Cambodia 2018

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Day 4 Banteay Srei

Yesterday we rode just 38km but today we were going to a temple further north and did 81km, which is just over 50 miles. The temperature was slightly warmer at 32 degrees and just hot enough for northerners who are normally in temperatures at least 20 degrees less than this. We seem to be liking the Cambodian food and breakfast went down well again in double quick time. I plotted and supplied all the routes for our Garmin’s but I wasted my time as Channay has kept changing the route so far. However they would still be useful if we got lost and separated from the group. The temple at Banteay Srei was much smaller than previous ones but was carved much more intricately and well worth seeing. I made a mistake yesterday as the smiling faces were at the Bayon temple. The Cambodian temples are really interesting, skilfully
made and full of history but you can get a bit bogged down with detail and luckily we have now seen the important ones and are saved from any more for a few days. Heresy I hear you say.
Out of respect for the temples and Buddhism we are to keep out knees covered upon entry and since my knobbly knees were in show to all and sundry, not to mention Buddha, I had to get them covered up. As a consequence I had to buy a pair of elasticated coulottes, of the highest quality, from a 10 yr old hawker yesterday which now puts me in the most elevated position amongst our cycling group for my fashion sense. Luckily Vogue have no model scouts in Siem Reap this week.
It was great to sea water buffalo being herded along the roads by very young children and hens with their chicks scratching for food in the ground.
On our return from Banteay we called at a small stall where sugar was made from the liquid of Palm tree flowers boiled until crystallised.
After a shower and the discolouring of our towels with dust from the road we went out to another great Cambodian restaurant. We are eating healthily and really enjoying the food.
Boat trip on the Tonle Sap tomorrow.

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Photos

A thorn between 4 roses.
Trouser competition