Angkor Wat

You cannot go to Cambodia without going to the temples of Angkor Wat! They were built by the Khmer civilizations between 802 and 1220 A.D. These structures, of more than 100 stone temples, are the social and religious remains left for us to experience as part of a Buddhist and Hindu past. They were made by the Khmer kings over the course of four centuries; in 1432 it was abandoned - after it was pillaged by the Thais - and hidden by the rapid growth of the tropical jungle. Almost two centuries ago (late 1850s), this amazing area had been re-discovered by a French botanist - Henri Mouhot.

Our visit this morning was HOT, but I was thankful as it could have been much worse! We visited The Bayon Temple first, then Angkor Ta Prohm and finally Angkor Wat!!


BAYON TEMPLE

Bayon is a Buddhist temple built around 1190 A.D. by King Jayavarman. It also incorporates elements of Hindu cosmology and represents the intersection of heaven and earth. It is known for its huge stone faces. As you can see from the picture, each of the faces is facing outward as it "keeps watch of each compass point." The smiling image is thought to be a portrait of Jayavarman and has been labeled by some as the Mona Lisa of Southeast Asia. Surrounding Bayon, are 51 smaller towers - each with four faces of its own. AMAZING!!!

ANGKOR TA PROHM - A tree-lover's paradise

This is an example of what a tropical forest will do when the interfering hands of human beings are reserved!! Isn't it an absolutely unique site?!

This is human nature intertwined with temple ruins and relics. The serpentine roots of these trees gently fasten themselves to ancient stone over the course of Time. Together, they form an amalgamation of peace, history and spirituality... Similar to how a child releases him/herself on a playground, this is truly a spiritual playground ... an inviting place to release your deep thoughts and life's reflection!!

ANGKOR WAT

And here is the entrance to ANGKOR WAT (City Temple)!!! WoW!!!!

These are bullet holes on the stone wall from the Khmer Rouge... yet another reminder of Cambodia's "dark time,"

As we walked toward the entrance there was this building on the right and one indentical on the left, which were considered the libraries! You all know how much I love libraries!!! Aren't they amazing?!

This was our last climb to the highest level......

The originally built steps are much too narrow for someone to climb!

Other stairs have been installed that are much safter and easier to use.

The view from above!!!!!

The heads of the Buddhas were chopped off during the time when Hinduism was practiced.

I LOVED IT HERE ... a magical, mystical, magnificent place!!!!!