Day 5: I Challenged Myself

Weather Update: Sunny. High of 30°C

Morning Start

I didn't sleep well, but after breakfast, I decided to hire an electric moped for $10 US for the day to navigate the roads. They say, "It's like riding a bike"—once you learn something, you never forget it. Even if you haven't ridden a bike for 40 years, once you get on the saddle, you're good to go. In Cambodia, staying on the right side of the road, unlike New Zealand where you stay on the left, is half the battle. You have to pay attention because vehicles come from all directions. Be confident, and eventually, it's like 'Riding a Bike' again! The biggest challenge is remembering where you started and how to get back, so I looked for landmarks.

Exploring Temple City

I went back to the temple city and was once again struck by the vastness of this once-massive structure. History gives us a basic understanding of what it might have looked like, but we'll never fully grasp the enormity of this place.

The Bayon Temple

A richly decorated Khmer temple related to Buddhism was built in the late 12th or early 13th century as the state temple of King Jayavarman VII. The Bayon stands at the centre of Jayavarman's capital, Angkor Thom.

Distinctive Features

The Bayon's most distinctive feature is the multitude of serene and smiling stone faces of Brahma, probably modelled on the face of King Jayavarman VII, on every side of the many towers that jut out from the upper terrace and cluster around its central peak. The Japanese Government Team for the Safeguarding of Angkor described the temple as "the most striking expression of the baroque style" of Khmer architecture, contrasting with the classical style of Angkor Wat.

Ta Keo Temple

Jayavarman V was ten years old when he succeeded his father, Rajendravarman, in 968. His early years of reign were turbulent, and dominated by court officials. When he was 17 (in 975), he began constructing his state temple, known as Ta Keo, dedicated around 1000. Inscriptions call it Hemagiri or Hemasringagiri ("the mountain with golden summits"). Work stopped after a lightning strike hit the unfinished building, an evil omen. It remained unfinished until the reign of Suryavarman I. The temple continued as a cult centre until the 13th century.

Angkor Thom

Alternatively, Nokor Thom, located in present-day Cambodia, was the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer Empire, established in the late twelfth century by King Jayavarman VII. It covers an area of 9 km², containing several monuments from earlier eras and those established by Jayavarman and his successors. At the centre is Jayavarman's state temple, the Bayon, with other major sites clustered around Victory Square.

Historical Significance

Angkor Thom was the capital of Jayavarman VII's empire and the centre of his massive building program. One inscription refers to Jayavarman as the groom and the city as his bride. Angkor Thom overlapped parts of Yasodharapura, the earlier Khmer capital. Notable temples within the city include Baphuon, and Phimeanakas, incorporated into the Royal Palace. The name "Angkor Thom" (a great city) has been in use since the 16th century. The last temple constructed in Angkor Thom was Mangalartha, dedicated in 1295. Existing structures continued to be modified, but new creations in perishable materials have not survived. The Ayutthaya Kingdom sacked Angkor Thom, forcing the Khmers to relocate their capital to Phnom Penh. Angkor Thom was abandoned before 1609, with early Western visitors describing it as an uninhabited city, "as fantastic as the Atlantis of Plato."

Reflections

Day 5 was filled with personal challenges and historical exploration. Riding the electric moped and navigating the roads was an adventure in itself, and revisiting the temples gave me a deeper appreciation of their grandeur. For those following my journey, I hope these updates provide a vivid picture of the adventures and challenges along the way.

Cheers to the adventures ahead and the stories yet to unfold! 🌏✨🏛️🛵

Stay tuned for more updates as I continue my travels! 🌞✨

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