Cambodia…a country with a history both inspiring and depressing. Where Khmer Gods descended from the heavens and the temples of Angkor were created in their honor. A place where the people are among the friendliest even though they have little.

WELCOME TO CAMBODIA…WELCOME TO SIEM REAP…WELCOME TO ANGKOR WAT

Massive mythical trees towering overhead with a thick green brush blinding the view of the horizon. The air is thick and the heat is heavy on the body and sweat continues to pound the earth as it fell off our bodies. Then suddenly a colossal stone structure appears through the forest. Somehow it seems as though I walked through some time warp to a forgotten kingdom. The heart was pounding and the palms are getting sweaty for the excitement of looting valuable artifacts or so my mind was wanting to take a piece of this valuable culture and history with me.

The tombs were absolutely amazing with gigantic trees with massive roots engulfing the stone walls as if a giant squid creeped out of the depths of the sea and seized ships as they sailed under the night sky.  The carvings of history etched into the stone depicted various unknown stories and displayed the artistic abilities of the Khmer Kingdom. Dark passages lead to hidden treasures of tree roots snaking around the stone structures which was a feast for the eyes and for the imagination. The jungle itself reclaimed this ancient civilization’s kingdom and taking back what was rightfully hers. Its a wonder as to how these Wats survived the natural elements for so long and not to mentioned the destruction of man through countless wars in the Cambodian Kingdom.

From one wat to another, each had its own appeal that surprised the child within me. Some hidden in the deep jungle with colossal roots veining around the stones as to be pumping life into the structures while others towered up to the sky clear out of the jungle, showcasing their complex architectural design. We were fortunate to have an amazing guide name Saven who drove like a bat out of hell as he expertly maneuvered his tuk-tuk to take us to the hidden gems of the Khmer Kingdom.

We found ourselves overtaken by the magic of the Khmer Kingdom of Angkor and the surrounding temples.  Marco Polo quoted the following about Angkor Wat and Cambodia, “I did not write half of what I saw, for I knew I would not be believed”. Words have never been so true and for one of history’s most famous explorers to be sealed at the lips, it is an honor I shared this feeling with this man. I can only imagine what Macro Polo himself must have seen, imagine how much harder it was to locate the temples, the difficulties of languages, trade, having proper guides, and so much more.

Life is full of adventure and that adventure brings about new ideas, new appreciation for life and etches a goodness on the soul that can never be taken away.  New ambitions and self reflection are formed within this jungle among the Khmer temples. I travel with eyes wide open!!!

-Jason R.