Author: James Dugan
Publisher: Walkabout photo guides
ISBN:
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 26
Book Description
Planning a trip to Angkor Wat and Siem Reap? Want to know how to capture great photos of Angkor Wat? Our travel photography guides are focused on the information you need, including: - Detailed maps and diagrams - Photos, including the DSLR camera settings and the exact location where the photo was taken - Logistical information to ensure that you’re at the right place at the right time - Ways to get the photo whilst avoiding the crowds This sub-guide is part of a bigger travel photography guide that covers all of the Siem Reap region. Inside you’ll find lots of specific tips for planning and the logistics of getting great photos of Angkor Wat temple complex. Our travel photography guides help you save valuable time in researching and planning, allowing you to focus on your photos.
Capturing Siem Reap: Angkor Wat
Author: James Dugan
Publisher: Walkabout photo guides
ISBN:
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 26
Book Description
Planning a trip to Angkor Wat and Siem Reap? Want to know how to capture great photos of Angkor Wat? Our travel photography guides are focused on the information you need, including: - Detailed maps and diagrams - Photos, including the DSLR camera settings and the exact location where the photo was taken - Logistical information to ensure that you’re at the right place at the right time - Ways to get the photo whilst avoiding the crowds This sub-guide is part of a bigger travel photography guide that covers all of the Siem Reap region. Inside you’ll find lots of specific tips for planning and the logistics of getting great photos of Angkor Wat temple complex. Our travel photography guides help you save valuable time in researching and planning, allowing you to focus on your photos.
Publisher: Walkabout photo guides
ISBN:
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 26
Book Description
Planning a trip to Angkor Wat and Siem Reap? Want to know how to capture great photos of Angkor Wat? Our travel photography guides are focused on the information you need, including: - Detailed maps and diagrams - Photos, including the DSLR camera settings and the exact location where the photo was taken - Logistical information to ensure that you’re at the right place at the right time - Ways to get the photo whilst avoiding the crowds This sub-guide is part of a bigger travel photography guide that covers all of the Siem Reap region. Inside you’ll find lots of specific tips for planning and the logistics of getting great photos of Angkor Wat temple complex. Our travel photography guides help you save valuable time in researching and planning, allowing you to focus on your photos.
Capturing Siem Reap
Author: James Dugan
Publisher: Walkabout photo guides
ISBN:
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 150
Book Description
Planning a trip to Siem Reap to see the Temples of Angkor and beyond? Want to know how to capture great photos for social media, travel blog, or to simply enjoy? Our travel photography guides focus on the information you need: - Detailed maps and diagrams - Photos, including the DSLR camera settings and the exact location where the photo was taken - Tips on planning your journey - Logistical information to ensure that you’re at the right place at the right time - Ways to get the photo whilst avoiding the crowds We've captured what you need to know to photograph: - Angkor Wat - Angkor Thom (including the giant face of the Bayon temple) - All of the Angkor Archaeological Park area - Temples in the Siem Reap region including Bantay Samré, Banteay Srei, the Ruluos group temples, and many remote temples - The floating villages along Tonlé Sap lake - Exploring the city of Siem Reap Our guides help you save valuable time in researching and planning, allowing you to focus on your photos.
Publisher: Walkabout photo guides
ISBN:
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 150
Book Description
Planning a trip to Siem Reap to see the Temples of Angkor and beyond? Want to know how to capture great photos for social media, travel blog, or to simply enjoy? Our travel photography guides focus on the information you need: - Detailed maps and diagrams - Photos, including the DSLR camera settings and the exact location where the photo was taken - Tips on planning your journey - Logistical information to ensure that you’re at the right place at the right time - Ways to get the photo whilst avoiding the crowds We've captured what you need to know to photograph: - Angkor Wat - Angkor Thom (including the giant face of the Bayon temple) - All of the Angkor Archaeological Park area - Temples in the Siem Reap region including Bantay Samré, Banteay Srei, the Ruluos group temples, and many remote temples - The floating villages along Tonlé Sap lake - Exploring the city of Siem Reap Our guides help you save valuable time in researching and planning, allowing you to focus on your photos.
