After the novel-length entry I posted about my first day
in Cambodia, I promised that I would keep this one light on the text and heavy
on the pix. I aims to please ya’ll, and pictures are my preferred technique of
encouraging reading; it’s positive reinforcement! It worked when I was a kid,
and I still prefer books with pictures…
 |
| Welcome to Angkor Wat |
|
 |
| Bigger than it looks, if you believe that |
 |
| A small portion of the innumerable elaborate stone carvings littered about these temples |
Continue on after the jump for a little more background and a lot more of my favorite pictures.
*QUICK BACKGROUND* - The architectural marvel known as
Angkor Wat is Siem Reap’s (and probably Cambodia’s for that matter) greatest
claim to fame, and the only reason that the city has become such a tourist hub.
I won’t bore you with lots of facts, but for those of you who are interested, I
would direct you to
this website for starters. The bare basics are that: though
Angkor Wat is the most important temple in the vicinity, there are, in fact, a
great deal of bafflingly massive and timelessly beautiful ancient ruins in the
surrounding area, and when visiting, one does not simply see Angkor Wat itself
and leave. Some people even spend 7 days investigating every nook and cranny of
every temple. I did 2 very full days, and it was an amazing experience, despite
the hordes of Chinese tourist groups and my financial inability to afford a
proper guide who could tell me all the stories of every place. Still snapped
some solid photizzles, and I have compiled a small collection of some of my
favorites. For those of you that waded through, or are yet to wade through
(hint hint) my
facebook album, let me know which photos you think should’ve
made the cut by commenting on FB or here. It won’t change anything, but at
least I'll know!..
 |
| I exercised restraint and only included ONE concentric doorways picture |
 |
| Who knows how the colors ended up on this carving; I just know it looks awesome |
 |
| To me, the roots of this tree look like a huge hand, with the temple in its vice-like grip. To me at least... |
 |
| Somebody needs to start paying me for this stuff |
 |
| Two of the many faces of Bayon. Khmer Mt. Rushmore |
 |
| Sunrise at Angkor Wat. Mostly rise, very little sun to speak of. |
 |
| I just thought the crack in the ground was beautiful. There happened to be part of a temple behind it. |
 |
| Maybe my favorite; You cant tell a jungle not to grow in a tropical climate! It's gonna do its thing regardless of what timeless artifacts are encroaching on it's progress. |
 |
| "We have some extra building materials, where should we store them?.." Here's fine... |
 |
| However big it looks, that's how big it was. Unless it looks small, in which case you'd be wrong |
 |
| Cute |
 |
| It was still raining while the sun was setting/this picture was taken. Too bad we didn't get a rainbow |
 |
| No caption necessary (yes, I'm aware of the inherent irony of this) |
 |
| Buddhist monks are crazy photogenic |
|
I hope you enjoyed that refreshing change! Tune in next week to hear about the remainder of my vacation, which was far less active than the first 2.5 days. Still got some excellent pictures though, never fear.
Many, many things about you make me jealous, but these photos are at the top of my list today. You are a great photographer! When you are done teaching, I see another career in your future. Gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteGreat pics Ian! You are right about the one with the temple reflection. Someone should be paying you!
ReplyDeleteIan, that's incredible! Your pictures are unreal. And I just read some of your stories....hilarious!! Your time sounds like it's been quite the adventure and an amazing experience.
ReplyDelete