This week, we’re diving into the “black and white” theme with a fascinating set from Finland’s contribution to the 2009 Europa stamp series: Astronomy. While the stamps may not be pure black and white in the strictest sense, they utilise different shades of grey.
The stamp I have features the majestic ringed planet Saturn dominating the scene, accompanied by a streaking comet to its left, and a lunar eclipse above. These celestial events are all rendered in a beautiful greyscale palette, creating mystery and depth.
This Europa stamp came in a postcard in 2010.
Here is the complete set, taken from Google image search.
The companion stamp in the set showcases the moon and the soft glow of the Milky Way on its right. Both stamps are set in a fantasy lake surrounded by these heavenly bodies. The beauty of these stamps lie in their ability to evoke awe-inspiring universe without relying on vibrant colours, and allows (and excites) collectors and enthusiasts to focus on the subject matter – that is the wonders of the universe and the intrigue of space exploration.
Check out Sunday Stamps for more black and white offerings this week.
Wishing for clear skies? Me too! This week’s Skywatch Friday entry takes you to the Chroy Changvar Bridge, also known as the Japanese Bridge, overlooking the Mekong River.
While today’s forecast is filled with clouds and rain and thunderstorm threats, this photo taken last week captures a moment of serenity (before the morning rush hour commences) with a vibrant blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds. The reflections dancing on the water add to the tranquility of the scene. It’s hard to imagine this is the skyline now compared to when I first set foot in Cambodia, where only the Royal Palace and other temples’ spires and trees dominated the landscape. The transformation has been rapid and quite remarkable!
This postcard is an old one in my album and it shows Preah Khan Temple (the back side), one of the captivating temples nestled within the sprawling Angkor Wat complex in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Unlike past hot summer visits, my Siem Reap adventure in July last year was in the middle of the monsoon’s refreshing embrace. My friends, seasoned Angkor explorers, swore by the rainy season’s magic, promised a magical transformation, and I was eager to see it for myself.
A a massive stump is what’s left of a huge silk-cotton tree with overgrown roots that used to stand there (see postcard for reference). The roots look like it’s strangling a part of the gopura wall. Some say they are actually supporting the structure. What do you think?
This is the West Gopura entrance. If you look closer, you will see two headless devarapalas guarding the entrance. For comparison, here is a photo of the devarapalas taken in 1942.
Preah Khan, translating to “sacred sword,” holds a unique charm despite its lesser fame compared to Angkor Wat or Bayon Temple. Built by King Jayavarman VII in the 12th century, it served a dual purpose: a temple city and a tribute to his father following a hard-fought victory. Here’s a walk through of the Preah Khan Temple, for those interested.
Leaving the hotel under clear skies, we breezed through the Angkor Archaeological Park checkpoints, armed with our resident (free) passes. Yet, as we neared Preah Khan’s eastern entrance, a downpour caught us by surprise. Undeterred, we hopped off the tuk-tuk and laughed at the absurdity of it all. We joined a mix of curious, umbrella-toting foreign and local visitors, to look at the intricate carvings adorning the causeway’s balustrades.
Crafted from ancient sandstone, these panels depict a timeless battle between good and evil – the seven-headed naga (serpent) carried by divine devas on one side, and the opposing asuras (demons) on the other. Sadly, weathering and looting have taken a toll, scattering fragments of these magnificent sculptures (heads, mostly) across museums worldwide.
Venturing into the rain-soaked forest, a sense of adventure surged through me. Imagine Lara Croft, but rain-soaked and determined – that was me, Zarah Croft, navigating a maze of ancient ruins. Our mission within Preah Khan’s main temple this time? To find a hidden altar, rumoured to hold a wish-granting image revered by many Thais, but unknown to most visitors, including ourselves until our Thai and Khmer friends told us about it.
Under the relentless rain, with only the temple’s partial shelter, we navigated corridors adorned with weathered stone carvings of mythical beings. Each sculpture, some vibrant with rain-washed hues, others cloaked in moss or lichens, bore the tales of the past. Each corner revealed mythical and spiritual beings, their details begging for examination.
Rainwater pooled on the floor, splashing with every step we took. It was like stepping back in time, a real-life adventure. Finally, after diligent exploration, and soaking wet, we stumbled upon the inconspicuous altar and its sacred image. Lighting candles and incense, we offered a silent prayer. My feet, submerged in the cool water, felt strangely connected to the past. In that moment, I could almost picture the kings and queens who once walked these very halls, their hopes and dreams carried on the wind. I could almost hear the whispers of ancient prayers echoing through the halls. My imagination soared as we continued to explore the other chambers in the temple – what if a devata, a heavenly being, or an apsara, a celestial dancer, materialized from the shadows? I’m fine with either, as long as it’s not an asura blocking my way! Lol.
Soaking it all in (literally and figuratively!) at the awe-inspiring Preah Khan Western Gopura. The rain couldn’t dampen this explorer’s spirit!
The persistent rain, far from dampening our spirits, added a layer of unexpected wonder. It evoked a childhood nostalgia for the Philippine monsoon season. Memories of playful splashes in puddles with classmates and cousins, a carefree spirit untamed by the thought of scoldings from our mothers and elders. A time of pure, uninhibited joy.
Preah Khan’s magnificence speaks for itself, but under the cloak of rain, it revealed a whole new layer of magic I have not seen and experienced before.
