Discovering and rediscovering Angkor
Randomly rotating from rain to drizzle to cloudless blue skies, the weather framed the temples of Angkor in Siem Reap, Cambodia in multiple moods. A natural theater, the temperamental environment revealed and concealed the ancient city’s secrets. Vines, carvings and colors appeared and then disappeared, along with the tourists and wildlife. A symphony of contrast, the vast array of temples were like instruments being played by the elements.
I was slightly disappointed when I first realized it was going to rain during part of my visit to Angkor. Exposed to the elements all day, I knew it could get uncomfortable. After a few moments of hesitation in the rain at 5:30 a.m. with my friends from ContemporaryNomad.com, we decided to start the day with a visit to Ta Prohm.
We entered the temple along a short, muddy road. Shrouded in jungle and mist without another soul in sight, it was easy to put ourselves in the shoes of early explorers stumbling upon the temple for the first time. The damp, lichen-covered stone was black with bright green spots. Strangler figs wrapped their snake-like roots around the Ta Prohm temple, slowly crushing and reclaiming the man-made structure.
Tony from ContemporaryNomad.com, who visited the temple on a sunny afternoon a few days earlier, pointed out a waterfall of vines which had gone unnoticed on his previous visit. With a photographer’s eye, he found the rain-saturated stone carvings revealing new details. “We should go to Banteay Srei today,” Tony said. Famous for its delicate carvings, the wet afternoon was sure to highlight the stone narratives.
Venturing out into the rain reminded me of the rewards of spontaneity. Embracing the unanticipated leads to a treasure trove of adventure.
Nice post. Angkor temple is located in the Cambodian region.This temple is the national symbol of Cambodia.Angkor Wat has also count in he Seven Wonders of the World. Best time to visit is december and January in winter.You can visit any time any day throughout the year.For more details refer http://www.theearthtraveler.com/angkor-wat-one-of-the-seven-wonders.html
I finally have a chance to view your site. You’re an eloquent, robust writer – my compliments to you.
I had the opportunity to see Angkor in 2003, ti’s just as you described, although the structures are massive, reducing a mere 5’1″ Asian woman to putty, it’s the jungle that seems to have this succubus relationship with them. Feeding on them, more so reclaiming these building back into the natural fold. Thanks, you brought me back there.
Thanks so much, Nomadic Chick. It’s really motivating to hear your feedback! True, the structures and even some of the roots embracing them are dwarfing.
If only I had a buck for every time I came here! Superb read.