Cambodia: The Temples
Angkor Wat:
We began Isaac's birthday before dawn at Ankor Wat (pronounced "Uncle What?"). Arriving in near solitude on the eastern side, we walked around the temple complex to join hundreds of other visitors awaiting the sunrise, which was probably quite beautiful behind the cloud cover. Despite the hidden Sun, the reflection of the five main pillars in the moat still inspired awe.
Glenn, Michele and Isaac in front of Angkor Wat at "sunrise."
Like
Bayon, the interior walls of Angkor Wat are covered with elaborate bas
reliefs. Unlike those at Bayon, these have never been exposed to the
elements and still retain all their original, exquisite detail.
Solin explaining the mythology of the bas reliefs. The carvings on this wall are divided into three separate levels: those at the top represent the heavens; the ones on the bottom are scenes of the underworld; Earth is depicted in the middle level.
A battle between a demon, on the left, and a god, on the right.
Another scene from the epic battle between gods and demons. The carvings were painted; some of the original paint can still be seen in the recesses.
Looking down one of the many hallways.
Solin explaining the mythology of the bas reliefs. The carvings on this wall are divided into three separate levels: those at the top represent the heavens; the ones on the bottom are scenes of the underworld; Earth is depicted in the middle level.
A battle between a demon, on the left, and a god, on the right.
Another scene from the epic battle between gods and demons. The carvings were painted; some of the original paint can still be seen in the recesses.
Looking down one of the many hallways.
The
steps
leading up to the topmost
pillar in the center of the temple were closed
off in the early morning, and a long line of people were waiting for
them to open.
The central pillar of Angkor Wat
At
around 7:30 A.M. several Buddhist monks were allowed
to ascend and leave offerings at the
pillar's shrine.
After about 15 minutes the monks came down, and the
tourists were allowed up.
Monks climbing the steep, narrow steps into the central pillar.
Overlooking the southwest section of the temple from the central pillar.
Michele and Isaac aside a meditating Buddah protected by Naga, the seven-headed serpent, behind him.
The central pillar of Angkor Wat
Monks climbing the steep, narrow steps into the central pillar.
Overlooking the southwest section of the temple from the central pillar.
Michele and Isaac aside a meditating Buddah protected by Naga, the seven-headed serpent, behind him.
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Updated September 7, 2015
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