Far East 2013: Kbal Spean

Today was the last day of my extra holiday so we headed north for 34 km on mainly paved road to Kbal Spean which is described by my guidebook as Sahasralinga in Sanskrit or the "River of a Thousand Lingas" which is the male symbol of Shiva in Hindu religion. In traditional Indian society it is seen as the symbol of the energy and potentiality of the God.

There were Indians in sari on the very steep rocky path up to the waterfall - they had just arrived from Mumbai and were a bit shellshocked so were to be found sitting resting here and there as we walked up. One lady came up with us so was helped by Mr J over the worst bits until we arrived at the waterfall.

As you climbed from this waterfall which was still running because of all the water we have had this season, you come across the carvings in the river - some are on the rocks submerged in the water and others are on the sides.

I was really pleased that we had come up, it was a lovely drive through the countryside too. On the way back we stopped at Banteay Srei for lunch - the tuk tuk drivers usually have some food by themselves and then have a sleep in the hammocks provided for them.

These were water buffalo grazing next to the restaurant. While Mr J had a nap I into the temple for my second visit there - it is quite small but has some beautiful carvings which are easy to get close up to ...