Siem Reap in Middle/North Cambodia. Very touristy town, which also means great hotels and restaurants.
Lots of scooters!
The food here is fantastic, especially the Fish Amok (should have booked a hotel with a gym!)
We heard about a special organisation over here that is Cambodian run. It is a boarding school that takes in both orphans and children from big familes who cannot afford to support all of them. As it is run by Cambodians and not Westerners, they have a much better understanding of what support is needed and how to integrate them successfully into the world once they are old enough. They are also special as they do not have age restrictions. The oldest boy there was 21yrs, still there as he requires further education before he can live alone.
Three times a week the children put on a dance performance so that the tourists can visit the school and meet them and, of course, make donations of support. The children were so wonderful and the school had a very relaxed way.
We did not have much time to play with them so we arranged to return later in the week.
Everyone was in Siem reap for the same reason - to visit the temples, especially the most famous, 'Angkor Wat'.
We were so lucky that the day was not too hot as we set off for a full tour of all the nearer temples.
The temples were built in the early 1200's and had survived incredibly well. During the Khmer Rouge reign they, tried to destroy parts of them as religion was banned. The temples are both Hindu & Buddhist and are perfect examples of incredible craftsmanship.
The first big complex, 'Angkor Thom', was 10 sq km in size.
Fabulous towers.
Steep stairs leading to temple shrines.
The sheer size of 'The Bayon' temple was impressive. It had 54 pillars, all with 4 faces on them. Each of the 4 faces represented something, but I have searched the internet to remember what it was with no success. So if any of my fellow travellers can remind me, that would be great!
The temples really were big places each built by the Kings. New King, new temple.
Much of the walls had been carved with mythalogical stories.
Which have been impressively preserved.
The 4 faces pillars +2.
Finally a doorway to fit Kenny.
Thoughtful arty shot.
By one of the swimming pools. Each place had 2: one for the men, and one for the women. The female one being larger as the Kings often had many concubines.
Our guide knew all the funny photos.
Climbing the tower.
Terrace of elephants.
Too many temples - have no idea which one this is!!!
Phimeanakas temple. One of the early Hindu temples from late 10th century.
Ta Prohm temple - better known as the 'Tomb Raider' temple.
Ok, so I am no Lara Coft (Sarah Croft?!! - K). I am missing the guns strapped to my legs for one thing!
This temple was amazing.
The tree roots had been left in place (probably as it would fall down if they were removed!).
Cool corridors.
Snake like roots.
Roots..............
(In case anyone is wondering, we are being like trees, darlings! - K)
................ had enough of root shots yet?
A little pretty temple. Again, help please with its name!
So onto the big one, the famous, picture postcard ........................ Angkor Wat!
Built in the 12 century, dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu.
The incredible carved walls all depicting mythical stories.
Wondefully preserved.
A breathtaking place.
The temples will remain one the most incredible things we have seen on our trip. Hidden by dense jungle for years, it now attracts some 15 million of tourists each year, many from South Korea and China, as well as the US & Europe. An awesome day!
No comments:
Post a Comment