Cambodia

Will and I visited Siem Reap to view the famous Ankor Wat historical site.

Angkor Wat (Capital Temple) is a temple complex in Cambodia and the largest religious monument in the world, with the site measuring 162.6 hectares (402 acres). It was originally constructed as a Hindu temple of god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire, but gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple toward the end of the 12th century. It was abandoned in the 17th century and the jungle took it over — see below the photos of huge tree roots growing the the blocks that hold up the buildings and walled fencing.

The complex is constructed from massive blocks carved with intricate reliefs

The incredible passage ways to protect worshipers from the hot sun

Entry ways all have massive structures on each side

Over the centuries huge trees and their roots have overgrown the structure

The growth of the tree roots is pulling this wall apart

An interesting relief (carving) depicting a dinosaur

Despite recent history of horrible genocide, Cambodians are very kind and friendly

Young worshiper taking incense sticks to the alter

A short distance south of Siem Reap and Angkor Wat is a huge lake called Tonle Sap.

Life on the lake — stilted house, solid roof — walls are not that important in this climate

Village is on the water and transport is by canoe

Villagers are all fishermen