Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat was built in the first half of the 12th century (113-5BC). Estimated construction time of the temple is 30 years by King Suryavarman II, dedicated to Vishnu (Hindu). Angkor Wat, the largest monument of the Angkor group and the best preserved, is an architectural masterpiece. It is the earthly representation of Mt. Meru, the Mt. Olympus of the Hindu faith and the home of ancient Hindu gods. The Cambodian god-kings of old each outdid the previous kings' structures in size, scale and symmetry, culminating in Angkor Wat considered to be the world's largest religious building. 

Angkor Wat

The stairway to the third level is steep and narrow but the view from there is spectacular. The height of Angkor Wat from the ground to the central towers is 699 feet. 

Apsaras(heavenly nymphs) are carved into its walls. Each of them is unique, and there are 37 different hairstyles. 

Leaving Angkor Wat

Angkor National Museum

Regina and I spent five hours at this wonderful museum, but unfortunately you are not allowed to take any photos inside. It is a state-of-the-art showpiece focusing solely on the Khmer civilization and the majesty of Angkor.

 Of course, five hours in a museum requires some refreshments, so Regina had the "milky green tea" while I opted for the lemon juice, which was not lemonade, but a very tart lemony orange concoction. It was surprisingly good.

Angkor National Museum

The royal historical path of the Golden Era of the Khmer Kingdom is explored in eight galleries in this beautiful building.  Here are some of the views from inside the museum looking out.

In the Hindu religions lions guard the palace of the gods.

Wat Damnak and the Centre for Khmer Studies

Regina and I walked around this lovely compound, but unfortunately the pagoda was closed for another half hour.  No worries,  a lovely young monk by the name of Nam chatted us up for quite awhile.  He has already been studying four years, and then has two more years to go.   He said talking to tourist was his outdoor classroom.  He eventually wants to come to the US to learn international relations.

Wat Damnak and the Centre for Khmer Studies

The  Centre for Khmer Studies  has spent ten years working to reinforce our understanding of Cambodia, and to support the Cambodian higher education system. The pink building with the pink columns is the reading room while the other building is the actual library.  The library was opened in 2010 with the king in attendance. The librarians who speak, English, French and Khmer have been trained at the University of California, Berkeley.