Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world, home to an incredible temple complex originally constructed as a Hindu temple in the early 12th century that later transformed into a Buddhist temple. All of which are unfathomably important historically and culturally speaking. And it will always be all of those things to me, and more. It is the sight of where I asked Whitney to be my partner in life in 2014.
One of the highlights of our trip around Southeast Asia was exploring the temples in Siem Reap. We watched the sun rise over Angkor Wat, climbed the many steps to the upper level of the prominent temple, felt our lips curl into huge grins while staring at the smiling faces of Angkor Thom, and admired the magnificent silk-cotton tree roots that grow out of the ruins of Ta Prohm.
I had hidden two small silver bands in my passport carrier, waiting for the perfect moment. The day had an ethereal beauty about it, seeing one of the wonders of the world, a place that seemed so remote and transcendent. It was the end of another backpacking adventure, this time through Southeast Asia. The trip was the epitome of what I dreamed of for my life as a child, traveling and exploring. She made my life dreams come true, her enthusiasm and sense of curiosity. She was exactly who I had hoped to spend my life with.
So as we sat meditating on the beauty of Angkor Wat, I told her some of the countless reasons that I love her, dropped down on one knee, and asked her to be my partner in life.