2013, Day 3 - Echoes

Banteay Samre is one of the most complete and intact temples in the Angkor complex.  The jungle was thoroughly removed from the site and thus it stands denuded of nature.  Built in the 12th century and dedicated to Vishnu the most unique feature of this temple is the now dry internal moat.  Carvings of lotus buds and blossoms adorn the surrounding stones and it must have been a magnificent sight when it was filled.  I can imagine the moon and the stars reflected in the water's surface while the breezes would cause reflected light to flicker across the abundant carvings.

One detail common to many temples that has gone unmentioned in my previous posts is the presence of echo chambers.  These are small rooms at the start of a hallway that have special acoustic properties.  If you stand with your back pressed to the wall and use your chest as a drum the sound reverberates from the walls and ceilings.  Even the partially collapsed rooms still function, it is as if the temples still live like some sleeping giant not full awakened.  Perhaps we should let them get their rest...

Canon 1D X, Canon 24-70/f2.8L Mark II
28mm, f5.6, merged layers of 1/500, 1/125, and 1/60 sec @ 160 ISO