I have returned from a recent trip to Thailand and Angkor Wat. Some of the
buildings at Angkor Wat are in a wonderful state of preservation (partly
due to huge maintenance efforts), Other ruins (there are several different
building complexes within walking distance) are still partially rubble. One
in particular was fascinating because a giant 1000-year-old serpentine tree
has inserted itself in the rock walls. The result has a strange beauty, and
certainly a fractal character. Archaeological recovery of the building/tree
faces a philosophical obstacle, because now the tree is part of what needs
to be preserved. I am sure the building will be renovated, almost certainly
with the tree intact.
Tim
