Resource 23: What's what in Angkor Wat?

This is a fantastic holiday. We have done so much. We are now in Siem Reap in the north of Cambodia. I'm exhausted after a long day looking around the temples at Angkor. There are spectacular temples with trees growing through them spread over a huge area. There's jungle everywhere with cheeky monkeys ready to steal food if you stop for a snack.

I had to stand in line for ages to take this photo of me standing on the same steps as Angelina Jolie in Tomb Raider. The film's been great publicity for Cambodia. There's people from all around the world here. The Cambodian guides do an amazing job explaining the history of the ancient civilisation that once lived here in many different languages! Unfortunately some people have wrecked some places by souveniring bits of carvings. I would have liked to help in one of the clean-up programs that some of the tours do.

Dad got talking to an Indian man who was restoring one of the buildings. He showed us how soft the stone was and how easily it could wear away. There are hundreds of people employed to look after and restore the temples. The Cambodians are keen to earn money to help them restore this fantastic place.

Workshop Scenario:

In 2004, Angkor Wat in Cambodia attracted 600,000 tourists. The Angkor complex of ancient temples in the province of Siem Reap is part of more than 400 square kilometres dotted with the cultural remnants of the Khmer civilization. The most famous of these sites is Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument and truly one of the architectural wonders of the world. Angkor is also home to some 23,000 Cambodian villagers. Traditionally, they earn their livelihood by agriculture, but growing numbers are supplementing their income selling souvenirs and refreshments at the temple sites.

To accommodate this increasing interest by tourists, many new hotels are being constructed. An international consortium has decided to establish a 5 star resort at no cost to the people of Angkor or the Cambodian Government. In an effort to include Cambodians, they have offered a share of the resort to the Government, as they are seen to represent the people, will assist in dealing with authorities and approve their building requirements. Roads, drains, sewerage, water and electricity supplies, telephone and communication facilities will be upgraded for the area to support the resort. Many jobs will be created by establishing the resort - cleaners, waiters, porters, general hotel staff. Managerial and specialist roles will be filled by people brought in specifically for the tasks. People traditionally engaged in agriculture will be able to supplement their incomes by providing for tourist needs. An airport will be constructed to facilitate the arrival of tourists. A golf course, time share units, new shopping and commercial areas will also be established. Some agricultural land will be lost to accommodate these improvements.

Source: https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/dcwill/www/Cambodia.html Ella's BLOG, Siem Reap, Wednesday 17 May, Cambodia