Inspiration
Dispatch from Siem Reap, Cambodia
Picture this: Angkor Wat before dawn.
You are led through the darkness towards the reservoir that circles the ancient city – a moat, dug by hand almost 1000 years ago. You take a seat beside a group of fellow early risers. Together, you sit, wait, and watch.
People are making their way across the bridge towards the temple gates. At least, you think they are people; you can’t quite make out their figures in the darkness. All you can see is the light from their torches – luminous orbs floating towards the ancient city.
As dawn approaches, the heat breaks – a cool breeze whispers through the palms overhead. Fellow travellers release audible sighs of relief. The cicadas begin to chirp. Gently at first, but slowly and surely increasing in volume. After a while, the chorus reaches a fever pitch. It bounces off the water and rings in your ears, drowning out the chatter of the travellers right beside you. The sound is so intense that you can feel it in the air.
And then, dawn.
The gates of the ancient city come into view. The sky explodes with colour and light. The cicadas stop chirping. Everything is silent.
The ancient city vibrates with an energy that has compounded across centuries.
You have never seen anything more beautiful.