Friday, February 13, 2015

Day 2 - Siem Reap

Siem Reap Cambodia - February 2015

Day 5 February 10 Siem Reap


We start with a delicious (included) buffet breakfast at our hotel. Then we get our name tags, head sets and we're off.

Italics tour description.

This morning, start your sightseeing of the TEMPLES OF ANGKOR. Constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries, the temples were built around the Khmer interpretations of Indian religious and political beliefs that ultimately evolved from Hinduism to Buddhism. The complex architectural grandeur of the Angkor temples is arguably unmatched among ancient ruins anywhere in the world.

First stop is the best preserved and most famous of all the temples: ANGKOR WAT, honoring the Hindu god Vishnu. Featuring five trademark towers and stunning bas reliefs, it has become a symbol of Cambodia.

It is getting very hard to describe these temples as they are just mind boggling.



John, ready to climb 70% grade staircase to top of temple.


Coming down!!
















First, visit ANGKOR THOM to see the BAYON TEMPLE. One of the few Buddhist temples in Angkor, it features some 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers and impressive bas reliefs.

I think this was one of my favourites, mainly because of the carvings. Gods line one side and devils on the other.








Trying for nose to nose photo, taken by Kinal.







We had a group luncheon in town. Presentation is lovely and food was delicious.






We stayed in town and both had foot massages. Also did some shopping. there is so much to buy, you have to stop yourself.






This evening, enjoy a PRIVATE APSARA DANCE PERFORMANCE, where the ancient Khmer culture is brought to life by talented dancers, singers, and musicians. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Wearing glittering silk tunics, sequinned tops (into which they are sewn before each performance to achieve the requisite tight fit) and elaborate golden headdresses, they execute their movements with great deftness and deliberation, knees bent in plié, heels touching the floor first at each step, coy smiles on their faces. Every position has its own particular symbolism – a finger pointing to the sky, for instance, indicates “today”, while standing sideways to the audience with the sole of the foot facing upwards represents flying.









2 comments:

  1. The temples are amazing. I remember first hearing of them as a child. I'd love to see them.

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  2. I am so excited to go back to Cambodia, Jackie! I was there back in Oct last year and I felt that 3 days wasn't enough. It rained on the morning we arranged to see Angkor Wat so I didn't experience the famous sunset at all!

    I am glad to see this post that made me an idea for my first comeback entry to my blog on Apr 1, Wednesday -- it will be Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom! :D

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