CAMBODIA
Angkor
Prasat Kravan

Ta Prom
When "discovered" most of the temple complex was engulfed by forest

Ta Prom
Use the people to the left for scale. During restoration, it became clear that many of large trees needed to be left in place to keep the temple stones together
Angkor Wat from a distance
The rear two towers are hidden at this angle. Since my childhood, I have wanted to see Angkor Wat. It made me slightly weak with anticipation to finally see it...
Angkor Wat bas relief
In addition to the tremendous scale, the entire Angkor Wat temple complex is ringed by these long and very detailed bas relief carvings
Angkor Wat bas relief detail
You can see the original red pigment
Angkor Wat
Happy Ellie and the steep climb to the central spire
The library, Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat
An artist's rendition of what it was like during a worship service
It certainly makes you wonder what the huge Angkor complex was like during its heyday
Sras Srang
Sras Srang

Angkor Wat
The urge to rub a carving appears to be particular strong when well-rounded breasts are presented

Angkor Wat
Note the different stages of carving from left to right
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat
Taking the cattle in at sunset
The Bayon
96 identical towers rise in the Bayon. In each cardinal direction is the same face in the same direction. In this temple, you would feel the eyes of the gods upon you everywhere you were.
The Bayon
Bird's nest

The Landmine Museum
As a refuge for amputees (of which there are many), some folks started this museum. It is full of examples of how cheaply made explosives and weapons can cause serious problems

Brooding hen on a landmine
I almost had Ellie believing that this mine was built to mimic a chicken
Angkor Wat
Preah Khan
The Elephant Terrace

Angkor Wat
the steep descent

This excellent scene occurred in the early morning before the tourists were too thick. These kids convinced the mahout to give them a quick ride.
The Angkor complex was originally built to honor the Hindu god Shiva. As time progressed, worship of Buddha crept in. However, one Hindu King decided to end buddhism. He had his minions go through the hundreds of temples and thousands of carvings and chisel out the image of Buddha. Consequently, every temple had many of these open carvings.
Angkor City
Lizard in an elephant head in the Elephant Terrace
My pal on Pre Rup
Check out the pig behind the wagon wheel
The popularity of the Angkor Wat sunset
Temple restoration
This reconstructed piece will go right above the door
The vendors await the end of your lunch
These kids were cute, persistent and excellent speakers of English. They knew George Pataki was the Governor of NY, that "Aaaarnold" was the Gov. of California. As we had lunch, we could hear them practicing their techniques.
Everyone comes to watch the Angkor Wat sunset. So, all of their drivers await them here. Makes for a serious madhouse at the end.

To the next Honeymoon page: Phnom Penh