Cambodia
Last September 7 I did a KTK diary on our trip to Viet Nam. Then on September 28 I continued with the section of the trip which covered Halong Bay. We extended our trip for three days to accommodate our desire to see the famous Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world.
We flew from Saigon to Siem Reap, the city close to Angkor Wat. This trip was in 2006 and the tourist penetration was already well under way, with more and more hotels being built. But it was not as overwhelming as I suspect it is now. We toured Angkor Thom, Bayon, and Baphoun, less well known structures in various states of repair.
Each face has a different expression, but all were representations of the King who ordered them built.
Deferred Maintenance.
Giant trees called "strangler figs" were everywhere, and had torn down many of the structures. You might call it a Figbash.
This is why I try to stay ahead of the blackberries around here.
On to Angkor Wat itself. It is in marvelous condition. My recollection is that it was about 105° and we raced from shady spot to shady spot.
Those in the know carried parasols for shade.
Fascinating all throughout. You could climb into the towers via steps which wouldn't meet OSHA standards. I climbed easily, as did Mrs. side pocket.
But as I attempted to go back down, the almost vertical steps, not in the best condition,
spooked me. I was told that on the other side there were steps with a handrail, so I chose that option, as did most others. Thus there was a 45 minute wait to descend.
All of us chickens.
And there at the bottom was Mrs. side pocket, who had climbed down the steep steps directly, along with the women of the tour, who were cheering her while jeering we spineless guys. Oh, the shame.
Local intricate carvings told the history; events both mundane and militaristic.
All too often, the historical record of warfare.
As we left, we saw this panel, which apparently was touched by many tourists in certain areas "for good luck?"
We feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity for a few trips while our health and finances were still adequate for such "overseas adventure. I have some doubts that the opportunity will come again for us, but I do hope if it does for others, they will take advantage of it.
While finally downloading these photos, which I haven't seen for years, I discovered a rather complete photo record of the first YearlyKos. If anyone is interested I might present them in a future KTK.
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Kitchen Table Kibitzing is a community series for those who wish to share part of the evening around a virtual kitchen table with kossacks who are caring and supportive of one another. So bring your stories, jokes, photos, funny pics, music, and interesting videos, as well as links—including quotations—to diaries, news stories, and books that you think this community would appreciate. Readers may notice that most who post diaries and comments in this series already know one another to some degree, but newcomers should not feel excluded. We welcome guests at our kitchen table, and hope to make some new friends as well.
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