Ta Prohm and Four Other Temples, Cambodia
I don't know if we all can keep the interest levels up through a total of five temples today. Ta Prohm for sure. That's the one used in "Tomb Raider" with all the trees growing up through the temples. Very "Indiana Jones" looking and #4 on the list today. But all the others...
The first was Prasat Kravan from the early 10th century, originally constructed by noblemen rather than a king. The most interesting part of Prasat Kravan is the Vishnu carvings inside, rendered in brick and some inscriptions. This temple has the only example of brick bas-reliefs in the Angkor area.
Number Two, Banteay Kdei, constructed in the late 12th century. Not too much restoration had been done here. Lots of 3-headed elephants but the children bombarding our bus with "things" to sell...View image... were more up my alley. Little origami birds and fish, mobiles, blouses, more Kramas. Actually, lots more Kramas.
Banteay Samre, was Number Three for today. Mid-12th century, Angkor Wat-style architecture...the fun part was watching tourists trying to navigate the very narrow stairs (myself included)...
...let's move along to...lunch...not too far from Angkor Wat. Lunches have been pretty mediocre so ex-Marine and I just walked back down the road to watch tree-trimming Cambodian style and some food sellers. These trees are so gigantic that scaffolding is built around the tree for workmen to climb up and trim.
Ta-Da....Ta Prohm...View image.... Ta Prohm, again mid-12th century King Jayavarman VII, has been left almost completely unrestored. ...View image... It's still in the original state discovered in the 1800's (for how long, who knows). The big draw here is all the large fig and kapok trees that have grown through the stone complex, towers and corridors. And, let's not forget, the great setting for "Tomb Raider." Since our 1999 visit, the Government has opened wooden walkways through Ta Prohm which does detract a little from its jungle-ey atmosphere.
Would you believe we weren't done for the day?...I couldn't...
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