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Published: July 20th 2008
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It's a place not to be missed
hey guys, im back again. sorry tht i've gone missing for a day. Yesterdays task was just too physically demanding i got knocked out cold.
i cannot expect to leave cambodia without seeing the Angkhor temples. many pple have this misconception tht there is only the angkhor wat to visit and i must admit tht i myself am guilty of having this impression. Angkhor wat is just one of the hundreds of temples/ cities/palaces in the angkhor region, some more mesmerizing than others. many of them sadly have been destroyed by polpot and today, only ruins remain.
fortunately, there are still some who remain intact and the angkhor wat is just one of the better restored buildings tht still stand today. surrounded by a moat, it offers a perfect photo opportunity during the sunset where the reflection of the angkhor wat is nicely captured in the calm waters.
however, one shld not miss out on the other notable structures as well. i suggest tht to make ur US$20 ticket justifiable, head out first to angkhot thom to see Bayon and the terrace of elephants. Both are magnificent in their own
way, coupled with many intricate carvings which supposedly tells a whole story. i didnt have the cash to hire a guide so the best i could do was to sneak up behind various grps and try to absorb as much as i could.
another place tht is a must must must see is Ta Prohm. situated in the midst of a jungle, this building though small, is extremely marvellous as you can see nature playing is part, with huge tree roots practically tearing the building apart. it leaves much of it in ruins but its beautifully ruined. oh and did i mention tht this is the very place where tomb raider was filmed?
after visiting these ancient monuments, it really amazes me how pple in those days could actually put together such a beautiful structure, brick by brick, carving by carving. im truly awed by the spectacle before my eyes. if i may suggest sth, those who intend to visit the place, pls part with the cash to hire a driver. the place is really not as easy to go about as the map may suggest. i for one over estimated my ability to walk long distances.
as for today, i took a river cruise down the Tonle Sap, cambodias equivalent of vietnams mekong. the tonle sap boast a huge ecosystem and is home to many organisms. fishes, plants, and pple as well. along its banks is a river town. homes, schools, church and even a basketball court are all built on platforms along the banks. to the pple of tonle sap, this is what their lives revolve ard, all year round. i wouldnt strongly encourage pple to make this trip though, unless u really have alot of spare time in siem reap. whilst it is really an eye opener, to see pple live their lives along a river, its a little costly at US$16 and this is excluding the transport costs which will prob cost another 4-6 USD.
i find it really sad tht my cambodian journey is coming to an end. initially, this visit was simply meant to be a trnsition for me to cross over to thailand. but now, i must say tht i've really underestimated what this country has to offer... not just the place itself, but the cambodian pple are one of the nicest pple you'd ever meet.. minus of cos
Ta Prohm
site of tomb raider the movie the irritating tuk tuk and moto drivers who constantly belt out the same phrases all day long... " hey sir where u go?", "u want lady massage?", "bom bom?", "weed?". its funny howmuch these drivers have to offer. i guess this is the cambodian way of diversifying?
to the ignorent, all you may know of cambodia is prob polpot, landmines, poverty. weel today i challenge u to make a trip down here, and mark my words, you'll leave with a completely different mindset. Cambodia is truly one of Asia's best kept secrets. tomorrow, i'd be on the move fo 2 days to krabi, thailand. yea i know 2 days is pretty long but bus boat train etc... it'lll take forever. i've made up my mind to cross the border cos seriously... i cant possibly stay here forever... its such a small place! and it shld be pretty safe as well so pple back home pls dun worry too much! and ABEL!!!! I MADE IT PAST 1 WEEK. 10 DAYS LIAO LOH!!!
b4 i leave.. here's a shout out to all back home!!! be safe... take care and i hope the tiny prison called singapore, and for some the
tiniest prison called smu isnt treating u too badly!!!
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