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| Home > Channels > Travel > Journey Through Cambodia - Part II of III
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Page 1: Angkor WatBy Darina Hul
Wednesday, July 18th, 2001
I rode to the site of the great Angkor Wat temples in the backseat of an old beat up Toyota minivan. The half-hour journey on cement led through a lightly wooded area to Angkor Wat. My first thought when I saw the temples of Angkor Wat for the first timeamazing. I had seen so many pictures in books, novels, on the Internet and in family pictures, but nothing compared to the real life experience of seeing the temples in person.
 I walked along the western causeway of Angkor Wat in complete awe. The temple was placed so well against the beautiful blue sky, its reflection gleaming on the moat underneath. It felt almost like going back in time and walking along the pathways into history. The closer I walked towards the temple, the further away I slipped from the present. Each stone block I walked past inspired feelings of curiosity, amazement, and wonder at the overwhelming display of magnificence and grandeur.
To be able to see the splendor in person is the only way to accurately describe the emotions and thoughts that come to mind. I can only modestly describe the profoundness of the temples I have seen. The majesty and brilliance are too powerful to illustrate with words.
Angkor Wat is a massive structure. A large pool of water surrounds the temple, acting as an artificial moat.  Long causeways guide visitors from the forest towards the temple. At the beginning of the western causeways are stone statues of lions displaying fierce and angry expressions on their faces.
The entire temple, including the causeways and statues are aged to a brown and gray color. Many areas have been damaged over time with broken pieces lying dormant alongside. Many of the statues have been chipped or broken altogether with fungi claiming space amongst the aged stones. |
Disclaimer: KC articles are pubished for the information and entertainment of members of KC. The material published is selected for its interest and the views expressed therein are not necessarily those of KC nor its staff. |
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