Angkor Wat is the largest temple in the region but not the only gig in town. There are stunning temples throughout the area whose exquisite architecture and impressive sculpture reveal that the Khmer civilization were prolific builders and artisans. One of my favorite is Ankgor Thom, once the capital of the Khmer civilization, with the central temple Byon and its towers of giant smiling faces and the long carved wall of the elephant terrace.
The temple complexes in and around Angkor Wat are a sculptors dream. In the 12th century Khmer culture was the center of the world as the massive temple of Angkor Wat was built. It still remains as the largest religious building ever built. First dedicated to Hinduism and over the years converted to Buddhism. Almost every surface has intricate carvings and reliefs that are either decorative or depictions of historic hindu battles. Unlike today, sculptors were fully employed, or more likely enslaved!
The wedding day started at 6:30 am with the grooms party, which included us, assembling blocks away from the bride’s residence. The processional was led by a band of musicians and we were all carrying gifts, everything from pig trotters to cigarettes, for the brides family. Numerous ceremonies followed, lead by a priest accompanied by musicians, singers and dancers. There were ceremonies of greetings and hair cutting, symbolizing new beginnings. There were Songs about the 40 different types of fruit as a dancer beautifully passed offerings to all in attendance. All were invited to participate as the newly weds hands were symbolically tied together, and numerous other ceremonies and outfit changes. It was a beautiful and joyful celebration! We were fed breakfast, lunch and a magnificent dinner! Then we danced late into the evening with the music loud enough for the whole town to hear, although it seemed as if the whole town was dancing with us!
The marriage of a son or daughter is considered one of the most important events in the family life of Cambodians. The day before the actual wedding, there were numerous ceremonies preparing the families for David and Mara’s union. There were blessings from and for the parents and from Buddhist monks. Gifts were exchanged between families and between generations. And of course all those attending we’re honored with lots of food and drink!
Weddings in Cambodia are a link to the past, a binding of families and a celebration of love. Massive celebrations and the extensive ceremonies are connected to the legend of the origins of Cambodia and parallel the first Khmer prince , Preah Thong and his marriage to the Naga Princess, Neang Neak.The prince was a foreigner exiled from his homeland and during his travels fell in love with the Naga Princess. The father of the princess swallowed part of the ocean and formed the land of Cambodia giving them a wedding gift of a place to reside.
If weddings in the states are a big industry then in Cambodia they are massive. Average weddings last three days and sometimes as long as a week. Our Mara went through at least 7 different outfits, and I’m seeing photos on face book of outfits we missed when we headed back to our hotel for an hour break. The lavish apparel is fitting of royalty!
On the road from Phonon Phen to Kompong Thom was a harrowing 3 hour drive. Our driver used his horn like it was a musical instrument, tapping out warnings to the array of vehicles that he passed on this major 2 lane highway. In and around motorcycles, tuk tuks, water buffalo and pony drawn carts, motorcycles pulling huge trailers, and of course cars, tourist buses and trucks. We arrived safely at our hotel greeted by Mara & David with other guests attending their wedding.
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The Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant collection of venders selling everything from pig intestines to glitzy shoes. The aromas are pungent, sweet and savory. One moment inhaling the enticing smells of the mounds of coffee beans, Vietnams number one export, then repulsed by the stank of dorian. The orderly colorful displays of fruits, clothing, fish or animal innards are visually exciting as we stroll through isle after isle of the bizarre to the mundane.
