Angkor Wat area is a huge complex of many temples dating from the 10th century to aout 122, when for no single reason, the civilization failed and disappeared. Almost like the Maya.
Our alarm failed but we were up at 6:16 first day to have a quick breakfast and off by 7:15am. I am going to have to work at this...
We return to the glorious Angkor Tom complex with amazing bas relief friezes in the Bayon building of Cambodian life in those times. The incised carving is easy to discern, even after all this time being buried in jungle. Epic tug of war between gods are depicted in many places and causeways are often lined with these massive rope battles. Enormous smiling benign faces beam at us from atop many of the towers. Cheeky and scary gods also.
On to Baphoun, where the pramid structure emulates Mt. Meru, sacred mountain, and former home to a massive reclining buddha, most of which has now disappeared into the jungle.
We walk to the Temple of Elephants, signifying strength, a beautiful temple with an elephant frieze all around the first level and the three-headed elephant clearly towering over all.
We also visit the Temple of the Leper King adn Sky Palace.
From there a short drive takes us to Prah Khan, with overgrown trees and a delightful little two story building, ancient condo apartments...It's a Hinda/Buddhist fusion temple and after enjoying it we return for cool coconuts, a little retail therapy and return to town at 11am in our cool car to shoer, relax and plan.
Am I repeating myself here....getting lost in these blogs...
Our alarm failed but we were up at 6:16 first day to have a quick breakfast and off by 7:15am. I am going to have to work at this...
We return to the glorious Angkor Tom complex with amazing bas relief friezes in the Bayon building of Cambodian life in those times. The incised carving is easy to discern, even after all this time being buried in jungle. Epic tug of war between gods are depicted in many places and causeways are often lined with these massive rope battles. Enormous smiling benign faces beam at us from atop many of the towers. Cheeky and scary gods also.
On to Baphoun, where the pramid structure emulates Mt. Meru, sacred mountain, and former home to a massive reclining buddha, most of which has now disappeared into the jungle.
We walk to the Temple of Elephants, signifying strength, a beautiful temple with an elephant frieze all around the first level and the three-headed elephant clearly towering over all.
We also visit the Temple of the Leper King adn Sky Palace.
From there a short drive takes us to Prah Khan, with overgrown trees and a delightful little two story building, ancient condo apartments...It's a Hinda/Buddhist fusion temple and after enjoying it we return for cool coconuts, a little retail therapy and return to town at 11am in our cool car to shoer, relax and plan.
Am I repeating myself here....getting lost in these blogs...
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