[sic]

"I would to Heaven that I were so much Clay-- ...Because at least the past were past away-- And for the future--(but I write this reeling Having got drunk exceedingly to day So that I seem to stand upon the ceiling) I say--the future is a serious matter-- And so--for Godsake--Hock and Soda water." --Lord Byron

Sunday, July 30, 2006


Since Cambodians do not really view their religion -- a healthy mix of Hinduism, Buddhism and animism, to name a few! -- as officially dead, preserved and ready for museum display many of them still come to worhsip at various temples in the Angkor complex. Like Thailand, Cambodia sees their King (they still have one) as partly divine and by extension the King's family. Here is an engraving that looks like an Apsara but is either one of Jayavarman the Seventh's two concubines or of his mother ... either which, she too is divine so locals come to pray to her and leave offerings ... including the usual incense and lotus flowers, but they ALSO leave piles of cigarettes and betel nuts (complete with leaves to wrap them in) so she can chew and get high.

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