Early morning at Angkor Wat. Now we know why the fates stopped my camera from working the day before. The opportunity to shoot when the light is not so harsh as it is at midday makes all the difference.
Angkor Wat is considered the jewel of Cambodia. It even appears on the flag.
The approach is beautiful as one walks on a long causeway to the temple enclosure. Lotus buds blooming in the barays ( water tanks) are so lovely).
Weddings at such a spot. Oh my!
The ever present haze gives the area an air of mystery.
We arrived early enough to be with the first crowd allowed to ascend the stairs. They were not yet open when I caught this scene. Soon it will be packed of course.
This shot is actually taken from the side furthest from the entrance. The light is much better here because the sun is behind me.
The levels of the temple complex are very significant from the water surround representing the oceans to the central tower representing Mt. Meru, a sacred mountain with five peaks considered to be the centre of the physical, metaphysical and spiritual universes.
One of the most remarkable things about the central temple is the carved frieze that covers all the walls around the building. As I keep saying, these buildings were erected beginning in the tenth century. A few examples.
Somewhat violent in places. Not much different from your average video game. The carvings represent glorious battles, although I'm not sure how glorious they are for the dead soldiers.
This is one of the iconic ideas of Angkor - the Churning of the Sea of Milk to create the elixir of immortality.
And what's a battle without elephants to carry the generals.
Or a chariot drawn by a mythical beast. By the way, the areas which show darker are because people have touched them and left their skin oils behind.
A Hindu Brahman.
Horses too.
Well, you get the idea. There is so much to see as one walks along the walls. There is hardly an inch uncarved.
From above the lower temple enclosures show the complexity of the architecture.
Thank goodness for the opportunity to lean on a window for rest.
Here is another view of the temple area - I do love how B & W photos let one look at the building as a building, seeing the textures in a different way.
And what photo collage in SE Asia could be complete without a monk?
Although one didn't expect cowboys - complete with a Calgary Stetson. But what cowboy needs help mounting?
I still have one more area we toured to show you. I'm saving it for another blog. Let Angkor Wat have its glory.
A final image of beauty.
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