2.02.2010

Ankor Wat and Siem Reap



In the pre-dawn coolness, Nate and I joined the processional of dark figures and bobbing flashlights on the bridge crossing the moat of Angkor Wat. The moat is wider than a football fiel and in the darkness we imagined what the Angkor temples would look like as we passed through the outer gate. In front of the main complex are two large pool filled with lotus flowers - we waited there as the sky grew lighter and revealed the shape of the Angkor towers mimicing the shape of the closed lotus blossom.

For a more extensive set of pictures and descriptions of all the beautiful temples we visited please see the lovely photo journal that Nate put together:
http://picasaweb.google.com/nateball/Cambodia?authkey=Gv1sRgCLSji_jyu53xSw#

I have been dreaming about visiting Angkor Wat in Cambodia for several years  - especially since hiking 5 days to see Machu Picchu in Peru. I also celebrated the realization that I have now been to 5 of the 7 voted wonders of the world The Taj (India), Pyramids (Egypt), Macchu (Peru), Petra (Jordon) and now Angkor (Cambodia) -  and greatly look forward to my trip to China for the great wall :)

The temples that I liked best were ones that were being both destroyed and held together by the massive roots of Spung trees. The most massive and elegant example of this is Ta Prohm. Below is the main entrance with the hugs smiling face characteristic of the major works created under Khmer King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century.


 
 
 
Nate pushed up into a handstand to the delight of some passing tourists.
  
Cat in backbend during walk about in Angkor Wat.

One of the smaller and more ruined temples we visited 
Here is a massive pool built for a Khmer King kept full by an underground spring. Incredible.
Stay tuned in the near future for the rest of the Cambodia blogs, before I head down to Southern Thailand to begin my month-long exploration of the islands :)

1 comment:

alexandra.tweedie said...

Not so excited to visit the giant Jesus statue in Rio? Well, maybe you'll happen upon it on a work trip...