Paulo Travels: Siem Reap – Part 1

Paulo Travels: Siem Reap – Part 1

This is the second time I've been to Siem Reap (the first was on vacation, the second, for work), and yet the beauty and wonder of Angkor Wat never fails to take my breath away. Although I have been to these same sites before, there were certainly new things to discover. First stop, Ta Prohm, late 12th and early 13th centuries. A mere 20-minute tuktuk ride from my hotel in Siem Reap, this temple is known to have the "Tomb Raider" tree within its vicinity, thanks to the movie starring Angelina Jolie.  It is also because of this that it is…
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Paulo Travels: San Agustin Church, Intramuros

Paulo Travels: San Agustin Church, Intramuros

The San Agustin Church is one of the more interesting must-see sites found within the historic walled city of Intramuros. Built between 1587 and 1606, it is the oldest church in the Philippines. The church has survived a number of natural disasters, fires as well as looting during wartime in its centuries-old existence. The San Agustin Church was the only building left intact after the destruction of Intramuros in WWII. The present structure is actually the third to stand on the site and has weathered seven major earthquakes, as well as the Battle of Manila. I was able to explore the dimly lit…
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