This incredible tree has taken root above the ruined wall and has now become a part of the temple, both structurally as well as aesthetically.
The strangler fig sits atop the temple alcove, its roots intertwining down the outside of the wall. Only by sinking its sturdy roots does the alcove manage to stay upright against the weight of this great tree.
The roots of this gnarly old tree straddling the wall reminds me of old men's knees, bending to sit and take the weight off.
The Bayon in Angkor Wat is a kaleidoscope of 216 smiling faces. The faces are thought to be that of a long ago king, but their enigmatic smiles reminded me of the smile of the Mona Lisa.
Adorning the walls are carved figures showing such careful detail. These Apsara ladies were thought to be court dancers.
Monks bring lotus flowers to the temples to offer as a blessing to the Lord Buddha.
Young men in Cambodia can choose the monastic life of monkhood in service to the Lord Buddha. This fellow was bringing lotus buds to the temple as an offering.
This gentleman was collecting lotus flowers and seed pods to sell in the markets. His hat was a moment of fun in a busy day.
For Buddhists the lotus is a symbol of purity of the body, speech and mind. It lives rooted in the mud but grows its flowers on long stalks as if floating above the muddy waters of attachment and desire.
The Lotus flower reaches high above the muddy waters where the plant is rooted below. They nod gently in the breeze creating a sea of nodding pink flowers.