Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat  is a Hindu, then subsequently Buddhist temple complex in Cambodia and the largest religious monument in the world. The temple was built by the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century in the capital of the Khmer Empire, as his state temple and eventual mausoleum.

Angkor Thom, literally: "Great City" was the last capital city of the Khmer empire. It was established in the late twelfth century by King Jayavarman VII. At the center of the city is Jayavarman's state temple, the Bayon, where we spent the morning exploring, learning history from or wonderful guide, and climbing (and climbing) the step steps to the higher levels.

Steve and Irene at the entrance to Angkor Thom

Nose to Nose to Nose with 1000 years of Khmer history

 

We had lunch at a very local place directly across from Angkor Wat, and enjoyed a rain storm from the protection of the steel roof. The menu was Amok, a local dish of fish or chicken with vegetables and rice in coconut milk and spices and served in a fresh coconut shell - absolutely delicious!! 

 

 

...and we met a Buddhist monk who asked to have his picture taken



 



 

And here we are at the end of the day ---

 

 

Tonight will walk to the night market, possibly try a baby duck egg (more later about that), and find dinner. Tomorrow we visit a monastery and also Tonle Sap Lake.