Hi people! Today is the last day before we fly out. We were at Angkor Wat for sunrise yesterday and there are photos and movies coming. The upload speed here in the hotel is very slow so the computer is working overtime!
Wow... what can I say about Angkot Wat that hasn't already been said. All the superlatives have been used for the quite remarkable place. Great photographers have been before, fabulous travel writers, film makers, documentary teams and of course hordes of tourists from every country.
From my own perspective walking on and through this amazing maze of ancient temples, it was like truly seeing the people behind this work. Seeing their markings, their carvings, their construction and their personal touches made me feel humbled.
Here was a civilisation that hand built a giant moat around the whole complex using shovels and spades, who moved huge stones with precision, who carved intricate figures and amazing statues.
The Angkor complex is stunning. It is still used today by Buddhists. There is even a monastery and school on site. Children ride their bikes past the monkeys and ancient monuments on the way to class.
I can't see the Cambodian people allowing so many tourists to keep clambering over this priceless UNESCO listed site. We as a group were extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to really explore the place. Sometime in the near future I suspect the experience will be sanitised. No longer will people be able to thread their way through corridors and along 800 year old stone paths. Steps that kings once climbed will be a no go area.
If you get a chance to come to Cambodia, absolutely do so! Visit Angkor and marvel in the atmosphere. But also spend time like we have in the villages. The people there are the descendants of the builders of Angkor. They too are amazing talented individuals. Poor they may be, but they can take a massive amount of pride in what their ancestors did.
Indeed, one of the wonders of the world in which we live.
Cheers for now... Peter
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