Angkor oh Angkor
Photos should be online tonight at:
http://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/lloronapr/my_photos
As well, we hooked up with Tim and Cindy from the US who are travelling for oh... about 7 years on bicycles.
We rode for three days together and we're also honered to be a part of thier webiste log, photos and videos.
Please have a look at:
http://www.downtheroad.org/Asia/
As well Allan has updated his blog at:
Allan’s blog info:
http://www.ravenglass.com/theroad/
One of the ultimate cycling pleasures must be a trip in and around Angkor Wat. When entering the Angkor complex you start of modestly with no other but the magnificent Angkor Wat. It was built by Suryavarman II between 112-52 to honour Vishnu. Entering the temple you walk across a stone bridge. After seeing Angkor Wat numerous times on television and picture I thought the impact of the structure would be a little bit over done. Needles to say that you are blown away by the massive central tower 55 meters above ground. The temple is surrounded by a vast moat forming a rectangle of 1.5km by 1.3km.
Then off to the city of Angkor Thom. Entering through the south gate you get shivers running down your spine in anticipation of what is to come. The massive gate decorated with five serene faces of Avalokitesvara look down upon you with a calm smile and quite peaceful but vigilant eyes. After cycling for about 1km you are treated with Bayon. The 200+ faces of Avalokitesvara somehow give an impression that you are constantly being watched.
Some writing while sitting in Bayon in the afternoon:
”Sitting in Bayon has to be one of the most spiritually inspiring moments in life. Although I’m not sure how the energy can transfer to ones soul, the humble feeling of smallness arrives at the mind. I have never been so moved by a monument before, especially considering that Buddhism and Hinduism are quite distant to my origins. The faces of Bayon seem to transfer an enormous amount of wisdom and serenity. The thick smiling lips and understanding but watchful eyes of the Buddha have a quizzical and very mysterious feeling.”
One funny thing that happened at Bayon. I was really spaced out by the atmosphere of the place and completely absorbed by it when I see a monk walking within the same corridor as me. As he walked by me he smiled and said “Hi”. I replied “Hi” as well. This brought me back to earth a little.
I’m not going to go on and on about different temples, however it is worth mentioning Ta Prohm. This is the temple left overgrown by the jungle. The concept of jungle reclaiming what once belonged to it has magnificent combinations a narrow corridors and degenerating stonework. Add monuments and structures overgrown by the jungle and you get ‘Lara Croft: The Tomb Raider’. Yes this is where the movie was partially shot.
For anybody remotely interested in Angkor who considered going there; words and pictures can not describe the feelings and mysteriousness of this place. It has to be experiences first hand.
http://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/lloronapr/my_photos
As well, we hooked up with Tim and Cindy from the US who are travelling for oh... about 7 years on bicycles.
We rode for three days together and we're also honered to be a part of thier webiste log, photos and videos.
Please have a look at:
http://www.downtheroad.org/Asia/
As well Allan has updated his blog at:
Allan’s blog info:
http://www.ravenglass.com/theroad/
One of the ultimate cycling pleasures must be a trip in and around Angkor Wat. When entering the Angkor complex you start of modestly with no other but the magnificent Angkor Wat. It was built by Suryavarman II between 112-52 to honour Vishnu. Entering the temple you walk across a stone bridge. After seeing Angkor Wat numerous times on television and picture I thought the impact of the structure would be a little bit over done. Needles to say that you are blown away by the massive central tower 55 meters above ground. The temple is surrounded by a vast moat forming a rectangle of 1.5km by 1.3km.
Then off to the city of Angkor Thom. Entering through the south gate you get shivers running down your spine in anticipation of what is to come. The massive gate decorated with five serene faces of Avalokitesvara look down upon you with a calm smile and quite peaceful but vigilant eyes. After cycling for about 1km you are treated with Bayon. The 200+ faces of Avalokitesvara somehow give an impression that you are constantly being watched.
Some writing while sitting in Bayon in the afternoon:
”Sitting in Bayon has to be one of the most spiritually inspiring moments in life. Although I’m not sure how the energy can transfer to ones soul, the humble feeling of smallness arrives at the mind. I have never been so moved by a monument before, especially considering that Buddhism and Hinduism are quite distant to my origins. The faces of Bayon seem to transfer an enormous amount of wisdom and serenity. The thick smiling lips and understanding but watchful eyes of the Buddha have a quizzical and very mysterious feeling.”
One funny thing that happened at Bayon. I was really spaced out by the atmosphere of the place and completely absorbed by it when I see a monk walking within the same corridor as me. As he walked by me he smiled and said “Hi”. I replied “Hi” as well. This brought me back to earth a little.
I’m not going to go on and on about different temples, however it is worth mentioning Ta Prohm. This is the temple left overgrown by the jungle. The concept of jungle reclaiming what once belonged to it has magnificent combinations a narrow corridors and degenerating stonework. Add monuments and structures overgrown by the jungle and you get ‘Lara Croft: The Tomb Raider’. Yes this is where the movie was partially shot.
For anybody remotely interested in Angkor who considered going there; words and pictures can not describe the feelings and mysteriousness of this place. It has to be experiences first hand.
posted by Rob at 2:49 AM
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