As we made our way along a small pathway through the forests of Kulen Mountain…the dappled light through the dense canopy of the trees provided relief from the boiling sun. I was looking forward to seeing the River of a Thousand Lingas and the holy waterfalls that I’d read about prior to the trip. Amazing to think that over a thousand years ago, the monks carried heavy tools up this mountain to carve sacred Hindu images (known as lingas) in the river beds. Knowing the location was remote and considered a spiritual and a sacred site for Cambodians….it was a place I definitely wanted to experience.
We continued along our way and within no time I could see someone sitting on the edge of the pathway. As we got closer I could see it was a nun…with the most adorable smile ever. Just sitting…waiting…burning her incense…with her little bucket holding a gold bowl filled with red threaded bracelets and dollar bills – both U.S. and the Cambodian riel. The threaded bracelets are meant to bring good luck and prosperity…as well as a reminder to the wearer to show compassion to all. Of course I had to add one to my growing collection! One can never have too much good luck, right?
We learned through our guide that her husband had been killed in the war, thus her reasoning for becoming a nun. She was so sweet and just a joy to photograph…
Of course it was a perfect opportunity to give her a polaroid photo…and we learned it was the first time in her 88 years of life that she had been given a photo of herself…a priceless moment indeed. I could’ve stayed with her for hours just soaking up that sweet smile and just breathing in her beautiful existence. A little ways down the path I stopped and turned to see her still looking at her photo. Tears brushed aside…we had to move on.
After just a short walk we stopped at a deep pool of water…a gathering place for everyone to take some holy water to rub through their hair or wash their face. The quiet of the forest and the sprinkled offerings throughout…made it so magical and peaceful.
We made our way to the river with a series of sandstone formations (lingas) carved to represent fertility. As the water flows over the the symbols it becomes holy water. Every once in a while there would be an offering of sorts along the river bed as shown in the image above. We were fortunate that the water was clear so we could see some of the carvings…but somewhat unfortunate that it was in the middle of the day when the lighting was not so good for photographing. Regardless it was a site to be seen…(video coming up)…even if it was just a small section of the thousands of carvings. In addition there were scores of people due to the Lunar New Year holiday…just another reason to return in the future and explore more!
We continued on our trek until we arrived at the highly regarded pilgrimage site in the Siem Reap area…the Buddhist monastery Preah Ang Thom.
In all honesty my thoughts were…I’m tired…I’ve already seen so many Buddhas in my travels…so many monasteries…not to mention more stairs to climb and on top of that…I was hot and sweaty.
But the cool breeze and the beauty of the area encouraged me to continue on…the shrines and lingas were spectacular…not to mention seeing this little beauty on the way up!
Here you’ll find the footprint of Buddha…where many people believe their desires will be fulfilled by praying and making offerings…such as money, incense, flowers, etc…as well as the large 16th century reclining Buddha carved out of a sandstone boulder…the focal point of the pilgrimage for the Khmer people.
You’ll laugh, but I don’t have an acceptable image of the reclining Buddha! Too many people…my attempts just didn’t do it justice. (However, if you’re just dying to see a reclining Buddha…you can always google it! There are tons of images on the internet.) But, here’s a non-award winning video clip of the adorable nun, the lingas, and a family taking part in a blessing within the small temple where the Buddha is housed. You’ll get the gist of it!
Next up were the holy waterfalls that I’d read about…and like many of the waterfalls within the United States…there were people taking advantage not only of the holiday…but the refreshing water on a hot and very humid day.
And by now hanging out in a hammock with some beers sounded pretty good…but time on Kulen Mountain had come to a close…yet there was still more to the day.
As we made our way through the picnic area to our car…there was food for sale…
…and other things…but unfortunately I was lagging behind our guide (wonder why?) and was unable to ask him about some of these items…but I’m sure there was something for everyone!
After a long drive down Kulen Mountain and after a quick late lunch, we arrived at Beng Mealea…one of the most mysterious temples in the Angkor region in Siem Reap. The good news? The light was perfect for photographing. The not so good news? I was dead tired. But, if you know me…decay is a huge motivator…and this was wabi-sabi on steroids. It didn’t take long to get reenergized to wander throughout this complex of ruins that had been devoured by time.
