The Angkor Wat

At 9am sharp, our driver and English-speaking guide was already waiting for us. Along the way, the guide spoke to us about the temples we were about to see as well as the history of how these temples came about. It was interesting to know how the architecture changed (sometimes destroyed on purpose) because of a change in kingship and religion. This explains the many defaced and headless artifacts.

Of course, some of these acts of destruction were caused by “bad people” who were in to make a fast buck by selling original artifacts to antique hunters. Tourists are thus highly encouraged not to buy any of these. Simple logic – no demand, no need for a supply.

From 9.30am where we reached the first site right till 3pm, with a one hour lunch break in between, we trekked through the sites – long walks, climbing up stairs, winding in and out, dodging insensitive tourists – all under the hot sun. Our driver and guide thoughtfully stocked our van with ice cool water, much to our delight. But by then, my shoulders were burnt!

I leave you with pictures of the city of Angkor Wat to tell the rest of the story...

Big trees like these grow out of the temple buildings, this one at Ta Phrom. The trees while destory the buildings, also keep them together and prevent destruction by weathering.

Intricate carvings like these can still be seen despite years of weathering, erosion, and man's destruction. The carvings are made after the temple was built, explaining the grooves between the carvings.

Big tree roots of the Sung tree reflect the sun's light, giving rise to a silver tinge.



The tree's roots grow downwards, then upwards, breaking up the temple's strong stone walls.

Miraculously, the roots of this tree refuses to block the face of this carving, framing it nicely instead.


More tree roots draping over the temple buildings

People still offer joss sticks and prayers within the temple, believing in the sacredness of the building after all these years.

Every carving tells a story. This one near the Terrace of the Elephants, is the Terrace of the Leper King. The carvings depict how the people would be cured of leprosy after dipping into the water.

Our favourite monument, The Bayon, lying in the cnetre of the city of Angkor Thom.


My personal favourites













We came back to the Shinta Mani and were warmly welcomed by the receptionist with ice-cool lemongrass scented towels. Surely, we were experiencing hospitality to the fullest!

I took a dip by the pool then headed for my spa package which saw me scrubbed with a fruity concoction, followed by a bath in an outdoor shower, then wrapped with banana leaves and a cool mud mixture. To complete the pampering, I had an hour’s worth of kneading to loosen out the tension in the muscles. Heavenly.

We ordered room service cos we were too lazy to walk out after all that pampering, and for just USD1.50, I've got myself a mega huge ham sandwich with fries!

Now, I'm out at the lobby again tapping onto the wireless. It's the only way I can get connected to the world back home, and I'm thankful for it!