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Published: February 24th 2008
As we sat enjoying our water in the shade we were approached by some local children selling jewellery and hats etc.... They were very chatty and their english good. They sat there with us and asked where we were from after we told them amazingly they ran off a whole list of information on the UK. Our population, Londons population, the queen, the currency it was endless!!! We were quite impressed and said so. The smiled and then hit us with their punchline which was "we know all about your country - now you must buy from us" We declined and decided to start walking over to Angkor Wat. They followed for a time trying every trick in the book to get us to buy which was quite amusing. They left us when they spotted two other tourists heading their way!! On our way to the entrance of Angkor Wat we were aproached by more kids and were surprised when they listed exactly the same details of the UK as the others had. YOu soon realise that they are taught all this parrot fashion to get your attention!!!!
We were both very excited about seeing Angkor Wat. The first thing
you approach is the massive moat surrounding the outer walls. Built in the 12th century Angkor Wat was a state temple and capital city. It has become a symbol of Cambodia and is even on it's national flag. The outer wall is 2.2 miles long and as you walk through the entrance gates the sight is breathtaking. To think that something this large was consumed by the jungle and undiscovered for years is truly remarkable. The jungle has been cut back to reveal that the structure is still in very good shape in places, although some areas are being given attention in a plan to try and preserve those areas less fortunate.
It is hard to put into words how you feel and I find it very difficult to describe what has to be one of the best displays of Khmer architecture the country has. Orginally a Hindu temple later it became a buddhist temple which it remains today and there are many shrine areas with golden Buddha as you walk around the interior. With many small walkways and rooms it is a maze of different shapes and sizes. The area then opens out into what seems to have
been a large swimming pool and living quarters.
We spent two hours here walking in and out of the temple. There is so much to see inside and out. Although some of the towers are under restoration it is not obtrusive and has been undertaken with great care not to affect the overall view for the visitor. The grounds are vast and very open, you tend to walk round in absolute awe of its sight. We took so may photos here that I just cant put them all on they will be on our photo blog though.
As we left it was still only early afternoon so we decided to go and see another temple while we were here and asked our driver to take us there.....
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Jessica
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Excellent photos! Dengue fever season is always around the bend for Cambodia. I was there during Dengue season and decided to donate blood to the local children's hospital. The line-ups of very sick babies and children were along every hallway and outside of the hospital. I was ushered in by a guard, and treated like royalty when I said I was there to donate blood. The sample fridge was EMPTY. So sad...so many tourists see Angkor Wat/Cambodia, but don't donate blood (a mindful way to give something to the needy)! The hospital was very sanitary, I watched the Dr. open the packaged needle right in front of me. Only took me 10 minutes. Give it a try, you'll feel more hopeful about the overwhelming poverty that surrounds and constantly asks you for help. Loved reading your blog. Yay for giving, responsible tourists! Thought you might consider this idea. Wish I could go back to give again. Cheers!