Sunday, August 12, 2007

Last Day in Cambodia

I'm spending my last bit of time in Siem Reap relaxing. I loved visiting all of the temples, but three days was enough. Now onto some of my favorite things: a three hour afternoon nap, a visit to a silk factory, a swim and poolside read at an expensive resort (why pay to stay there when you can just pay to swim?) I'll put on some "highlights" pictures now, and try to figure write some interesting summary posts once I get to Kuala Lumpur.

Obviously, Angkor Wat is the first thing you think of when you hear "Angkor Wat in Cambodia", but of course it's actually many temples spread out over miles. Most were built over 1,000 years ago, and it boggles the mind how they transported and build a 65m tower and carved it! It also boggles the mind that I'm allowed to climb and run all over it. The picture above is of a "staircase" in Angkor Wat: supposedly it's that steep to remind people how difficult it is to get to heaven. Easier if you fall and break your neck, I guess. This one had cement bricks and a railing added, but it was still harrowing (and other stairs did not).

My favorite temple, though, was Ta Phrom. I went at 6am, and I was literally the only person there. Someone at the hotel suggested I go early because you still hear all the noises of the animals in the jungle and you feel like you're discovering a lost ruin. They left it run down and left the trees standing to give it that "lost temple" feel.

This is at the Bayon temple with traditional Aspara dancers (I paid $1 for the photo opportunity). Below is a picture of the kids who were passionately selling every imaginable souvenir at each temple.More to come!

Posted by Kathleen @ 3:28 PM