Here we go... The moment that we have been looking extremely forward to...
We arrived at Angkor Wat. I could tell before taking one step onto the grounds that the massive size of the complex alone would take my breath away.
Angkor Wat is a three tiered pyramid with five large lotus-like towers. It is surrounded by a moat.
On our way to walk up the path to enter the complex.
Once inside, we walked up the path to the main temple.
One of the libraries on the grounds.
Picture of Angkor Wat in front of the reflecting pool.
Still walking... Not even to the main temple yet!
We're in! Here is one of the many amazing bas-reliefs.
Brandon posed in front of some of the apsara girl carvings.
The very top of the temple. When Steven was here three years ago, these are the stairs he climbed. Very, very steep!!!
Now, only one of the staircases to the top is open to the public. Also, larger wooden stairs have been built, probably for safety reasons.
Brandon stayed down with Mr. F while Mommy and Daddy climbed to the top.
These wooden rails have also been added for safety since Steven's last trip to Angkor Wat.
I climbed down from the top before Steven. Here, Brandon and I sat waiting.
What an astounding place! Ornate and grand. Breathtaking in a different way from Ta Prohm. I felt small in the midst of the temple. I felt honored to have the opportunity to see such a site and one of the world's top wonders.
Daddy was so proud to take his son to one of his favorite places. A few months ago, we never would have dreamed of having this experience together as a family.
Hot and sweaty, but happy. An understatement of all three.
Goodnight and goodbye, Angkor Wat.
We stopped at the Old Market again this evening and made a trip to Dead Fish Tower, a restaurant that Steven visited on his last trip. Steven had a quick beer, and he showed Brandon the crocodiles (yes, real!) in the restaurant. You could pay $.50 to feed the crocs some chicken. We passed on this. Just crazy to see crocs in a restaurant!
Also, I was amazed at the cheap prices in Siem Reap. Mr. F told us that a pack of cigarettes is about $.15! Aren't they like $10 in the U.S. now?
We took a tuk tuk back to the hotel. Later, Steven went back to the Old Market by himself. He stopped at a couple of bars for drinks. Not only was I exhausted, but I was also a little hesitant to be out after dark. There is a very small risk of malaria in Siem Reap. Just didn't want to take any chances, especially being pregnant. We used a natural mosquito repellent during the days and hadn't had any problems with the mosquitos. Mr. F said that they are really only a problem at night.
