We
began our second day in Siem Reap with an early morning departure for Ta
Phrom, one of the many temples that make up the extensive city of
Angkor. Beating the crowd, our amiable and informative guide, Borin,
gave us a private tour of the late 12th century ruins. Characteristic of
the country of Cambodia, Ta Phrom revealed the power of mother nature.
The massive winding roots of the soft wood trees kept the ancient
structures intact while threatening to destroy other parts of the
temple. While strolling through the complex, Borin explained the long
and turbulent history of the Khmer people.
Virtually all the sculptures and carvings of the Buddha were destroyed
when a Hindu king came to power. A closer look at the artwork proved
this claim.
Once
we arrived at the Bayon, the tourists arrived in flocks. I felt as if I
was being watched by the four smiling faces of the towers of Bayon. As
well preserved as the temples were, it was still impossible to imagine
the city of Angkor in action in the hundreds of years ago. After touring the temple several adventurous members of our group mountain biked on the 10 foot tall wall of Angkor Thom and back through Siem Reap to our hotel. Amazing to see the ruins and the city from this view!
In
the afternoon, we were exposed to a totally new landscape--one of
towering stilts and water. We visited Kompong Phluk, a floating village
occupied by ethnic Vietnamese and Cham people. The livelihood of the
villagers depended on rice paddies in the dry season and fishing during
the monsoons. A murky brown canal brought us through the community and
into the vast Tonle Sap Lake. We walked through the village and arrived
at a primary school where Khmer and art were being taught in two
different classrooms. We were invited in to the art class where Hannah
taught the children how to fold a origami crane.
The
day ended with another delicious meal. The group met up with Raksmey, a
former intern at BHS, and her friend Dani. Both teach at a private
school called Jay Pritzer Academy.
Until next time,
Yijin
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