Cambodia: Beng Mealea

The temple we saw today was a little over an hour from the main Angkor temples.  Being Mealea is sometimes referred to as the Indiana Jones Temple.  It's not called this because the movie took place here, but because this temple was the inspiration for the movie, or as I was told by our tour guide.  Beng Mealea is even more wild and taken over by nature than Ta Prohm.

It is said that this temple was build around the same time as Angkor Wat.  Some even believe that this was a prototype of the Angkor Was temple, as they have many similarities. It was fun to come here after seeing Angkor Wat and trying to see the similarities.  I personally couldn't see any, as most of the temple was in ruins.  When we first came to the temple, all you see are crumbling stones piled haphazardly everywhere.  The stone are covered in a lush green moss that add to the charm.

We took a lot of time just exploring the outside and viewing the pure nature take-over.  Some areas were in such ruins that it was hard to imagine what the architecture looked like in its glory.  But there were many places where you could see where the puzzle pieces had fallen and in my minds view could see a beautiful wall or doorway.

We followed the outer wall about half way around.  Our tour guide noticed that a large bus of Chinese tourist had just been dropped off at the front of the temple, so we made our way around the wall to the back and did the temple in reverse so we just passed the busload of people rather then having to fight for a good view behind them. There were amazing trees and a pretty solid wall all the way around.  The kids had fun playing in the low vine trees and writing in the sand.  While we were exploring the walls and outer area, we learned from our tour guide that during the war here, the entire area was covered in landmines.  He told us that thousands of mines had been found.  It made me nervous to have my kids walking around, but I kept telling myself that thousands of people visit this temple each day, so they must have found all the mines by now.  As we were walking out the sign read that the organization that was finding the mines was an ongoing process.  Yikes!  Glad I saw the sign on my way out, and not in.

After making our way around the wall, we were in for a special treat as we entered the inner area.  As we walked in, we were able to walk in, on, through and around the ruins.  In order to enter the main sanctuary, we had to walk right on the wall, which was a good 10 feet off the ground.  The kids all loved this part.  I was so worried that Monster or Little A would just fall right off the edge, so I kept a firm grip on both their hands.  It was fun walking on an ancient wall and climbing over huge old tree roots.

Many of the doorways in this section were either unaccessible due to fallen rocks or beams.  The creeping vines all along the wall made the temple look as if the earth was trying to swallow the stones and temple.  When we did find an open doorway, we were able to enter inside.  This door lead to the main sanctuary.  The hallway was pitch dark and had a touch of frightening.  I was worried I was going to step on a snake or some other animal.  Luckily, phones are made with flashlights now, so I just turned on my trusty phone flashlight to lead the way.

When we got out of the sanctuary, we found ourselves on a canopy walkway that spanned over the ruins of the temple to help preserve it in its natural state.  Unlike the other Angkor Temples, Being Mealea has not been refurbished.  This temple is prized for its authenticity. As we walked around the catwalk, we noticed even more the piles of stone rubble, gorgeous moss covered stones and full grown trees winding their way in and around everything.  

We spent the last 30 minutes walking around with a birds-eye view of the temple.  I wanted to walk off the catwalk and into the ruins so desperately.  But I was a good little tourist and stayed on the path.

As we came to the end of the catwalk, all the kids were gathered around the banister excitedly chattering about something.  As we got close, they all excitedly pointed out a stick bug that they had found.  It was the most real looking and huge stick bug I have ever seen.  I guess it had to adapt and become super big, because the trees here are just gigantic.  We let them gawk at the bug for a few more minutes, then we all said a final good bye to Being Mealea and the mysteries under the catwalk.