Thanks for coming to my blog.Ta Prohm is one of the more famous temples near Siem Reap. It is in a more ruinous state than most of the other popular temples. It is testimony to the fact that for many years the jungle was not held back and took over the temples until they were re-discovered in the 19th century. It was built in the 12 - 13th centuries.
Many countries are partnering with Cambodia
to help restore parts of the temples and
maintain them. Can you see the picture in the
picture?
Walking towards the temple, a group of
people who have been injured and maimed
by landmines
One of the reasons this temple is so famous
is that it was used to film scenes in the film
"Tomb Raider", which starred Angelina Jolie
The guide that took us around was quite upset
by the fact that the temple is often referred to
as "The Angelina Jolie temple". He made the
point that the temple is a bit older than Angelina!
The temple was chosen by the Ecole Francaise
d'Extreme-Orient to be left in a 'natural state',
as an example of how most of Angkor looked
on its re-discovery in the 19th century
A lot of very careful work had
to be done to make the temple
accessible and safe, while still
keeping the 'natural look'
The trees and their incredible
roots spreading out over and
between the buildings are
uniquely responsible for
Ta Prohm's atmosphere
It is almost impossible to
take a photo without a tree!
They are the defining feature of the temple
But here's part of the temple
without a tree. It is the central
sanctuary in the inner enclosure
There are two main species of
tree. One is the silk-cotton tree
This is a superb example with its pale brown
roots and knobbly texture
Just gorgeous!
Ta Prohm was a temple monastery
Its original name was Rajavithara which means
'the Royal Monastery'
This is the second type of tree,
the strangler fig, a very apt name!
Daniela, rooted to the spot
Fabulous example
Close up
These last two photos show one
of the entrances to Ta Prohm.
The tree rising up from behind
is the same tree as the one in the
two previous shots
Yet another incredible experience from our trip
to Siem Reap and Angkor. Just one regret, I didn't
get a shot of Angelina!
Four more blogs to come from Cambodia
Two of Phnom Penh, one of the "Ladies Temple"
and the grand finale of Angkor Wat, the most
famous of all. Do come back!
