Adventures of Siem Reap, Cambodia

Well all...here our journey now begins in a small country known as cambodia. That almost makes it sound like the beginning of a fairy tale...not quite.

My previous blog described landing at the airport, this will pick up off from there. At this time we has a quasi reservation for our hotel, The Villa Siem Reap. We had emailed them a room which they emailed back wasnt available so we emailed back what we then wanted (due to this we went from staying 3 night to just 2 nights (thank you god!) lol) Our plan was to call The Villa once we arrived at the airport to pick us up (it was actually our intention to do at Bangkok's airport but if you read prior blog you know that didnt happen) since that is included in the package. But, we didnt remember till we walked out the doors of the airport. And for those arriving, once youre out-you are out. You cant turn around and walk back in. SO we were somehwat screwed. The cabs and motorbike gang hung at the curb like vultures waiting for their prey. LUCKILY, there was a cab stand. Now remember its US $$ they use. We had 2 options for us. Cab= $5, or motorbike- $1 per person (therefore 2 bucks for us). Most of you know nate pretty well so you know he wanted to go on the motorbike. I of course was hesitant since the last time I was on a bike was on my cousin Kevin's little 50cc that i crashed in the cornfield 10 years ago. So, since were on somewhat of a budget especially since we splurged on airfare to get to cambodia, I agreed to do the motorbike. Quite the journey I may say. They drive on the opposite side of the road most of the time. Its quite an interesting thing to witness. (driving over in thailand and cambodia) No one gives a shit if someone is trying to merge or custs them off or rides their ass. Its expected. Matter of fact when they are passing another vehicle where they need to go in the other lane the onciming car will move over even further to let them go by. No swerving No crashing. As we make our way towards our villa the driver keeps asking where were staying how much were paying blah blah blah. I told him very little and that EVERYTHING was included. Once was had arrived both our drivers insisted they drive us to the temples later that night since now they were so far from the airport and wouldnt be able to get work and would then have to go back home. (My thought- tough shit) So we again, for the 10th time, no we didnt need a ride and we took off inside to our villa.

Once inside they didnt quite have our reservation. We worked it out so we had a room but again instead of getting the 2 twin beds we now had a double bungalow which was $5 more a person for the pkg. At this point we didnt really care so we agreed on it. We got our keys and found our humble abode for the next 3 days. The Villa at Siem Reap was actually a nice little place. We have a few pics from their. Our room was very clean and modern. We even had a DVD player and satelite TV. (hear angels calling) lol. It was comforting to see english programs in english for a change.

The following day we awoke quite early 5 am maybe. We tooled around our room and got ready for the day. Our package was for a full day at the temples with a guide and tuk tuk driver for the day and guide and driver for the 2nd day as well. So we head out to the front desk to see when the tour begins. It was maybe 830am. Here our tuk tuk had been waiting on us since 630am?! Hello-they could have come and gotten us or been more specific on the time instead of just putting "Early" on the itinerary.

We our able to grab a quick breakfast, which is also included in our package. Then we hop in the tuk tuk and were on our way to angor waht! Finally! There are 2 main things I want to do here. Get a picture with a monk and take a picture with the Tomb Raider tree.

As we approach Angor Waht gates we have to get picture ids for the day. I believe it was $20 each for the day. Not too bad. From there, we enter the gates. The view is really quite spectacular I must say. Its just enormous. We park the tuk tuk and before we can get off we are bombarded by young teens trying to sell us straw hats and postcards for 1$ each. One girl in particular said her name was "Spiderlady". I told her my name and said "maybe" i would buy something when I was done. In my mond i thought we would be gone for hours and show would be gone too or would have forgotten me. Our guide was no help through this- I thought he could have told them to leave us alone. That would have been nice of him.

From here Ill keep it short and simple. We saw AMAZING temples. Carvings and sculptures are unreal. They are soooo detailed. The only sad thing is so many have either been destroyed by past wars there or just by all the time passing away and they slowly erode with wear and tear from the weather. We climbed hella stairs. HELLA!! In flip flops to boot!!!! I thought I was gonna tumble down half a dozen times on those little concrete steps and could see my life flashing before my eyes. But it was fun and definitely worth it. Nate took plenty of humorous pics of me taking me sweet time going sideways down the narrow steps. We also did get to see the temple now referred to as "Tomb Raider." Although much of it is in shambles since the movie was filmed there some 7 yrs ago. I also got to take a picture with 2 monks although nate had to stand in between us :( BOO! beggers cant be choosers i guess lol. After a long day we head back to our room for a much needed shower and big dinner. **nate took about 400 pictures here so dont worry i will have plenty of pics for those interested in the angor temples.

My night was then filled with massaging my feet and washing my dirty clothes out in the sink. yay!

The next morning we are up bright and early and begin another morning of touring the city and outskirts of siem reap. We visit temples and the craft center where they make all the wooden things you see for sale at tjmax and ross...lol...all by hand...quite amazing carving and painting skills.

From there we head back to our villa where we round up our things and then head back to the airport. Now this side of the airport is actually much bigger. Theres a DQ( you know i had to get a flurry) and other fast food chains. We were plenty early for our flight. Only when we arriove all 15 ticket counters are empty. When asked where bangkok air flight for 430 is they say its not coming. Come to find out they up and cancelled it since there were only 6 people on that flight. We were pissed cause that somewhat ruins our day. The next flight doesnt leave for bangkok till 730pm. Since there is nothing we can do we change to those tix free of charge of course. Good news from this debacle is all 6 of us get to hang out in the business executive suite. Where they have nice couches and lounge chairs. Free internet! and free drinks!!! Cant beat that really. We piddled around and spent more $ in the duty free shops and then it was finally time to board the plane and head back to Bangkok.

It was a quick quick flight-50 min if that. We got to bangkok and caught a bus back to khaosan rd. Now our real journey in Bangkok begins!!!!


Anyone interested in going to cambodia:

*Wear comfortable climbing boots/shoes/ or sandals with straps. I wouldnt recommend flip flops for this part of your trip.

*also wear very lightweight breathable clothing

*Bring a small daypack or backpack to keep your little things in-no big purses or hippie bags they get in the way when climbing: bottled water, wet wipes come in handy, tissues, camera etc

Last note: I had a good time in cambodia, dont get me wrong. But its very poor. Tell them you are fom canada if they ask. For the most part they think US is # 1 and they think you have $$$$ to spend.

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