Wonders of Cambodia

I was excited that we were going to Siem Reap, home of Angkor Wat and its nearby temples, but I was also excited to learn more about today's Cambodia. To me, Cambodia was one of the countries that absorbed the Vietnam War and then afterwards, was the home of Pol Pot's Communist Khmer Rouge regime in 1975-1979 meant to convert a country to a fantasy socialist society. 1.7 million people, a quarter of the population, died in this failed conversion before battles with Vietnam led to the dissolution of the Communist government.
We were introduced to the rich Khmer culture by seeing their classical ballet that originated in the 7th century, called Apsara dance. Apsaras are beautiful female creatures that visit earth from heaven to entertain kings and gods with their dance.

Ornate costumes

 Apsaras come from Hindu mythology where the legend says they were born from the churning of the Ocean of Milk. This story is carved on the walls of Angkor Wat, and Apsaras are seen throughout the temple complex.  These nymphs would protect the king of gods by seducing threatening mortals with their beauty. Mortals and divinities could not resist their charm.

The food throughout this whole trip was delicious and healthy. Not sure what makes up Cambodian food, an example is Banana Flower salad with chicken - carrot, garlic, shallot, parsley, sweet basil, roasted peanut, lime and banana flower.

appetizer

a Giant shown with fangs menaces the apsaras

hands are formed to bend when girls are very young

ornate silk costumes and detailed jewelry and headware

We headed to Ta Phahm temple, known today as the location where Tomb Raiders was filmed. When the site was excavated, it was decided to retain many of the trees that had overgrown the temple walls.  Disney uses this look for their Jungle Cruise.

tree roots grow over, around wall- Ta Prohm

the tomb in the movie Tomb Raiders with Anjolina Jolie

what the ruins look like with no rebuild

I made it to an overgrown location and had a hard time getting the Turks attention to join me for the photo.  This is while crowds of people from all over the world waited..and waited..!

another tree takes over

I'm WAITING for the Turk!

he makes his entrance

finally!!

Siem Reap is a hub for tourists who come to see Angkor Wat - and the nightlife reflects that. We ended up at Pub Street in the evening where open bars, restaurants, shops are everywhere, and there isnt a language not spoken. Our 'uber' ride was a tuk tuk which made it even more fun.

Hindu Temple converted to Buddhist temple

the 'railing' across the moat is really the body of the Naga serpent

Pub Street - heart of the action in Siem Reap

what a combo - Mexican and Khmer !!

You could find any kind of food in Siem Reap.  At one point, we were stopped by a flash mob, a Korean dance troup..right there on Pub Street - see video.

our BBQ choices!

this is BURGER KING! I couldnt get the whole sign from the fast moving tuk tuk.

Street scenes in Siem Reap - always interesting.  

Mostly motor bikes. Nice cars were 'owned' by government people

everything piled atop vehicles

this tractor truck and trailer had amazing carved wood furniture

maybe this pot on the side of the road is used for dinner?

Our hotel was nice but the most important thing was the pool. The heat in Cambodia, especially when spending most of the day at the archaeological sites, was draining. The pool came in very handy...as did the beer we bought at the nearby grocery (much cheaper than hotel beer and more choices). 

Turk mimics hotel personality

view of our pool from our balcony. pool was such a relief in that heat