Cambodia-More Temples

Our next step was Ta Prohm. It was pouring rain while we were here so I apologize for the crapper photos. This particular temple is notable for two reasons: first, unlike Angkor Wat, the jungle has started to grow on top of the temple, and the second is that it was a backdrop of scenes in the movie Tomb Raider (with Angelina Jolie). 

This temple was built for Buddha.

Our guide said that the temples are 1,000 years old and the trees are 300 years old.

Next we traveled through the Cambodian countryside to a more remote temple called Banteay Srei. 

This temple is carved out of red limestone, giving it a pink hue. It's also referred to as the lady temple.

The carvings are incredible.

We were accompanied to all of the temples by our guide Phal, who was knowledgeable, interesting, and most importantly could tell when we were starting to wilt. 

This temple was one of my favorites because it was so quiet. 

Our last stop was to Angkor Thom, which was the capitol city of the ancient Khmer empire. This is the impressive entrance gate.

The most interesting structure inside is the Bayon Temple. Waiting out the rain showers. 

This temple is also commonly referred to as the temple of 1,000 faces.

While our guide said there's actually closer to 250 faces, you can see them everywhere.

Unlike other carvings we saw of gods, these faces are very human. Phal told us that the myth is that this temple was built for the people, and because of that it's his favorite. 

We weren't the only species checking out the place.

Going in for a kiss.

My turn.

And then this happened. 

The carvings are just incredible!

Elephant tusks.

Another huge temple within the boundaries of Angkor Thom. They are everywhere!

While these elephants are there just for tourist rides, it's still amazing to see the huge animals.

Our first day in Cambodia we traveled with a guide and an air conditioned SUV. On day two we hired a tuk tuk driver to take us back to our favorite sites. 

Our driver showing us how to eat bamboo sticky rice. Tasty.

After a long day we headed into town to try Khmer food. It's similar to Thai food with many curry options. We didn't try this street food: snakes, scorpions, and crickets. Blech.

We really enjoyed our hotel. After spending the day under the muggy sun, it felt great to take a dip in the pool. We weren't in there for more than a few minutes when it rained, HARD.