You came to a split in the road….

…and the Apsara-crew took the road less travelled, because they make all the difference.

To manage, develop and maintain the vast human cultural treasure of the Angkor Park, the Apsara Authority was established back in 1995.

It has ha monumental task, literally speaking, taking care of the approximately 420 km2 area of the main Angkor Archaeological Park. It contains more than 70 larger temple sites, and over 1000 smaller sites and remains.

Important task and employer
Easy recognisable with their green uniforms, the Apsara Maintenance staff are making the visit into the Angkor Archaeological Park and sites possible, safe and accessible. It is a highly respected and important effort on behalf of Cambodia’s long and proud history, civilisation and culture. And of course, the common human historic value as a World Cultural Heritage site for the rest of us.

With over 3 000 employees, the Apsara Authority is the largest single employer in the Siem Reap province.

#angkorwat #angkor #pond #sunrise #wat #temple #food #asiangirl #asian #villagelife #morning #AngkorWat #Apsara #ancient #art #architecture #sculpture #archive #worldculturalheritage #hinduism #khmer #empire #buddhism #greentourism #takeonlyphotos #leaveonlyfootprints #Cambodia #citylife #countryside #daytrip #history #imperial #biking #Site #statetemple #Apsara #maintenance #crew #staff #lunch #tiffin #carrier #Chanshrak #tiffincarrier #Nikon #D300 #NikonD300 #Nikkor #14_24mm #f2_8 #2011CE #Siem #Reap #siemreap #southeastasia #visitsiemreap #visitcambodia

Bringing food for mommy

A memory from my first visit to Angkor Wat. This couple, I guess brother and sister, had their priority and duty clear this early fall day in the green season of 2011CE.

It was bringing lunch to mommy, one of the Apsara maintenance staffers at Angkor Wat. Making sure the maintenance and operation of the 8th Wonder of the World was smoothly and efficient.

State Temple, tomb, now Wat
Angkor Wat was original a royal state temple built in honour of the Hindu god Vishnu in the mid-12th Century CE. It is a tomb for the God King Suryavarman II too.
As a usurper, he needed to show his right to the throne by building this enormous religious building. It is still the largest and probably the most famous religious buildings in our common human cultural heritage.

Later it was converted to a Buddhist temple and monastery for religious worship and learning, a “Wat”.

Classic combination
Angkor Wat represents two architectural styles for Hindu temples. We have the temple mountain as a reminder of the 5 sacred Meru mountain, home of the Hindu gods. And the later galleried temple.

The galleries are even more interesting than usual. In addition to honour the gods and religious rites, it is the history of the reign of a powerful emperor.

This is one of the temples in Angkor Park where it is highly advisable to have a guide on your first visit. The size is easier to understand when you have some knowledgeable to show the important highlights and the best photo spots.

#angkorwat #angkor #pond #sunrise #wat #temple #food #asiangirl #asian #boy #villagelife #morning #AngkorWat #Apsara #ancient #art #architecture #sculpture #archive #worldculturalheritage #hinduism #khmer #empire #buddhism #greentourism #Cambodia #citylife #countryside #daytrip #history #imperial #biking #Site #statetemple #khmerchildren #lunch #tiffin #carrier #Chanshrak #tiffincarrier #Nikon #D300 #NikonD300 #Nikkor #2011CE #Siem #Reap #siemreap #southeastasia #visitsiemreap #visitcambodia

Holoship #romania #albaiulia #architectury #holoship #nikon #d300

The local Angelina in the tree of life

I have no idea who she was, but she modelled like she was born for it.

And after I had asked her for a photo sitting in the tree trunk of one of the large "trees of life" in the temple, she accepted. And then she suddenly did this.

Giving me an amazing shot from my first visit to Ta Prohm in 2011.

Ta Prohm (Khmer: ប្រាសាទតាព្រហ្ម, "Ancestor Brahma") is the modern name of the temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia, built in the Bayon style largely in the late 12th and early 13th centuries and originally called Rajavihara (Khmer: រាជវិហារ, "royal monastery").

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ta_Prohm

#ប្រាសាទតាព្រហ្ម #asiangirl #khmer #girl #shy #curious #moringa #ta #prohm #temple #angkorwat #angkor #nikon #D300 #85mm #f1_4 #nikkor #NikonD300 #TaProhm #angelinamoment #portrait #pose #natural #2011CE #firstvisit

#10Winterlicht(jes) #WinterFF #BlueskyLichtfestival @pengwen.me Voor de winterlichtjes, nog een Kerstboom bij de buren #Photography #ownwork #Nikon #D300

Managed a half decent shot of a #RedKite but without a hint of red/brown? Pleased with the detail from my ancient #Nikon #D300

K-type digital thermometer ordered so I can try to properly re-flow the 2013 #Mac #Pro #AMD #FirePro #D300 #GPU (x2) again. It was significantly more stable after my first attempt (and, yes, I used good flux), but I want to make sure before I outright replace.