Commercial Break from Cambodia

by Lisa

I was going to polish off the last two installments in the When Helping is Hard series early this week, but then Cambodia happened. We’re here for four days on rest and relaxation leave and so far it’s been very restful, very relaxing, and  very needed. Mike’s trying hard not to talk or think work, and in the spirit of solidarity (and the spirit of holiday) I decided to do the same. So the humanitarian series will be back, but not for a couple of days.

Instead of talking or thinking work we’ve been trundling around Siem Reap in the back of a tuk tuk, wandering around various temples, and eating cheeseburgers. We’re in the bizarre position of having come to Siem Reap and feeling as if we’ve landed back in a metropolis… more of a metropolis, anyway. They have good ice cream here, people. And traffic lights.

So in lieu of the next installment in the Helping is Hard series, here is a slideshow of some of what we’re seeing in the temples. They’re grand, they are awe-inspiring, and they make me think about our human instinct to carve a lasting story in stone and with our very lives, to create monuments to beauty, and to seek meaning beyond ourselves.

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10 comments

sally October 5, 2010 - 10:00 am

I loved the pics of the tree roots. For some reason I love a good tree root. 🙂

P.S. If you want to see the cutest baby in the world you should drop by my blog. 🙂

Lisa McKay October 7, 2010 - 11:43 am

Congratulations again!!! What an accomplishment and thrilled to hear of his safe arrival. As for tree roots, you would love Siem Reap. Love it!! Put it on your travel lust list then.

Heidi October 5, 2010 - 10:31 am

Those photos are gorgeous. Now I’m adding Cambodia to my (already way too long) list of places to see someday.

Lisa McKay October 7, 2010 - 11:42 am

Siem Reap was very cool. I didn’t know a lot about it before we went – sometimes I find that’s the best way to travel – but we had a very relaxing time! Highly recommended, particularly if you’re into photography and temples.

Melisa October 5, 2010 - 10:31 am

I envy you! I am so glad you’re loving Siem Reap and the temples as much as I thought you would. Please give my very best to Keath and his family. Have you been to the Blue Pumpkin yet? Go for afternoon tea!!!
Mel xo

Lisa McKay October 7, 2010 - 11:41 am

The Blue Pumpkin was awesome – great ice cream! Keath says hello, his little boy is down in PP getting the rabies series shots, but Keath says he should be fine. I sure hope so. We really loved the hotel too, btw, so the trip was a big success. Thanks again!

morealtitude October 5, 2010 - 1:56 pm

“They’re grand, they are awe-inspiring, and they make me think about our human instinct to carve a lasting story in stone and with our very lives, to create monuments to beauty, and to seek meaning beyond ourselves.”

You’re going to carve “Lisa and Mike woz here 2010” in Angkor Wat, aren’t you.

Great photos btw. 🙂

Lisa McKay October 7, 2010 - 11:40 am

That was a brilliant idea. Too bad it came one day too late to execute it. Thankfully I saw no carvings, no spray painting, and very little evidence of people acting like doofuses.

katepieps October 5, 2010 - 10:22 pm

Those temples are great, but, um, easily broken. Not that I would know from personal experience or anything. I’m glad Cambodia is treating you well. I gave them special instructions there, you know. 😉

Lisa McKay October 7, 2010 - 11:38 am

Awesome, thanks for putting in a good word for us!

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