"Heart wrenching poverty" Khett Siem Reab by anoum

Throughout my visit & until today, two months after my visit, the strongest image that stayed with me about Siem Reap was the poverty that was about everywhere.

The young man in this photo is one of those unsung heroes who struggle to make life better for his people. He was an orphan who grew up in the temple beside Angkor Wat (on the right side of the temple complex, opposite the public toilet). Today he is the only teacher and carer for the 30 odd orphans there. He has no fixed income and relies on donations from tourists who wander near the temple, to feed and clothe the children as well as himself.

Please visit him & the kids when you are visiting Angkor Wat. Hopefully you will also donate something.

Brave kids

We came across this group of children while walking away from one of the temple complexes in the Angkor Wat area. Although we didn't like to encourage the children to beg, we donated the remainder of our rials to them for trying to earn some money from singing and they even had those leaves weaved into hats to make themselves look somewhat better!

• Pros:Amazing ancient temples, friendly people
• Cons:Overwhelming poverty, dust