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Published: October 11th 2009
Jo and I
On the boat to Silk Island, blissfully unaware of the disappointent that awaited us.As mentioned previously I retreated from Siem Reap and spent a few lazy days in Phnom Penh with Jo. There I merely idled my days away doing nothing much other than eat good (no, make that great) food and drink cold beer. Heaven! We did however exert ourselves to make one abortive trip to the local silk island where we were promised a hive of silk making activity beneath each house.
We found, alas, one empty loom and a family eating their lunch. Uncomfortable walking round their home whilst they ate (especially as there was sod all to see) we decided forgoe the pleasure and head straight to the silk outlets. Darn and blast but once again we were foiled in our plans, the road was flooded and we could not get through. We need not have feared though, one enterprising young lady braved the floods to bring her wares to us. Alas, her wares were pretty poor and so we found ourselves stood in a field in the middle of nowhere desperately trying
not to buy some rubbish scarves whilst the poor (but excedingly tolerant) farmer attempted to steer his ox cart around us. Fortunately (for us, and many
Pre Rup temple
Had this to myself for a good 40 mins, then came across a girl from China who'd spent a year studying at St Andrews Uni. Small world or what! of you as they would have been dispensed as gifts upon my return home) we managed to flee empty handed which, all things considered, is pretty good going indeed.
Soon after Jo and I parted company, she to Vietnam and I to Siem Reap for another assault upon the temples. The waters were still high but mostly only in the poorer areas (why is it always those with the least who suffer the most?). This time I chose some of the lesser visited temples and was amply rewarded, often having the entire place to myself. Bliss!
My fave by far was Beng Melae a vast ruin of fallen masonry and hidden carvings. The literature will tell you this is the ultimate Indiana Jones experience and I am pleased to report that, for once, the literature is correct. Having acquired myself a guide (no idea how, he just sort of tagged along without asking) I was immediately given a crash course on temple climbing.
"Hold my hand, go slow."
Seemed simple enough and seeing no flaw in this plan (he was rather a fetching young man I must say) we sallied forth. Dappled light filtered through the
Beng Melae
The inside of the South entrance forrest canopy and small frogs croaked their encouragement as we scrambled over moss covered boulders (many of which moved, eliciting some very un Indiana Jones type squeals from my good self) and through impossibly low doorways. Quite simply marvelous fun all round. I did meet one adventurous chap attempting all this in flip flops! Gotta love the lightweight backpacker eh, I do trust he made it out alive.
Stopped at a few of the Rolus group temples on the way home where I managed to evade the kids handing out flowers (they expect a dollar!! in return) until my last exit. Not sure how it happened but one very wilted daisy appeared in the crook of my arm, all attempts to return said daisy were greeted with hand signals indicating the girl was not only deaf but very, very hungry indeed. Totally undone I abandoned my principles on child begging (i.e. don't give), shoved 1000 riel at her and fled. Back in town I found solace in some cold beer and good food.
Alas, here endeth my Cambodian adventure as next day I caught the bus to Thailand. Cambodia's a fantastic country that I urge you all to
Koh Tao
My home for the next week. visit (just not at the same time I do please!) as soon as possible.
Having abandoned my plans to meander through the Isaan area on my way to Bangkok I am currently sunning myself on a Thai Island in the midst of taking my open water dving course. Wish me luck!
NB for those who care...
My 1st Impressions of Thailand
- The people are fatter than Cambodia
- People are noticeably older, highlingting the scourge of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia
- 1 or 2 hrs 3rd class train travel is fun, 6 hours is waaay too much
- Your bank will cancel your card after but one ATM transaction here, the blighters!
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Kate and others
non-member comment
Where are you JEN!!!
Jennifer you have went quiet.....where are you?? Just keeping an eye out for you, lol from the cheery nightshift gang, loving your blog, keep it up. xxxx