24-JAN-2007
The Guide
I suppose he has a lot to tell about his life. About the number of tourists who have visited the temple grounds, his life, the stories of the ruins since he spent most of his time there.... He is a guide at one of the temples. He is quite old in fact or looked old. He only earns around USD15 a month and he has a family to support as well.
Below is a BW conversion of the image:
Living In Poverty
It never occurred to me how lucky I am to be born in this part of the world, or at least where I am, not having to suffer. I only started to realise how lucky I am to have almost everything I wanted and desired, without having to walk about the street to beg or even scavenging stuff from the rubbish bin. I mentioned to one of the guides at one of the place we visited that this was the first time I visited Cambodia. He simply replied - "How lucky you are to travel. As for me, I am have never stepped out of Cambodia, let alone even travelled around the country. You are so lucky." I didn't know what to say after that. I was speechless. Be thankful for what God has given you. Be contented and not complain. For another image description -
Scavanging
The Village Boy
There is a sense of innocence in the boy's eyes. Despite of his poverty state, he looked pretty carefree in his simple lifestyle as a village boy. Count our lucky stars that we are able to have a roof under our head.
The Simple Lifestyle
We will never come in terms with contentment until we see how other people are less fortunate than ourselves. Sometimes I just like to sit back and reflect. It helps me to appreciate and be thankful for what I have already. This shot of the children potrays a scene of a simplicity and contentment.
25-JAN-2007
Please, Please, I Beg You To Buy My Bananas..
So who should you buy from? From the girl on the left? Or the boy on your right? Or even the other girl at the back of the boat? Dozens of them waiting for tourists to buy their bananas. A dollar for a bunch of bananas. These floating village people spend their time `begging' tourists to buy their bananas. Most are from Vietnam.
25-JAN-2007
Ooops...Sniffles
Most of the children whom I have met during my trip at Siem Reap had a runny nose. I suppose medical assistance is poor in the village area, mostly depended on witch doctors to heal their sickness and travel to the city to the hospital is far, plus some even have barely enough to feed the family. For another shot -
Bald Is Beautiful
A Picture Paints A Thousand Words
Like the old saying goes: A picture paints a thousand words. Every picture taken is like a painting. It involves every aspect of photography from composition, toning, subject matter and the list goes on. I like this picture, as the expression on this little girl's face is heart moving and priceless. By just looking at her face, you can already feel something for her, a need for help, compassion and a desire for escapism from her bitter life. The first thought in mind is,`Please help me....I am in dire straits'.
25-JAN-2007
Life As Such
Living standard and quality life is obviously poor. I can't imagine how difficult it is for them having to live in wooden straw houses, some even have a `nomadic' lifestyle where they have to move houses, when the water rises. I sincerely feel for them. Just look into her eyes. I am sure you feel the same.
Natural Models
Children make very good models for photo shooting. They are sponteneous and natural in their poses. This shot looked best in BW for its rustic flavour. Look at the boy on the far right, he seemed to know his work and he posed so naturally. The little girl's smile is a treasure.
25-JAN-2007
The Blind Nun
I wonder what was her past life like and being blind here she sits waiting for passers by to give her some money. On contarary I was told that `monks' don't beg for money, here we see a `nun' with a bowl of money in the city streets. Maybe that's what we can give in return to help them.
23-JAN-2007
Three Wheels
Unfortunate for this man, he was a land mine victim. He lost one of his legs. Nevertheless he still carried on with life. Have a look at the following image -
Check My T-Shirt
24-JAN-2007
Children Of The Mud
Sad as it looks but most of the kids don't wear clothes.......you can literally call them children of the mud. They actually play there!
