090909 Wed [Siem Reap]

Woke up early at 445am as Kriss is bring me out to watch sunrise. When I step out of the room, it was pitch dark along the corridor. Thinking of braving through the darkness but a voice in me insisted to bring the touch light. And that turns out be an angel talking to me. For when I reached Angkor Wat. It was also dark too. Everyone is holding on to a torch light! It is totally impossible for someone like me with night blindness to climb the uneven steps without spraining my ankle. And I need my own light; can't depend on others torch light at all! Just as it is not possible for us to tap on others salvation, we have to work for our own salvation in life. Thank God for sending the angel.

No Sunrise... So sad...

But it's a pity I didn't get to catch a good view of the sunrise. The sky was cloudy. Must be because it didn't wake up earlier for dawn. Repent quickly.

Breakfast outside Preah Khan before heading in the huge monastic complex in my rain coat. The long quiet walk down the long passage is rather lonely in the early morning but it allowed me to capture all the shots without having to wait for crowd to pass. Climbing up and down the steps from one tower to another offered good morning exercise too.

At East Mebon, I have this realisation. To commemorate or glorify their God and ancestors, the kings build all these temples. In the past, it is really not an easy task, especially to transport all those rocks from one place to another. Now the Lord taught us to pray regularly any time any where at our own comfort. What does it seems so difficult for many of us to do so then. Indeed time for repentance. East Mebon is build in late 10th century by King Rajendravarman II. It is a 3 level high temple crowned by 5 towers. Here, I managed to catch some explanation by this Taiwanese tour guide that this temple was initially build by the King as a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva in honour of his parents but in order to regain the declining popularity from his people, the king turn it to a Buddhist temple at a later date. The guide also explained that the holes on the stone had 2 explanations. One is because the King wanted to plant gems on the walls so that the temple can grow at night but it seems almost impossible to find so many gem stones at that time. Second explanation if for injection of some mixture made of glutinous rice, sugar an other stuff to hold the stone together. And Kriss explained to me it's simply to join 2 stones together with some mixture just as how we do scoring in clay. Truth is always logical and easy to understand. So which do you think is likely to be the correct explanation.

Further north about 37 km from Siem Reap is the Banteay Srey Temple. It is translated to "Citadels of the women" but has nothing to do with women. It is simple because it is much smaller in size as compared to other temples but it has the most dedicated and beautiful carvings. Its deep and intricate carvings displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art is still very much visible despite being build in late 10th century. Definitely worth the longer drive up.

Finally it's turn to visit Angkor Wat. It is not name one of the world 7 wonders for no reason. It is visually, architectually and artistically breathtaking. It has a massive three-tiered pyramid crowned by 5 lotus-like towers rising 65 m above ground level. Surrounded by a moat, the 350m long Western Causeway led me to the temple. On either side of the causeway stand the libraries. The first level of the temple consists of the North, South, East and West Gallery. Each of them has bas-belief panels representing Army of Surayavarman II, Scenes of Heaven and Hell, Churning of the Ocean of Milk etc. The pillars provide really good photo opportunities as well as a place for one to rest and reflect. I spend some times there with God and truly remember every moment of it. The second level consisted of 4 stone tanks that was once filled with sacred water used for bathing by priests and initiates. The walls are lined with an astonishing number of apsara dancers. Third level which is under restoration and not accessible consists of the central tower and four surrounding towers. Indeed the visual impact of Angkor Wat was awesome.

The "yard" just outside Angkor Wat

The Entrance

The pillars and ceiling

The Gallery

Second LevelPicture-in-the-windowMore in the exterior Playing with the functions in my camera

Kriss droped me off at the Central market for me to get my own lunch and some shopping at the central market. Ordered some basil beef with rice but didn't really like the strong taste. Shopping wasn't really great as many things seems to be the same as those in Thailand. But partly also because I start the day early and been walking and climbing around non-stop, I'm tired.

Back to hotel for a quick wash up and short rest, and Kriss is back again to bring me to Phnom Bakheng to catch sunset. It is the first time major temple constructed in the Angkor area, dated in late 9th century. About 15 min climb before I reach the temple but that's not the end of the climb. Back on four again, I slowly made my way up the tall temple. Reminded me of Ta Keo and the little boy. But the view up there is really scenic. Managed to catch a view of Tonle Sap Lake and Angkor Wat. Not only tourists but locals also crowded the place to watch sunset. Done. Time to climb down the long flight of steep narrow steps on fours once again.

And on my way down the hill, it starts to rain once again. Indeed God is always ready to forgive us and bless us once again if we repent sincerely. I really thank God for the weather.

Dinner was arranged by Kriss at this Angkor Mordial restaurant where I got to enjoy a buffet spread of local cuisine while enjoying the traditional dance. Very popular place with the Japanese and Caucasian. Had a great dinner and finally end off the day with aroma massage. Great sleep for sure.

Get Kriss as your driver when you're in Cambodia... He's trustworthy and good!