Angkor Wat in Cambodia

Seated at the heart of Angkor, Cambodia (specifically in the Siem Reap provine) is the Khmer architecture of the World’s City Temple --- the Angkor Wat. Since 2004 and 2005, the Angkor Wat is now a major tourist destination by all avid travelers in the world. The estimate figures went up from 561,000 to 677,000 visitors and still counting for more. 

A Brief History

The construction of Angkor Wat began in early 12th century during the rule of Suryavarman. That time, the Angkor Wat was known as the king’s state of temple in the capital city. As many historians believe, the Angkor Wat was owned by the traditional enemies of Khmer after the death of Suryavarman. 

Since then, the temple was abandoned but thanks to the Western visitors as they decided to restore the real beauty of the temple in 1586. Yet, the restoration was stopped due to civil war and caused destruction to various Angkorian statues.

Angkor Wat: The Reconstruction

Years passed by and the construction of Angkor Wat continues. Even its conservator by the name of Maurice Glaize pointed out that Angkor Wat should be preserved due to its balanced elements and its proportional arrangements of the towers. 

When the construction in placed led by Archeological Survey of India in 1886, the Angkor Wat is now a classic style of galleries that extends from the entrance to the west and east side of the pillar. The outer wall was 1024 x 802 m and 4.5 high below the ground.

The central structure of the Angkor Wat is made up of three rectangular galleries dedicated to Brahma, the moon and Vishnu. The gallery is structured with columns that connect the second encoluse to the west side part of the temple.  The second and inner galleries are internally connected with each other following three sets of steps on each side leading to the corner towers and into the innermost gallery of gods known as Bakan. 

Decorations inside the Angkor Wat are extensively adorned with scenes from the Hindu epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata.  The western gallery shows the Battle of Lanka while the eastern part of the gallery shows Churning of the Sea of Milk. On the northern part of the gallery lies the scene of Krishna’s victory over Bana. 

All in all, the whole mood of Angkor Wat is truly an ornate and complex architecture but still one of those important religious centers in the world.

Visiting Angkor Wat

One can visit Angkor Wat anytime of the day. Midday is the part of the day where there is less crowd times at the temple. In fact, touring the vast land of Angkor Wat takes four to five days and be sure not to ignore the highlights of this attraction. The highlights are Angkor Thom, Banteay Srei, Phnom Bakheng Hill and the Tonle Sap Lake. 

Hotel bookings and affordable packages are offered online to get the best experience one can have while in the perimeters of Angkor Wat. 

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We Will Miss Tom's Tavern in Wrentham, MA

Article by Eric H.

Tom's Tavern, a long-time favorite local restaurant in Wrentham, MA, for the past three decades, closed its doors last Saturday, according to the Attleboro Sun Chronicle.

A classic roadside restaurant/bar, Tom's Tavern looked slightly menacing from the outside -- with its dive-like, rather drab look and motorcycles out front -- but once inside, everyone from the drinking crowd to families coexisted peacefully with the very friendly staff. Fresh seafood and a good variety of beer were signatures at Tom's Tavern, along with the knack of making a fantastic burger. It appears that the closing had more to do with management and debt conflicts rather than a poor economy, according to the Sun Chronicle. Tom's still drew a great crowd despite the recession.

We will miss this great local restaurant and bar -- and the air hockey game, too! Thanks for all the years of dining excellence, Tom's Tavern.

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Experience Magic at Hong Kong Disneyland

Just ten minutes from Hong Kong International Airport lays 310 acres Hong Kong Disneyland. This extraordinary park houses four theme-parks such as Main Street, USA, Adventureland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. Each of these parks has designated Disney characters to welcome your visit.  To name a few, Mickey and Minnie Mouse are in Main Street; Goofy and Cinderella in Fantasyland and Buzz Lightyear in Tomorrowland. 

Two of the most famous events during the daytime activities are Disney in the Stars and Disney on Parade. Disney in the Stars features breathtaking nightly fireworks while an orchestra plays A Whole New World (at other theme parks) while Disney on Parade allows you to explore nine spectacular floats of some selected Disney characters such as Chip ‘n’ Dale, Alice in the Wonderland, Disney Princesses etc. During special occasions, there are events like A Sparkling Christmas and Disney’s Chinese New Year.

Due to criticisms from various legislators, future expansions are to be made and currently, these twelve hectares new locations can be viewed while at the top of Tarzan’s Treehouse in Adventureland. Phase two and three are still in progress. 

Hong Kong Disneyland is in fact the smallest Disneyland park in the world but with the various constructions going on and five-star Disneyland Hotel in the Harbor, your stay will still be a blast. The Victorian-themed Disneyland Hotel features 400 rooms and international cuisines at the restaurants. Three ballrooms are situated in the convention center, the largest being the Cinderella Grand Ballroom. 

Traveling to Hong Kong Disneyland is easy. Transportation services are available by MTRC-Disneyland Resort Line Trains, bus, by private cars, by urban or nearby-territory-taxis and by scheduled ferry. Tickets and reservations vary in prices and booking in advance is highly advised to avoid disruption in your magical experience.

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