After a great workshop in Vietnam, Dianne and I flew over to Siem Reap in Cambodia to see the Angkor temples and waterside villages on Tonle Sap lake. The Cambodian people are happy and friendly. The country is 97% Buddhist and many of the children, from poorer families, go into the monasteries to take pressure off the families.
We met Pau, who entered a monastery at eight years of age and is now in his early twenties. He enjoys the discipline of the monastery. He speaks good English and is studying education. His goal is to open a village school to improve the chances for young people to work and study.
Monastery accommodation is austere and simple.
Pau, happy with his life as a Monk.
Detail of intricate stone carving from Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat Temple
Stone gable carving Angkor Wat
Ta Phrom Temple – slowly being eaten by the jungle.
Thom Bayon Temple features large carved stone heads of Buddha and beautiful, intricate relief carvings of daily life back in the 11th and 12th centuries.
Temple monkey overcome with boredom
Temple monkey overcome with confusion
Temple monkey overcome with enlightenment.
Siem Reap petrol tanker – powered by a mechanical plough.
Fire pot vendor powered by a small motor scooter
Mattress vendor- powered by a small motorbike
With the luxury of a small truck, there is nothing you can’t carry.
From Siem Reap we travelled by tuk tuk down to Kampong Phluk – a village of stilt houses, some colorful, some old and thatched, built in the Tonle Sap Lake. It’s a fascinating village – life is lived entirely on the water. Kids grow up in boats and soon become skilled fishermen.
Splashing Paint 
Quite extraordinary…thanks for sharing your wonderful photography!
Such a beautiful country and beautiful people!
Very nice photos, must have been a wonderful trip!
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I always look forward towards your posts. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing you wonderful photos, impressive
thanks for sharing this beautiful images
Thanks for sharing a well documented experience as always
John,
As always, inspirational and moving images. They just make me want to drop everything and go paint. Thanks for sharing these beautiful images with us!
I always look forward to your exceptional photographs !!!
Yes, wonderful photos. Many many subjects for painting! Would luv to see how you interpret these.
wonderful photos John. Amazing monkeys, every hair in detail!!!
So many beautiful photos that capture the essence of the people and beauty of the country. May wonderful subjects for painting too!
Incredible photography! I appreciate your generosity so much and your kindness when taking me on your journeys as a guest.
So pleased I found your WordPress blog.
Your book and now the internet connection, Pauline and I are so inspired.
We are meeting at Caldera Wildscape Gallery every Saturday with the help of Andy Reimanis we are enjoying the John Lovett approach to water colour painting.