Capturing Siem Reap: Temples of Angkor
Author: James Dugan
Publisher: Walkabout photo guides
ISBN:
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 94
Book Description
Planning a trip to visit the Temples of Angkor in Cambodia? Want to know how to capture great photos of the amazing temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap? Our travel photography guides are focused on the information you need, including: - Detailed maps and diagrams - Photos, including the DSLR camera settings and the exact location where the photo was taken - Logistical information to ensure that you’re at the right place at the right time - Ways to get the photo whilst avoiding the crowds This sub-guide is part of a bigger travel photography guide that covers all of the Siem Reap region. Inside you’ll find lots of specific tips for planning and the logistics of getting great photos of the Temples of Angkor including: - Angkor Wat - Angkor Thom (including the giant faces of the Bayon temple) - Ta Prohm (made famous in the movie Tomb Raider) - Phnom Bahkeng (for the best sunset views) Our travel photography guides help you save valuable time in researching and planning, allowing you to focus on your photos.
Publisher: Walkabout photo guides
ISBN:
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 94
Book Description
Planning a trip to visit the Temples of Angkor in Cambodia? Want to know how to capture great photos of the amazing temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap? Our travel photography guides are focused on the information you need, including: - Detailed maps and diagrams - Photos, including the DSLR camera settings and the exact location where the photo was taken - Logistical information to ensure that you’re at the right place at the right time - Ways to get the photo whilst avoiding the crowds This sub-guide is part of a bigger travel photography guide that covers all of the Siem Reap region. Inside you’ll find lots of specific tips for planning and the logistics of getting great photos of the Temples of Angkor including: - Angkor Wat - Angkor Thom (including the giant faces of the Bayon temple) - Ta Prohm (made famous in the movie Tomb Raider) - Phnom Bahkeng (for the best sunset views) Our travel photography guides help you save valuable time in researching and planning, allowing you to focus on your photos.
Capturing Siem Reap: Angkor Thom
Author: James Dugan
Publisher: Walkabout photo guides
ISBN:
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 38
Book Description
Planning a trip to Angkor Thom and Siem Reap? Want to know how to capture great photos of the Angkor Thom temple complex? Our travel photography guides are focused on the information you need, including: - Detailed maps and diagrams - Photos, including the DSLR camera settings and the exact location where the photo was taken - Logistical information to ensure that you’re at the right place at the right time - Ways to get the photo whilst avoiding the crowds This sub-guide is part of a bigger travel photography guide that covers all of the Siem Reap region. Inside you’ll find lots of specific tips for planning and the logistics of getting great photos of Angkor Thom temple complex. Our travel photography guides help you save valuable time in researching and planning, allowing you to focus on your photos.
Publisher: Walkabout photo guides
ISBN:
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 38
Book Description
Planning a trip to Angkor Thom and Siem Reap? Want to know how to capture great photos of the Angkor Thom temple complex? Our travel photography guides are focused on the information you need, including: - Detailed maps and diagrams - Photos, including the DSLR camera settings and the exact location where the photo was taken - Logistical information to ensure that you’re at the right place at the right time - Ways to get the photo whilst avoiding the crowds This sub-guide is part of a bigger travel photography guide that covers all of the Siem Reap region. Inside you’ll find lots of specific tips for planning and the logistics of getting great photos of Angkor Thom temple complex. Our travel photography guides help you save valuable time in researching and planning, allowing you to focus on your photos.
Cambodia Captured
Author: Jim Mizerski
Publisher: Jasmine Image Machine
ISBN: 9924905008
Category : Cambodia
Languages : en
Pages : 276
Book Description
This book accurately chronicles the creation of the French Protectorate of Cambodia through the accounts of the people who actually participated in its inception and in the context of the political intrigues of that time and place involving Cambodia, Siam, France and Great Britain. In the same decade of the 1860's two other related treaties complicated and then resolved the protectorate treaty. Drawing on the same historical context this new book commemorates the 150th anniversary in 2016 of the beginning of photography in Cambodia, presenting over 145 rare engravings, maps, and the remarkable first photographs captured at Angkor and Phnom Penh by John Thomson and Emile Gsell, decades before photographic film was even invented. On February 26, 1866 John Thomson arrived at Angkor Wat to capture the first photographs there. Four months later Emile Gsell's historic photographs at Angkor also marked the beginning of the French expedition, led by Commander Doudart de Lagrée, to explore the then uncharted Mekong River from Cambodia to the north of China, one of the great and most courageous expeditions of exploration in recent centuries. In the end, France captured Cambodia, Siam captured Angkor, King Norodom captured the crown and the throne of Cambodia and for at least a short time the independence of the kingdom, John Thomson and Emile Gsell captured the first photographs at Angkor, and Ernest Doudart de Lagrée was captured by duty, adventure and the affection of a little Cambodian boy named Chhun.
