On our first full day in Cambodia, we toured the Angkor area for a full day. We explored the ancient ruins with the South Gate of Angkor Thom, which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone. We spent a lot of time in the incredible Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King. All before lunch!!
Angkor Wat is an architectural masterpiece and was constructed in the 12th century. It covers an area of about 210 hectares. Sometime near the end of the first 5 kms, my hip gave out. I was so upset! Both of us wanted to see Angkor Wat – there is a magnet in most souvenir shops that says – “See Angkor Wat and then die”.
We had an amazing lunch and as my hip had started to give out on the way to lunch. Soeu said he was sure he could figure something out. He took us to a different entrance and spoke to the guards – they made me walk (limp) and took a picture of my mosquito bitten leg (not sure what that would tell anyone). AND – he got us sooooo close – I am so grateful as I was sure we would have to miss out on this amazing world heritage site.
Those of you who know me well, know I love trees. They work together to keep each other thriving and they are the most resilient. The trees around the temples were magnificent! Those of you who are Tomb Raider fans will recognize the tree from the movie which was shot around this area.
I was in heaven. We did buy one souvenir – from a local art student/teacher. You guessed it! It is a tree!!
For us, it was a day we won’t soon forget! The stories that are told in the sandstone carvings are incredible. Wandering around temples that were built from the 10th to 15 centuries?? WOW. As I keep saying… #blessed.
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