Siem Reap, Cambodia

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Hi Everybody!
WOW!!! Angkor Wat is awesome! I can understand why it is one of the 7 man made wonders of the world. We got up at 4:30 so we could view it at sunrise. Angkor means capital city or holy city. In Camodia, it refers to the capital city of the Khmer Empire thta existed between the 9th and 12 centureies. There are dozens of temple ruins that are remnants of the Angkorian capital when it was at the heighth of its power. At one time, over a million people lived in the area of these temples. The Khmer kings at that time ruled over what is now Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. The French discovered the ruins in the 1890's. Due to wars, political unrest, etc. the temple ruins were not cleared of jungle vines until recent years. The temples were constructed as Hindu temples. They have served as Buddhist temples since the 14th century when Buddhism became the dominant religion for Siem Reap.
The people are very poor in Cambodia. It has become a hot spot for tourism with many new Vegas type hotels. The people are very talented and made beautiful silk fabrics and crafts. I visited a gallery run by the government. I have found that even though the prices are set, they have top notch goods.
We continue to meet neat people. Yesterday, we met a nice couple from Minnesota who were in Asia visiting their son and his wife. The young couple was spending a year back packing on a total of $20 a day. We see many young people doing this and it amazes me!
I didn't mention in my last blog that it was Laos Airlines that screwed up our ticket. They helped us to get on 2 later flights so we could reach Siem Reap. It just make for a much longer day than having an early direct flight.
I can't believe that we are nearing the end of our trip. It has been fantastic and I don't want it to be over. I am not going to remember how to cook and make up beds. I have gotten lazy!
Take care,
Everette

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Comments

[Judy Headrick]

good news
Carly Suther got a job at JSU library being over the foreign language floor. Just had to let you know. I sure am enjoying you journal it is so interesting. I tell everybody about it. Judy Grimes and her hus want to talk to you and Walt about doing some miltary air hopping to Hawaii but aren't sure about what all they will need to do. Keep the journal going and can't wait to hear from you when you two get back.

[Everette]

Carly
Thanks for the info on Carly. I am happy for her. I know Judy and David will be glad to have her closer to home. Tell them that I said, "Hi!" I will be glad to help the Grimes with some Space A info. We are doing this trip on a Cathay Pacific Asian pass. Keep Franklin in line until we get home. E

[Robin]

Blogs
E and W, Your writings have been so fasinating! It is time for you to get home! See you next week. Safe traveling on your return. Can't wait to share travel pixs although mine are a little bland compared to yours, I'm sure. Janice is bringing shrimp and cooking for bridge at your house in Dec. Robin