19 November 2010 J7's Facebook Profile Pic Jean and I visited the Angkor museum in Siem Reap a few days ago and while a little pricey we found it an invaluable source of information concerning Hinduism, Khmer architecture, and the history of the Khmer empire. One of the superstars of the antiquity was King Jayavarman VII. In the late 12th century the Khmer empire had faltered. Internal conflicts, rebellion in the provinces and disillusion after several failed military campaigns gave the Cham empire (in modern southern Vietnam) the opportunity to seize power. The Cham held Angkor for four years before Jayavarman VII rallied the Khmers and recaptured the city. He then proceeded to drive the Cham out of Khmer territory. Later, he would mount a campaign that would take over all of Champa extending the Khmer empire all the way to south Vietnamese coast. During the struggle with the Cham, J7 was also building and building a lot. During his 40 year reign he constructed his cap...

19 November 2010 It was still dark when Jean and I stepped onto the ancient causeway spanning the massive baray, a moat meant to symbolize the oceans of the earth. The road noise and hawkers' cries soon faded and gave way to the slap of flip flops against the smooth flagstones and murmurs of other pilgrims who like us were bound for a dawn encounter with one of the world's great wonders After yesterday's grueling dawn to dusk cycle temple tour I was surprised Jean and I managed to rouse ourselves at half past four. We peddled out of our guest house's courtyard, through a desolate traffic circle and north along to the river. At five the city was already beginning to stir. We soon passed out of Siem Reap traveling on a smooth two-lane road accompanied by a steady stream of tuk-tuks, motorcycles, passenger vans and a few other cyclist all bound for the ancient Khmer (Cambodian) capital of Angkor. The Angkorian era began back in 802 AD when Jayavaram II proclaimed hi...