Publisher: Jasmine Image Machine
ISBN: 9924905008
Category : Cambodia
Languages : en
Pages : 276
Book Description
This book accurately chronicles the creation of the French Protectorate of Cambodia through the accounts of the people who actually participated in its inception and in the context of the political intrigues of that time and place involving Cambodia, Siam, France and Great Britain. In the same decade of the 1860's two other related treaties complicated and then resolved the protectorate treaty. Drawing on the same historical context this new book commemorates the 150th anniversary in 2016 of the beginning of photography in Cambodia, presenting over 145 rare engravings, maps, and the remarkable first photographs captured at Angkor and Phnom Penh by John Thomson and Emile Gsell, decades before photographic film was even invented. On February 26, 1866 John Thomson arrived at Angkor Wat to capture the first photographs there. Four months later Emile Gsell's historic photographs at Angkor also marked the beginning of the French expedition, led by Commander Doudart de Lagrée, to explore the then uncharted Mekong River from Cambodia to the north of China, one of the great and most courageous expeditions of exploration in recent centuries. In the end, France captured Cambodia, Siam captured Angkor, King Norodom captured the crown and the throne of Cambodia and for at least a short time the independence of the kingdom, John Thomson and Emile Gsell captured the first photographs at Angkor, and Ernest Doudart de Lagrée was captured by duty, adventure and the affection of a little Cambodian boy named Chhun.
Lonely Planet Cambodia
Author: Lonely Planet
Publisher: Lonely Planet
ISBN: 1787019322
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 619
Book Description
Lonely Planet: The world’s number one travel guide publisher* Lonely Planet’s Cambodia is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Watch the sun rise over the magnificent temples of Angkor, hit boho bars in Phnom Penh, and find a tropical hideaway in the Southern Islands – all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Cambodia and begin your journey now! Inside Lonely Planet’s Cambodia: Colour maps and images throughout Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sightseeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss Cultural insights provide a richer, more rewarding travel experience - covering history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, cuisine, politics Covers Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Temples of Angkor, South Coast, Northwestern Cambodia, Eastern Cambodia eBook Features: (Best viewed on tablet devices and smartphones) Downloadable PDF and offline maps prevent roaming and data charges Effortlessly navigate and jump between maps and reviews Add notes to personalise your guidebook experience Seamlessly flip between pages Bookmarks and speedy search capabilities get you to key pages in a flash Embedded links to recommendations' websites Zoom-in maps and images Inbuilt dictionary for quick referencing The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet’s Cambodia is our most comprehensive guide to the country, and is designed to immerse you in the culture and help you discover the best sights and get off the beaten track. Looking for just the highlights? Check out Pocket Siem Reap and the Temples of Angkor, our handy-sized guide featuring the best sights and experiences. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world’s number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we’ve printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You’ll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, video, 14 languages, nine international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more. TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 winner in Favorite Travel Guide category ‘Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.’ – New York Times ‘Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.’ – Fairfax Media (Australia) *Source: Nielsen BookScan: Australia, UK, USA, 5/2016-4/2017 Important Notice: The digital edition of this book may not contain all of the images found in the physical edition.
