We’ve spent the past 5 days hanging out in Siem Reap, celebrating the Khmer New Year, making some new friends, and spending a lot of time exploring some of the many temples in Angkor. We like it here so much that we’ve decided to stay a bit longer and will be in Siem Reap through the end of April, working on our Khmer, doing a bit of catch up work on photo editing and blog posts, and figuring out what happens next.
Angkor, all 400 square kilometers of it, has exceeded our expectations. Here are a few favorite moments from the last 5 days.
People climb the stairs at Bakong on the final day of the Khmer New Year.
A Guardian continues his watch amongst the ruins of Beng Mealea.
Children celebrating the final day of the Khmer New Year (and also excited to meet Americans).
Trees have overgrown the ruined walls of Beng Mealea.
Almost buried in the rubble, we had to climb down a dark passage and through a collapsed doorway to see this hidden shrine to a Queen at Prah Kahn.
Banyan tree at Banteay Kdei temple. To get this view, you have to walk all the way to the back of the temple, and well off the beaten path. Worth the walk.
Carved lintel at Prah Khan.
This face tower at Banteay Kdei keeps watch over the gate.
A young monk, watching some of the Khmer New Year festivities.
One of the galleries at Prah Kahn.
A boy tending his water buffalo outside Beng Mealea.
View of the towers at Preah Ko from the road.
View through a doorway at Banteay Srey (Citadel of the Women), named for its delicate carvings and pink sandstone.
Once again, gorgeous pics. I loved the pure joy and smiles of the kids. Too cute.