Photos from Angkor

We have had the opportunity to visit the Temples of Angkor three times.  Each time it has been with a friend or family member who invited (and in some cases funded!) us to join them...we are grateful for all their visits!  After three trips, we expect (and, to be honest, hope) that our temple tours are over.  As a farewell tribute to Angkor, I'm sharing a selection of amusing photos we've taken during our multiple visits.

Our magazine pose photo at Kbal Spaen waterfall, where we pretended we were doing a
fashion magazine shoot where everyone is looking thoughtfully in every direction except the camera!

This is Jeremy's favorite little carving at Preah Khan Temple. The carvers added a bit of
comedy by depicting two smiling monkeys peeking out through the wheel spokes.

Jeremy finds a moment of zen under the tree roots at Ta Prohm Temple.

Erica plays the forlorn princess stuck in the tower at Bayon Temple.

Also at Bayon Temple, Erica goes nose to nose with one of the carved faces.

Jim subs in his face on a decapitated statue at the Angkor Thom ballustrade.

Jeremy waves hello from Banteay Srei Temple.

Jim minds his head through a tiny doorway at Ta Prohm Temple.

Erica caught with her mouth open at the Terrace of the Elephants.

Jeremy pulling on the Preah Khan Temple ballustrade.

Jeremy posing like an apsara dancer at Preah Khan Temple.

Ok, this one is not amusing; it's just a great family portrait of Erica, Jeremy,
and Jeremy's mom Ann in front of Angkor Wat.

Boat Cruises

It's a popular activity in Phnom Penh to go on a sunset boat cruise.  The arrangements are incredibly easy to make - reserve a boat, pay the captain about $25, invite your friends to bring food and drink, and spend two hours enjoying the ride.  People often organize cruises as farewell parties or when visitors come to town.  Jeremy and I have been fortunate enough to go on a cruise about once every 2-3 months.

Cruising with office mates on my first night in Phnom Penh

The boats themselves are modest affairs.  We often joke about how seaworthy they really are!  Occasionally we have been asked by the captain to move from the top deck to the bottom because he is afraid we are top-heavy and might tip over!

A typical boat for cruises

The usual path of the boats is to leave the boat docks and head south on the Tonle Sap River past the waterfront area of Phnom Penh.  This offers great views of the city sights and skyline.

Jeremy and Erica with Phnom Penh in the background

Just beyond the main waterfront area, the boats turn north up the Mekong River.  On this stretch of water, we can see the communities that make their homes on the river - small floating villages of fishermen and their families.

Boating communities on the river

Eventually, the captain turns us around and we can catch a few more sunset views before darkness descends and we return to the boat dock.

Sunset over Phnom Penh