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Published: November 9th 2006
Angkor ruins
Here in Ta Prohm, nature is taking back what was once hers. This temple featured in the Tomb Raider film.Hi everyone from Cambodia. 55 mins hop by plane from Bangkok brings us to the northwest part of cambodia. We didn't know what to expect from the place before we came but suffice to say it's amazing so far.
Flew by bangkok airways to Siam reap, the town next to the Angkor temples. A world heritage sites we'd barely heard of until recently.
We're staying in a lovely hotel called La Maison D'angkor about 3 miles out of town (that was Kate's doing!) but is great. Has 12 rooms in total and 25m swimming pool and all the modcons you need.
We hung around the hotel until evening then ventured into Siam Reap and found a fantastically buzzing little town by night. Full of bars and little restaurants we soaked up the atmosphere with a few jars of the local Angkor beer and tucked into some Khmer food. (very tasty)
Getting used to Cambodia hasn't taken long. It's a beautiful country from what we've seen so far and the people are mostly adorable, especially the children, very friendly and helpful. No doubt this area is quite touristy and they are evidently riding the gravy train all the way, but I don't
Angkor Temples
Another shot of us in Ta Prohm temple. This is only one of a few that have been left to nature. The rest are in various states of repair. blame them one bit.
Considering what they've had to go through in the last 30-40 years they need all the help they can get. As expected corruption is everywhere with the (democratic!) government dictating how things work and the main party (Cambodian People's party) dominating. Both are looking after themselves with most of the population living on or close to the breadline.
On a happier note, and a blessing to the locals, is Angkor Wat. Centre of the Angkor empire some 1000 years ago. They built numerous massive and very ornately decorated temples including Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm amd Bayon to name a few. They are truely breath-taking to behold and must be seen in person. I urge all to travel here as the current situation is stable and before the latest plague (ie the Koreans) ruin/take over the place.
There are many westerners here mostly doing there own thing, but with these come the huge groups of Korean tourists. They fly in, get bused to their hotels, eat in Korean restaurants, and roam the temples in groups shouting at full volume like a bunch of schoolkids.
We have been lucky to meet Mr Vannat, a local who works as
Angkor Wat
Kate standing in front of the world's largest temple. The picture doesn't do it justice. the night receptionist in the hotel. He is an aspiring buisnessman looking to provide for his wife and 3.5 kids and works hard long days. He has his own Tuk Tuk and recently bought a car with a loan from his brother to use as a taxi. His wife works as assistant chef in the hotel. They earn 120 dollars between them a month but are able to subsidise their income through tourism. We spent two days cruising the temples both by Tuk Tuk and in his car then visited a local floating village. The village which floats on the local lake (massive) moves with the water as it rises and falls. Quite interesting overall.
Well thats it for now, off to Phnom Penh for a day or two tomorrow then probably on to Vietnam and HCMC after that.
Sorry about lack of pictures to date but internet very slow and sometimes our usb adapter won't fit.
love and hugs Kate and Mark xxxxx (from Kate)
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anonymous
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From the PA.....
Hey guys, I must say that (am assuming under Mark's guidance) this is a most informative blog!! Are you managing to retain this all though Kate! ;-) The pictures are ace, and am thinking about forming a little buddhist group when you get back for more tales of temples!! Am glad you are having an ace time. Lots of love, Becca