The Bayon

We motor north across the moat and through the massive south gate. We stop to photograph the grimacing gods and ferocious demons (asuras) who line the bridge, like fiercesome maori warriors doing a haka and playing tug of war with a huge snake. It is in fact the naga, a giant seven headed serpent associated with water and fertility.

Our next stop is the Bayon, the state temple of Jayavarman VII, a massive mountain of stone rising out of the jungle. Whilst Sokry goes to eat breakfast Lees and I promptly lose ourselves (and each other!) climbing up into the maze of corridors and stairwells, guardian lions and naga balustrades, terraces and... these extraordinary towers depicting the smiling face of Jayavarman VII, eternally blissful and freckled in lichen. Soon I'm lost, marvelling at and interpreting galleries and galleries of stone bas-relief, illustrating myths and legends of the 12th and 13th centuries. Incredible! Better go find Sokry...