It’s really amazing to think that this temple is over 900 years old…spread across several acres of jungle and just cleared of landmines in 2003.
There were a few children playing in the area…including several who were looking for their only meal of the day…like this young boy with his slingshot. Our guide scolded him for shooting the birds, but if one is hungry…
By the end of this visit…this image summed up exactly how I felt…and I bet you do to after this very long post! And if you made it this far…thanks for hanging in!
It’s just astounding to think of all the experiences that one can have in a single day…and this day tops the list for the variety…one that’ll be remembered for a very long time.
(If you just happened upon this post…be sure to check out part one here.)
Happy Spring! xo,gg
P.S. I’ve just returned from a few days in Las Cruces, New Mexico with good friends…good times…and now I’m heading to the farm in Virginia to visit my family. There’s more to come from Cambodia, but there’s also much to share from the home front as well. In fact…where does the time go? Will touch on that in my next posting! Stay tuned!
First of all, I can totally relate to how tired one gets on such an excursion, Robin. It happens to me all the time, but I know the feeling of not wanting to miss anything, especially if you wonder if/how/when you’ll ever return.
Secondly, thank you for making this as long as it is (says she who outdoes you in ‘long’)…especially for including several images (and video) of that adorable nun. Think of all the polaroid images you’ve taken that are in hands/on walls all over that area of the world! I love it for you and all of them!
I remember how tired the three of us were when we arrived at the Highline in NYC after a very long day! So I know you know firsthand! Isn’t that nun just so cute! I just loved her…and would’ve given anything to have a conversation with her. Even our guide wasn’t able to speak her native language…but enough to make a connection and understand some basics.
Oh yes, Ginnie…I do think of the polaroids that people have…especially in Myanmar (Burma) when we visited that remote village and gave away so many little pictures to the children. So heartwarming! But for a person of 88 years never having a photo of themselves…now that was indeed special! Thanks always for your visits and comments! So appreciated!
All those hidden treasures. All those amazing people, all those thankful people. The serenity, the devotion. Everything and everything. What I realize is that these people relate far more with body and mind than ‘we’ do. Well that is my impression. We are always in a hurry…… it is good that the temple is on a hill/mountain…. make the effort, start talking to yourself, overcome your self, keep going. It happened to you, you were tired, sweaty, but oh so determined to see it…. you did, you overcame your self.
I hope that you understand what I mean.
This is a wonderful post and love all the pictures and the video, the nun is amazing. Thank you again for sharing with us those incredible adventures you have.
Our thoughts are with you when you are at the farm.
Love and hugs.
I totally understand what you mean Astrid! That’s what I love about your comments…you really dig deep in the meaning of things…thank you. xoxo
I was touched by this post. I felt eager for every next photo, and I loved seeing the video of the nun, thank you for that. I could tell how special she is, her presence, yes. These are extraordinary experiences, and it feels incredible to witness it all through your words and photos.
Oh, thank you so much Ruth! I’m so fortunate to travel and then to share…and so enjoy when people like you appreciate it! THANK YOU! xo
What an amazing trip. I love everything about this post but the little nun especially touched my heart. Thank you so much for sharing your travel memories with us. Safe travel to the farm. Love and hugs to mom and Sharon, and even MORE to you! XoXo
I so thought of you…you would’ve just LOVED her! Thank you my sweet…I’ll give “mom” a hug for you!! Love you MORE! xoxo
What a wonderful post, Robin.
Your determination and strength amaze me. I totally understand your strength to push yourself physically and emotionally past your exhaustion. There are people and places and sights to experience that you would miss if you gave in and you would regret it.
This is just one of the many reasons of why I admire, respect and love you so.
Your heart is meant to be shared with the people you meet and touch their hearts forever. You’re so gifted with conneting to people of every age and culture, language barriers don’t create barriers. Your smile and eyes exude trust and repect break down any doubts or barriers. I love the gift of your Polaroids so much, it is one of the many great gifts you share with people you meet.
