Angkor Wat was incredible. Hard to believe our eyes were actually seeing those things. Mostly I just need to show you photos. The photo at the top is of the largest temple there. We first stopped at the South Gate of Angkor Thom. Our guide was quite verbose and I was anxious to have him stop talking and just start exploring. He liked to tell us every detail of the ruins. The second stop is where we rode the elephants. We took them all around the temple, then got off and explored inside.
Next was ... I'm blanking on names and don't have time to look it up, but it's where they filmed the second Tomb Raider movie. Huge trees and roots were growing through the ruins. It was impressive. There was a lot of walking and stairs. Janet was a trooper and went to most of it. We drove 30 minutes to a temple farther out. It was so interesting seeing the countryside. Lots of homes on stilts. The people live under the homes in the dry season because it's too hot to be inside. We also saw a lot of water buffalo and dried up rice fields. Everything is very brown. Our guide said in November/ December it's much better- not as hot and very green.
When we went to the large temple of Angkor Wat, Janet and Suzanne sat in the shade where they could see the main temple (Suzanne had shoes on that hurt her feet) while Wilf and I went with the guide inside. It was at least 100 degrees today. We were constantly dripping with sweat. The temple was huge and amazing. They were doing some restoration work so we couldn't get to the top level (heaven). So sad to come so far and not make it to heaven! But what we saw really was incredible.
The final temple just Wilf and I braved. It was like scaling a wall. A bunch of steps about a foot high and between 2"-6"wide. We climbed to the top with every other tourist in the place to watch the sunset, which wasn't so great as there was so much pollution the sun set into the haze quite a while before it hit the horizon. The pollution here is not exhaust like other cities; all the people cook outside so it's just tons of smoke. I can't believe they can cook outside in all this heat!
There were a lot of tourists at the temples. I was really surprised. I was hoping to have the place to ourselves, but I guess that was pretty unrealistic. Oh, someone asked about the skinny Buddhas- our guide said that the fat Buddha you see in China is a different Buddha. They do not follow the same one. I guess there is more than one Buddha. Who knew? I'll have to do some research when I get home.
We are looking forward to seeing mom and dad tomorrow night
8 comments:
Wow! Betsy-in Cambodia-riding an elephant-with my parents! How did this happen? I'm sure when we were playing "Charlie's Angels" as little girls, we couldn't have imagined this! You are awesome for posting pictures and info. It is so fun to see and hear of the things you are doing. Now of course, I am so excited for you to see your parents! How truly lucky you are! Give my parents and yours huge hugs for us all.
Be safe!
xoxo- Shelly
Thanks for asking the Buddah question. So, two different guys named Buddah and they were both religious leaders? What are the chances of that? Maybe Buddah is more of a 'title' than a name. Maybe like two different prophets for the same religion? I don't know. I feel a wikipedia search coming on, because Wikipedia is the best thing ever. Anyone in the world can write anything they want about any subject, so you know you are getting the best possible information.
Betsy Hintze; Tomb Taider! All you need are some giant automatic pistols... Keep it rocking'! Are you meeting your parents in Singapore; I didn't see Malaysia on your itinerary. Either way, you'll see your Mom and Dad!
-Boyd
What an amazing place! Are you sure your not just standing in front of a fake back drop?! It's so wonderful to see all your cool pictures. Thanks for taking time to post them.
All right Grandma! Riding elephants!--I really didn't see that one coming. I'm speechless, Wow! What will my great exploring grandma do next? I guess only time will tell:) Keep having fun. Wow--grandma on an elephant...Awesome!
hey betty -
awesome pictures. i'm still jealous!
and since erica is a little busy, here's her news: last monday she had her babies. boy: andrew frank; around 5 lbs. girl: erica GRACE; around 6 lbs. i haven't been to see her yet because she didn't really sound keen on visitors, but her mom is out to take care of everybody.
Mom,
Cassie and I are sitting here late at night thinking about you. All is well with us. It looks like you are having a great time. Did you buckle your seat belt on the elephant? As Marc said, "That's Awesome!" Now we will always have a picture of you on an elephant. Wow! Next stop, camels in the Sahara? ? I know you will be glad to see Marilyn tomorrow night. We are thinking about you. Love, Mike and Cassie
Thanks for the temperature update. You say it's hot and now I believe you 100 degrees is up there.
When you get back we'll have to come over and see and hear more great stories.
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