Angkor, Day 1
Trip Start
Aug 23, 1996
1
268
561
Trip End
Ongoing
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Siem Reap, Cambodia
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
As we had travelled down from the border with a Seppoe named Josh, and as you are no longer allowed to take your own motorcycle around, we had arranged to take a motorcycle with a trailer that could fit three people in it. So, after breakfast, the three of us went downstairs to grab our driver. Immediately he kicked up a fuss, as we were now three instead of two. We told him to fuck off, and we went out in the street and grabbed our own man. Same price, and we were off. Not long into the trip, he pulled over for petrol. He asked for money, we told him to fuck off, and he took us back to where we had started. We then found another man, he had petrol, and off we went to get our pass to let us into see the temples
Day 1
This time was different. Even though I didn't recognise Siem Reap, as soon as we took the road out to the ticket box, it all came flooding back to me. Today, I was going to be the ultimate tour guide !!!
Angkor Thom
Basically, as we entered this part, the first thing you see is the Southern Gate. It is huge with heads on all four corners. And as usual, as this is the first gate seen, all tourists mass over it. This time, there were more
Bayon
As usual, this is one of the first temples seen, so it is covered with tourists, but there are over 54 towers and over 200 heads adorn this temple. A great way to start
Baphuon
We walked up to it, but it is currently undergoing restoration. We walked around the back to try and make out the huge reclining Buddha. If you squint hard enough you can see it. Obviously, I can't squint !!!
Phimeanakas
This was the first real Wat we had to climb. It is built in the form of a stepped pyramid. The steps are small and steep, and from the top, there are good views. Beside it are the Royal Baths. The water is very septic looking
Royal Palace
Not much left. Just a couple of terraces
Terrace Of The Leper King
A little zigzag type passage of bas reliefs. There is meant to be a picture of a Leper King, which we did not see, but we did however see loads of amputee beggars !!!
Terrace Of The Elephants
It starts with a staircase that has three elephant heads. Along the front of the terrace, there are at first, loads of Garudas (eaglemen), and then the whole of the front of the terrace has carved elephants. Pretty impressive
Preah Khan
Very impressive huge partially ruined Wat. There used to be a moat, but it has long since dried up. I enjoyed this both times that I have been
Neak Pean
Only a little stupa in the middle of what was once a lake. There are two Nagas that run around the outside of the stupa, and at each corner are little bathing pools
Ta Som
Only a small Wat, but it is still nice with four faces carved in the top.
Preah Rup
Another step pyramid, but the stairs are not as steep on this one. At the top is a single tower, and on it's four corners are smaller towers.
East Mebon
Another stepped pyramid Wat with elephants on the four corners on two of the levels. At the top are five towers again.
Ta Prohm
The only Wat that has been left to the elements to show what the jungle can do. Once, this Wat gave life to seedlings, now the trees that have formed from it are holding what is left of the Wat. Tomb Raider was filmed here, so we found the North gate, that nobody goes to. It was very complete.
Ta Keo
A stepped pyramid style Wat with five towers at the top. Here were the steepest steps for the day. Great views
Phnom Bakeng
There is only one place to see the sun go down, and this is it. It is a huge climb up the hill. The Wat is not spectacular, but neither is the sunset !!!
It was a good first day up. Tomorrow, we will do less Wats, but the ones we do will be the most impressive.
