Skyros Cambodia: Behind the Lens by Julian Doyle

Our journey to Cambodia begins with a trek through the jungle where we catch sight of a family of Gibbons swinging high in the treetops.


While we capture them on camera a hidden monkey watches us with equal interest.


On the road we encounter fascinating subjects for our flowering photographers.

A group of young monks at a service station...


... and the many beautiful children.


Our happy band are becoming proficient photographers and expand from recording the journey to surprising me with works of art.


And even skilled in capturing the small rainbow at the foot of a waterfall.


Or their dangerous encounter with elephants.


Then on to temples lost in jungles, where giant trees snarl their roots round dark doorways. Many rate the Women’s Temple one of their favourites with its delicate carvings.


We finish with a final rest in the cool shadows...


...before heading back for an ice cold beer in a bar in Siam Reap, feet dangling in a giant fish tank where minnows do a perfect pedicure on those tired soles or souls.


Let’s hope they’re not piranha’s!

Julian Doyle
With photos by participants on the Cambodia Adventure 14 - 23 January 2011

Julian recently facilitated ‘The Documented Journey’ on the Cambodia Adventure. Julian is one of the worlds most versatile Film Makers and is most famous for editing the Monty Python films ‘Life of Brian’ and shooting the Fx’s for Terry Gilliam’s ‘Timebandits’ and ‘Brazil’ which he also edited. Julian teaches at the London Film Academy.

Julian will be teaching at Atsitsa Bay in Greece from 1 - 11 June 2011 and at Skyros offshoot The Grange on the Isle of Wight from 30 Nov – 2 October 2011.

For more information on Skyros Holidays in Cambodia, why not take a look at the Cambodia section of our website at http://www.skyros.com/cambodia.htm

Skyros in Thailand by Kate Lester

To be honest when I searched for a holiday this winter I wasn’t thinking of personal development – I was thinking of warmth and escape from the cold British winter. So I searched for Yoga holidays in Thailand and Skyros came up. Now I had heard of Skyros – a friend had subscribed me to their brochures many moons ago – but I was a younger, more corporate me and the thought of all this hippy nonsense just didn’t do it. But after 3 years of recession and a feeling that it was time I did a radical life rethink I was ready to give Skyros a go. So I booked and found myself less than a month later in sunny Thailand.

The Sofitel in Bangkok is great – I felt like I was having a 'Lost in Translation' moment gazing out over the multicoloured cityscape of Bangkok whilst I enjoyed the first of many splendid meals in Thailand. The next morning I touched base with my companions for the next 2 weeks and we enjoyed a fairly painless transfer to the beautiful island of Koh Chang. My middle class sensibilities were amply pandered to at our atmospheric 5 star resort – and the room was perfect – great views, lots of space, nicely appointed.

The next day, the week was set out for us – Yoga at 07.45, then a variety of meetings, which would become the backbone of every day, then our morning session hosted by the inimitable Malcolm Stern, and then an evening course in singing. Evenings could and would be organised if we liked or we could our separate ways and explore Koh Chang. Bit more than the anticipated yoga break!

In for a penny, in for a pound I thought and decided to cast away my standard cynicism and participate. And participate I did. And I can’t believe what a revelation it has been. The yoga every morning was a great way to start the day. The Oekos group provided me with support I didn’t know I needed, the Courage to Change has brought about revelations that mean I can find a more authentic way of being, to be happier and more fulfilled, and the singing… oh the singing!! Well if I tell you I haven’t sung in public for 25 years and found myself on a stage doing a rendition of 'Summertime' by the end of the course you will understand that Sarah Warwick is an illuminating teacher who has the ability to inspire and motivate, not to mention the voice of an angel. Quite simply the whole trip was bliss. Amazing, thought provoking, sometimes controversial but truly life changing.

The only way I can describe the impact of Skyros is to give you a before and after picture of me. In all honesty before the course I was very stressed, at a crisis point in my marriage, career and facing my children going off to University with dread. Since Skyros I feel like I have found my self again – had 2 weeks of sunshine, am very bendy and feel that with continued practice I can create a more fulfilling life. In addition to that I have been massaged to the point of bliss, eaten the most glorious food and made friends I look forward to seeing again.

Try it. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Kate Lester
www.katelester.com

Kate joined Skyros in Thailand for celebrations over the New Year. Skyros-in-Thailand is hosted in the exquisite Aiyapura Resort and Spa on the magical island of Koh Chang. The holiday included courses such as life coaching, singing and yoga as well as optional spa treatments, snorkelling and elephant trekking. To find out more about Skyros holidays, including holidays in Greece this summer, visit www.skyros.com.