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Bantay Srei - February 2003 |
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Our guides insisted that we travel 30km to the northeast of Angkor Wat to see Bantay Srei (Women's Citadel). The drive through the formerly Khmer Rouge-controlled rural countryside was an event in itself. There were signs of slow infrastructure development everywhere. The structure of Bantay Srei is different from most Angkorian temples in that it is made of pink volcanic pumice stone versus the gray limestone of Angkor Wat. One of the most sobering moments of the trip took place when we heard the sounds of a band playing--composed solely of land-mine victims--upon first arriving at the ruins. |
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The pink exterior of Bantay Srei and its reflecting pool. The beauty of the water lilies and the temple are muted by the sounds of the land-mine band. |
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The approach to Bantay Srei. The dimensions of the temple are suprisingly small and most doorways require crouching to enter. |
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The main entrance to Bantay Srei. The carvings are as intricate as Angkor Wat. |
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This is the courtyard archway as seen from the approach to the main interior temple. |
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These are the central spires of Bantay Srei. While not as tall as their more well-known brethren, they are equally impressive. |
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Another photo of the temple complex from the courtyard. |
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I passed this rural health center on the way to Bantay Srei. The facilities were medieval although it was clean. Land mine maimings and children falling into cooking fires are the most common accidents, while mosquito-borne malaria is also of major concern. |
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One of the many carvings in the ancient Khmer language. You can see Austro-asiatic and Tai-Kadai characteristics. |
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