I’ve been outside the forbidden palace a couple of times before. I don’t know how, but I had got the impression that the place would be quite small. So when I discovered that it’s made up massive-courtyard after massive-courtyard, I realized this was going to be a different experience than standing outside the Big Ben and saying “wow, that’s a big clock”. The courtyards are connected by long corridors and gates with grand names like “the gate of law and order”. Some sections are at a higher altitude than others, and you get dazzling views of Chinese-style rooftops that seem to go on forever. Again I am struck by the authenticity of the whole thing- I am used to this style of rooftops being used as gimmicks or to advertise that “we serve Chinese food here” in China towns around the world. Here, they are the norm.
The most amazing part of this sightseeing trip through the palace was discovering a rather spacious garden in the middle of it, with massive trees providing a green shade from the sun and surrounded by temple like structures and a strange, very large rock sculpture. A moment of bliss ensued after I found a café selling beer, as I sat down on a stone structure and enjoyed a quiet moment of reflection. “Here I am having a beer in the emperor’s garden”. It’s good to feel like you have the right to the same privileges as the emperor of China.
I told Nick that this was possibly the most impressive man-made building I’ve been in. He replied that Angkor Wat in Cambodia could possibly compete for that title. “Really?” I asked, although I didn't expect an answer. “Interesting”, I added absent-mindedly as I went through my travel plans in my head, wondering whether they have good internet connections in Siam Reap.
Joining me this day was Satomi and Nick both of whom seem to have caught the tourism bug as well. Also, Nick introduced us to his colleague Mike who turns out to be a top dood. We all ended the day on the terrace of a nearby tea-house which was a destination in itself.
