ANGKOR (Day 16 - part 5)

We then headed to Angkor Wat, perhaps the most famous of all the temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park.

Click for a larger image

Angkor Wat was built by Emperor Suryavarman II, who ruled from 1113 to 1150. As we've already learned, Angkor means city and Wat means temple... so this is the "temple city" and it served as the state temple and political center. It started as a Hindu temple (dedicated to Vishnu) but was gradually transformed into a Buddhist one.

The layout

We made our way down the long elevated walkway and entered the temple complex.

The inner pools were dry.

The walls were covered with stone bas-reliefs, showing stories of wars between people, gods and demons.

The images had many shiny bits from people touching them. It's now roped off to protect them.

Decapitations from war .... and strange beasts that tortue you in Hell

Demons and gods churn the milk in their tug-of-war. Again notice the huge anchorman!

Wandering the complex...

There are the five big inner temples and then these four outer ones in the corners.

Very interesting hair!

One is allowed to climb up into the spires, but the stairs are incredibly steep!

We left the inner temple area and sat beyond the walled complex, watching the sun set and the full moon rise. Geckos sang their song from the distant trees.

Chetra got us back into town around 7 pm. We grabbed dinner at a restaurant then called it a night.

Apparently there's an important need for restaurants to tell you this!

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