Beng Mealea, Cambodia

A Buddhist monk smiles as he passes by the West entrance to the ruins of Beng Mealea. We feel smothered like being wrapped in a still-damp bedspread hot out of the dryer. Trees thrive as they emerge from heaps of sandstone ruins nestled in thick jungle. This primarily Hindu temple built around the time, and with similar architecture, as Angkor Wat hasn’t fared well against treasure hunters and tomb raiders. Still, we marvel at the incredible scale and beauty of yet another world heritage site.Read more