Marilyn's Odyssey: Siem Reap

Our first stop in Cambodia is Siem Reap so we can explore the Angkor Archeaological Park. Dating back to the 10th to 12th century. We started our visit at Angkor Thom which literally means Great City. The 3km of 8 meter high walls are flanked by a moat and interspersed with five imposing gates which built so long ago have just enough space for a well driven tour bus to squeeze through. We toured the ruins of the temple Bayon where 54 towers have giant stone car and d Buddha heads. Though the temple has suffered greatly through the centuries the Buddhas and other carvings were in amazingly good shape. Many worshipers come here to pray to Buddha. Stopping to see the Terrace of Elephants which was used for royal celebrations we made our way to the Ta Prohm monastery. Dating from 1186 it was both a monastery and a Buddhist university. In he last centuries the jungle has taken a firm hold. Archaeologists have made a deliberate decision to leave Ta Prohm as it was found by the Europeans in the 19th century. With trees emerging out of temple buildings and thick roots covering ruined passageways the jungle has become part of the architecture and it is stunning to behold. For movie goers this is where Tomb Raider was filmed.

Travelling some 20kms upstream we then went to Banteay Srei which was built in the 10th century. It is distinguished from the other temples by its glorious pink colour from the sandstone it is constructed from. The carvings on the entrances are beautifully detailed and many still in excellent shape. This temple has only been available for visiting in the last few years as prior to that Khmer Rouge bandits were operating in the area and it was deemed unsafe.

Our final temple visit was to the iconic Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. Rising at 430am we were there to witness the sunrise. Though the colors were not as spectacular as we are told they can be it was very special to watch this magnificent structure appearing from the darkness. Built as a Hindu temple it was taken over by the Buddists after it was abandoned In the 15th century. It is an immense structure four stories high and its walls are adorned with beautiful carvings depicting scenes from Hindu history. Climbing the 70 degree stairs to the fourth floor we were rewarded with panoramic views of the whole complex.

A highlight of our time in Siem Reap was a visit to the orphanage which AMA helps sponsor. Thirty two children live here as well as are schooled here with a lot of emphasis on art and English. After an entertaining dance show the individual children took us on a tour of their home eager to practice some English skills. The building was very sparse with an outside kitchen and classroom and only two bedrooms but the children were all clean, well nourished and very happy and polite. Leaving them some school supplies was the least we could do.

Our visit here was rounded out by a Cambodian dance show and a Tuk Tuk ride to the old town to do some exploring on our own. Turned down the opportunity to purchase several Rolexes!