Author: jmaurizi

Pre Rup Temple

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

This temple is of the “Mountain” style, built upward and is relatively a square layout. It has an outer wall and three tiers. The top tier has 5 towers. One tower at each corner and then one tower in the center.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Pre Rup is very popular to watch the sunset. Many people go to the top to see the sun set on the horizon. To me the real show is from the ground with the sun behind you and looking at the temple. Because of the brick material, the temple gives off a kind of glow when the sun hits it.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

It is good to get here early to walk around and explore. Many people will descend on the place at sunset so to get some photos without many people, arriving around 4pm is a good time.

Directions: Pre Rup is south of East Mebon and east of Sra Srang.

Author: jmaurizi

Lions of Pre Rup

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Pre Rup has more Lion statues than any other temple in Angkor. Nearly every corner of every tower and staircase has a Lion looking out to the open plains below. Some Lions are in very good condition while others are broken apart. The Lions can be seen from any point around the complex. I enjoyed how them seem to be standing guard over the temple.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Author: jmaurizi

Carved in Stone

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

One of my favorite things to do at Ta Prohm is to take a close look at the beautiful carvings around the complex. Some still have great detail. Every structure and every wall seem to have carvings of a Buddha or ornate relief. None are the same. There is so much to see at Angkor, few people take the time to really check these works out. They are art unto themselves. Take time to go beyond the big picture of the temples. Look closely. You will be amazed at what is in store.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Author: jmaurizi

East Gate

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Ta Som is a little more remote and fewer people visiting. My favorite thing to see is the east gate. Since everyone usually enters from the west side, you have to walk through the entire complex of Ta Som to get to the east side. Then, it doesn’t look like anything more significant than any other tower gate at an Angkor site. t has the typical face on the tower but if you look closely at the top, there seems to be a large tree growing from the top with no roots. It is exactly over the door way.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Walk through the door way and you will see how this tree is supported. It is a beautiful and interesting view. The roots found their way around the door and into the ground. A very cool thing to see.

Author: jmaurizi

Elephants of East Mebon

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

There are some very well preserved stone elephants at East Mebon. These elephants are on the first and second tiers of temple. They are at each corner. They are also carved from a single block of rock.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Definitely something I enjoyed so take notice of them They are in relatively good shape and make for some dramatic photos with the temple in the background.