Siem Reap
Our tuk tuk driver will be at our service for the next 3 days. He was waiting for our 8 AM departure to Angkor Thom, one of the largest ancient Khmer cities. We entered through the south gate that has been restored (unfortunately I think).
The city houses other temples, but most of it is now forest. From the gate on to one of the most amazing temples we saw, the Bayon.
The Bayon is know as the temple of faces. It has undergone additions and changes over the centuries changing it from Hindu worship to Buddhist.
Heading out of Angkor Thom, the most photographed temple was next on route - Ta Prohm. We refer to it as the tree temple. I liked it because it did not seem to be as restored. It had been left to nature where trees have set down there enormous roots and parts of the walls have crumbled. It is confusing to walk around as it has many compact passways and buildings close together.
I was awed by the beauty of how nature had grown to be a part of this temple. The craftsmanship and detail is centuries worth of peoples life work.
By now, the temperature was steadily rising and we opted to head back to the hotel to cool off. We have 2 more days of temple exploring so best not to get templed out on the first day.
