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Sunrise at AngkorWell, if there was one place I have always wanted to go , it was Angkor Wat and I have to say I was not disappointed. Breathtaking is a word that comes to mind.
We were always told that to beat the crowds, get up and go there early but the other benefit we realised was that this also beat the heat, which at this time of the year is 'oppressive'. So there we were, alarm going off at 4.45 to ,make sure we were ready to jump on the 'Tuk Tuk'by 5.15am. 15 mins later we were at the temple, tickets paid, mug shots taken and already a crowd had gathered but we made it to the entrance just as the sun had risen over the top of Angkor Wat. Problem was, as soon as I took my digi camera out, the lens fogged up on the first two pics ( but managed to gather one good one). We had two cameras between us so we figured that if we take bucket loads of pics then the odds were that even amateurs like us were bound to have at least 2 great shots!
We started our way through the ruins
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Angkor Sunrise and I was always looking for the perfect photo opportunity and even though there was a crowd of tourists you could still manage to find that sense that it was just us in the shots. I am no professional photographer but you have to be impressed with digital cameras. They do make it easy . And I guess, when you are amongst one of the eight wonders of the world, you can't really have a bad shot.
The temples are absolutely amazing and so intricate! When you look at the plans and pictures and marvel that something so beautifully crafted so long ago, is as technically challenging even by today's standards, is a testament to the artists of that time. Mind you, all the kids wanted to know about was when we were going to go back in the tuk tuk to the hotel pool!
The heat started to creep up on us as we visited the next set of ruins-Baphuon- but by 8.00am we had enough pics and could tell it was taking its toll on the kids so we jumped back on the Tuk Tuk to the hotel for a swim and some R&R. We had a three
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Prinh our wonderful driver day pass so we had Ta Prohm on the agenda and the Landmine Museum as well for the next day.
We then ventured out into the streets for lunch and a bit of sightseeing. Traffic is chaotic but there seems to be some form of controlled madness. Left and right hand cars and trucks vie with what looks like 12 million motor bikes, tuk tuks and bicycles. Driving is 'loosely' on the right hand side and dirt lanes double as 4 lane highways. Best thing to do when crossing the road is, just start walking and don't stop.
We love to soak up the atmosphere when holidaying in Asia. The sights sounds and senses are just so different and its our way of knowing that we really are on holiday.
The next day (Friday) at around the same time in the morning we were off to Ta Prohm which has that shot of the 'trees devouring the ruins'. Not what I expected though. There was really only one section that actually had the tree roots wrapping it self around the temple and you were not supposed to actually touch that part due to the roped off walk way and
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Angkor Wat extensive renovations. But as luck would have it we were the first ones there so we got some great shots. We then went to Banteay Srei, our last temple visit and then to the Landmine Museum. Now 'this' museum is a place you must visit. Very sad but absolutely fascinating.
Back to the hotel for more swimming, food and R&R. We soon learnt pretty quickly that you are best to stay by the pool and air con for the duration of the day and venturing out in the early morning and late afternoon as the sun sets when it is much cooler. Out at night to visit a dance performance by the ACODO Children's Orphanage. They were fantastic and very friendly, the kids had a ball and made some new friends while we were shown around the place. They do with what they can thanks to only donations and the staff work tirelessly. One minute they are tour guides, then next they are musicians and finally they are working in a tiny crowded office on dodgy tables, dusty lap tops and moving from one plug point to another. It really hits home how fortunate we are. They even gave us
a lift back to town. We were very humbled.
Once in town we decide that it was time to venture into the realm of roadside cafes and mobile food stalls. We were ready. And you know what? There was nothing to be worried about. This is an adventure after all. Found our favourite dessert too. Banana Pancakes with condensed milk and milo powder sprinkled over it.''Evil"
The next day was a trip out to a silk farm to watch the whole process of hand made silks. This is free if anyone is interested and is an excellent tour. The kids get to hold silk worms and we get to see every stage of the process. I recommend it.
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Christine
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i am green with envy
I don't know what I am more envious of - the food, the temples, the riding in a tuk-tuk....... sounds like you are having the best time. look forward to reading more christine xx