Feisty Blue Gecko - in images

Remote villages and traditions

feistybluegecko — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 14:14:18 +0000

I was rather hesitant about visiting the remote tribal Chin village in Rakhine state, but after careful background research and consideration, ultimately curiosity and the wish to find out for myself prevailed. I had read about the traditional practice of tattooing young women in the villages, apparently to prevent girls being taken by princes from neighbouring areas. I was able to visit two villages where there were around 7 – 8 elderly women who were tattooed. The practice stopped several decades ago. An account of the visit of the visit is on the sister blog here

Ancient temples of mystical Mrauk U

feistybluegecko — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:47:24 +0000

Mrauk U is recognised as an archeologically important ancient city in Rakhine State, Myanmar. I have had a dream to visit since arriving in Myanmar, and with the winter season and usually dry, clear days a plan developed to visit over Christmas.

I will be writing about the details on my sister blog, but this is the space for images. This set of images is devoted to the temples and spiritual scenes.

Exploring Mrauk U

feistybluegecko — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 03:15:27 +0000

I spent five days exploring Mrauk U on foot, by bicycle, by pony and cart and by boat………

Here are a selection of images – the story will be on the wordy blog

Cambodian scenes

feistybluegecko — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 11:55:21 +0000

The Angkor region draws people from all corners of the world, particularly to explore the temples and ancient sites. However, there is a great deal to see and experience in addition to the temples.

Here is a taster.

The enigmatic faces of Bayon

feistybluegecko — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 09:18:31 +0000

The Bayon temple with its enigmatic stone faces deserves a special space

And more temples…..

feistybluegecko — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 04:51:57 +0000

And more of these amazing Temples. I visited most of the main temples, and quite a few more, off the beaten track sites, over 4 days.

Angkor Temples 2

feistybluegecko — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 03:32:52 +0000

The fascinating relationship between man-made temple and jungle…….

And this is how I spent my birthday – very special.

The Temples of Angkor – a sneak preview…..

feistybluegecko — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:27:33 +0000

The ubiquitous, enigmatic stone faces of Angkor, watching over the ancient kingdom. And the zillions of 21st century visitors.

First glimpse of the legendary Angkor Wat, reputed to be the largest religious building in the world.

And the obligatory tour of the temple itself…….

And just in case there is any confusion about wheel invention!And then through the gates into the ancient city of Angkor Thom…..

…….and into what definitely feels like the lost kingdom…..

where jungle is taking over the ancient structures

The mystery and atmosphere of Angkor are unmistakeable – this is but a quick preview ……..

A glimpse of the west coast

feistybluegecko — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 21:36:40 +0000

The spectacular West Highland Railway Line.

And arrival on the island.

An outsider on the island is soon spotted!

Nostalgia in Scottish wild flowers

feistybluegecko — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 18:21:19 +0000

I love the tropical vegetation in Asia, but visiting Scotland in July has plunged me into a nostalgia for something I did not realise I missed.

From the traditional emblem – the thistle, which is abundandant on Lismore

to all sorts of wild flowers and hedgerow plants and flowers.

Including the good old buttercup!

My childhood favourite – the primrose

And a pink clover flower.