A bit of a crazy travel month for us - putting our two big family trips this year back to back. We went to Cambodia this past weekend with some friends from our ward - the Monson's. Our original plan was to do Cambodia over Spring Break but we wanted to go with our friends and they have a baby due in April so we decided on Chinese New Year weekend instead.
Angkor Wat - the worlds largest religious structure and one of the 7 man made wonders of the world. Built in early 1100's - almost a thousand years old - originally a temple for the Hindu god Vishnu and then changed to Buddhist as the countries religion changed. Deserted for hundreds or years, surviving many wars- including 5 years of terror by the Khmer Rouge in more recent times, this huge temple complex is an awe. Craig had the grand idea to have us all (14 of us) wear BYU shirts in order to send a picture into BYU magazine - hence all the blue and white attire.
Probably the oldest thing anywhere that allows (or at least doesn't control) touching and climbing on the ancient relic.
Thanks to a another friends, the younger kids had a fun treasure hunt of things to find in the temple complex.
The older kids had a good time posing pictures around the temple.
This is one of those things that pictures cannot due justice.
There are many temples in and around Angkor Wat. Probably my favorite - Ta Pohm. May be recognizable as the sight of the filming of the movie 'Tomb Raider'. Because Angkor Wat is surrounded by a large moat it was not taken over or damaged by the encroaching jungle that surrounds. However, this neighboring temple complex wasn't so lucky.
Banteay Srei Temple - the woman's temple. This one was a bit farther out and had a very different feel. Was actually built earlier (900's) and made of red brick instead of sandstone. Very intricate and detailed carving throughout.
On the way back we stopped at some local stands where they were making fresh palm sugar from the tree's around them. Pretty good stuff!
Probably the oldest thing anywhere that allows (or at least doesn't control) touching and climbing on the ancient relic.
Thanks to a another friends, the younger kids had a fun treasure hunt of things to find in the temple complex.
The older kids had a good time posing pictures around the temple.
This is one of those things that pictures cannot due justice.
There are many temples in and around Angkor Wat. Probably my favorite - Ta Pohm. May be recognizable as the sight of the filming of the movie 'Tomb Raider'. Because Angkor Wat is surrounded by a large moat it was not taken over or damaged by the encroaching jungle that surrounds. However, this neighboring temple complex wasn't so lucky. 
Amazing, amazing site! I really couldn't get enough of this one - the way the trees have just grown right on top the temple.
Angkor Thom - the palace area and more temples.
Bayon - each of the towers has a Budda face carved on all four sides.
Local kids hanging around the temple complex.
Banteay Srei Temple - the woman's temple. This one was a bit farther out and had a very different feel. Was actually built earlier (900's) and made of red brick instead of sandstone. Very intricate and detailed carving throughout.
The kids had had enough of temples by the end of the second day! I think they're ready to head into town for some food and shopping.
Fun to see kids all around going about their normal daily lives.
On the way back we stopped at some local stands where they were making fresh palm sugar from the tree's around them. Pretty good stuff!
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