We spent the day around the complex of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. The building of these massive structures began in the 12th century. We saw Angkor Thom in the pouring rain and Angkor Wat under the blazing sun. When I say massive, it really is awe-inspiring in both size and structure. To stand there and think of the people constructing these structures is (to use a dated-but-apt phrase) mind-blowing. It was Hindu at its origin, later to become Buddhist. Both influences can be seen. Angkor Wat is the world's largest religious structure.
More sobering was our stop at one of 300 killing fields that was part of Pol Pot's horrific legacy. Cambodia lost at least two million people to the Khmer Rouge's reign of terror (1976-1979).
This will be our last night before we fly home. It's been a great trip. I hope to come back some day -- with Doug this time.
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