ANGKOR WAT, ON A VERY VERY HOT DAY

2/5 Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat, the largest monument of the Angkor group and the best preserved, is an architectural masterpiece. Its perfection in composition, balance, proportions, relief's and sculpture make it one of the finest monuments in the world.

Wat is the Khmer name for temple (the French spelling is "vat "), which was probably added to "Angkor "when it became a Theravada Buddhist monument, most likely in the sixteenth century. After 1432 when the capital moved to Phnom Penh, Angkor Wat was cared for by Buddhist monks.

It is generally accepted that Angkor Wat was a funerary temple for King Suryavarman II and oriented to the west to conform to the symbolism between the setting sun and death. The bas-reliefs, designed for viewing from left to right in the order of Hindu funereal ritual, support this function.

After breakfast we boarded a Tuk-Tuk for our transportation for the day, Basically a small motorcycle with a rickshaw trailer attached. A nice cool way to travel about and the price is right.

We visited three of the 72 Temples found at this Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. To say the heat was oppressive would be on the low scale of how hot it was. We consumed much water and Lynn and I later shared a coconut water. Simply put it was miserable to the MAX!!!  But that being said it was worth it to see this amazing site. 

As we are here for an extra day on our own we have arranged for a Tuk-Tuk to take us to the sight for sunrise. I hope the haze clears.  

Leaving Laos and off to Cambodia

Luang Prabang to Siem Reap Cambodia. 2/4

This morning was a very relaxing morning. We did not have to have anything together until 10:00. Then there was the Water Buffalo tied up outside our room with it’s bell. We had already been up and had breakfast when we heard a bell ringing, it sounded like an alarm. Looked out the window and there was a Water Buffalo doing the morning trimming of the landscape. 

A local guide named Kim and I got into conversation about the wood of the area and learned he is a woodworker. We soon had a trade going for some rosewood for a pen I had made and brought with me. 

We the loaded a bus and went to the Laos National Museum, where no photos were allowed. The Throne room was really interesting as the walls were all mosaics of glass and mirrors. 

From there we visited a school for disabled children. This was really neat as their disability was they were deaf. These are students from all over Laos and it is a residential school. Here the students learn to sign as well as a skill. The skills are geared to working in an hotel or in an agriculture field. The students raise much of their own food and care for cattle and pigs. 

The kids were as interested in us as we were interested in them. 

There was a dash to the airport where the plane was being held for us. We were whisked through security and boarded for the 2 hour flight to Siem Reap. 

The temp in Siem Reap was 34C when we arrived. We boarded a bus which took us to the moat surrounding Angkor Wat. Here we boarded gondolas and sailed about as we enjoyed refreshments. 

A Heron of some sorts, need to ID

The Gondoliers  were great and treated us to rhythm filled songs. Soon we were all having a great time. We later learned the Gondoliers could not remember having such a fun loving group. 

We then made our way to the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Resort. This evening we are starting our repacking for our return home. 

Tomorrow we explore a few of the Temples of Angkor Wat. 

MONKS, A HIKE, RICE FARMING AND A WATERFALL

2/3 Laos 

This morning we gathered pre dawn and return to a monastery where we were given rice to provide as alms for the monks as they start their day. The Monks rise at 4:00 AM and walk through the streets receiving offerings of food. Then they start their day of prayers, meditation, study and service. 

We received rice to give to the monks as they passed. 

Next we made our way to the base of Mount Phousi  where we started a hike to the top. 

Rising 150 meters above the centre of town, Mount Phousi cuts a distinctive figure on the Luang Prabang skyline. The hill is popular as a place to watch the sun rise or set over the Mekong River. From the summit you can enjoy a spectacular 360 degree outlook across the city and its many temples, and out over the surrounding landscape to the mountains in the distance. Count on spending a couple of hours for the climb and descent, with several stops to see the temples, rest under the shady trees and admire the magical views. There are hundreds of steps to negotiate, but the climb is gentle enough for anyone who is in reasonable health. For a complete experience, go up Mount Phousi on one side and use the other set of steps to make your way down again. You can pray and make offerings at several temples along the way. 

The Laos believe that if you set a bird free you will enjoy good luck and happiness in the future.

Yes, we set two birds free. 

Back to our hotel to clean up, have breakfast before heading out to The Living Land Farm. 

Here we learned the many steps of traditional Lao rice farming methods. We were taught about ancient rice harvesting and planting methods and also all about threshing and winnowing rice. The Living Land Company organic farm stretches over two hectares cultivating all manner of herbs and vegetables including beetroot, mint and mustard, with an additional eight hectares of rice paddies. This was fun and educational and we did get our feet rather muddy.  We had a great lunch as this location. 

Then we drove to KUANG SI Falls.

Kuang Si (Xi) Waterfall is the biggest in the Luang Prabang area with three tiers leading to a 50-meter  drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools also make great swimming holes and are very popular with both tourists and locals.

View from our room 

Tonight is a Laos Beer tasting followed by dinner and the a White Elephant exchange. 

Tomorrow we fly to Cambodia.