It was surreal. I could imagine
Lara Croft, in her tight shorts and long pony tail, combing her way through the thick jungle; and stumbling accidentally upon a sprawling ancient temple. Without hesitation, she enters its crumbling walls, careful not to disturb the deafening silence inside. She was transfixed by what appeared before her eyes - massive roots of giant trees seeping their way through every crevices and tower.
Of course, that was a scene from the movie
"Tomb Raiders" starring
Angelina Jolie. Ever since I watched that film, I had been fascinated with the millennium-old ruins of the Khmer Empire. These ruins were collectively known as the
Angkor Archeological Park which had been designated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. It is located in
Siem Reap, a provincial city of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Imagine how excited I felt when I boarded our Singapore Airline plane to Siem Reap last February 28, 2010, together with my favorite travel companions - my parents. Cameras and fresh perspective in tow, we were ready to embark in a journey that would transport us back to the ancient history of Khmers.
Our home during the four nights and five days in Siem Reap was the Tara Angkor Hotel. It's a four star hotel located between the city proper and Angkor Wat. The pace of our tour was relatively easy and relaxing. That was part of my consideration in choosing this tour since I was with senior citizens.
The Tara Angkor HotelThis would be our routine everyday: After our buffet breakfast, our tour guide Sam, would pick us up around 8:30 am. We would do the rounds of temple visits in the morning; have lunch at a decent restaurant; proceed back to the hotel for an afternoon nap; be picked up again by 2 or 3pm; do another round of temple tours; have sumptuous dinner in a well-appointed restaurant; then be returned back to the hotel by 8pm.
THE TEMPLES
There are dozens of ruins inside the humongous world heritage park. The more popular and interesting were the
Angkor Wat, the
Bayon, and
Ta Phrom. Its artistry and archeological significance makes it at par with ancient structures like the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Egypt and Macchu Pichu in Peru.
Easily my favorite is
Ta Phrom, the temple where Tomb Raiders was shot. I was mesmerized by this sprawling monastic complex that was partially covered by jungle overgrowth. Massive fig and silk-cotton trees found their way through every tower and corridor, offering a jungle atmosphere. Their large and heavy roots covered parts of the temple like giant hands firmly making its grip. I read that this Buddhist monastery was built during the mid-12th and early 13th century by King Jayavarman VII, the beloved ruler of the Khmer empire. He dedicated this complex to his mother (awwww!).
This site was featured in Tomb Raiders
An "apsara" peeping through roots that covered a buildingAnother favorite of mine is
The Bayon. It's a must see for anyone visiting Angkor.
The giant stone faces of Bayon has become the most recognizable images connected to Khmer art. There are 37 standing towers sporting carved faces. Some of these towers have four faces carved into it. As to who this face represent is still a mystery. Others say it is Buddha; some say its Jayavarman VII. Everywhere you go in the Bayon, the carved faces seem to be following you. Actually, I didn't have a creepy feeling. Its pious stare and smiling face was almost welcoming. It was fascinating to think how ancient Khmers, with their crude instruments, could carve such magnificent art in solid stone.
One of the many faces inside the Bayon
My mom with a bas relief of an apsara dancer in the backgroundThe most well-known monument in the Angkor Archeological Park is
Angkor Wat. It is the most massive and architecturally impressive structure built by the Khmers. Story goes that Hindus from ancient India came to Cambodia following the trade wind. They would stay in the Kingdom for six months while waiting for the trade wind to blow them back to India. In Cambodia, they brought with them their religion and culture. They influenced the ancient Khmers who, without resistance, embraced the foreign religion. The Khmers, with the help of the Hindus, built beautiful temples as places of worship. The most visually and artistically breathtaking is Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is the centerpiece of any visit to the temples of Angkor. This massive temple is dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu.
The famous Angkor Wat
My dad resting inside the temple
A GRIM HISTORY
I really felt blessed to have visited this beautiful and historically significant world heritage site. The Khmers, as Cambodians want to be called, have a rich history of religion and culture, as well as a history they would want to forever erase in their memory.
Sam, our tour guide, confided to us the atrocities inflicted by the Khmer Rouge. I listened to him intently as he narrated the horrific episode experienced by his parents and countless Khmers who suffered immensely under the leadership of Pol Pot. Who would not shiver with disgust at the word "killing fields?" I saw for myself one of the killing field sites in Siem Reap. They have now gathered all the bones and skulls of the victims and placed it in a memorial site beside a Pagoda as a reminder of the dark and unforgotten past of a grieving nation.
Despite the recent grim history of this kingdom-nation, the Khmers can stand proud, remembering that in bygone past, they had a magnificent civilization that was unrivaled during that time.
Celebrating our 20th year of wedded bliss!
The young ones in the family
The young "once" giving a toast to Caloy and I.
