Day 14 - Angkor Wat, Cambodia (1 Aug 2019)

Today was incredible. I had a few fabulous firsts, and am grateful for such wonderfully rich experiences.  It started out as hot and humid as all of the other days, but I was really excited!  After some breakfast and a quick drive, we pulled in to get our pictures taken for our one day passes to Angkor Wat. 

It is mind boggling that I finally got to experience some of the temples of Angkor Wat.  The name means ‘Temple City,’ which is fitting as there are 28 temples in the complex of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The religious complex started out Hindu, and then became Buddhist.  It was created in the 12th century. Can you imagine?!?

There are people that live in between the areas of the temples. So, it was interesting to see shops and pop up living areas among the trees and temple sites. 

When we arrived, we drove towards the Bayon Temple. This place is beautiful!  

Before I went to explore the Bayon Temple, I was able to ride an elephant!  It was a surreal experience. 

Since we waited for the elephant ride for a few minutes, the group went on ahead to explore Bayon Temple. I got to go through at my own pace, which was kind of magical. If I closed my eyes, I could almost feel the history seep into my bones, whispering stories of long-forgotten times.

There were loads of tourists everywhere you turned, but most of them were French speakers at this temple.  So it was fun to listen in on their conversations about where to capture the perfect picture.

 I really think you’d need to try hard not to take a great picture here. However, I also felt like I wanted to capture everything. It is just fantastic. 

After we all regrouped in the busses, we drove through loads of areas with impressive sites. 

We made our way over to the Ta Prohm Temple. I first learned about this temple while watching that magical part in Tomb Raider, so I was excited to see if it felt like how I imagined. It didn’t disappoint!  As we walked in, we were greeted by live, soft music floating around us. 

As we walked from the East entrance to the West, I was impressed with the intricate details around every corner. I was also in awe of Mother Nature’s ability to grow trees through the buildings.  It felt like they were trying to swallow the buildings whole. 

While turning a corner, I saw we could receive a blessing, so I jumped at the chance. After a soft blessing murmured, and a red bracelet tied around my wrist, we continued on through the temple. 

It was so hot and humid, it felt like the small butterflies floating in the air were trying to help cool us off so we could enjoy the temple even more. It feels like there are so many secrets and stories that are just waiting to be discovered here. 

A few minutes later, and we walked out of the Ta Prohm Temple. What an amazing place.  Even if you spent a week, I don’t know that you’d feel like you have experienced it all at any of the temples. 

We then drove over to a massive open area, surrounded by steps.  It was here that we ate a delicious boxed lunch and ate all sorts of fruit. 

Towards the end of our lunch, the air was heavy with moisture. I spotted some dark clouds and wished it would rain to finally wash away some heat for a few minutes. Well, my wish came true.  About half of the time we spent Angkor Wat (the main temple), we were in a deluge. 

It was a relief to not feel the intense heat and humidity as we walked around in the rain. It also sent several tourists out to seek dry shelter; a hidden perk!

Since Thailand evidently invaded Angkor Wat, the pillars have ancient Thai on them instead of Khmer. 

By far, my most memorable part of Angkor Wat, was being blessed by a Buddhist Monk in the middle of the temple.  I pulled out some money (the society runs on tips), and he gestured for me to take off my shoes and kneel. After I did so, he gave me the signal to pray, so I did. 

In Khmer (Cambodian), he blessed me. I was startled the first time I felt him flick the water and lotus petals on my head and shoulders, filled with a sweet aroma. But I’ll take whatever blessings I can get, so I just listened. Every few lines, he would whisper in English,  ‘long life and prosperity,’ and then continue his blessing in Khmer. 

At the end of it, he gestured for my wrist, where he tied two orange/pink bracelets on it, and then motioned for me to stand. I thanked him in Khmer, while bowing with my hands in a prayer (arkoun- pronounced Ahh-koohn), picked up my shoes, and walked away. What. A. Cool. Experience. 

I had lotus blossom petals in my hair for hours. And I was dripping with cold water, but it was worth it!

Just a few feet away from the monk was the center point of the complex, so we took a picture!

After a few more explored areas, we continued toward the top of the temple. 

The third floor of the temple has a dress code you must adhere to before they’ll let you climb the crazy steep stairs holding onto a pipe railing. We arrived just after they reopened it after the rain quit. 

After walking the length of all four sides, and admiring the view, we headed back down the stairs and into another part of the temple. 

The stories these walls hold!  If I could just squeeze them like a sponge to hear them rush out...I’m sure they’d smell like burning incense and savory spices too. 

We made our way out of the temple, onto a tuk-tuk, and back on the bus. 

After changing into my sandals, and throwing out my tennis shoes, we gathered in the hotel lobby to head over to dinner and a show. 

There were 13 of us that left the dinner early to head to the airport. We were all in the same late-night flight to Shanghai and eventually (almost 30 hours later) back home. 

What an incredible trip! I loved learning about the school systems, cultures, places, and foods we were able to sample. The group was fantastic too. 

I felt like Angkor Wat was the whipped cream and cherry on top of an amazing experience. I’m grateful for good organizations and stellar people with whom I was able to experience it all. 

Slowly, I’m learning how I fit in the world. 💕