Angkor Archaeological Park - Day 4

November 18, 2013

The highlight of Laura's trip to Siem Reap was her visit to Angkor Wat.

The adventure starts at 8:15 am with a 20 minute TukTuk ride. 8436

And off we go ... 8436

... Destination ahead! 8441

We explored Angkor Wat ...

In my eyes, Laura could be the Model for that Statue! 8445

 

Up the very steep stairs ... 8486

  

Yes! That's where we just went up and down! 8533

For $1 Laura had her photo taken with costumed troubadours. 8524

Statues abound. These are only a few. I cannot even imagine the people stories behind each of these.

Outside, away from the crowds,
we rested in the shade as we ...

... imagine ancient people once rested
 in this very place!  8470 & 1275

On the lighter side: These Gibbon's Monkeys know where the tourists keep the good stuff ... and they aren't shy about getting some for themselves! The one pictured below got our Longan fruits before Laura got to taste any!

Angkor Thom: The once great capitol city with it's older Baphuon and Bayon Temples; it's massive outer walls, moat and troop viewing platforms (Terrace of the Leper King and Elephant Terrace); the 4 huge cardinal point gates and the Victory Gate leading to the Royal Palace were so wonderful to explore.

Photo ops galore ... 1338

The corner posts - so big and detailed!!! 1317

Many are rebuilt but some are still intact 8574

I couldn't resist! 8578

Baphuon -after renovations. 8600-1

More steep stairs - do this every day! 8611

Looking d - o - w - n !  8615

Arches over the rampart pathways 8617 

Atop The King's Platform looking toward The Leper King's Terrace.
Looking off to the Right - That's only half the parade grounds! 1380

Ancient Buildings: Yes, the photos are all mixed up! But so are my memories! One could study a lifetime! :-)

We wandered through walls and into the cooling woods,
     lost of course,
          but not caring ... until we needed to stop for lunch!

Laura couldn't resist looking to see what lay beyond the wall - a secluded jungle pool! 8626

Deep in the jungle, cool and quiet - A wall! 8633

Let's go This Way - or That Way - We're Lost! 8640

Carvings deep inside the Terrace of the Leper King. 8638

We Break for Lunch. Coconut Water, Rice or Noodles with some vegetables and a bit of meat...
... Then we found a toilet.  8645-1

Carvings Everywhere - Each with it's people story to tell!
We are amazed they have survived for hundreds to thousands of years!
So sad they didn't have "caption" back then.

Da picked us up again to ride through The Victory Gate;
     ... through the woods stopping at Ta Keo and
          ... over to Ta Prohm where the trees have rooted in and through the                        rubble and ruins.

Here we experienced vendors selling etchings on silk, carved statues and other touristy wares. I was tempted to buy one of those little flutes - They'd be OK out in the jungle but I am sure John, or the neighbours, wouldn't like me playing a flute around our home! :-0

Laura & I explore Ta Prohm. We really enjoyed this place.

We took a few moments to relax by the shore of Sras Srang (The Royal Pool) and Banteay Kdei. The local little kids were sure persistent at trying to sell us on the idea that we really needed a cool Coke!

In awe of Cambodia's beauty! 

Happy to be sitting down & ready to head back into town. 8738

Good thing we decided on the "small" tour!

The adventure culminated with a very pleasant and relaxing massage at Lemon Grass Spa before dinner at Cambodian Soup Kitchen.

We even took a "take-out" soup home for our sick one (John).



End Note: If you want more information about history or details of where we took the above photos then Google; "Angkor Wat", "Angkor Thom", "TaKeo", "Ta Prohm", "Banteay Kdei" and "Sras Srang".

My memory can't tell you more than I already have!  :-)

Better yet: Come for a visit and I'll go visit, again, with you!  :-)