No Points for My 100th, a photo from Kracheh, East

Photographer's Note

No Points for My 100th.
Your comments will be most appreciated, but no point please. Thank you.

Some of you may have seen a similar image when I first started posting. I have a rather lengthy travelogue to go with this, if you have some times and are interested in reading.

Other than sight seeing, the main reason I went to Cambodia is to find my mother childhood hometown. She told me her family live on a boat house, a small floating village. She told me the name of the nearest town, Gek Jea. I look it up on the maps and could not find it, nothing even sounded close. She couldn抰 really show me on a map neither since she couldn抰 read or write. I just assume it抯 some small town near Tonle Sap where there are floating villages. So I visit the floating villages on Tonle Sap in Siem Reap. It抯 very much like the way she describe it, except much bigger and more houses, and many tourists. When I pass through Kratie on route to Laos, I asked the driver what they call this town in Cambodian. When he told me Krahtcheh, the way he pronounced it, sounded similar to the way my mother said it. I ask if there is a floating village near by. He said yes, just on the other side of the Island on the Mekong River, pointing toward the island on the river. I went there the next day and stayed for the whole afternoon. This was very emotional, a bitter sweet moment for me. At the time I just lost my mother for less than a year. I wish I had been there when my mother was still alive, so I could show her the many photos I took here. Better, yet I wish I couldn抰 have been here with her.

The tour book does not mention much about this island. If you ever pass by Kratie, other then going to see the river dolphins, you can also visit the island. Other than the floating village, there抯 a small community that live on the island farming and planting vegetable in the dry season. It抯 worth spending half a day walking around or you can rent a bike from Kratie before going over on the ferry. There is not street just dirt road circling the island and no car, just bicycles and carts pull by cows. I will post a few photos taken on the island after this one.

fayeulle, phwall, patdeph, MarianneS, abulafia, gary91, baba_flies, MarcT, holmertz, gracious, fulvio52, mphotographies, naznaz567, shevchenko, trekks, IgorDeleze, Sistercosmo, ManuMay, vascao, casperduppy, eversmile, Colombiana, feather, mikele_pl, Kielia, bakes888, danos, Dpbours, avene, riclopes, paololg, Tobias__Ortmann, clio, zmey, everlasting, Wanda1, BennyV, Wahclellaspirit, pabau, kiks, Vague, nikkitta has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

fayeulle (27827) 2008-11-19 23:32

Congratulations on this 100th Way
Great POV with this stunning isolated houses on the river
I would add 2 points but by respect of your choice I will not add points
Cheers

phwall (6787) 2008-11-19 23:53

Hello Way,
Absolutely amazing, such an idyllic scene, the tidy row of floating houses (TV antenna's included) in such beautiful surroundings, I love the way the kids are playing on the sand. A perfect capture.
A very emotional photo for you my friend.
Warm wishes
Peter

patdeph (35750) 2008-11-20 0:05

hello Way
this is a very touching note that you have written,I understand why you have chosen this picture for your 100th!I think there is a great emotion behind this picture,we can feel it!
Your POV is splendid,as the colouirs and the framing!If I went to Cambodia,this is the kind of place where I would like to spend a few days,it's very nice and seems to be authentic!
Best regards
Pascale

MarianneS (15338) 2008-11-20 0:11

Dear Way,
Thank you for sharing your personal history with us through your note. It is very emotional.
At least, I am glad you could find this place, it would have been so disappointing having to come back without being there.
You selected a very special photo to celebrate your 100th on TE, I understand your desire not to have points on this one.
I only send you a big big smile :-)
TFS and take care,
Marianne

mphotographies (1976) 2008-11-20 0:19

Hey Way,

The tour book may have not mention about the island. There are places which we treasure most, our childhood hometown. This used to be a place where we had our childhood dreams, wondering what goes beyond the other side of the world. We had our memories (lots of it) we can't even recall or sometimes tend to forget. There is always something special in a place that one can see like the photo you have shared. The serene landscape of a floating village, soft water puddles with childern running around, a simple yet strong sentiment all over it. A special travelogue you just shared and its perfect for your 100th post.

All the best :)

Jom

macondo (20449) 2008-11-20 0:36

Hello Way.
Congratulations on reaching the century.
And also congratulations on writing such a fascinating and heart-felt note, which explains the photo so well.
The picture is technically very good, with the layers well placed in the frame, and the tree's branches filling space and creating depth. The floating houses are very well shown here, and the tiny figures of the villagers are very sharp. I still have in my mind a book called 'First They Killed My Father', which I read a few years ago, and which mentions Siem Reap, I think. It's a book about the Pol Pot era written by a Cambodian woman who escaped to the USA as a child. I can't remember her name now. But well worth reading.
Anyway, thanks again for the great picture and note.
Regards,
Andrew

abulafia (4900) 2008-11-20 1:44

A good picture Way, But the story is better.
A shame you couldn't be there with your mother, but at least you went.
Thank you for sharing
Harry

John_F_Kennedy (43797) 2008-11-20 3:12

Congratulaition for 100 beuatiful pics.

