Tag 34 - holy

03.06.19

One big reason why we went to Cambodia and, especially, to Siem Reap is that from the beginning of our trip we have been thinking about visiting the center of the ancient Khmer Kingdom; namely Angkor, the largest temple complex in the world. When we were still in Thailand, we constantly weighed the very high admission price (€32 per person for one day) to the World Heritage Site, with the potential experience. In the end, we came to the conclusion that if you are already so close to this special place, it only makes sense to visit it. I mean, people fly all the way to Cambodia for a few days just to see these buildings; so we, who are already here, should definitely take advantage of this attraction.

So we get up in the morning at 06:30, go down to the reception where our TukTuk driver is already waiting for us. We specifically chose such an early time because it is pleasantly cool in the morning and in the morning. We sit on the comfortable back seat of the vehicle, start driving and after a few meters we have the feeling that we made a good decision. (As the Angkor area is about 200km² - for comparison: Kiel is 118 km² - and open roads lead through it, tourists in Siem Reap are not allowed to ride scooters). Since we already bought the tickets yesterday, we can go directly to our first destination, Angkor Wat, the main attraction of Angkor, after a short stop at the gas station.

Enjoying the breeze and the cool morning air, we quickly leave the urban area and drive on a straight road towards the temple. After a while through tropical greenery, we reach the moat that surrounds the temple and drive around it until we reach the 'Drop-Off' place. The driver tells us how to get to the temple, that we can take our time and that he will wait for us 'here'. Euphoric, we cross the makeshift bridge over the river - the original bridge is currently being restored - and already here you can catch a glimpse of the towers of the temple. When we arrive on the island and step through the gate, we are truly speechless. Despite the fact that we are surrounded by dozens of tourists, we immerse ourselves fully in the panorama that is offered to us. Since the impression that arises in us during the visit of the temple is difficult to describe, I think that photos are more appropriate.

PS: there will be a lot of photos in this post

After this incredibly impressive start to the tour, we leave the island in a daze and return to our TukTuk. The driver has made himself comfortable in a hammock that he has stretched between the roof supports of the TukTuk during the time we were away. We get into the vehicle, continue the tour, and once again enjoy the very comfortable mode of transportation.

The next stop we make is at the Bayon Temple, famous for its meter-high faces carved in stone. This temple is the centerpiece of the city of Angkor Thom and, although not as large as Angkor Wat, it is no less impressive. The complex is very labyrinthine and adorned with numerous engraved images.

We have a very special moment in the central tower, which can only be entered without headgear, without shoes, and with covered shoulders and long trousers (fortunately, all of these conditions are met). We walk along a dimly lit corridor, the smell of incense sticks wafts towards us, and we arrive in a small prayer chamber. Suddenly it is absolutely quiet, in front of us, some men are kneeling in front of a man-high Buddha statue illuminated by candles and praying. It is an unexpectedly spiritual experience to sit in a 1800-year-old temple and witness a traditional prayer.

After about an hour, we have seen everything here as well and return to our TukTuk. Now we go to another temple, which reminds us a bit of an Aztec temple with its pyramid shape and steep stairs. The temple was never completed, which is why it appears somewhat simple, in addition to Bayon and Angkor Wat. However, with its simplicity and openness, it makes a monumental impression. It is striking that there is significantly less going on here, which of course does not prevent us from climbing the attraction. After a short time, we come across a painter at a gate, whose artworks impress us so much that we promptly buy two pieces for €10. Upon reaching the plateau at the top, we have a good view of the jungle of Angkor.

We continue with the TukTuk, leave the wider roads, and drive even deeper into the jungle. We go to Angkor Prohm, a temple complex that has not been cleared from the jungle like all the others, but is in the condition in which French and German researchers found it. Accordingly, the atmosphere there was archaic; tree roots wind their way over and through the masonry, giant rocks are scattered everywhere. We feel like we're on an expedition! The feeling of being on an expedition is reinforced by the fact that you have to walk the last kilometer to the temple on foot through a forest section, and that the structure only slowly becomes visible between the greenery.