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As we were running short on time, we flew directly from Saigon to Siem Reap in Cambodia. Siem Reap is the town near Angkor where we were going to spend our last week in Indochina.

Angkor, Cambodia

Odv
2006-04-15 18:32:02

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The first temples in Angkor were built around 900 A.D. and the last around 1200 A.D. There is a Buddhist and a Hindu period of construction. A Hindu-sect that worshiped the god Shiva in the form of a linga (a phallic symbol) is the reason nearly every temple has a linga (most of which have been stolen by now). In Kbal Spean lingas were carved into the riverbed, to "fertilize" the water for the villages below.

Many of the temples, including Angkor Wat, are constructed along the lines of a Hindu temple-mountain, symbolizing the mythical mount Neru.

Temples have their walls adorned with bas-relief carvings, noteworthy are those at Angkor Wat, Bayon and Banteay Srey. Whole walls in Angkor Wat depict scenes from Hindu mythology, such as the "Churning of the ocean of milk", where Gods and Demons use Naga, the mythical snake, coiled around mount Neru, to churn the ocean.

Unfortunately my understanding of Hinduism and Buddhism is pretty limited, so I will just let you enjoy the photos below. They speak for themselves.

Besides the temples, Siem Reap offers a few other "attractions". The first, shoved into every tourist's face, is an Apsara dance. Unfortunately these expensive shows are set up for tourists, who watch while enjoying a buffet dinner. I was disappointed.

A more unique experience is to get a massage by a blind person. Before starting they carefully feel where you are but are very aware that people who are not blind are not used to this.

When I paid, she asked which of the 2 bills I gave her was the 5 Dollar bill. There is apparently no way to tell them apart for a blind person. Such details bring home how difficult it is to live without eyesight. However I thought it was a good thing that a blind person can gain some economic independence this way, in a country like Cambodia that is very important.
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