Angkor Wet

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Okay, it only rained for one afternoon out of our full 3 days of temple bothering but once you get to our age the damp lingers in the bones.

Exploring Angkor has been a fascinating time. I can't imagine another historical site in the world where you are so richly rewarded for covering such a small distance. It seems incredibly shortsighted that tourists are allowed to traipse wherever they please over such precious ruins but it does allow you to get really close to these beautiful structures and fully appreciate the intricate carvings that adorn them.

Angkor served as the capital city of the Khmer empire between the 9th and 12th centuries. King Jayarvaman VII (12th century) was largely responsible for the majority of the temples we have seen. He depleted the quarries of the country and the energies of a people with his enthusiasm.

Angor Wat is undoubtedly the most famous temple, but for us, it was distinctly underwhelming (Angkor So Wat?!). This may have something to do with the fact that we struggled up at 5am on our second day to catch the obligatory sunrise there. Despite our sacrifice, we lucked out with the weather and the day didn't exactly burst forth in splendid technicolour. The day broke, the clouds didn't. This may explain the slightly irreverent snapshots.

This small disappointment aside, we have found a real affinity with Cambodia. Thailand may be dubbed the land of smiles but it is here that we have really felt the warmth and friendliness of our hosts. This is mentioned so often by everyone who comes here to sound like a cliche, but sometimes these are simply the truths repeated by many.

Highlights have been Bayon (over 200 giant stone faces with cool enigmatic smiles), Ta Prohm (Khmer architecture and crazy jungle form an uneasy alliance. You get the feeling that if you stand still for too long here a giant muscular root will wrap round your leg and claim you), and East Mebon (Impressive reservoir site that is so much more than just functional in design).

After the first day when we took in the most famous temples and had to jostle for premier camera angles with hordes of japanese tourists, it was great to arrive at the 'lesser' sites and find that you pretty much had the whole place to yourself. Especially when there are creepy corridors and windingy paths to explore - brings out the Lara Croft / Indiana Jones in even the most reticent visitor.

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Photos

maori greeting, Angkor
Cheesy, utterly contrived, this shot just had to happen

Monks, Angkor Wat
The one on the left was football mad

Street Vendors, Angkor
I can see why Angelina was tempted, these kids are lovely

Angkor Snot
Yes, yes, highly childish

Comments

[Paris]

Very funny
Your blog had us cracking up as well as everyone looking over our shoulders at the internet cafe. How long does it take you to download your photos? Two-three minutes per photo for us in China. Blogger paris yaffe's mom

[Martine]

Doggie don't
Hello Paris thanks for your comments! as for the photos, have you tried the 'Mihov Image Resizer'? it's the free download under 'Manage Photos'. With this you can reduce the size of the images for a faster upload. We've had some slow connections on our travels so far but this little app makes is manageable. Had a look at your Yunnan entry - we'll be in China in the new year. Rather hoping to avoid the dog dishes however...

[Rasquat]

ankor rasquat
many great times I rasquat hjas had in this place with y ou amd STEvie [pleas e to come again for that special buttskiss - see you in Chinae

[Patt]

wow
i reallly enjoyed read ur blog.. gimme lots of thing abt combodia cos i'll go to there in few month. i just wondering abt get in angkor wat and other placese.. that do we have to pay 4 get in? anyway thx so much.. mayb u can gimme advise abt it at ma email... [e-mail] thx again. :D