In the middle of the moat. See how it keeps the forest away, like it has done for a thousand years.
At the other end, some restoration work in progress, thanks to the crane. Those stones are heavy. How did the ancient folks move them around then?
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
The Moat 100806
We make our way across the causeway, for the 3rd time today.
In the middle of the moat. See how it keeps the forest away, like it has done for a thousand years.
At the other end, some restoration work in progress, thanks to the crane. Those stones are heavy. How did the ancient folks move them around then?
In the middle of the moat. See how it keeps the forest away, like it has done for a thousand years.
At the other end, some restoration work in progress, thanks to the crane. Those stones are heavy. How did the ancient folks move them around then?
The Entrance 100806
The entrance at the main gate, facing west, where the sun sets, which is an odd orientation for a Hindu temple. Sunset is always associated with The End, like ... ummm ... death?
Here, more nagas on balustrades.
Outer side of the wall, on the righthand side.
Worshippers before a deity in the main gate building.
Here, more nagas on balustrades.
Outer side of the wall, on the righthand side.
Worshippers before a deity in the main gate building.
The Temple City 100806
We pass the main gate, and there it is, Angkor Wat or Temple City, like it was this morning, but now in full late afternoon glory.
Another vista, but actually an excuse to snap pic of the devata passing by. :-)
Five majestic towers in all, arranged like the 5 dots on a die (quincunx). The one in the middle is tallest, at 65m above ground. Can you really see 5 towers here? :-)
Off the beaten path ...
Another vista, but actually an excuse to snap pic of the devata passing by. :-)
Five majestic towers in all, arranged like the 5 dots on a die (quincunx). The one in the middle is tallest, at 65m above ground. Can you really see 5 towers here? :-)
Off the beaten path ...
Angkor Wat Vistas 100806b
The well-kept lake on the left side, as one walks towards the temple.
My ever-willing model posing. Am trying the flash-in-shade trick ...
... and Angkor Wat comes out like a wall poster in a studio!
My ever-willing model posing. Am trying the flash-in-shade trick ...
... and Angkor Wat comes out like a wall poster in a studio!
Angkor Wat Vistas 100806c
Suryavarman's descendants ...
... and Suryavarman's guests, late by about ... mmm ... 900 years?
Suryavarman's beast? I spot a village nearby, so maybe it comes from there.
... and Suryavarman's guests, late by about ... mmm ... 900 years?
Suryavarman's beast? I spot a village nearby, so maybe it comes from there.
The Stalls 100806
There's a row of stalls selling the usual stuff under the shady trees to the left of the lake.
Salesmen at play.
Pitching a sale ... "One dollar only, mister!" ... "Will you buy from me when you come back, sir?"
Salesmen at play.
Pitching a sale ... "One dollar only, mister!" ... "Will you buy from me when you come back, sir?"
The Naga 100806
We are on the way out now, and stop by to admire the 900-year-old multi-headed naga at the start of a balustrade.
Looks like a cobra, but that's a 7-headed naga. Ferocious-looking.
Looks like a cobra, but that's a 7-headed naga. Ferocious-looking.
The Nymph 100806
We pass through the main gate and begin crossing the moat, and ... uh-huh, what's this? A water-nymph?
Ahhh ... just a bloke wanting to show off his camera gear.
Wish she could be my model ...
Ahhh ... just a bloke wanting to show off his camera gear.
Wish she could be my model ...
The Car-park 100806
We return to the carpark, a big space under the huge canopies, where the eating places are too.
Cambodia is receiving a lot of foreign aids for various projects. Sponsored vehicles are common-place, such as this one, thanks to the Japanese.
The way out of Angkor is via this delightful road through the forest.
Cambodia is receiving a lot of foreign aids for various projects. Sponsored vehicles are common-place, such as this one, thanks to the Japanese.
The way out of Angkor is via this delightful road through the forest.
The Way Out 100806
Truly pleasant drive through the forest of Angkor.
Out of the protected Angkor area, development encroaches. I hear even this narrow metal road was built just 8 months back. Before that it was a dirt road, which is still common fare.
Road-widening. With more visitors arriving (last year alone it was estimated 500,000 foreigners visited Angkor, at at least US$20 a head, mind you), infrastructure has to be upgraded.
Out of the protected Angkor area, development encroaches. I hear even this narrow metal road was built just 8 months back. Before that it was a dirt road, which is still common fare.
Road-widening. With more visitors arriving (last year alone it was estimated 500,000 foreigners visited Angkor, at at least US$20 a head, mind you), infrastructure has to be upgraded.
On the Way to Siem Reap 100806
More development as we get closer to Siem Reap.
And street-side commercial activities.
Nice avenue along the main road from Angkor to Siem Reap, passing by Sofitel and Le Meridien hotels.
And street-side commercial activities.
Nice avenue along the main road from Angkor to Siem Reap, passing by Sofitel and Le Meridien hotels.
FINAL ~ The Girl 100806
Back in the hotel, my girlfriend patiently awaits.
Bewitching beauty, yet with simplicity.
But alas, she likes to stick to the wall like the devatas and the apsaras, while I trawl the 80-channel satellite TV.
Bewitching beauty, yet with simplicity.
But alas, she likes to stick to the wall like the devatas and the apsaras, while I trawl the 80-channel satellite TV.
Monday, August 21, 2006
BANTEAY KDEI 10Aug2006
For easy orientation, please click for:
Map of Angkor
Kings of Cambodia
Chronology of Angkor Sites
Some Useful Terms
Map of Angkor
Kings of Cambodia
Chronology of Angkor Sites
Some Useful Terms