Our guide was very knowledgeable and provided a lot of information about each location. He would point out whether a temple had been Buddhist and then transitioned to Hindu (aka remove all the Buddha statues or simply knock off their heads) or which King had commissioned the temple. He also knew the best places in each place to get a good photo. He managed to get us in and out of each place during the least crowded times. We virtually had Angkor Wat to ourselves because he suggested we bring our breakfast with us for after sunrise.
Each temple had a unique quality and tone. Some are on single platforms, others rise up on multiple platforms which means steep steps to be negotiated if you wanted to make it up. It was always worth it. My butt hasn't been in such good shape in years. I will need to find a way to keep this exercise up.
The highlights were Ta Prohm, Bayon and of course, Angkor Wat. Although it seems almost sacrilegious to only call out those three.
A delicate balance at Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm is widely known as the jungle temple as it has been left relatively untouched since it was rediscovered. It has large trees that grow throughout. It is actually a symbiotic relationship. The structures and the trees would fall over if not for the weight and support from the other. You can roam quite freely around the structure, although you can find yourself well down a passage only to realize that the way has been blocked by fallen walls so you need to backtrack. This temple has featured in a few movies, the most famous of which is Laura Croft: Tomb Raider. All the men on the trip were hoping to see Angelina Jolie swing past them. My interruption would not have impressed, so I kept it to myself! This temple will eventual fall to ruins. So, come soon if you want to get the full effect.
The faces of Bayon
Bayon temple is a multi-platformed structure that features face carvings throughout. There are many columns on the top platform, each has a large face carved into each direction. There are also hundreds of smaller faces and figures in every nook and cranny. You constantly have a feeling of being watched. I must have taken 50 photos, but none really did it justice.
Angkor Wat at sunrise
Finally, Angkor Wat didn't disappoint. Well, it did in one aspect...the stairs. I had been warned by several people to be prepared for the incredibly steer and narrow steps. Well, sadly they closed the top platform to visitors last year. So I was left with only a photo op. I must admit, it would have taken some heavy willpower to get up them (or more so, down them), but I think I could have made it. Parts of the temple are under renovation, hence the scaffolding in my full view shots. Even so, there is definitely a mystic quality to Angkor Wat. The Cambodian people also respect and understand what this site means to their economy, and treat it and its visitors with a lot of respect. It was a public temple, welcoming all people to seek spiritual solace and it still offers itself up for those of us that are non-believers and gives us a place to reflect.
My experiences so far this year have had very Buddhist leanings. I am not a convert, but I can now say that I have a truer vision of its teachings and its offerings to people.
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