Publisher: Lonely Planet
ISBN: 1787019322
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 619
Book Description
Lonely Planet: The world’s number one travel guide publisher* Lonely Planet’s Cambodia is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Watch the sun rise over the magnificent temples of Angkor, hit boho bars in Phnom Penh, and find a tropical hideaway in the Southern Islands – all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Cambodia and begin your journey now! Inside Lonely Planet’s Cambodia: Colour maps and images throughout Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sightseeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss Cultural insights provide a richer, more rewarding travel experience - covering history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, cuisine, politics Covers Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Temples of Angkor, South Coast, Northwestern Cambodia, Eastern Cambodia eBook Features: (Best viewed on tablet devices and smartphones) Downloadable PDF and offline maps prevent roaming and data charges Effortlessly navigate and jump between maps and reviews Add notes to personalise your guidebook experience Seamlessly flip between pages Bookmarks and speedy search capabilities get you to key pages in a flash Embedded links to recommendations' websites Zoom-in maps and images Inbuilt dictionary for quick referencing The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet’s Cambodia is our most comprehensive guide to the country, and is designed to immerse you in the culture and help you discover the best sights and get off the beaten track. Looking for just the highlights? Check out Pocket Siem Reap and the Temples of Angkor, our handy-sized guide featuring the best sights and experiences. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world’s number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we’ve printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You’ll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, video, 14 languages, nine international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more. TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 winner in Favorite Travel Guide category ‘Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.’ – New York Times ‘Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.’ – Fairfax Media (Australia) *Source: Nielsen BookScan: Australia, UK, USA, 5/2016-4/2017 Important Notice: The digital edition of this book may not contain all of the images found in the physical edition.
Southeast Asia on a Shoestring
Author: China Williams
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781741044447
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 1004
Book Description
Hit the Southeast Asia hippy trail in a rickety bus packed with chickens. You'll find your nirvana at a Buddhist temple, on a perfect beach or in a bowl of noodle soup. Written for backpackers by backpackers, this guide to 11 countries lets you go further, stay longer and pay less for an adventure of a lifetime.This original and longest-running travel guide to Southeast Asia covers Myanmar, East Timor, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.There are suggested itineraries by expert authors with over 20 years combined travel experience in Southeast Asia. A "Getting Started" chapter provides insider tips on getting the most out of travel in this popular travel destination-including how to eat, sleep and travel without blowing the budget. Included are dedicated sections on studying, working and volunteering, as well as responsible travel.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781741044447
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 1004
Book Description
Hit the Southeast Asia hippy trail in a rickety bus packed with chickens. You'll find your nirvana at a Buddhist temple, on a perfect beach or in a bowl of noodle soup. Written for backpackers by backpackers, this guide to 11 countries lets you go further, stay longer and pay less for an adventure of a lifetime.This original and longest-running travel guide to Southeast Asia covers Myanmar, East Timor, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.There are suggested itineraries by expert authors with over 20 years combined travel experience in Southeast Asia. A "Getting Started" chapter provides insider tips on getting the most out of travel in this popular travel destination-including how to eat, sleep and travel without blowing the budget. Included are dedicated sections on studying, working and volunteering, as well as responsible travel.
Angkor Wat
Author: luke kurtis
Publisher: bd-studios.com
ISBN: 098902668X
Category : Poetry
Languages : en
Pages : 185
Book Description
In 1963, Allen Ginsberg traveled to Cambodia and visited the ancient Khmer temples. He wrote "Angkor Wat," an eponymous poem about the temple complex. It was a very different time: pre-Vietnam War, pre-Khmer Rouge, and before the bustling tourism trade that is now the lifeblood of Siem Reap. Yet the Angkor Wat temples themselves remain a unique source of inspiration for poets and photographers who travel there from all over the world. Over half a century later, Angkor Wat by luke kurtis is both the artist's homage to Ginsberg's text as well a celebration of his own pilgrimages to the ancient city. Published in 1968, Ginsberg's Angkor Wat book was a single long poem accompanied by photographs by Alexandra Lawrence. kurtis's book is a suite of poems paired with his original photography. Chronicling the poet's own travels where he explored mythical stories and experienced mystical visions, kurtis's poems take you on a tour of Angkor Wat (and beyond) unlike any other and tell the story of one American poet deepening his Buddhist spirituality.
Publisher: bd-studios.com
ISBN: 098902668X
Category : Poetry
Languages : en
Pages : 185
Book Description
In 1963, Allen Ginsberg traveled to Cambodia and visited the ancient Khmer temples. He wrote "Angkor Wat," an eponymous poem about the temple complex. It was a very different time: pre-Vietnam War, pre-Khmer Rouge, and before the bustling tourism trade that is now the lifeblood of Siem Reap. Yet the Angkor Wat temples themselves remain a unique source of inspiration for poets and photographers who travel there from all over the world. Over half a century later, Angkor Wat by luke kurtis is both the artist's homage to Ginsberg's text as well a celebration of his own pilgrimages to the ancient city. Published in 1968, Ginsberg's Angkor Wat book was a single long poem accompanied by photographs by Alexandra Lawrence. kurtis's book is a suite of poems paired with his original photography. Chronicling the poet's own travels where he explored mythical stories and experienced mystical visions, kurtis's poems take you on a tour of Angkor Wat (and beyond) unlike any other and tell the story of one American poet deepening his Buddhist spirituality.