Beautiful nature photography with wonderful colours. Lovely shades of green and attractive details. Best wishes,
Achim

jonathan_hart (21276) 2008-11-20 4:01 [Comment]

Show Comment

gary91 (15348) 2008-11-20 4:12

Hello Way,
As you wish, no points for this image although it would deserve a lot.
I like this simple composition and this very clean processing showing this life scene where I love the symbolism brought by both the river flowing and the kids playing around.
I would like to take this occasion to tell you how much I appreciate your work and your commitmtment to the life of this site.
My very best regards and warm wishes for a long life on TE and the acomplishment of your wishes.
Have a great day.
Christian

baba_flies (8829) 2008-11-20 6:32

Hello dear Way! What a very moving note and I wish you would have had the chance to show this picture to your mother but I also think that she would be happy for you that you found this wonderful corner, the roots of your family. I am afraid there will always be a time that something is too late and we regret that we did not have the chance to share things with the people we most like. There seems never enough time, or if we have the time, we run around for things that are maybe not important but this is how it goes when you stand in the middle of your life. Thank you for sharing this special photo with the text on the side that most of us will always remember. It is not for granted to know where you come from.

This is a special way to celebrate and so much why TE stays a great place to share things that are there but many times not spoken out. Liebe Gruesse ... Barbara.

Greg1949 (9011) 2008-11-20 7:04

Cool shot Way and congrats.

Greg

MarcT (20964) 2008-11-20 7:19

Hi Way,
Thank you for sharing this very special picture and note with us.
Best wishes
Marc

holmertz (103520) 2008-11-20 7:50

Hello Way,
This is an amazing view. Really a remarkable environment, very well captured. This is one of the good things with TE, that occasionally we are provided with pictures that tell us something about the world that most of us had no idea about.
I wish you every success with the next 100 pictures.
Best regards,
Gert

Kris_Luxenhofer (752) 2008-11-20 8:12

Hello my friend!
As I said I was looking forward to see your 100th post, now I cann see it.
Well done! Nice small frame and great POV. The composition is very well done here. I like the happy people on the beach.
Nice one!
Take care,
Kris

gracious (20025) 2008-11-20 9:26

Hello my friend Waylim,
My heartiest congratulation on this beautiful 100th post with a awesome image and a touching story behind it! many thanks for your works on sharing your quality images from the past and will see many more coming with the sharing and friendship!
this is wonderful image of the river scenery with so many activities going on with the daily life here!
good sharpness, nice colour and details to view and enjoy!
you take good care now and my warmest regards to you and family always
from NZ, Tony

emka (158672) 2008-11-20 11:20

Hi Way,

Interesting and moving story. You made a big effort to find the village of your mother. But you found it. It is a pity your mother could not see it. It reminded me something from my life. My father wanted me to go with him to his place. It was not very far from Warsaw (200 km) but I was very busy - work, home, as usual. After some time I decided we must go there. But my father did not feel enough strong for it. He died five years ago and I still have not been there. Even if I go, who will show me the place? I am so sad that I can change nothing, I should know what is really important.
You have chosen very beautiful photo for your jubilee. I like these people (or kids) playing in the sun. All the best

Maggie

fulvio52 (8314) 2008-11-20 13:30

Hi, Way.
Congratulations for your 100th, my friend.
I can totally understand the emotional turmoil you went through...
No points on this one (it's a wonderful shot!) but a big HUG from The Lowlands!
I'll be seeing you soon, take care.
Fulvio.

gneufeld (15890) 2008-11-20 14:22

Hi Way,
What a great shot and what a wonderful way to mark the 100th milestone. Great perspective and unexpected beauty and realism in this daily life presentation. Very well done and congratulations. Gerald

naznaz567 (344) 2008-11-20 18:31 [Comment]

Show Comment

shevchenko (20560) 2008-11-20 18:59

Hello Way,
Congratulation on your 100th !
Interesting composition to introduce a floating village, so many floating houses parking near the bank, it seem as this village easy move to next and next location, hihi.....lovely green water and clean beach, thanks for sharing a fantastic village.
Ally

trekks (14348) 2008-11-20 21:23

hello Way

I was curious about your 100th as mentioned in your last post.

I still recall your 1st posts of Laos and how the story was told, and my query about the houses being tied to each other and floating away. This is a good time for your 100th to return to this place.

