Our last day in Indochina
Trip Start
Jan 05, 2010
1
16
17
Trip End
Jan 25, 2010
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Friday, January 22, 2010
1. Banteay Srei
Banteay Srei, built from 967, is commonly known as the Lady Temple as it is made from pink sandstone. It still has a pinkish hue and is covered by intricate carvings of dancing girls, that remain largely intact. The temple had a spot of controversy in the 1930s when a French Archaeologist stole a major statue, but otherwise it's reputation is for being the jewel in Angkorian art's crown.
Outside we again saw the real impact of all the mines that still litter Cambodia in the form of a mine victims 'band' (ie they all 'sport' a variety' of disabilities - usually one or more missing limbs). Sadly, mine clearance is an ongoing challenge in cambodia as this sign in a field just outside the temple clearly demonstrates. ie the field was only cleared 2 years ago!
2. Banteay Samre
This temple has been extensively renovated and is in remarkable condition. While not as grand as the other temples we have seen, it was impressive none the less.
3. Pre Rup
Pre Rup means 'turn the body" and is believed to be a royal crematorium! It is a very steep pyramid-shaped temple-mountain, and has many steps to the top. But the view is well worth the climb (although Kym crawled rather than climbed up the stairs!)
We returned to the Steung Siem Reap hotel at lunchtime, after a quick detour to the markets to buy some runners for Mike. Our last stop was a final drink on "The Alley". Mike decided a quick game of Russian Roulette was in order & hence ordered a frozen Margarita made with lots of local ice. We said our goodbyes to Cambodia and headed for the bright lights of Singapore.
