And the Webbys go to....

Another pic I took in Ta Phrom, but it could've been anywhere else, really. At first I wanted to take a picture of the beams of light coming through the crack, but it wasn't dark enough indoors. It was then that I noticed the web gleaming in the sun.

Nikon D70s, AF-S Nikkor 18-200mm DX ED VR 

Siem Reap [12] - winning a battle...

Ta Phrom temple, where nature battles man-made structures over the dominion of land. Most ly it wins, but this is isn't one of those times.

Nikon D70s, AF-S Nikkor 18-200mm DX ED VR

Siem Reap [11] - de-lice-ious

I always find shots like this much more interesting than the scenery itself. It definitely sets the whole mood of the trip, knowing that you're not about to enter a glossy, brochure-esque touristy place.

Nikon D70s, AF-S Nikkor 18-200mm DX ED VR

Siem Reap [10] - handicapped

In memory of the sheep from the restaurant at the end of the universe. Mmmmm, lamb shank!

Nikon D70s, AF-S Nikkor 18-200mm DX ED VR

Siem Reap [9] - duality

A stairwell that leads up into the broad daylight, and another one to dark uncertainty. Makes an interesting contrast.

Nikon D70s, AF-S Nikkor 18-200mm DX ED VR

Siem Reap [8] - watch my back

All in a day's work

Nikon D70s, AF-S Nikkor 18-200mm DX ED VR

Siem Reap [7] - Girl, Interrupted

Locals bathing, wishing for some peace and quiet, no doubt :P Taken in the car while on the way to Tonle Sap. The VR did help to offset the car movement, but once we went off the tar roads, no amount of VR in the world could do any good.

Nikon D70s, AF-S Nikkor 18-200mm DX ED VR

Siem Reap [6] - Apsara

An Apsara, a heavenly nymph. In reality, everything in Siem Reap is either called Angkor-something or Apsara-something. Kinda tells you how important it is :P

Nikon D70s, AF-S Nikkor 18-200mm DX ED VR

Siem Reap [5] - long way down

As for the climb down... you decide. Only one side of the tower has railings. For some reason, this shot reminds me of the Batu Caves in Malaysia.

Nikon D70s, AF-S Nikkor 18-200mm DX ED VR

Siem Reap [4] - stairway to heaven

The middle tower of Angkor Wat is tall, and steep... very steep. It is also my suspicion that the ancient Khmers had very small feet, because I can only stand on the stairs if I place my feet sideways. That, together with corrosion, make the climb to the top a very precarious one.

Nikon D70s, AF-S Nikkor 18-200mm DX ED VR

Siem Reap [3] - Saffron

"Why do you like to take photos of monks?", he asked.

Nikon D70s, AF-S Nikkor 18-200mm DX ED VR

Siem Reap [2] - At peace

Even though the limbs are broken, like most other Angkor statues, that serene smile alone grants the statue a degree of reverence.

Nikon D70s, AF-S Nikkor 18-200mm DX ED VR

Siem Reap [1] - worship

Nuns tending to a statue close to the entrance of Angkor Wat. Such a scene can be seen throughout the Angkor temples, whereby statues of buddha that are still well preserved are draped in safron-coloured cloth and worshipped

Nikon D70s, AF-S Nikkor 18 - 200mm ED VR

Roots

Not sure about other places, but the bodhi tree is a fairly common sight in Malaysia. It's hardly a coincidence that the Buddha attained enlightenment under the tree, that has been since a symbol of buddhism, as it takes root even in the slightest cracks, splitting rocks and concrete as it grows.