Catch a glimpse of Asian culture through the eyes of an artist, with stories and storybook-like sketches by NINA L. YUSON
1 . ANGKOR WAT, CAMBODIA
One of the places in Asia worth visiting. The temples made us imagine we were Indiana Jones, as the huge stones were entwined with big vines and tree roots. We visited the various temples at different times of the day—early morning, morning, late afternoon. We were there during the Christmas holidays. It was still humid and you have to take a siesta to avoid the hot afternoons. I enjoyed sketching while my children scaled the walls. Yes, literally climbing up steep stairs!
2 . BULACAN, PHILIPPINES
This is one of the carosas for the Good Friday parade of holy statues. This one is “Mater Dolorosa” or the Sorrowful Virgin Mary, who is dressed in black as she is mourning the death of her son, Jesus Christ. I sketched this while visiting one of the churches in a town in Bulacan. This is usually in April, a most interesting time to visit the Philippines. So many religious practices are seen at this time, including passion plays, Bible reading of the passion of Christ, parade of the saints, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday, with singing and joyful exultation. I like going around the country during this period and seeing the various ways the Lenten season is observed.
3 . BANGKOK , THAILAND
I like returning to Bangkok because of the scrumptious food, cheap shopping, foot massage and the company of holy monks. This Buddha is just one of the many Buddhas, seen in almost every other street, in a temple. Go look for the Emerald Buddha and measure how long it is! Best time to go is during January to March. Just be wary of crowds, especially in the shopping districts. It took me some three minutes to sketch this Buddha. He looked friendly!
4 . HO CHI MINH, VIETNAM
Beware of the motorcycles as they swerve anywhere and everywhere in this city! Just keep walking, don’t pause or they will bump you. Hold your breath and be brave to cross a roundabout. I found this so interesting, that I drew this while waiting for our airport shuttle. Ho Chi Minh has this big market place where you can find anything, from silk to cotton bed sheets to antique bells and silver items.
