Cycling from Siem Reap to Angkor Area
Minefield funded by Germans??? Actually, the kind German Government cleared the minefield. 
Angkor Wat – Grandeur
This photo was a classic example of communication, perhaps cultural, barrier. I approached a Cambodian guy and asked if he could help to take a photo of me. He nodded in consent, well, at least that’s what I assumed. Then, the next moment, he took a photo of his friend using my camera?!?!? Then, he returned the camera to me.
I was a bit dumb-folded. Speechless. In fact, I just smiled back in courtesy. Is there any logic in his action? Firstly, why am I not in the photo? Why would I want the photo of his friend? Well, even if I wanted to take photo of his friend, why can’t I do it myself? Why do I need to bother him?
I found it funny and amusing as I didn’t understand it till this day. Anyway, to avoid further awkwardness and embarrassment, I waited for him and his friends to leave before I approached another person to help me to take photo.
Phnom Penh – Flooded
It’s quite dark with no street light. Navigating out of the flooded street was quite a challenge and experience, as I won’t know what I was stepping on. Heard that snakes swim in flooded street as the river is not far away.
Phnom Penh
Rolling up my jeans and enjoying the city night view in a cyclo
Tuol Sleng Museum, PP
The view from the window of the torture room.
The victims must be looking outside this window, thinking when they would get out of this misery. Sadly, almost all of them got their “liberation” through torturous death. Only 6 people, out of the tens of thousands of people, survived.
Tuol Sleng Museum, PP
“THE BRAID OF BARBED WIRES PREVENTS THE DESPERATE VICTIMS FROM COMMITTING SUICIDE”
Tuol Sleng Museum, PP
Looking at these pictures was a riveting moment for me.
Till now, it still sent chill through my body. They were flesh and blood like us.
Could you see the sadness and helplessness in her eyes?
Phnom Penh – Killing Field of Choeung Ek
Killing Field, PP - killing instrument.
The sharp edge of a palm tree branch, can be used slit the throats of victims
Now to Vietnam...
Cao Dai Great Temple, Tay Ninh, Vietnam
Right at the end, there are figures of Buddha, Jesus Christ, Lao-Tse, Guan-yin etc…
Before visiting the temple, I had an impression that it was a cult-like religion, but who am I to judge? And all that I saw was a group of gentle and friendly people, whose religion forbids killing, stealings, sensuality, lying and some of the followers practice celibacy and vegetarianism. The “end product” is good, and followers seemed to be happy and in peace. That’s more important.
Traveling with an open-mind. =)
Cu Chi Tunnel, Outside Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Somebody once asked Dalai Lama
“ Why can’t Tibetans fight the communist forces like the Vietnamese triumph over the superior American forces?”
His reply was “Because we can’t use guerilla warfare in Tibet”
Now, I truly understood what he meant. After visiting Cu Chi Tunnel, the triumph of the Vietnamese Communist Forces over the technologically-superior American forces was not an easy feat. The ingenuity of the Vietnamese and their usage of Guerilla warfare was just amazing. Cu Chi Tunnel was part of that Guerilla warfare.
I tried to squeeze through a small section of tunnel (specially created for tourist, be’cos the actual tunnel is smaller!?!?!?), it was very confined, very dark, and if you are claustrophobic, dun try it! I wanted to go further, but suddenly a strong intense fear seized me, I was so scared and dizzy that I “chicken” out and exited at the first opening. The feeling of being trapped in darkness and stale-air is frightening.
That’s why the Vietnamese Soldiers earned my respect for being able to stay for a prolonged period in those depressing tunnels.
War Remnants Museum, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Exhibition of the atrocities of the American forces in Vietnam, especially the use of toxic like Orange Agent, which led to the mutation or physical-deformation of off-springs and future generations.
However, among all the exhibits, this photo touched me the most, and I was also most disgusted by the cruelty of American Soldiers.
These 2 boys were fleeing from the gun-firings. Both of them were equally vulnerable, yet, the older boy used his body to shield his younger brother from the bullets. Sacrificing himself for his brother, that’s noble and courageous. It amazing that he was doing that at such a young tender age. Even though they were not killed during the cross-firings, these 2 boys were ultimately shot dead by the American Troops.
It epitomizes the greatest human spirit - selflessness & love.
It also reminded me of the ugly side of mankind, especially those American who preaches about liberty and freedom.
These 2 boys were no immediate threat to the Americans!!! Why kill them?? Especially when they were defenseless and vulnerable. WTF??? Where are the morals and ethics?? Talking about Geneva Conventions??? Doesn’t it just remind you of the recent Iraqi War??? Shame on them. But in the end, nothing happens to them (supporters of War), especially BUSH.
WHY???
Because they are rich and powerful.