Very impressive scene of the village and really a place that is far from the maddening crowd of the city. You selected very good POV from this higher angle to cover the overall view of the village showing its surrounding riverbank and the sandy ground. Very interesting place for a visit to experience the lives of villagers here.

TFS, bill

mark_mk (266) 2008-11-21 5:59

Hi Way,
that`s something new, usually people get a lot of points for their 100, but you actually ask for no, I like that! This one is a great image, what I like are these houses on the water, I have never seen anything like that. Nice colors and the people in your shot add some life, great!
Congrats to 100 posted images, keep many more coming!

Take care
Mark

IgorDeleze (585) 2008-11-21 11:41

Hello Way,
Congratulations for this very nice 100th ! Like a lot in your gallery...
Greetings.
Igor

Sistercosmo (242) 2008-11-21 11:56

Hi Way!
You've got me very close to tears reading your note! What a touching story and what a great choice for your 100th post. The photo is absolutely beautiful and very emotional. I see those kids running on the beach and it's a reminder that we should never lose touch with the innocent days, isn't it?
Thanks so much for this wonderful 100th post. Take good care!
Linda

ManuMay (36447) 2008-11-21 12:05

Hi Way!!

Congratulations for your picture and also congratulations and thanks for your note.
Thanks

Manuel

vascao (192) 2008-11-21 14:33

Congrats, Way.
Touching image of a daily life scene very different from mine (and, with certainty, yours as well). Technically flawless.
[]'s
Sergio

casperduppy (1794) 2008-11-21 14:54

Hi Way,

A very emotional tale to hear from you my friend. But for certain you spread much joy around the world, by way of your wonderful pictures, the notes that go with them, and the honest critiques you give. And here is another perfect example - a magnificent photograph of this floating village. It's colourful, well presented, interesting to see, and of course it has a touching note to go with it. I am sure you mother would be very proud of you!

So you make sure you keep up the good work, my friend :-)

All the very best, Casper

eversmile (11636) 2008-11-21 15:46

Hi, Way

Congratulations for your 100th ! It's not only a picture well realised, with a good composition, and a unique view on a special lifestyle (all the houses in one line it's an hallucination!) plus beautiful colors... but your story is sincerely very touching, also. That's a strong 100thg! I can't imagine the emotion you felt, but you surely have found how to pass it on us.
Regards
Marine

Colombiana (2957) 2008-11-21 18:17

You are definately one of the best in TE.
Your photos are incredibly beautiful and I thank
you for sharing them. I also appreciate very
much your objective and constructive critiques;
believe me, they have really helped me a lot.
I also appreciate how you understand and express
in your comments what I really meant or tried to
portray.

Your 100th is stunning (no surprise here)
Hope to see 100 more, and then another 100 more, and then another....

Warm wishes!
Maryori :)

feather (51130) 2008-11-22 4:12

Thank you for sharing your emotions and your story to trace your roots. It must have been a tremendous but heart-rending feeling. This is a wonderful image from a high POV to show the floating village. There are some excellent details well captured.
A big congratulations for reaching this major TE milestone.
Kath

mikele_pl (2400) 2008-11-22 6:35

Hi Way,
first of all congratulations on your 100 on TE.

Let me just say that your story inspires me very much. When I first read your intro on TE, I thought I've found somebody who achieved something special. As you probably know, I am in deep love with South-East Asia, and countries like Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines are places I have a great interst in. It is not only the nature and culture that draws me there, but first of all it's about the people living there.

On my journeys I've met so many Cambodians, Thais, Indonesians, who were born in places like this one and who have dreams to live in a different world. And you are the one who succeeded.

I can't wait to see more pictures from there.

greetings
michal

Kielia (24077) 2008-11-22 10:50

Hello Way,
thank you so much for sharing this beautiful impression and your soul touching thoughts. Although it was a bittersweet moment for you it was also very worthwhile! I think it is most important for a person to know all about one's own roots.
Warm regards
Harriet

angela926 (1884) 2008-11-22 11:26

Hello Way,
Great shot for your 100th. congratulations! beautiful colors and contrast, superb sharpness and depth of field. well done.
Angela

bakes888 (18499) 2008-11-22 21:11

Hello Way. Firstly, thanks for sharing this shot with us. I understand the meaning it has for you. Secondly congrats on your 100th post.
Well captured. Nice composition and framing. Good natural colours also.
Have a good week, Paul.

danos (110407) 2008-11-23 7:48

Hello Way,
congratulations on your 100th shot,i wish you more and better photos like this one.Nice panoramic view of this small floating village with the boat houses to are in a line in the water.I visited the Tonle Sap last March and especially the floating village that was very impresive for us as tourists, but i don't know about the habitants of the houses.I like this scene that created a lot of layers.Well done my friend.

have a nice week,danos

Dpbours (222) 2008-11-23 8:38

Hello Way,

A very touching story of going back to your mother's childhood village and the memories in which you engulved yourself. I can just feel how it must have been when you walked around the island. Seeing another house when walking on the unpaved roads and wondering whether your mother would walk the same way - to go to the little shanty market, to go and get water, to do the laundry in the river, to walk you to the boat that would take you away from the island and into the wide world full of possibilities she never had...

