emmypie

During my travels around southeast Asia, I have come across hundreds, maybe even thousands of different Buddha images. I became so enamored with the various ways the artists and sculptors chose to represent Buddha that I decided to begin a series which depicts his countless carnations. ... read more

Most people who come to Siem Reap in Cambodia, come solely to see the temples of Angkor Wat. The name may is a bit misleading, however, because Angkor Wat is just one of more than a hundred stone temples in the area built between the years 802 and 1220. The temples were constructed by a long line of kings, each trying to outdo each other with bigger and more beautiful temples. What was left was one of the most impressive architectural endeavors ever accomplished. Each temple has its own personality and charm. While I was being whisked around the grounds by tuk tuk, I tried to imagine what the first French “tourists” saw from the backs of elephants when they came at the end of the 19th century. Most of the temples they visited were overgrown ... read more

Looking back on my time in Laos I must say that it is one of the most pleasant places I have ever been. It's a lot of people's favorite country in Southeast Asia and for good reason. The people are so friendly and the scenery has managed to defend itself from over development for the time being. When I think of Laos I think of the "Sabai dee" kids waving from the sides of the roads, noodle soup, families congregating under their little basket houses to escape the heat, BeerLao, dust, the Mekong, long journeys, caves, water buffalo and incredibly friendly, chilled out people who could care less about having a rat in the global race of capitalism and consumerism. As a matter of fact, I could imagine them saying “What race? There’s a race?” ... read more

There's not too much to write about my short stay in Pakse, where I went to recover from the Loop trip and get money at one of the few ATMs in Laos. It was soooo hot that I spent two days taking cold showers and sitting in front of the fan reading. Quite pleasant actually. When I decided enough lounging around had been done, I caught a small longtail boat with six other tourists for an hour and a half ride to Champasak. It's a small town with very little traffic. The main attraction are the pre-Angkorian temples. With a German guy Sebastian, who was also on the boat, we rented a couple bicycles and peddled out to the temples. The town itself is quiet and the thatched houses sit close to the road. The ... read more

Phonsavan to Pakse This is what I call “The journey that took 5 years off my life”. It’s right up there with the ride from Manali to Leh in India. Trying to find my way from Phonsavan to Paksen without having to go back to Vientiene, I decided to go against the Lonely Planet’s suggestion of not taking the direct route. I booked my ticket at a local travel agent in Phonsavan. I should have known when he laughed as I put in my order. He told me the trip should take between 7-9 hours. When I asked him what sort of transport I could expect he told me “Sometimes bus, sometimes sawgteaw”. The next morning I was picked up in front of my guesthouse at 8:00. I was happy to see the French couple, ... read more