Cambodia

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I'm now here in Phom Pehn, having traveled by boat through the center of Cambodia yesterday. I entered Cambodia at Poipet about three days ago, planning on going to Battambang. Popet looked just like a frontier town, and I half expected to see Clint Eastwood or John Wayne swaggering down the road. However, I was struggling to get a taxi, so decided to join a group of people who had traveled from Bangkok by bus (I had come by train, much more enjoyable). We were crammed into a minibus, about 28 of us, and set of for Siem Riep. It was without a doubt, the worst journey I have ever had. 6 hours, one break (well three if you count the times the bus broke down, crammed into tiny seats), and the road was a dirt track, with giant potholes every half a meter. Words fail me, it was beyond description.
However, I met some very nice people. Two Americans called David and Lauren, and an Irish girl called Ashleigh.


The next day we visited the Temples of Ankor. They were very impressive, particularly (in my opinion) the Bayon. The following day, we visited Ankor again, this time setting off to see the sunrise over Ankor Wat; a very eerie experience. We were all planning on heading to the old market, but I felt ill, and headed back. Turned out I had some sort of food poisoning, and spent the rest of the day being very very ill. It was bound to happen sooner or later, but was truly nasty.




The next day, we caught the boat from Siem Reip to Phom Pehn. It was great, sitting on top of the boat; much more preferable to a bus. Phom Pehn is incredibly busy, and rapidly developing into a major tourist center. We all went out, and had a great time at a club here called "Heart of Darkness". The music wasn't fantastic, but the cocktails were.

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Photos

Poipet
Hold it, stranger.

Bayon
This is one of the massive carved faces of the Bayon at the Ankor Temples.

Ankor Wat at Sunrise
Beautiful, but absolutely packed with tourists.

David, Lauren, Ashleigh and Me
All very tired, after an early wake up to see the sunrise.

Phom Pehn
This big fella was strolling down outside the Royal Palace at Phom Pehn

Comments

[Mum and Dad]

Hi, Adam
I'm impressed! Up for sunrise - a new experience, Adam? Your photographs are really good, especially the Big Fella at PHNOM PENH and the Bayon. Sorry to hear you've been ill. Mum says she's pleased you're meeting up with kindred spirits on the road and it's good to see you in some of your photographs. Your blog is being widley distributed now -

[Mum and Dad]

Hi Adam 2:
(Sorry - I sent the previous comment before it was complete.) to continue... Your blog is being widely distributed by various methods - many thanks for keeping it up to date. Love Mum and Dad

[Biff 'n David]

Good to hear your news again ....
Adam - Cambodia, eh? A long way from the Nelson. Love to get your news, it fair brings a bit of life to a fairly dreich Scottish winter, and reminds us that there is life to be had out there. Oh to be in my 20's ands doing it all again! Sounds like you're making the most of the experience - mozzies, buses and all. All part of the trip, I guess. Where are you headed next? Look forward to the next instalment. You are a very entertaining diarist, and the photos are great - can't choose between you and the big guy! X

[Sam]

Really enjoying reading about you travels, made me smile lots! So pleased your enjoying yourself, the pictures are fantastic. Can't wait to read more, Love Sam xx