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Siem Reap, Angkor Temples Day 1
[Ivan Speaks] Hi guys, we're now at the grounds of the Angkor Temples, the sun is directly
above us, it's really hot and I'm drenched in sweat. But I'm feeling absolutely thrilled
right now because I am in the grounds of the Angkor temples itself and there's no other
place in this leg of the journey. It's definitely the highlight of our trip here to Cambodia.
[Lyvonn Speaks] Yeaps, this is my first visit in Angkor Wat and just a few minutes in and
I'm really really amazed already. Over the next couple of days, we'll be exploring this
place in detail and I have been told there's a structured way of doing this. There's the
grand circuit, the smaller circuit and another temple further away known as the Bantreay
Srey.
[Ivan Speaks] That's right, so stay tuned and we will be keeping you up to date and
the low downs of the Angkor Temples itself.
A mighty ancient civilization once lost to the jungles until recent years. At the height
of its power, this ancient city sustained a population of over a million people making
it the oldest known megalopolis . With city grounds as big as Los Angeles, the Angkorian
empire reigned over much of the South East Asian region in the 900 AD.
In this episode of One Last Stint, Lyvonn and I are in Siem Reap. We are here for one
sole reason, and that is to see the infamous Angkor Temples.
I have to admit, since I first heard about the Angkor temples - I have been deeply fascinated
by it, from its history, architectural feats, right up to how it was discovered just over
1 millennia later.
Now one of the amazing thing about being at the Angkor Temples is the fact that it is
a one huge open air museum. No eagle eye currators to tell you no this and that. The legacy and
history is all laid there right in front of your eyes. The best part is, you don't see
the exhibits, you explore them. Every nook and crack is there to tell a story, and for
the more interesting ones - well, it does help having access to wikipedia whilst you're
out there.
Whatever it is, you're bound to awestruck the moment you step foot through one of the
many Angkor temples. For most people, it will likely be through the amazing gates of the
Bayon Temple.
[Ivan Speaks] Well I am now at the south gates leading towards the Bayon temple complex.
It consists of 4 gates and this is merely 1 of the 4. And what we're seeing here right
now is an archway. I think anyone who comes into the Angkor temples after looking at the
Angkor Wat, they'll naturally be making their way towards the Bayon temple. And they will
be without a doubt be greeted with this archway that runs across a moat itself and into the
Bayon temple which is the infamous ..... head on the arch.
Now lets face it, going through one of these puppies does feel like you're living out a
chapter of Jules Vern's classics, or playing out a character in Indiana Jones OR Tomb Raider
for you younger generations out there. I always get a good buzz going through the corridors,
I suppose it's got to to do with the the inner child in me ever craving for the sense of
exploration - I'm quite certain it exists in every adult as well. Hence, the Angkor
temples are a giant playground for child-minded adults.
Okay, so much for the Bayon temple, throughout the day Lyvonn and I visited many other temples
in the "outer circuit". This one is particularly worth mentioning.
[Lyvonn Talks] So I'm now in Preah Khan, one of the larger complexes in in Angkor. It is
not as well visited as the Angkor Wat, nonetheless it is an amazing structure in itself. It was
built as a temporary residence for King Jayavarman VII whist he was constructing Angkor Thom.
Much of Preah Khan is now left in rubbles and to add to the pain, it has been battling
against the forces of nature for hundreds of years. As much as it hurts to see this
ancient structure go down, it also leaves me in awe how nature gradually and patiently
reclaims its territory.
But Preah Khan is far more than just rubbles and age old trees, the intricacies of the
design and decoration still impresses. The amount of detail in each of the carvings and
still how well preserved they are until this day is commendable for both the original artisans
and the historical restoration team.
As a whole, our first day was nothing less than an overwhelming experience. So much to
absorb in so little time. I guess we just have to accept and respect that there will
always be some part of the Angkor temples that needs to remain hidden to ensure that
they're still available for the generations to come.
Okay and that's pretty much all the time we have left in this episode of One Last Stint.
Now if you've really enjoyed the episode, don't forget to leave us a comment down below.
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our previous episodes on One Last Stint - right here. That's pretty much it boys. have a save
travel and I'll see you in our next episode.