Praying figure in black and white

So many details, so many photos! Sorry I've been out of touch for awhile, things have just gotten very busy, but I think it's back to normal now. Photo taken in December 2016.

More decay

Mother Nature is closing in on Preah Khan temple. There are so many details at every turn. Photo taken in December 2016.

Looking through

More decay at the temples of Angkor in Cambodia. Such beauty in the decay. Photo taken in December 2016.

Prayers

A line of mini-Buddhas carved into the stone. Hard to image the hours of intricate work that must have gone into making every detail. The faces are so serene. Photo taken in December 2016.

Details

The complex of Angkor temples is a photographer's paradise. There are so many beautiful details to photograph and enjoy. This regal woman was found at Bayon. Photo taken in December 2016.

Faces of Bayon

There are beautiful, serene faces carves into the stone columns of Bayon temple. They are facing the cardinal directions: North, West, South and East. 

Everywhere you turn, there they are. It's like having a benevolent spirit watching over you. Photos taken in December 2016.

Stone mural

This bas-relief mural is part of the eastern galley found on the outer walls of the Bayon temple. It shows a battle of the Khmer peoples against the Cham with the Khmers coming out on top. More murals can be found here. Photo taken in December 2016. 

Sunshine on Buddha

He looks illuminated in his golden sash. There was something special about the light. Photo taken in December 2016.

Welcoming sign

Different variations of asparas happily greet visitors at all the temples of the Angkor site. I found them to be a welcoming sign, and you'll find more at Signs, Signs. Photo taken in December 2016.

A foot

Every piece of stone and worn statue is filled with such beauty. Photo taken in December 2016.

Blue skies above

Everything looks better under a blue sky. This lovely building atop Phnom Santuk is no exception! It's Friday and you'll find more skies at Skywatch. Photo taken in December 2016.

Arches

There were lots of decorative arches and entryways at the new temple area atop Phnom Santuk. 

They were all painted with bright colors.

And they certainly made me feel welcome! More signs can be found at Signs, Signs. Photos taken in December 2016.

Monkeying around

This is the newer section of Phnom Santuk. This temple was beautifully painted and decorated, both on the inside and out (this is where I found yesterday's murals). 

I caught one of the resident monkeys having a bit of fun atop the temple's guardian statues. Photos taken in December 2916.

Man with horse

I'm sure there is some significance to this scene as people had left offerings in front of the statues. Perhaps they are protectors of those who travel? Photo taken in December 2016.

Friendly face

There were lots of friendly faces at Phnom Santuk. Some were bare like the guys who lined the walkway, while others were painted like this warrior. Photo taken in December 2016.

Colorful details

There was so much to see atop Phnom Santuk. Temples in different styles, statues old and new, Buddhas without end... Photo taken in December 2016.

A visit to Phnom Santuk

Phnom Santuk is a holy site situated halfway between Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat. It's just outside the village of Kompong Thom where we spent one night before heading to Angkor Wat.

To reach the vista at Phnom Santuk, you must climb the 809 step stone stairway.

These friendly faces will keep you motivated. They line the stairway on each side, every step of the way. At the top of the mountain, you'll find several temples of varying styles and age. Check back this week for more. Photos taken in December 2016.

Details

Elephants are a recurring motif throughout Southeast Asia. I really like this one on the fences of the royal palace in Phnom Pench. More fences can be found at Friday Fences. Photo taken in December 2016.

Temple

The temples in Bali are always so beautifully decorated. 

 

Women come in the mornings to add fresh flowers and offerings to the statues. It's a very interesting practice, apparently it helps to appease the spirits. Photos taken in December 2016.

Ornate door

I couldn't resist stopping for a shot of this decorative door in Bali. There's something I like about the contrast between this entrance and its surroundings. I also didn't notice the tiny stop sign to the right until I opened it on my computer. A nice detail. More signs can be found here. Photo taken in December 2016.