Waterfalls and Banteay Srei
Today's adventure takes us out of the environs to visit Kulen Mountain and its waterfall.
This involved a long and bumpy drive and after some time we arrived at a local a village where the locals
welcomed us with many smiles. They were all busy going about their daily tasks and were happy to talk to us
as we walked along. Sethi took us to the bottom of some stairs that led us up to a giant reclining buddha
that was carved from one piece of stone. We had lovely views of the countryside from here and after
a short time we walked down through the village spotting some young children playing hiding in the bushes. Soon after we came across the entrance that led to the waterfalls
|
The track was very rough on the way down to the falls and we did wonder how we would get back! However we we reached the top falls
we decided the walk was well worth it. There were many people just looking and some in the water enjoying the cool water. It did look inviting..
Sethi thought it might be a good idea to climb down to the bottom and check out the main falls. Well, the climb
down was certainly worth the effort! Lots of wooden steps but magnificent waterfalls to be viewed. Of course it meant a long trip back up the many wooden
stairs but never mind, all worthwhile. When we reached the top a short walk to meet our car and driver was ahead and we were relieved we didn't have
to go back the way we had come! We passed some monks on the way who had nothing but smiles and welcome for us and that just topped off our visit to this wonderful place!
|
It was lunch time now and we drove back down the bumpy, hilly mountain for some time before reaching the restaurant where we were to have lunch. As luck would have it
down came a torrential downpour that could only be called tropical rain! It did give us a chance to rest and relax after a busy, hot morning and we enjoyed a special
set lunch that was just delightful.
|
The rain suddenly stopped and the sun came out so Sethi said it was time to go as we were visiting Banteay Srei. Imagine
our surprise when it was just down the road.... A few drops of rain persisted but not enough to spoil our visit. What an incredible
place. Banteay Srei is known in Khmer as "citadel of women" and is renowned for its delicate carvings. The complex is small,
rectangular and carved from soft pink sandstone. There are shrines to Vishna and Shiva and these are accompanied by many figures supposedly
to protect them. However time has eroded some but in general the figures still prevail. The intricate carvings are just amazing and some
are based on the Hindu tale, Ramayana. This temple is becoming very popular and many photographers were waiting to see the change of colour when the light altered in the afternoon sun.
This trip was well worth the effort even though some way away from Siem Riep.
| 
