Thursday, February 09, 2006
Very early start this morning, on the bus at 5.15am to watch the sun rise at angkor wat. There were heaps of people there doing the same thing. We had a quick walk along the bridge over the moat then through the main gate to take our places to watch the sun rise. We tooks many photos however it was a bit cloudy and smokey so they didn't turn out the best.
At 7am we headed back to a resteraunt across the road from the entrance, for breakfast. After eating we headed back in to Angkor Wat, which is the worlds largest religious monument. Angkor Wat is a microcosm of the hindu universe. The moat represents the mythical ocean surrounding the earth. The galleries in their levels represent the mountain ranges that surround mount meru the home of the gods. The towers represent the mountain peaks. We set off walking around the right perimeter then inside to the first level to view the bas relief carvings. The ones here are in much better condition than at the bayon as they are under cover. Next we ascended to the second level and up some very steep steps up to the third level. The steepness of the steps is supposed to immitate climbing a real mountain. It does a pretty good job of it too. It was scary climbing up as towards the top the steps were very badly worn, but we managed to do it. We walked around the top level taking many photos inside and out before descending to view the rest of the bas reliefs around the 1st level. Comming back down was much worse than climbing up. I can't wait to climb Chichen Itza.
There were many buddhas with their heads cut off all around the Wat. The Khmere Rouge had used Angkor Wat as a base and removed all their heads. After touring angkor wat we set off for the Cambodian Land Mine museum, run by and ex Khmere Rouge mine planter. He has dedicated his life to removing land mines from Cambodia and sponsors about 6 kids who have had limbs blown off by land mines.
After lunch at the Khmere Kitchen with John, Lorna and Paul we headed back to the hotel for a shower before heading back out to view one of the communities that live on the 1000 km2 lake Tonle Sap. Words can not describe the stench where we boarded the boat - a mixture of diesel fumes, rotten fish and sewerage. Children were swimming in it! We saw many house boats/houses on bamboo stilts, schools, bars etc. It was certainly an eye opener.
We had a small rest in our room back at the hotel before heading out to dinner and Lorna and Johns last night with us. We had dinner at the soup dragon and then drinking and dancing at the Angkor What? bar. A great time had by all.