I just love the nun, too and so enjoyed her cute smile and video.
Your photos are absolutely beautiful and engaging. I know as an artist, you worry about the lighting, etc., but your photos are incredible, beautiful, detailed and as fascinating as your blog.
I am so thankful that you share your journeys, personal thoughts and life with us.
Safe travels to the farm and all my best to mom, too. XOXO
You are just too much…I really don’t deserve all the kinds words…but I really do appreciate the generosity of your words! THANK YOU so very much Lisa! XOXO
Amazing photos and travel story. If I went on such a trip, I’d be more than just tired at the end of the day. It would take me a good month at home to recover. I don’t know how you do it! But I sure wish for one day like this — full of so many discoveries.
Thanks Maery! So enjoy knowing of your visits and always appreciate your comments!
I’m just enchanted with your little nun, her sweet smile, shining eyes and musical voice and of course the sleeping babe in the hammock. Besides these wonderful images that you so graciously share I really feel like I get to learn so much about the places you go, the history and traditions, and the people you meet along the way.
Sure hope you’ve had a chance to rest up and catch your breath a little bit!
Thank you Susan! I’m so happy to share…especially when I come across such beautiful people and places! Always appreciate your comments! Catching my breath a little here on the farm…but my “to-do” list is always a mile long when I come!
Another AMAZING post! You give us a unique glimpse into other cultures and far away lands. My favorite is the prayer flag. and of course the nun – how could we not love her? I can only hope that…people feel the way I do about your blog… when they read mine : ) Enjoy the farm… we are expecting warm weather in Va tomorrow!
Thank you Cathy! Well I for one thoroughly enjoy your posts and learn so much! And yes…so nice to have this wonderful spring weather here in Virginia!
Isn’t it amazing how people can move us even if we don’t speak the same language ? The nun and her serene smile will stay in your memory forever. I can imagine how tiring it was to walk and to absorb all the beauty on the way… I so love your pictures of people, your genuine interest, respect and love visible on each single image . A wonderful post and I am looking forward to seeing more of your trip.
Have a good time on the farm and with your family.
Absolutely on your first question! It is so amazing! Thanks always for your wonderful comments and visits!
Love the picture of the sleeping kid. You must have felt just like that at the end of the day!
Hello Rose! Thanks for your visit and you’re right…that little one is exactly how I felt at the end of the day!
Oh that precious little woman! I love her:) And that you got to meet and greet and extend love to her…..priceless.
Thanks for introducing us:) Such a deeply lovely land and people.
I’m grateful for getting to ride along in your pocket, Robin!
Much, much thanks,
Jennifer
Isn’t she something! Thanks so much…love that you’re riding along!
Robin what an amazing adventure…one highlight for me is the ancient sites, but oh the people…that is where the magic is…that smile from that beautiful 88 yr old brought a light to my heart!
Thanks Donna…she was certainly a highlight of my trip!
Thank you for your tour and color commentary on Kulen mountain. I can imagine a trip like this puts our comfortable life into perspective. Most enjoyable.
Thanks my dear!
O so fabulous Robin! Every moment. The woman was very moving and beautiful. And your own spirit comes through all the way…..I am as always inspired and hopeful following your wanderings. Much love to you, I loved NYC and yes was totally exhausted and spent after it. X
I am thrilled you just got to spend time in ‘my’ city! Loved seeing it through your eyes! Thanks always Catherine!
You do such a beautiful job taking us along on your journeys. Your photos are always breathtaking.
Thanks Margie! So glad we’ve connected!
Whenever I visit your travel blog I always get a wonderful sense of cultural variation and wisdom. Its so nice to see and such a gentle contrast to the anxieties of every day life for those, like me, searching for the next slice of bread. Thank you for reminding us that, so often, the journey is the destination
Thanks so much Peter! Your comments always make my day!
Stunning photography (as always), and perfect commentary. It’s a pleasure traveling with you! 😉