A Journey Through Time
In 1986, I set off on a six-month journey through Nepal and India, carrying a trusty 20kg green canvas pack on my back and a camera in hand.
Though I had spent time in Hong Kong in 1979, it was my Himalayan trek and travels through the Asian subcontinent that truly immersed me in the rich cultures and traditions of Eastern South Asia.
The Fragrances of Memory
I still remember the scents—frangipani, jasmine, and gardenia—drifting through the air as day melted into night. Bustling market stalls filled with vibrant handcrafted treasures lined the streets, each item carrying the skill and artistry of generations before.
One of my greatest regrets from that time was not buying a cashmere carpet. I didn’t have the money, nor the space to carry it on my back.
A Serendipitous Encounter in Siem Reap
Today, in Siem Reap, I was unexpectedly given a second chance.
As my friends and I stepped into a rug shop, we were welcomed with manaaki—a generosity of spirit that transcends borders. The experience was relational, gentle, and heartfelt.
We were served saffron tea, golden and fragrant, as we shared stories and learned about the artistry behind the exquisite silk rugs that lay before us.
Threads of Beauty and Storytelling
I sat on the floor, mesmerized by the delicate silk threads—almost translucent, shimmering with magic. I wondered about the artisans who wove them, their stories intertwined with each intricate pattern.
Two rugs, two stories.
My friend chose an azure blue rug, while I was drawn to a rich forest green—a color that felt both grounding and alive.
A Gift of Generations
Our deepest thanks go to the owner, his daughters, and their family at Asia Pacific, Siem Reap for their kindness and hospitality.
Now, I have a beautiful silk rug to take home to Aotearoa, New Zealand. Every time I gaze upon it, I will remember:
The warmth of saffron tea
The stories woven into each thread
The grace and generosity of @amjadreshie and his daughters
The Circle of Time, Complete
From 1986 in India to 2025 in Cambodia, this story has come full circle.
Silk threads do bind us—across cultures, across time, across generations.
