The excitement built as we slowly got closer to the famous Angkor Wat, after all if you don't see Angkor Wat you have not seen Cambodia. As we got closer the number of tourists slowly increased and so did the signs for NGO projects in the countryside. Coming from the outside in, it was remarkable to see the ways that this huge tourist draw shaped the lives and structure of the people surrounding the area.
The complex of Angkor Wat is huge and represents the world's largest religious monument and at one time was the largest city in the world. Originally a Hindu temple it was transformed into one of Buddhism and the mixing of the religions can be seen throughout the temples. It was also the inclusion of both of these religions that gave the reigning king much broader and accepted influence in the area. The structures have been almost always occupied since its creation in the 11th century although it fell into disarray by the end of the 12th century with many of the precious stones being stolen.
One of the remarkable things about biking to the area was to see the numerous temples outside the immediate vicinity. One large complex we visited the day before has recently been established as a world UNESCO site. Walking through miles of beautiful quiet forest with stunning temples we were the only tourists, a stark contrast to the main site that welcomes 500,000 people a year.
Our last day of biking as part of our tour was also the first of three days we ended up spending in this large vast complex that makes up the Angkor Heritage Site. By biking with a guide we were able to go through sections we would have missed any other way such as biking for kilometers along the ancient wall or through ancient gates abandoned in the woods.
Our time in Angkor reminded me that time is such a gift. Time to try different places for sunrise. The place made me reflect a lot on time, how time can change the way we perceive an event, how different shades and depths are seen through time and the beauty of time - the trees growing over the massive structures changing the temple over time, a place can go from the center of asia and the largest city in the world, to nearly a ruin, to a large tourist monument over time. Angkor Wat reminded me of the Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, giving something different to each who choose to sit with it, holding thousands of years of wishes and prayers and laying witness to time.
Getting up close with history
We took hundreds of pictures - it was so great to be able to climb in and out of the ruins, seeing it all from different perspectives.
Fun at the royal gates becomeing part of the artwork.
Royal museum on the way to temples.
The famous Cananball Tree and its daily healing flowers
Quick get your picture. The mobs of people always throw us off.
The only part of this temple left is the gate held up by the tree that grew around it. I loved the interplay between nature and history here.
Lighting offerings at an abandoned temple.
Here you can see both the Hindi God and Buddha carved together as the religion changed over time.
Massive tress at the famous “jungle temple” made famous by Tomb Raider.
