Since Kelvin and I flew across the world to the Philippines, we thought we'd visit Cambodia and one of the world's archeologic wonders, Angkor Wat, which is an amazing complex of temples (some Hindu, some Buddhist, some fusion) from as early as the 12-13th centuries outside and around the town of Siem Reap. The ruins were spectacular and reminded us a lot of Machu Picchu! Tomb Raider was apparently shot here, at the temple Ta Prohm.
Being in South East Asia also reminded me a lot of the time (age 8-10) my family spent in Thailand. Although the heat and insects are rough, the people are wonderful and the fruits amazing!
There are a few ways to get to Angkor Wat: via tuk tuk (a sort of motorized rickshaw) or bike. Since our villa offered free bike usage, we took the exercise-route and biked the 15 km there and back, as well as around the km and km of area where the other, and smaller, temples are scattered.
On bikes
Biking alongside another mode of transportation: the elephant
- First time seeing a bat this close-- this kid brought this (toy) to our lunch table at Angkor Wat!
Greeting!
We were able to ride a hot-air balloon (fixed line, unfortunately, but a first for me!) and see the sunrise over Angkor Wat, which is the largest religious building in the world! It is still under reconstruction.
Into the walls of Angkor Thom and by Bayon, our favorite temple, and the "Temple of many faces"
Some meditative poses to fit the temple environment
Temple Ta Keo
Preah Khan
We stayed briefly in Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital, where we visiting the Killing Fields of Choeng Ek and the Toul Seng prison/Genocide museum which documented the horrors of the mass exterminations led by Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge in the late 1970s.
Cambodia had its firsts!
- First time in the country for both of us (add another to the country list!)- First time in a hot air balloon for me
- First time for a nibbling fish (Garra Rufa) foot massage, which is just WEIRD!
- First time seeing a bat this close-- this kid brought this (toy) to our lunch table at Angkor Wat!
- First time trying "Lychee fanta," which is very very tasty!
- Also, first time trying a variety of other fruits, including dragon fruit, mang cau (or "custard apple," rose apple, and traditional Khmer food
Cambodia is highly recommended!
1 comment:
Ronnie may be headed back to Cambodia this summer. He always starts his trip in Phnom Phen then goes to the coast for a few days. He loves the Cambodia people.
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