Here's my 3-part series on our trip to the temples of Angkor, Cambodia (I recognize not all of you are on Instagram- so I've also posted here--I'm looking at you, Mom).

Hint: Make sure to flip through each of the three slideshows (still looking at you, Mom).

Angkor Thom, Cambodia, August 2017 (Angkor Temples, part 1 of 3) _ Angkor Thom is the former capitol of the massive Khmer Empire and was founded in the 12th century. There are many amazing sites here, most notably the picturesque Bayan Temple (each tower features 4 faces). Explore its winding corridors and take stock footage for a future Indiana Jones-style short movie, like Meilin did. You could also live Charlie’s dream of declaring yourself the king of the ancient rock pile, or just nap in the arms of a strong friend, like Cosette did with her mother. If your timing is right, you may run into locals fishing with weighted nets in one of the temple pools. And, there is so much more! _ The breathtaking view from atop Baphuon is worth the cliff-like climb to the top, though kids under 12 are not allowed due to safety reasons. After climbing down the seemingly vertical stairs (you’ll notice how grown men grasp the steep hand rails with white knuckles), you get a gorgeous look at the 70-meter-long Reclining Buddah that’s easy to miss for the less observant; at first sight it looks like just another ruinous temple wall. This is what I love about Angkor. There’s a lovely surprise around every corner, making it natural to channel your inner archeologist and seek life’s deeper meanings through ancient culture.

A post shared by Kyle Larsen (@instahiep) on Oct 4, 2017 at 9:50pm PDT

Ta Prohm, Cambodia, August 2017 (Angkor Temples, part 2 of 3) _ Centuries of human neglect resulted in one of the world's greatest hidden treasures: Ta Prohm. Here, the jungle has siezed control over the temple site, creating a mystical setting that you thought only existed in a Tolkein novel. People come here for the invasive trees; tracing the unpredictable paths of relentless roots through stone wall is reason enough to visit. However, diehard Ta Prohm lovers also swoon over the detailed stone carvings that cover the walls and doorways. What hit me, this time, was the way light sneaks through the leafy cover,  illuminating sections of mossy stones and roots--it's mesmerizing and ever-changing. While you're here, make sure to pause and consider the intersection between nature and humanity. _ This was my 3rd visit to Angkor, but the first with my kids. After hours of corralling tired kids in the hot sun, I was thankful to have some downtime with my girls just outside the temple (while the others explored the inside). Here, I deeply enjoyed observing them interact with the site on their own terms. Amelia searched far and wide for the juiciest moss that could be home to the plumpest of all tardigrades. Cosette pranced around singing Moana songs, climbing big stones and dancing like a Larsen/Goodwin (hint: not well--but that doesn't stop us!). Meilin deeply pondered life’s toughest questions--in a way that only she can--while doing Amelia’s hair. For me, I guess this is what made “the 3rd time a charm!” _ These simple, but magical, memories with my kids helped elevate Ta Prohm as my new favorite Angkor temple. In the end, it’s thrilling to visit far off beautiful places. However, authentic happiness is created by nourishing relationships with loved ones, no matter your location. For me, this was a good reminder.

A post shared by Kyle Larsen (@instahiep) on Oct 5, 2017 at 7:49am PDT

Angkor Wat, Cambodia, August 2017 (Angkor Temples, part 3 of 3) _ French explorer Henri Mouhot said that Angkor Wat "is grander than anything left to us by Rome or Greece," and is still today the largest religious structure on earth. As you can imagine for the 12th century, the Khmer Empire employed highly sophisticated engineering systems to build and support this massive structure on unstable, water-soaked ground. Of all the ancient civilizations I have studied throughout my education, I am surprised at how little attention was given to this highly enlightened and advanced people. _ A lot has changed since my last visit to Angkor 15 years ago. Most notably, there are more visitors now, resulting in more rules to help protect people and the structure itself. This is a departure from the more 'explore-at-your-own-risk' policy during my previous visits. There are also many more security workers to manage the adherence of these rules. Another change is that cell phones are everywhere and many people unabashedly choose a screen over Angkor. To combine the last two, let's not forget to mention the security guards glued to their cell phones, unaware of rule violations happening in plain view, ha! _ What didn't change over the years, however, was my sense of awe and wonder of this magnificent site. In the words of my 2-year-old, "I luh you," Angkor. See you next time.

A post shared by Kyle Larsen (@instahiep) on Oct 7, 2017 at 10:05pm PDT