I finally got to go to the Temples of Angkor today. These cities and temples which are commonly called Angkor Wat are the pride of Cambodia and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. (I am still trying to name them all. So far I can list the Sphinx and the pyramids of Egypt, the Taj Mahal, Machu Pichu, the Wall of China and Angkor Wat. Will someone please fill me in on the last?) I was planning to go yesterday but I fell on slippery tile near the pool and was hurting too much to go then. I still do not feel 100% and there were times today when I really felt the fall, but I expect to get better each day. One nice thing here in Cambodia is going to the pharmacy and getting pain relief right across the counter. Don't worry! I will not turn into an Elvis!
The temples did not disappoint. First stop was Angkor Thom (Royal City). This city was the home of the Khmer king from around 800 AD until 1100 AD. According to our guide this was a city of over 1 million at the time Paris had 50,000 and London 100,000. All the walls are covered with intricate carvings depicting life in the city and Hindu legends. The complex was surrounded by a moat along the 24 mile long inner wall and it was stocked with crocodiles as an added defense. This is where the largest university in the world was located.
Bayon was next. It is known for the sculptured faces of the king which smile serenely from every tower and wall. This is where the cult of linga (phallic) worship evolved from an embodiment of a Hindu deity. The bas reliefs became even more complex here with depictions of battles on land and sea, Aspara dancers, military processions to mention some. The king of this city had two wives and 4000 concubines. Go figure!
After lunch we visited Ta Phrom which had been almost engulfed by jungle when the French began excavating in the 1830's. Now Na Phrom is noted for a scene from an Angelina Jolie movie called Tomb Raider and also is known for the banyan trees which are growing right into the walls of the temple. These trees are eerie but sort of beautiful.
The climax of the day was Angkor Wat, the largest and best preserved of the sites. Angkor Wat is still the largest religious structure in the world. The reason for it's relatively good condition is that it is still in use as a Buddhist shrine. By the time we got here I was really exhausted from the heat and it was a welcome relief to rest outside the temple with a cold drink.
Evaluating the day I think I made the correct choice for me. I had an escorted one day tour. Other options would have been multiple days and self guided tours. There are plenty of sites I did not visit but I saw enough. This was another hotter than Hades day and my afternoon showers back in my hotel are becoming one of my favorite things on this trip.
Bayon was next. It is known for the sculptured faces of the king which smile serenely from every tower and wall. This is where the cult of linga (phallic) worship evolved from an embodiment of a Hindu deity. The bas reliefs became even more complex here with depictions of battles on land and sea, Aspara dancers, military processions to mention some. The king of this city had two wives and 4000 concubines. Go figure!
After lunch we visited Ta Phrom which had been almost engulfed by jungle when the French began excavating in the 1830's. Now Na Phrom is noted for a scene from an Angelina Jolie movie called Tomb Raider and also is known for the banyan trees which are growing right into the walls of the temple. These trees are eerie but sort of beautiful.
The climax of the day was Angkor Wat, the largest and best preserved of the sites. Angkor Wat is still the largest religious structure in the world. The reason for it's relatively good condition is that it is still in use as a Buddhist shrine. By the time we got here I was really exhausted from the heat and it was a welcome relief to rest outside the temple with a cold drink.
Evaluating the day I think I made the correct choice for me. I had an escorted one day tour. Other options would have been multiple days and self guided tours. There are plenty of sites I did not visit but I saw enough. This was another hotter than Hades day and my afternoon showers back in my hotel are becoming one of my favorite things on this trip.
Photos at top are carvings of King Java--something. His image is everywhere.
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