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Temples of Angkor

More pictures

02.26.2008

I felt that it was necessary to add another entry dedicated to the time we spent exploring the Temples of Angkor. Besides Angkor Wat, we explored the equally impressive temples in the ancient city of Angkor Thom (the capital of the Khmer empire) as well as some of the smaller temples a bit further away.

At the center of Angkor Thom is Bayon, King Jayavarman’s state temple. Bayon has been restored beautifully, and it was my favorite temple to explore. Throughout the temple are over 200 faces resembling the king (see our Cambodia entry).
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Ta Prohm is a temple that has not been restored. Because of its natural state, it is possible to experience at this temple the wonder of the early explorers when they came upon these monuments in the middle of the nineteenth century. At one time, this temple took over 80,000 people to maintain. I felt like Indiana Jones while exploring this one.

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The interior of these temples contained a lot of hidden carvings, some of which so small you really have to take your time to notice.
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Posted by Erik-Amara 22:30

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Comments

Awesome. I have seen so many photographs, paintings, films, and other depictions of these places, but none so personal as yours.

Do either of you have any thoughts about Buddhism in SE Asia?

02.27.2008 by Terry Liu

most tourist sites around the world that are ancient have been restored -- or atleast has the tree-roots growing them sawed away. Thats why I found these pictures so interesting. Some of the Mayan ruins I saw are in still their overgrown state of disrepair just like this. it makes it seem, more adventerous and romantic this way!

02.28.2008 by tomq

Amazing pictures! Setting for the next Indiana Jones movie?

Mom Q

02.28.2008 by Quarnstrom

That's an interesting subject Mom Q - how many films can anyone think of that used Angkor Wat as a backdrop? I don't know about Indiana Jones being more attracted to Angelina Jolie than Harrison Ford. Which Indiana Jones picture was filmed there?

Jolie seems to have been very moved by the people she met and the beauty and history of Cambodia.

You aren't old enough to know about Lord Jim, starring Peter O'Toole and I wouldn't know about it either except that before Angelina Jolie, that was the one that was mentioned in my ethnomusicology class.

Add to this list....

1. Lord Jim (circa 1965)
2. Laura Croft: Tomb Raider (2004?)

02.29.2008 by Terry Liu

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