Post Cambodia

Just came back from Cambodia on the 12th with Calvin, Jane, Ian and Chang Xun. My standard answer to everyone that asks how it was is “amazing”. I can’t begin to gush about Angkor. The temples, Angkor Wat. I would return only to walk through its gates, to say that it was magical is a severe understatement. The moment we were on the bridge, walking across the moat towards the outer enclosure walls, the sublime magnificence of the looming ancient structure just made it oh so hard to breathe. I had to lean against the wall for some time, just to touch it, just to feel it. The best part was the last archway which opened to the linear path of the outer enclosure which leads to the walls of the inner enclosure where the main temple is located. At that archway I felt faint, the vast fields to the side of the path and the temple proper in the distance with the sky pink and blue framed by an arch of a dark, cool corridor. Bah, I can go on forever. I feel truly blessed to have experienced one of the most celebrated creations of mankind. My biggest regret is going so soon, as I heard from my mum that Taylor’s students have field trips to the Angkor Wat, if I only I have heeded Kenny’s suggestion that it would not be my only chance. The other temples are amazing in their own right, but of course, nothing compares to Angkor Wat. Although the Bayon did not disappoint, I got quite lost for a moment, the numerous reconstruction works had rendered the second level almost a maze. It was interesting to compare the monuments, especially in accordance to the timeline and the changes of belief and culture. One thing about South East Asian religious monuments, the practice and the technology of masonry imported, I guess, from India, is so different from the timber dwellings of the people, can you imagine how much labour was involved?
Once again, I have to limit my ramblings..
I learned that I should break free and be vigilant of the obstacles at hand to overcome them in my own, independent way. I need to carry myself better.

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