Cambodia In Pictures

Though lauded for the ancient temple site of Angkor Wat, Siem Reap is also a center for contemporary art galleries, boutiques, restaurants and cafes. And, while troves of tourists descended on this magnificent complex, I wandered the streets of downtown Siem Reap, exploring what the town itself had to offer. I found out that down the street from my budget-minded and very socially responsible hotel, the Soria Moria, was an active Buddhist pagoda. It was within walking distance though I had the place to myself. There, one of the monks invited me into the principal, 100-year-old structure where they pray. 

I spent almost a week in Siem Reap and this is my YouTube video slideshow illustrating that it's a very creative mix of the old and the new. 

continue reading "Cambodia In Pictures"

Hanoi, Vietnam In Pictures

My week in Hanoi was wrapped up with visits to contemporary art galleries and bucolic parks and gardens. (All of these were steps away from an ulta chaotic traffic scene where crossing the street was  an adventure that I preferred to avoid.) The little visited Botanical Garden was a delight with the web of roots emanating from a 19th-century tree becoming a magnet for both people who want meditative solitude as well as those who just want to snap a selfie. The coffee culture is vibrant with whitewashed shops displaying edgy art, such as giant ants crawling up columns. A trip to expansive West Lake reveals a section blanketed by lotus blossoms as well as a shoreline mostly ringed by a pedestrian path. Pagodas and anchored boats acting as a combination restaurant, coffee shop,  and bar dot the periphery. And when I wanted to get above Hanoi's often frenetic vibe, I took the elevator to the twentieth floor Summit Lounge at the Sofitel Plaza Hotel. This short YouTube video slideshow provides a window into my one-week trip in Hanoi. 

continue reading "Hanoi, Vietnam In Pictures "

Laos In Pictures

Journeying along the Mekong River that courses through Laos, and driving along the rough roads that rise and dip through the lush interior, I found a wealth of treasures: riverside villages where women wove traditional textiles, wonderful coffee shops in Luang Prabang, the UNESCO World Heritage city, charming waterfront chalets and restaurants in the town of Vang Vieng that's noted for its adventure sports and much more. This short YouTube video slideshow provides a window into my two-week trip in Laos. 

continue reading "Laos In Pictures"