11/17/2020 blog analytical

Three more haunted places around the world.

Dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, Angkor Wat was built in the 12th century “as a funerary temple” for a  king, part of a larger park. It was largely unknown to Westerners until the mid-19th century. This magazine entry calls it “an earthly microcosm of the Hindu universe” and bas-relief heads “that smile so mysteriously they might make just make the Mona Lisa look like Kim Kardashian.”

A few thoughts. As noted before, Henry James loved “aged ruins,” and this may be one. Also, people smoking too much pot seemed to be supporting crazy politicians in the developing world including Pol Pot, pardon the pun. Also the late 20th century movie In the Mood for Love ends with the hero taking solace in Angkor Wat after losing a love.

Oops. Two more to come.