what made my guts almost jump out of my throat when I saw this – the motorcycle was teetering dangerously and the Phnom Penh traffic is infamously crazy. Argh.
I dare not imagine the scenario if something untoward happened that moment.
APAD 133: Neak ta shrine
This is just one of the 1001 reasons for expats and local tourists to explore Cambodia!
If you like exploring and are an adventurous type, do not miss out on going out on road trips. You’ll surely discover a lot of interesting things about Cambodia and its culture.
This neak ta shrine is one of the multitudes you will find in the country but they represent many differeting things. This one we found was just an hour away from the capital Phnom Penh, in the same area as Wat Phnom Prasith.
Cambodians believe in ancestor spirits called neak ta.
Neak tas are spirits who watch over and guard people, places (particularly forests), and things. They are believed to possess some kind of a supernatural power.
Shrines are built for the neak tas and contain objects that represent the four elements – earth, wind, water, and fire. According to local beliefs, the villagers take turn in keeping the shrine in order, making sure the shrine is clean and offerings of lotus flowers and lit incense are offered daily. Should they fail to do so, the neak ta will punish them or their entire village.
In the same manner, the villagers strive to act their best so as not to anger the neak ta. If not, misfortune and sickness will befall them and/or the entire village. Visitors, both local and foreign, are also expected to conduct themselves properly when visiting the shrine and within the vicinity. Otherwise, they will also not escape the wrath of an angry neak ta.
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