Moon Angkor Wat
Author: Tom Vater
Publisher: Moon Travel
ISBN: 1612383661
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 276
Book Description
A group of young monks, their robes a luminous orange, cross the causeway. A stone's throw away, rice paddies and golden temple roofs of Angkor shimmer in the morning sun. Monkeys swing from the trees and elephants stand in the shade nearby, waiting for passengers. This is the trip of a lifetime. It will leave you with a new sense of wonder — and some great stories to share. Expert traveler Tom Vater tells you everything youneed to know to make this trip possible in Moon Angkor Wat: Including Siem Reap & Phnom Penh: How to get there, how long it will take, and where to stop along the way — including information on the cities of Siem Riep, Battambang, and Phnom Penh as well as excursions to remote temples How to choose the best means of transportation, whether you're traveling by tuk-tuk, taxi, motorbike, or bicycle Background on authentic cultural experiences, from street food feasts to New Year's celebrations — and where to find them Day-by-day itinerary suggestions
Publisher: Moon Travel
ISBN: 1612383661
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 276
Book Description
A group of young monks, their robes a luminous orange, cross the causeway. A stone's throw away, rice paddies and golden temple roofs of Angkor shimmer in the morning sun. Monkeys swing from the trees and elephants stand in the shade nearby, waiting for passengers. This is the trip of a lifetime. It will leave you with a new sense of wonder — and some great stories to share. Expert traveler Tom Vater tells you everything youneed to know to make this trip possible in Moon Angkor Wat: Including Siem Reap & Phnom Penh: How to get there, how long it will take, and where to stop along the way — including information on the cities of Siem Riep, Battambang, and Phnom Penh as well as excursions to remote temples How to choose the best means of transportation, whether you're traveling by tuk-tuk, taxi, motorbike, or bicycle Background on authentic cultural experiences, from street food feasts to New Year's celebrations — and where to find them Day-by-day itinerary suggestions
Journey to the Kingdom of Cambodia
Author: Kalman Dubov
Publisher: Kalman Dubov
ISBN:
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages :
Book Description
The Kingdom of Cambodia has an ancient pedigree, a time when its people first established small principalities which evolved in small kingdoms. These kingdoms merged, often violently, eventually establishing the great Angkorian kingdom of the Khmer. The great building complex known as Angkor Wat, an achievement of stupendous proportion, whose dimensions are still being determined, is a product of the Khmer Empire. The empire was subject to much tension, both internally from competing nobles who sought to ascend the powerful throne, to outside kingdoms who tried to invade and subjugate the Khmer. Vietnam to the east, and further south also to the east, was the Cham Empire, while to the west was the Thai. These three kingdoms warred with the Khmer, eventually reducing it from grandeur. After the Khmer Empire fell, Cambodia entered a Dark Ages, a period of 431 years, from 1431 to 1862, years of scant records. Historians today try to reconstruct why the empire fell and why its people moved from the Siem Reap area and why records from this time are almost entirely unknown. In 1862, France became Cambodia's protector, defending its autonomy from both Vietnam and Thailand (Siam) who were both nibbling at either end of Cambodia. The Protectorate ended in 1942 when the Japanese occupied the land, followed by the return of the French in 1945, after the end of the Second World War. As in other countries subjugated by colonist powers, the defeat of France encouraged Cambodian nationalists to fight for a return to independence and autonomy. It is in this crucible that the Khmer Rouge, a communist-inspired group, began an insurrection against the French, and later against the Cambodian government. The Khmer Rouge, inspired by nihilistic beliefs, came to power in 1975 and began the tragic genocide of the Cambodian people. Between a quarter to a third of the people were murdered, representing the best and the elite of its society. There were many actors in this saga, both ancient and modern. I review these persons, to the extent known and the roles they played in Cambodian history and the effect it has had on the country today. The character of Pol Pot, mastermind and leader of the Khmer Rouge, is of special importance. I review his strange way of not identifying with a leadership role until absolutely necessary. But the menace of this man went much deeper; through guile and bland smiles, he allayed fear about himself, though he ordered the murder of those closest to him. Yet, even as they were led away, they disbelieved the order for their deaths, believing that if they could but have a moment with him, all would be set right. Even those closest to him did not see him for the monster he really was. He was a master at guile and deception, with none seeing the man as the monster of terror and destruction. Even in the Far East where exhibiting emotion and genuine feeling is shunned to the nth degree, this man’s ability to remain hidden reflects the ultimate achievement. But he brought ruin to his nation, with today’s loss of the elite of the country. I spent two months in Cambodia, visiting and researching material for this review. During my time there, I visited the only synagogue in the country, the Chabad House in Phnom Penh. It was then that I became aware of an amazing fact: a granddaughter of royalty celebrated her Bat Mitzvah in the capital, attended by members of the royal family. The story of how a member of the Cambodian royal family became Jewish is itself an incredible development. Cambodia today is a Third World country, with many attractions, both superb and revolting. At core, its representations reflect the saga of humanity, whose pages are sometimes elevating and also horrific. I describe my journey to this corner of Asia, hoping I've done justice to its many contours and personalities.
