> Bas-Relief, Ta Prom, Angkor, Cambodia          

Among the many visages, Krishnas and mythical beings sculpted abundantly throughout Angkor temples, I found these curious specimens at Ta Prom. Should anyone have an answer for how what seems very clearly to be a stegasaurus dinosaur arrived at these 12th century temples? Did they roam Cambodia at that time? Or what other equally outrageous explanation can there be? Email me if you have the answer.
 > Stegosaurus Bas-Relief, Ta Prom, Angkor, Cambodia      

Here up close is what appears to me to be a Stegosaurus at Ta Prom. I saw no other similar carvings of this dinosaur, but certainly cannot claim to have canvassed the whole area. In any case, part of the charm of Angkor is that it's not limited to the huge scope of the undertaking and the feeling one gets from the large, majestic structures, but also in frequent small detail. Wandering about looking closely, you can uncover little tidbits like this that not only speak to the detail of this splendid architecture, but also which conjure more mystical perspectives.
 > Temple Pathway, Ta Prom, Angkor, Cambodia         

Wandering less travelled temples provides quiet moments to contemplate what once was, and the wonder of this colossal enterprise so far back in time. These monumental efforts of centuries ago dwarf current infrastructure in this war torn country, but modern development can change all that. A major source of Cambodian pride, Angkor Wat also draws young hopefuls from around the country wanting to make a living off of you and me, this huge tourist bonanza. Be prepared for dozens of t-shirt vendors, tuk tuk drivers and sellers of anything salable as you enjoy the sights.
 > Temple Window, Angkor, Cambodia          

Jungle and stone, jungle and stone, wherever you go. Look through any window and see more jungle and stone, in this instance with a surprising lack of people. There are lots of places to  escape the huge crowds, but of course these tend to be the less spectalular and less restored  monuments. Even after spending more than a a week here, there was still more to see, especially if wanting photogenic weather and times less crowded. But temple burnout occurs at different points with different people. For some a few days is more than enough.
 > Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia          

Angkor Wat is a spectacular assemblage of ancient architecture commemorating the Khmer Empire dating back to the early 12th century. Elegant and mysterious in it's jungle setting, this wonder of the world has been discovered by modern tourism and is ripe with Japanese, Korean and Chinese tour buses that unload hordes of visiting picture takers. As spectacular as Angkor is, a distraction can be the somewhat Disneyland atmosphere, Cambodia style, that has overtaken the area for it's cash potential. This distant temple lies in the midst of jungle greenery as do most structures overgrown with trees,  vines and some tourists. The major developed part of the complex is less invaded with greenery than tourist hordes. Often hazy skies and the throngs of visiting humanity can diminish a bit from its still enticing appeal, but this paradox didn't keep me staying for more than a week. I tended to head for outlying and distant areas to get away from the crowds and see more of the Cambodia less overrun with tourism, wherever prior mine removal allowed. In the background behind this temple lies the ever-growing town Siem Reap where most visitors stay.
Bas-Relief, Ta Prom, Angkor, Cambodia     

Among the many visages, Krishnas and mythical beings sculpted abundantly throughout Angkor temples, I found these curious specimens at Ta Prom. Should anyone have an answer for how what seems very clearly to be a stegasaurus dinosaur arrived at these 12th century temples? Did they roam Cambodia at that time? Or what other equally outrageous explanation can there be? Email me if you have the answer.
 > Bas-Relief, Ta Prom, Angkor, Cambodia          

Among the many visages, Krishnas and mythical beings sculpted abundantly throughout Angkor temples, I found these curious specimens at Ta Prom. Should anyone have an answer for how what seems very clearly to be a stegasaurus dinosaur arrived at these 12th century temples? Did they roam Cambodia at that time? Or what other equally outrageous explanation can there be? Email me if you have the answer.
Bas-Relief, Ta Prom, Angkor, Cambodia     

Among the many visages, Krishnas and mythical beings sculpted abundantly throughout Angkor temples, I found these curious specimens at Ta Prom. Should anyone have an answer for how what seems very clearly to be a stegasaurus dinosaur arrived at these 12th century temples? Did they roam Cambodia at that time? Or what other equally outrageous explanation can there be? Email me if you have the answer.
Photo by: photographie-irie · see photo in gallery