Our host stood in a patch of shade surrounded by barefoot and pant-less children. He wasn’t tall but he stood strong with his muscular arms crossed at his chest. He had pronounced cheekbones, large brown eyes and teeth so white and straight that they would rival any Hollywood star. “This is Mr. Hung,” said our guide who poked a little friendly fun at our host who has fathered six children. “He is very busy,” said our guide, punching our host in the arm. “Every night he is very busy!”

Beverly Gallagher has discontinued her blog NomadicNarrative.com. A link to the full article is no longer available.

“Holiday in Cambodia?” That was the first question I was asked after ducking off of one of Phnom Penh’s busy streets into a day spa nestled within a manicured garden. The 80s political song “Holiday in Cambodia” by the Dead Kennedys immediately started to play in my head. I was thrown off guard for a second as the lyrics repeated themselves: It’s a holiday in Cambodia/Where people dress in black/A holiday in Cambodia/Where you’ll kiss ass or crack. I finally responded with a yes. I’m on holiday. I am on holiday in Cambodia.

Beverly Gallagher has discontinued her blog NomadicNarrative.com. A link to the full article is no longer available.

Randomly rotating from rain to drizzle to cloudless blue skies, the weather framed the temples of Angkor in Siem Reap, Cambodia in multiple moods. A natural theater, the temperamental environment revealed and concealed the ancient city’s secrets. Vines, carvings and colors appeared and then disappeared, along with the tourists and wildlife. A symphony of contrast, the vast array of temples were like instruments being played by the elements.

Beverly Gallagher has discontinued her blog NomadicNarrative.com. A link to the full article is no longer available.