I am sharing images of Ta Prohm in Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap, Cambodia, taken in December 2009. As these photographs were taken quite a long time ago, some of them look noticeably different from what can be seen today. In particular, the large tree standing beside the ruins in the first photograph is no longer there.
Ta Prohm is one of the most famous temples in Angkor Archaeological Park, so there is little I can add about the site itself. Instead, I would like to share a personal memory.
The first time I visited Ta Prohm was in the mid-1990s. At that time, I did not see a single other tourist. Perhaps because the country was still recovering from years of civil conflict, there were several ranger-like men carrying rifles in front of the temple. One of them accompanied me and showed me around the ruins.
During our walk, he repeatedly invited me into a small structure within the temple complex. Since it was my first time being guided by someone carrying a rifle, I was too nervous to follow him. However, he had a kind face, so I eventually accepted his invitation and entered the structure. Once inside, he began striking his chest with his fist.
For a while, I could not understand what he was trying to show me. Sensing my confusion, he pointed to his ear and made a gesture that seemed to mean, “Listen carefully.” So I paid close attention. Then I realized that every time he struck his chest, the sound echoed through the structure and produced a deep, bell-like tone. I was fascinated by it. The two of us stood there, taking turns striking our chests and listening to the echoes while smiling at each other.
He must have noticed from my attitude that I had been suspicious of him at first. I felt a little ashamed of myself and silently reflected on my behavior.
Even today, whenever I visit ancient ruins in Cambodia, I sometimes strike my chest and listen to see whether the sound echoes in the same way.
