THE Main Event of the Trip
As our guide said as we approached the temple today, "If you visit Cambodia and do not see Angkor Wat, then you didn't come to Cambodia." Everyone who comes to this area HAS to know that THIS is the highlight of the trip. It's considered, unofficially the eighth wonder of the world and in spite of any pictures I show you or videos you watch....you cannot begin to imagine the massive size that it is. And then to consider it was built by hand, almost 1500 years ago AND is simply blocks sitting on blocks without any kind of mortar, well it's a BIG WOW. Kim and I were here in July of 2017 and until we explored Antarctica it was always at the top of our list as most amazing trip we'd taken. And today, as then, visiting Angkor Wat was THE highlight of the trip. A little background on Angkor Wat....
It was built in 1150 and took only 37 years to construct. That in itself is astounding. Not only because of the size but because of the intricate, detailed carvings that cover the entire structure. Best estimates say that for this complex to have been completed in that short of time must have required over 300,000 workers. It is the largest religious monument in the world AND it has been actively used as a religious site since it's inception until today. In fact, our itinerary flipped yesterday's plan with today's because had we come to Angkor Wat yesterday we would not have been allowed to visit the 3rd level because of religious ceremonies that took place here yesterday. The complex covers over 400 acres, is surrounded by a three-mile moat, and the complex is protected by a wall that surrounds it. Interestingly, the foundation is sand and the reason that the foundation is solid is because of the moisture provided by the moat! There is the ground level...the first level, a mezzanine level, a second level, and the third level "or heaven to the gods." And one last interesting fact.....Cambodia is one of only two countries in the world who's flag has a building on it (Iran being the other), and that building IS Angkor Wat!
We left the hotel at 8am and were there within twenty minutes. But because of the long approach to the complex (see aerial view above) we walked for a good 10-15 minutes before getting to the causeway across the moat to get onto the temple grounds themselves. Once we finally got there we got our first view of Angkor Wat with the five dominating towers (there are four additional towers within the temple) sailing high into the air. We crossed the stone causeway and entered the main gate. Then we crossed a large, open courtyard. Here was a small lake and it is "the money shot" photo op (see top banner) as the temple is ideally reflected in the water, and of course we all had our photo op there. Crossed the remaining ground to reach the main gate to ascend onto the first level.
Upon climbing up to the first level and passing through the gate we immediately were greeted by a long corridor. The four corridors around the inner temple are adorned by intricate carvings from floor to ceiling and NONE of the carvings are the same as each wall has a detailed story to tell about the empire and it's king. After walking the length of one of the corridors and hearing the highlights of the story we ascended to the mezzanine level and then to the second level. And as a side note, let me tell you that about every twenty feet was a doorway, and at each doorway - throughout the temple mind you - were a set of steps, any where from three to ten up and back down on the other side of the door. We got our steps, literally, in for the day! On the second level there were four identical pools - though the water has long since "leaked" out - that represent earth, wind, air, and fire. And as we continued through the corridors, again, all the walls were covered with carvings and writings.
We got through a final doorway, and reached a courtyard where we could see the stairway leading to the third level or "heaven to the gods." To say that the steps were steep AND exceptionally narrow is the understatement of the year! If you have read Dan Brown's books featuring Robert Langdon, in the second or third book he goes up a flight of stairs which are noted as the most steep and dangerous in the world, just ahead of the stairs at Angkor Wat leading to the 3rd level!
Once we "ascended" to the "heaven of the goods" we were permitted half an hour to explore around. We were told to be sure to check out the panoramic view back along the causeway to the entrance where we'd approached the temple complex. The towers on this level - which are the ones you see from the distance are massive in and of themselves. And the panoramic view did not disappoint - we of course took a selfie to celebrate making the climb to the very top!
Tonight we have a dinner out and say good-bye to our first, land-based Cambodian guide. Tomorrow we will spend the majority of the day on the road traveling to the Viking Saigon where we will check into our French Balcony stateroom (#102 - Valerie & John right next door) and we'll begin our cruising adventure over the next seven days.
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