almostfearless.com

Posted: 08 Dec 2011 09:29 AM PST

The temples are deserted, save for the visitors, looking around like we’re trying to memorize something. The stone is cool to the touch. Inside there’s a hush, and a slight breeze that cools off the thread of sweat dripping down the side of your face. We shuffle from room to room, taking pictures, studying some details, scanning from floor to ceiling to take it all in.

One of the Cambodian police invited me into a restricted area, looking over his shoulder as he waved me over. ”Here take photos, good photos.” I even paid him $2 at the end when he pressed me, it was worth it to see the carvings up close.

They are really beautiful.

Outside, Angkor Wat is all tourists being driven by tuk tuk from temple to temple, the sun baking the ruins, the drivers gossiping as they wait, the food stalls workers looking bored. We chug water and pour some on Cole’s head. ”Okay that’s enough,” we decide at some point each day and drag ourselves back to our hotel and crank up the AC. It was exhausting but fascinating trip. Here’s some of the highlights: