Angkor, Cambodia

Angkor is the legendary capitol of the Khmer empire. Built in 944 AD, Angkor was built into a vast complex of temples and dwellings which eventually abandoned in 1431 aftre it was acked by the Thais. For four hundred years it remained uninhabited, and was thought to be a myth until a French botanist, Mahout, rediscovered the ruins in 1860.
Today, the site has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site, with impressive temples (largely Hindu, largely Vishnuvite) in various states of decay or restoration. If anyone fancies seeing something of great historical significance, but also with a feeling of ‘not yet having been found’, Angkor is a wonderful place to visit. The tourists are, however, coming in increasingly larger droves year by year…
Siem Reap, the nearest city, is also an important place o study the Khmer Rouge, who controlled this region for many years. We were able to visit some sites and meet some people affected during this time—I am sure I have not seen something more horrible than what was done here during that period.