76 days: Timeless Gazes

Today I spent a peaceful afternoon at the National Museum of Cambodia, taking in the grandeur of Khmer art and history. The weather was pleasant enough for a walk to the museum, but I was grateful for the shade once inside. The ancient sculptures, especially the serene faces of the stone Buddhas, had a calming effect on me. It was as if they carried the weight of centuries in their gaze.

I met a local artist named Dara who often visits the museum for inspiration. We struck up a conversation about how history and culture inform our work. Dara's perspective on the interplay between tradition and modernity gave me much to think about. His humility and quiet passion reminded me of the delicate balance we must maintain between honoring our roots and forging new paths.

After the museum, I sat in a nearby cafe and sketched some of the museum pieces, letting their forms influence the shapes and lines on my page. I left the day with a deep sense of connection-not just to the art, but to the history that runs through this land.