Angkor Wat pt. 1

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June 23rd 2008

Published: June 26th 2008

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South Gate of Angkor Thom

After a day of rest in Siem Reap, we set out for Angkor Wat at 8:30 Monday morning in the back of Mr. Hinda's tuk-tuk. We decided to buy 7 day passes so that we could take our time exploring and sitting. Its been extremely hot (the digital reading on my cheap alarm clock says it is 90.5 degrees in our room), and it feels great to sit in the tuk-tuk with the wind in our faces.
Armed with water, cameras, and flip-flops, we start our tour of Angkor. The area is incredibly large, with more temples than you can imagine, all in various states of decay. There are food stands along the way, and every time we get off the tuk-tuk, we are approached by women and children "sir, you buy water? cold drink? i give you five bracelets for one dollar?" They are just doing what their parents told them to do, and we enjoy talking to them once we sit down for lunch.
The pictures mostly speak for themselves. A lot of buildings, a lot of trees. I wish we could capture the sound of the insects, the smell of the earth, and the intense heat, but you

South Entrance of Bayon

will just have to imagine.

Additional photos below

Photos: 36, Displayed: 22

Aspara Carvings

These are everywhere!!

Some of the 181 faces at Bayon

More Faces...

They are huge

More Bayon

An orange-swathed stone Buddha

Looking out from Baphuon

Phimeanakas

Standing on the Terrace of the Elephants

Crossing the giant moat at Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat itself is huge, with the temple covering 1 square kilometer. Mike loves the gigantic moat.

A Friend Welcomes us to Angkor Wat

So Many Details

There are so many intricate carvings at Angkor Wat, many telling a story. This one was above a doorway.

Angkor Wat

After crossing the moat and passing through the outer gate, you get the classic sight of the inner buildings (notice the scaffolding on the tower--as of last fall, they don't let people up on the towers)