Publisher: Kalman Dubov
ISBN:
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages :
Book Description
The Kingdom of Cambodia has an ancient pedigree, a time when its people first established small principalities which evolved in small kingdoms. These kingdoms merged, often violently, eventually establishing the great Angkorian kingdom of the Khmer. The great building complex known as Angkor Wat, an achievement of stupendous proportion, whose dimensions are still being determined, is a product of the Khmer Empire. The empire was subject to much tension, both internally from competing nobles who sought to ascend the powerful throne, to outside kingdoms who tried to invade and subjugate the Khmer. Vietnam to the east, and further south also to the east, was the Cham Empire, while to the west was the Thai. These three kingdoms warred with the Khmer, eventually reducing it from grandeur. After the Khmer Empire fell, Cambodia entered a Dark Ages, a period of 431 years, from 1431 to 1862, years of scant records. Historians today try to reconstruct why the empire fell and why its people moved from the Siem Reap area and why records from this time are almost entirely unknown. In 1862, France became Cambodia's protector, defending its autonomy from both Vietnam and Thailand (Siam) who were both nibbling at either end of Cambodia. The Protectorate ended in 1942 when the Japanese occupied the land, followed by the return of the French in 1945, after the end of the Second World War. As in other countries subjugated by colonist powers, the defeat of France encouraged Cambodian nationalists to fight for a return to independence and autonomy. It is in this crucible that the Khmer Rouge, a communist-inspired group, began an insurrection against the French, and later against the Cambodian government. The Khmer Rouge, inspired by nihilistic beliefs, came to power in 1975 and began the tragic genocide of the Cambodian people. Between a quarter to a third of the people were murdered, representing the best and the elite of its society. There were many actors in this saga, both ancient and modern. I review these persons, to the extent known and the roles they played in Cambodian history and the effect it has had on the country today. The character of Pol Pot, mastermind and leader of the Khmer Rouge, is of special importance. I review his strange way of not identifying with a leadership role until absolutely necessary. But the menace of this man went much deeper; through guile and bland smiles, he allayed fear about himself, though he ordered the murder of those closest to him. Yet, even as they were led away, they disbelieved the order for their deaths, believing that if they could but have a moment with him, all would be set right. Even those closest to him did not see him for the monster he really was. He was a master at guile and deception, with none seeing the man as the monster of terror and destruction. Even in the Far East where exhibiting emotion and genuine feeling is shunned to the nth degree, this man’s ability to remain hidden reflects the ultimate achievement. But he brought ruin to his nation, with today’s loss of the elite of the country. I spent two months in Cambodia, visiting and researching material for this review. During my time there, I visited the only synagogue in the country, the Chabad House in Phnom Penh. It was then that I became aware of an amazing fact: a granddaughter of royalty celebrated her Bat Mitzvah in the capital, attended by members of the royal family. The story of how a member of the Cambodian royal family became Jewish is itself an incredible development. Cambodia today is a Third World country, with many attractions, both superb and revolting. At core, its representations reflect the saga of humanity, whose pages are sometimes elevating and also horrific. I describe my journey to this corner of Asia, hoping I've done justice to its many contours and personalities.