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 134: Bucolic
The charming Cambodian countryside. That’s the limestone mountains of Kampong Trach district in Kampot province. Soothing to my city-eyes 🙂
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.
APAD 131: Coaster
I made this myself several full moons ago… I love the combination of these three colours turned out!
Made by Sreisaat. You can find more about my crafting activities at Crafting with Sreisaat (sreisaatcrafts.wordpress.com).
I have a huge stash of crochet yarns that needed busting. These are acrylic yarns from Thailand, if I am not mistaken. The coaster is actually a granny square. I’m planning to starch it so it stays hard and in shape. The beautiful coffee mug, by the way, was bought from one of the stores found at the ground floor of the KLCC Shopping Mall. That’s nearly a decade ago and I still have it with me. It comes with a matching lid to keep the beverage – coffee or tea – warm.
APAD 130: No to sex tourism!
Found this at the entrance gate of a boutique hotel in Phnom Penh. It just reminds you of the many problems people encounter in this country, especially the women and children. There’s a lot of information on sex trafficking on the Internet and it’s enough to make you angry.
The tourism industry and other businesses in Cambodia have joined forces with NGOs and government agencies to combat this issue and pledged to cooperate with authorities in spotting and reporting cases. Also part of the tourism industry’s pledge is to provide training to their staff on how to recognise and report child sexual exploitation.
APAD 129: Shapes and colours
… at the dry goods section located at the ground floor of the O’Russei Market in Phnom Penh.
I did some edits here using Picasa. You can find the original photo posted here.
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