Siem Reap
Trip Start
Feb 17, 2007
1
6
53
Trip End
Sep 06, 2008
Siem Reap,
Cambodia
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Not long ago, Siem Reap was merely a collection of tiny villages. They have since merged into small town that most tourists use as a springboard into the famous Angkor Wat. For me, it's one of those places I can wander for days. A magical place I want to keep soaking up.
I have two main contacts here while leading tours. One is Sophal, the receptionist in our office, and the other is Vanna, the front desk manager of the primary hotel we use. I asked both of them where I could get good, authentic Khmer food. So I followed their advice to...a...'T'!!!! One of the signature dishes here is fish amok, a caserole with herbs that's pretty tasty. So the next time I saw Sophal and Vanna, I asked if I would become same-same as them. In typical Khmer style, they simply smiled and said 'maybe'. Both Sophal and Vanny are extremely tall! Quite an adjustment for me visually after traveling through Cambodia's bordering countries.
A dignified posture and elegant stride. I see it everywhere. At the end of my last tour, a passenger wondered, "why would anybody want to kill 2 million of these people?" The question stopped me. It defied any type of rational or heart-felt answer.
Another reason I love Siem Reap is apsara - a traditional dance that has survived over a millenium. Every night there are several performances in town. My limited understanding is that usually a story is played out in some form of drama. Most of my attention, though, is on the brightly colored costumes. The primary feature is a solo female who balances on one foot while slowly and methodically rotating to the music. Some of my favorite pictures so far.
Not far outside Siem Reap is the world-famous Angkor Wat and numerous other temples. During its hey-day from the 9th to the 13th century, up to a million people lived here. By contrast, the population of London at the time was estimated at only 35,000.
Angkor Wat is a spectacular sight. One of its taglines is the largest religious structure in the world. Some tourists claim its more impressive than the pyramids. Whatever superlative you choose will probably work. How many people get up at 4am while on vacation? When it means sunrise over Angkor Wat...everybody. Another stunning view is from 200 meters up - in a hot air baloon. An aerial view really puts in perspective. I definitely recommend it for anybody who comes here!
The Khmer empire was situated strategically between China in the east and India in the west. Consequently, Buddhism and Hindu strongly influenced architecture and religion. Eventually, as with all empires, the Khmer went into decline. And the jungles enveloped its temples.
Two of the temples, Ta Prohm and Preah Khan, have deliberately received minimal renovations. Why? So people today can see how they were when discovered back in the 19th century. Trees crowd through doorways. Giant roots are tilting walls further and further off balance. Crickets, parrots and other birds chirping in the forest. I'm fascinated by it. It may be pretty simple but I never get tired of it. Can you tell these are my favorite temples? The little boy inside could explore forever.
Next, back to Vietnam for some culture.
Eric
