The Equaliser

The lotus plant is a cultural icon and religious symbol in some Asian countries. For some people, it’s also a natural medicine and health food. For Fresh, it’s a stressed-skin saver.

It’s a surreal experience sitting in a rickety boat as it’s slowly rowed across the lotus-filled lake of Phnom Krom Lotus Farm, just outside the eponymous Cambodian town. The plants’ huge leaves scrape against the sides of the boat; every metre or so, beautiful pink flowers peek out from among the foliage. The blooms – some as large as salad bowls – are magnificent, with translucent pink-white petals that open to the sun.

This ride from the start to the end of the farm, which connects to the Tonle Sap River, takes a good 30 minutes. Though the boat seems to rip through the plants as it drifts along, these flora are hardier than they look, springing right back into place after.