Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Angkor Wat, the Moment We've Been Waiting For

Angkor Wat, most famously known as the location set for Laura Croft, Tomb Raider, was built in 1100 as a Hindu temple.  It became Buddhist in the 16th century.  Its the only temple that faces west--symbolizing the end of life.  The King is buried here facing west, versus East which symbolizes the beginning of life/day.  Angkor Wat is a World Heritage Site, famous for the iconic mirror image in the pond.  Normally the tour is a sunrise viewing to see the golden reflection in the pond but since sunshine was not forecast, we headed out at 8am.


Everyone is wearing the elephant pants


Walked across a floating bridge to get there



Waited in line 15 minutes to go up and in.  Steps so steep one woman sat & cried on the way down until someone showed her how to go down backwards.


Once up there, there was a lot to see.  Temples are places of worship and holiness.  Meant to be hard to climb up in to.


I forget what these beautiful women/Goddesses symbolize but they are everywhere.   Look at the detail, amazing it has lasted all this time.


View from above



One of the three towers

Learned about the five commitments of Buddhists:  no killing, stealing, cheating, lying, sexual misconduct, alcohol.


So long Angkor Wat


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