Very nice...

Greetings, Dennis

estan (1279) 2008-11-23 12:59

Hi Way,

No point for your 100th, but all my respect. Your pictures are all beautiful. Your a great photographer, one of the best on TE. This shot is beautiful with great colours but also with plenty of humanity. Just wonderful. CONGRATULATIONS !
See you
Pascal

avene (12675) 2008-11-24 15:35

hello Way,
everything in life goes in circles, you have concluded one by visiting this place, and probably started another one :) thank you for the story, it certainly adds something special to the photo. the layered composition works very well, the strong horizontal lines add a feeling of calm and harmony. very nice work, and thanks for posting it.

regards,
Kristine

riclopes (35577) 2008-11-27 0:06

Ol� Way, very beautiful place along with a touching story. The remote places one cannot find in maps are my favorite destinations. Love the line of floating houses and the dynamics of life in FG. The kid in blue running is important for that dynamism. I even like that you didn't crop the person at right FG, although it's a pitty that she's cut off.
Excellent idea to comemorate your 100th post. Congratulations and thanks for sharing the story of your life.
ricardo

tomescuc (3291) 2008-11-27 0:10 [Comment]

Show Comment

paololg (31448) 2008-11-29 15:18

Ciao dear Way,
compliments for your 100 photos, but compliment above all for the quality of your 100 photos. Your shots are always an example of cleverness for everybody. I have read your notes, your history, the desire to look for your origins, the memory of your mother. You have written very beautiful words, that unite to this beautiful photo give a beautiful emotion. Compliments, I'm happy to have a friend as you.
Ciao, happy Sunday!

clio (27961) 2008-12-03 9:10

Bonjour Way,
I had a lot of emotion to read your note and I understand what this place represents for you. I find that it is a magnificent idea to post it to celebrate these 100 so beautiful photos that you showed us. This photo and its history is also the reflection of the big sensibility which appears in all your gallery.
Bravo!
Amicalement
Diane

zmey (7335) 2008-12-04 12:23

hello way
you've got a deal: no points for you, buddy :)) belated congratulations on your 100th!
very interesting scenery and POV.

regards,
kristaps

everlasting (19978) 2008-12-07 7:44

A belated congratulations Way, 100 posts already!!
I love your story tracing your roots, it must have been very emotional. This is an excellent image to celebrate taken from a high POV to show the details of the floating village.

Wanda1 (15142) 2008-12-09 9:36

Hi Way,
I missed your 100th, so congratulations.
What an amazing story and what a lovely tribute to your mother, I am sure she would have loved your photos from her home town. Here you give us a lovely wide view showing us the place well. I remember Kratie well, I really liked this town with a nice relaxed atmosphere.
Regards
Wanda

BennyV (34748) 2009-03-18 10:55 [Comment]

Show Comment +

Wahclellaspirit (4125) 2009-03-18 11:32

Hello Way,
I am glad that you found your mother's home as it may lead to your better understanding to where you may have begun also. A much different way of life than what we are accustomed, not living on the river or in a boathouse, but the avenue that peoples residing on the island have chose to make a living as it does not prove fruitful in today's economic situation. To those people's that have always lived within their means, I would have to congradulate them as they are the true survivors of today's societies.
Excellent post...
Steve

pabau (488) 2009-05-05 13:25

Bonjour Way
Retrouver le pays des 阾res aim閟 qui ont disparu est une 閙otion forte, un bonheur f閘�.
Ce lieux effac� des cartes s'est grav� dans ton coeur. Merci de l'offrir � nos regards.
Pascal
My english is too bad for the strong emotions.

kiks (12805) 2009-09-25 9:11

I'm so glad you find you roots. It must have been a very special moment. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Best regards
KIKs

nikkitta (17070) 2013-09-10 13:14

Hola Way

Just by chance I arrived at this moving note that preceded the capture which I added to my favorites
Congrats (later) for your 100 post that day but mainly for
sharing a part of your life
What is sad is ( my idea) not being able to share your photos with your mother
But she knew what an artist son she has and must have been very proud of you and your talent
Searching and finding her own village is quite a detail that reveals how very good son you must have been

The picture is a beauty of soft colors with a smart frame
The POV is perfect , so we can enjoy the hole view of the interesting village
Thanks for sharing
Maria