While in Cambodia, we had the pleasure of walking through several small villages and seeing some of the lesser visited areas around Angkor Wat. Most of our best experiences happened far away from the crowds of tourists that come to see the amazing temples. This experience, in particular, is one that I will always remember.

As luck would have it, we walked by this small temple just as a family was receiving a water blessing from a monk. We were surprised and excited to see this taking place right in front of us, so we stopped to watch the ceremony.

By this time in our trip, we were getting accustomed to how open and friendly the Cambodian people are. As a result, I walked closer to them and kneeled down, holding up my camera to get their reaction to me taking a photo. Not surprisingly, they smiled and gave me permission.

I could not help but smile back at them as I was taking this image. Seeing several generations lined up together to share in this event was amazing. I do not think I have ever experienced a better Norman Rockwell moment…and I suspect I may never again have the opportunity to capture it in a photograph.

I smile every time I look at this image. Seriously…every time. Most of the time I smile because of the happiness that radiates in the family’s faces. Other times I smile reflecting on the memory of being there at that moment. The family received a blessing that day, but in some ways, I feel I did also.

Best wishes to you, your family and your friends during this Holiday season and for a memorable and enjoyable New Year!

Jim

When I think of gondolas, I always picture Venice. I never even considered that we would see gondolas in Cambodia, but there are actually quite a few that take people out onto the moat surrounding Angkor Thom.

After a hot day full of wandering through various ruins and temples, it was a welcome break to relax in the boat as our gondolier steered us out on the water. We hired the gondola shortly before sunset and, as a result, we were able to watch the sun go down while floating around this ancient temple complex...a really peaceful experience.

This image is of another gondola that was ahead of us. I loved watching the gondolier skillfully make his way through the narrow passageways in between the reeds. It was a beautiful, unexpected scene and was the perfect ending to our first day in Cambodia.