Angkor, Cambodia

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Angkor, located outside of Siem Reap, Cambodia, is considered one of the 7 man made wonders in the world. It has the greatest riches of architectural riches anywhere in the world. Angkor was a thriving community dating back to the first century. When London only had a population of 50,000 people, Angkor was thriving with over one million. An intricate water irrigation system provided water for the city, and the community thrived for hundreds of years.



Angkor Wat is the largest and most preserved temple. Whereas many of the other temples were built by Buddhist kings, Angkor Wat is a Hindu temple. Only the remains of the temples are currently present, as only the temples were built out of rock. All homes for humans (even the kings) were built from wood and are now decayed. The standstone blocks from which Angkor Wat was built were quarried more than 50 km away, and floated down the Siem Reap river (amazing logistics, considering the time period).



The other popular temples in Angkor include Angkor Thom, the last great capital of the Khmer empire. Bayon is the central temple of Angkor Thom. Ta Prohm is another popular temple, mostly because of the tree roots growing through the temples.



We rented bikes, pedaled, sweat, and explored the temples for several days, admidst the hundreds of tourists that seemed to mostly travel in large, tour bus sized groups. The greatest challenge was to snap some photos with as few people as possible in them. Even when we woke up early to catch the sunrise of Angkor Wat, we were amazed by the hundreds of people who beat us there.



Sadly, a lot of the local Khmer have never seen Angkor, though it is a free for them and only several km out of town. We rode our bikes there, as they could have, but many consider going even just several km out of town is too far to travel. Apparently, there are some efforts to take more of the local school children to Angkor on field trips.



Thus, commences your history lesson of Angkor. J

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Photos

Buddha's
On the way to Angkor Thom

Ta Prohm
This temple is known because of the vast tree roots that have over taken it. There is some questions about preservation of the buildings versus preservation of the trees.

Etchings
Etchings on the walls of the temples give hints as to the cultural and happenings of the time.

Framed
Some of the many picturesque frames of the temples.

Comments

[Sarah]

Wow....
Simply......wow! The places that you've been and where you are, wow! Love you guys! Bon voyage!

[Lucy Kendzior]

This incredible to see. In all of my art history, I never saw this side of the country. Asia was always discussed but never left China for the other far east cultures. You have broaden my horizons with you adventures into worlds I have never thought to enter. I know you have more to show so I look forward to seeing more when you arrive home. Love to you both, Mom

[Moon of Honey]

Hi Lucy! Hope you had a great birthday. . .We have so many pictures to show you upon our return! We can't wait to put together a slideshow and tell you all of our stories! xo j & p