Siem Reap and Angkor Wat

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Grabed the afternoon bus from Phnom Penh up to Siem Reap (I decided to pass on the boat trip which I heard was long and costly). For some reason there were a lot of mozzy's on the bus so I spent the 6 hours killing them as they flew by my window.

I arrived at Siem Reap as the sunwas setting and I grabbed a scooter ride to the Happy Guest house as recommended by Beatrice (from Sihanoukville). I did not know at the time there were two Happy Guest houses but oh well. After dropping of my stuff, I headed to town for some food. The city center was very busy and much more upscale then I had imagined with a few streets closed-off to cars. These streets housed lots of bars and restaurants with all types of food (Italian, French, local, Thai, Mexican, Indian...). After eating and doing some emailing, who do I bump into but Orly and Shiri...my trip to Siem Reap would not have been complete without bumping into them (as I have done all over SE Asia).

I awke at 4.30 for sunrise at Angkor Wat. I hired a scooter drive from the guest house who took me up the 3 km road to the temples. I joined lots of other visitors in the early morning darkness to prepare for the sunrise at the temple. After watching the sunlight come up, I ventured into the actual temple (as most people stayed outisde) and caught the sun bursting through the clouds as I stood atop the ancient temple ruins. Amazing. I spent the rest of the very hot day touring around the various other temple ruins (which involed lots of steep climbing of steps). I did not head back to town until after sunset (which I caught at the top of a very steep hill along with lots of other visitors).

The next morning, I headed to town to get a bus ticket for Thailand on the 28th. I then hired a motorized cyclo driver to take me up to the temples. I spent the rest of the day (about 6 hours) taking in the rest of the temple ruins, including my favorite temple of Preah Khan, (built by Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century, this large temple is very well preserved and features excellent carvings). I felt this temple, with it's long walk through the forest to reach it and amazing structure, had the feel of a temple.

After a shower and a little nap, I headed to town for dinner where I found a restaurant showing the new King Kong movie on its big screen. Ah, the black market for movies in Asia (sorry Andrew!!).

Well, it is back to Thailand for me. I hear the bus trip from Siem Reap to Bangkok can be long, hot and frustrating.......I will see what tomorrow brings.

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