Elephants for hire

For those without the power to ascend Phnom Bakheng, elephants are at their service. Though I am sure it must be quite an experience, I don't think it's right for humans to "ride" elephants. Instead I took a few pictures of these beautiful creatures. Photo taken in December 2016.

Life in rural Cambodia

The Tonle Sap river runs through the province of Kampong Thom. During the monsoon season, the river actually changes direction and creates a floodplain, hence houses in the area are built on stilts.

Farm animals will find any piece of grass to chew on. Oftentimes they wander into the streets and cause traffic jams.

Though most commerce in the countryside centers around agriculture, there are a few service businesses. Apparently lost keys is a universal problem! For more signs, take a look at Signs, Signs. Photos taken in December 2016.

Sacred Buddhas

Phnom Santuk is considered a holy site of pilgrimage for Cambodian Buddhists. There are several images of Buddha carved directly into the mountain stone. This one shows Buddha in a meditative pose.

Here's a walking Buddha - though he is on a much smaller scale. You can see the most important reclining Buddha here (I didn't get a photo of my own).

And just for fun, here are some monkeys looking for food on one of the offering stands. Photos taken in December 2016.

Monkeying around

This is the newer section of Phnom Santuk. This temple was beautifully painted and decorated, both on the inside and out (this is where I found yesterday's murals). 

I caught one of the resident monkeys having a bit of fun atop the temple's guardian statues. Photos taken in December 2916.

Getting around in Gili

After seeing all the sights Bali had to offer, it was time for some sun and sand. We took the fast boat over to Gili Air. It's a tiny island paradise, just 1.73 square kilometers! These mule-drawn carts were a popular way to get from the boat landing to your hotel as cars and motorized vehicles are not allowed on the island.

Here's a look at one in the flesh! Most hotels also offered bicycles to their guests. In about 10 - 20 minutes, you can cover the whole island. It's Monday again and more murals can be found here. Photos taken in December 2016.

Holy pair

As most of the population of Bali are practicing Hindus, this bovine mother and child are considered holy. Photo taken in December 2016.

Enjoying the view

This monkey was keeping a sharp eye on the tourists. Anything that is left unattended for even a moment can easily become property of the monkey. The tourists were watching the more interesting sights, the sea and the sunset. Photo taken in November 2016.

Cranes on the fairway

This pair of cranes was so still, I thought for a moment they might be statues. Photo taken in December 2015.

Florida fauna

It's amazing how much iguanas blend into their surroundings. This one was bright green just a few minutes before I snapped this shot. Photo taken in December 2015.

Cats of Tel Aviv

Another wild kitty seen in the Carmel Market. Photo taken in October 2015.

Cats of Tel Aviv

There are feral cats all over the city, especially near the Carmel Market. This one appeared friendly. Photo taken October 2015.

Oktoberfest: Workhorses

A pair of sturdy workers. Photo taken in September 2015.

Oktoberfest: Herr Burgermeister

I believe Munich's Mayor was waving personally at me! Photo taken in September 2015.

Oktoberfest: Seeing spots

That front horse looks like a dalmation on stilts! Photo taken in September 2015.

Hallo Pia

Meet Pia, the Stuttgart kitty. Photo taken in March 2014.

Giant red snail

I'm not sure what these giant snails were promoting, but they were all over Sydney when I first arrived in Australia back in October, but they were gone when I left the country. In any case, I thought they were cute! For more red, visit Ruby Tuesday. 

Photo taken in October 2013.

Chirp, chirp

The Rheinsberg Palace is located in what used to be East Germany. During those years, the castle was used as a convalescent home. The beautiful birds you see here are part of the original silk wallpaper that you can find in one of the rooms. Luckily it was used as a doctor's room, otherwise this paper probably would have been stripped, never to be seen again. A few things of beauty were preserved, at least. Photo taken in November 2011.

Neigh

Always remember to look a gift horse in the mouth. I found this one at the Rheinsberg Palace just outside Berlin. Photo taken in November 2011.

To the dogs

Even our four-legged friends like to get into the carnival spirit in Venice. I'm not really sure how much dogs enjoy wearing these costumes, but he sure is cute! Photo taken in February 2004.

To see more animals from around the world, visit Camera Critters.

A little higher please

I have mixed feelings about these "swim with the dolphins" programs that are popping up all over Mexico. While I can certainly understand people would love to frolic with these graceful and playful pals, how would you feel if you had to perform for your breakfast, lunch and dinner? I also question the training of the people running these programs. A debate for the ages... Photo taken in December 2011. If you'd like to see more animals, check out Camera Critters.