Angkor Wat was constructed in the 12th century by a king wanting to solidify the position of capital city with temporal legitimacy. Even though 9 centuries have flown by Angkor should be viewed in the context of modern Cambodia, it silhouette beacons from the national flag and most Khmers feel reverence for such a striking monument. Indeed when yours truly was there, as many local people as foreigners were there looking at the ruins. It does still feel alive, but much of it does need a preservation order slapped on it and restricted while it’s fully restored and allowed a period of re cooperation. Public viewing is a good thing; maybe a more controlled access to the complex might be a prudent move to further preserve the monument for future generations. Saying that it is I believe a modern marvel of the world, still cloaked in tropical forest, the carvings look as fresh as they did many years ago and Buddhist monks are still there in a religious capacity thus lending an air of authenticity that’s relevant to the Khmer people themselves as opposed to any frivolous tourist aesthetic.

Carnival (or carnaval in Portuguese) is something that should be savoured once in a lifetime. It should also be planned meticulously for and taken with due caution and prudence whilst not allowing the sheer scale of the event to dilute the sense of exhilaration that is spawned from attending the event.

 The Guinness Book of records states that Salvador’s carnival is the largest festive gathering in the world. Wikipedia on the other hand states that Recife’s shin-dig is the worlds largest, whichever it is they are the real deal as far as pre-lentern celebrations go.

  As with most large gatherings there are pitfalls to avoid and other considerations to take into account with history, tradition and politics taking a hand in the way that these events should be approached. It isn’t a case of turning up and jamming along a street, especially in Recife or Salvador, thestanding and roles of certain social strata’s have to be taken into account. Not everybody can attempt to organically join in the proceedings of all samba schools; also as in all large gatherings pickpockets and footpads operate. Staying in a hotel set from the centre of the main throng so that a decent night’s sleep can be procured is also an essential consideration. In Rio the main schools are all willing to have people view them, although joining in is usually by invitation only. The Sambadrome there is usually reserved for the likes of Maradona, Madonna or Lula himself!

In Salvador and Recife the invitation to join in the procession of a samba school applies also. There the Afro-Blocos are a good part of carnival, the Trad-Carnival should be the core of a novice’s appreciation of carnival as the more exuberant contemporary dance –fests can become quite physically overwhelming where you’re not able to move freely, or easily return to the sanctity of your hotel room when if you so choose.