The Privilege of Travel
Angkor Wat

The Privilege of Travel

As I spotted San Francisco from the air after my long, trans-Pacific trip, I was excited to be returning home.?But I was also profoundly grateful for the opportunity to spend two weeks touring Vietnam and Cambodia. ?When I lived in Asia decades ago, I never imagined such a trip would be possible.

In Ithaka,?C.P. Cavafy, the fabled Greek poet, writes of savoring the journey as we travel toward our destination, to experience a trip that is “full of adventure, full of discovery.”?

During my trip, I certainly found adventure and discovery everywhere – from the bustling markets in Hanoi

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A shop in Hanoi's Old Quarter

To the shimmering temples in Siem Reap.

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Banteay Srei Temple - Angkor

Even the fruit for sale on the street commands attention -

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Dragon fruit and lemon

The challenge now is not only to sort out over 700 photos. I also want to reflect on all I have learned and build on that knowledge. There is so much to learn from the history, the art, the geography and the profound transformations taking place in this region. I feel privileged to have gotten a glimpse of this part of the world.

Thanks to Odysseys Unlimited for arranging this unforgettable journey.

Melody McLaren

PhD researcher at Cranfield School of Management

2 年

Nancy McGaw - I recognised the Siem Reap temple in your striking photo as the location of the final scenes of Kar-Wai Wong’s “In the Mood for Love” (2000) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118694/. I have never visited Asia, although my maternal roots are there; instead I must imagine what it is like from seeing photos like yours and watching films! One day, maybe.

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