To take up where we left off, you simply have to experience two other stops in Angkor. They are unique in their own way, so I hope you will find it interesting. About 2 kilometers from Angkor Wat, there is a majestic entrance to Angkor Thom or "The Large City" as it was called, built in the 12th century. This used to be where the palace was located, and where they estimate 100,000 people lived. It encompasses a rectangular area of about 9 square miles and it has its ' own unique monuments. To enter this complex, you drive down a passage way lined with 54 gigantic divinities, that look like fearsome war-lords. They are carved in solid stone, with the 54 gods struggling to hold a large 9 headed serpent, as if to prevent it from escaping.
Can you see them clutching the mighty 9 headed serpent?
This causeway leads to a monumental gate that is called "The Victory Gate, or South Gate." This gate leads you into the city complex. The opening is large enough for the vehicles of today to pass through without any problem. (Actually there are four more gates like this one that surround Angkor Thom!) 
Notice how beautiful these fearsome gods are...
Now for the close up!
It is thought that the city complex, the palace (which no longer exists) and its famous temple, the Bayon, are Buddhist in origin ( remember, Angkor Wat is Hindu). Certainly it has a different feel from Angkor Wat. Note serenity of the head on the top of the Victory gate. What a benevolent welcome!
After going through the gate you come to one of the most famous and unique temples. It is called The Bayon. If Angkor Wat is grand and imposing, the Bayon is wild and erratic. To fashion this structure from stone, without use of cement or mortar, it is amazing to behold. Just visualize how grand it must have been in its day. In fact, the center tower of this structure was supposedly coated in gold leaf! That would have been impressive! When most of the excavating was completed, they realized that the Bayon was situated in the exact center of Angkor Thom.These two shots gives you an idea of it's grandeur.
This is me enticing you to come with me and see!
Now I know you are thinking, what is so unique about this temple? Well, check this out!
And this!
And this!
There are 200 of these large faces carved into the 54 towers that make up The Bayon. Are you impressed yet?
Just in case you think that Dad was not with me at this temple, here are two photos to prove that he was!
As we were leaving the Bayon to go to our third ruin...we passed by this beautiful and peaceful field, "The________ Terrace". I will let you fill in the blank!
I was going to take you to third and final ruin of our visit in this posting...but this will have to do for today. But stay tuned...you won't believe what is coming next!
One of the most famous sites in all of Cambodia is found at Seim Reap. This is the modern city where the famous ancient city of Angkor was located. Angkor was a huge complex that housed over 400 temples, a large palace and many other buildings. This city was begun in the 9th century and flourished until the 13th century. It's saw its decline by the 15th century--when the jungle took over and kept it hidden from the world. It was re-discovered in the 1800's by a Frenchman and has become one of the most sought after places to visit. Angkor Wat (wat means temple) is the most famous of all the monuments in Angkor--it was built in the mid 12th century and is surrounded by a large moat.
Because dad and I have been to Angkor twice, I shall be including pictures from both trips. (This will keep you on your toes to see if you can tell which trip was when!) However, I shall give you a wee hint--the first excursion was done in pouring rain, while the second one sported blue skies and plenty of sunshine! 
As you walk over the moat to enter the complex, you are watched over by a seven-headed serpent or “naga” that forms a stone balustrade on either side of the walkway. They are magnificent and unforgettable!
This temple was originally built for the worship of Hindu deities. The complex must have been a huge undertaking to build. The stone buildings are massive and when you realise that all this was done with out machinery of any kind, the rest of the day is spent in awe as you witness the size and complexity of the buildings.
Can you feel the majesty of this temple complex? Absolutely incredible!
Also, when you get close enough to examine the walls, you realize that the almost every wall inside and outside has been carved with the most beautiful and intricate bas reliefs. 
At the center of the temple complex, there is an edifice that has incredibly narrow, steep steps. To reach the top, you literally have to climb bent over, using your hands to help you. This was done deliberately, so anyone climbing up to worship would be forced to do so in a humble-like position. Even the king had to climb it in this manner! I opted NOT to climb the steps because of the rain--too dangerous. However, we had two companions that thought it would be a fun thing to do!
After leaving Angkor Wat and on our way to visit another temple, I was amazed to see a car wash facility on these ancient grounds...who knew?
This is all for this posting...I hope you loved Angkor Wat as much as I did! But wait...there's more...two more temples to share and then some thoughts about modern day Cambodia...Are you up for that? 
Grandpa Hallstrom was completely surprised with his birthday party on Sunday night. Jim and Kathie had fixed one of his favorite meals, Kalbi ribs, and that was the perfect beginning for his special day! After the meal was done, the family had all prepared a short tribute for Grandpa and put them in a book for him to have as a memento from the evening. However, what he didn't know was that Lorraine and Carl Kawakami had asked his old members of the University Student Branch where Grandpa had served as Branch President for 5 years, to write a tribute to him for his service during those years. It was simply wonderful! Grandpa kept asking, "Who are they talking about?" and everyone would say..."You, Grandpa!" All this was done with a modest smile of appreciation from the birthday boy!
Grandpa listening attentively to each and every tribute! 
He seemed to remember every person that wrote something to him, and he couldn't believe that so many would take the time to wish him a Happy Birthday. The memories from the branch reminded the family of the countless acts of kindness that he and grandma have done for so many. Some examples are: helping young people on missions or with difficult financial troubles; countless phone calls to those in need; the many temple trips taken together as a branch, and eating the fabulous dinner afterwards that had been lovely prepared and packed by Grandma-- in the trunk of the car! 
There's a new chip off the old block! Too cute for words!
Darling twosome!
The grandchildren that were there each took turns expressing their love for him and a special memory of him from their childhood! There were tears shed and love was felt by everyone. What a sweet way to celebrate the magnificent life of of a strong and steadfast man of 90 years! 
Of course, not everyone was as fully engaged at the end as we were...Can you tell that Ryan is ready for bed? 
And this is how happy he was after I snapped the picture! Must be the jet lag!
It has been well over a month since my last post...however, my excuse is that I was on vacation! And what a vacation it was! I arrived in Salt Lake on Wednesday, June 25, and the very next morning we were off to Canada to visit Grandpa and Grandma Clifton! Thankfully, Brett, Julianne and the children wanted to tag along, which meant that Brett did all of the driving and I did all of the backseat driving...which seemed like a fair exchange to me! (Just don't ask Brett for his opinion!)
Who knew that seat belts are also used for keeping noses safe?
Here are some pictures of three amazing daughters performing their exceptional skills for their admiring audience. Note the hair...the girls were most particular about their style! 
And this!
Adam is wishing that he was in the pool with Bri, and Ryan is wishing he wasn't!
Sad to say, this posting has come to an end...but no worries, there is still more to come!
