Annd.. there’s more!

More from the web album. Posted more here because I know many are lazy to click on the link. (=  

The Bayon in Angkor Thom. Another majestic temple. Angkor Thom means the big city, and it is really like a city of temples. Cool eh. The Bayon belongs to a certain era of construction, and they have giant face sculptures facing North, South, East and West. Entrances to most temples are on the East, I would think because that’s where the sun rises.

And how did I know all those information? From this trusty reference book that I bought outside The Bayon, of course. My nose was practically stuck in the book as we walked through all the temples. Lots of history and beliefs are brought to this modern era, without knowledge of the temples, visiting them will be doing them injustice.
Resting outside a library. Every temple has at least 1 library, though I don’t know what for. To safekeep relics, maybe.

Climbing down the steps leading to one of the towers that some king built for his wife. He had 12 wives, so you can guess how many towers were there.

Devoured by roots. Tree roots are only particular to this temple. The trees just sit atop the temple.

Scanning the vast landscape

The very very hospitable lady at the guesthouse called Last Home. The name reminds me of those horror movies where people goes in and never gets out [that's why "Last Home"] but it’s exactly on the contrary. She gave us huge hugs before we left, and kept waving as our transport drove off. And called us her son and daughter. haha.

At Kampot. Addoooraable little puppy on a pile of rice stalks. Poor little thing, I woke him up from his sleep, and stuck the camera into his face. He got so affected that after patronising me a little, he went back to sleep in his corner, with his tail facing me.  

Kampot. Ruins of the once magnificent Black Palace. Black because it was furnished with black wood panelings, which is a very precious type of wood. But the magnificence has long since wore off, what’s left is the ghost of a building.

Kampot

Back at Siem Reap. Drinking our cocktails and watching the boisterous dining crowd.

Well this was taken in Phnom Penh, with the central market in the background. It was composed by, of course, hy, and we’re both supposed to look lost while holding the map. I couldn’t stop laughing, and there was this persistent tut-tut driver who wouldn’t let us off, so I was a little paiseh to pose.

In short, Cambodia was a huge eye opener. A little bit of culture shock but nevertheless, the Khmers trace their roots way back. The temples are magnificent, to me, like pyramids of Egypt.

“Why Cambodia,” many people asked, with faces scrunched up. How we decided on Cambodia was purely from the Lonely Planet guide on Cambodia that we found for $8 at a book sale. That’s how the planning started. We’ve always wanted to discover Asia, so Cambodia is just the start of it all. The Cambodians have came a long way from history, and the country relies on its tourists, which is why they were attracted to us like how leeches are to blood. There’s more to offer than merely Angkor Wat, contrary to many’s perceptions. Each little town has its own distinct flavour, though they retain their humility and eagerness to please.

What I remember of that country.. Dust, lots and lots of dust; history; humility; cheap cocktails; long bus rides; very hospitable people (though, some with hidden agendas).