75 days: Tales Carved in Time

Today I spent a quiet afternoon at the Angkor National Museum. The air inside was cool and refreshing, a stark contrast to the warmth of the streets outside. As I walked through the galleries, each artifact seemed to tell its own story, from intricate carvings to ancient statues of gods and warriors. It was humbling to see how much history had unfolded here, and I found myself completely absorbed in the tales of the Khmer Empire.

One section that stood out was the room dedicated to Angkor Wat itself. The scale models, along with detailed explanations of the architecture, left me in awe of the grandeur of the temple complex. The subtle lighting in the room made the stone replicas seem more alive, as if waiting for the next chapter of their story to be written.

I met a local historian, Sothy, who shared fascinating details about the restoration efforts. His passion for preserving Cambodia's heritage was palpable and resonated deeply with me. We talked for a while, discussing art, history, and how cultures are shaped by time. His perspective will stay with me as I continue my journey.