Siem Reap for KNY

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Yesterday we took the 6 hour bus journey to Siem Reap. Mike was expecting the worst so he was pleasantly surprised at the amount of leg room and general comfort of the $5 bus ride. We arrived mid afternoon and as happened last time our guesthouse's promised tuk tuk transport was not there. We phoned and half an hour later we were being welcomed to the most gorgeous gh in a quiet street about a 15 minutes stroll from the town centre. I say it is the lovliest gh ever because all of the staff greeted us at the front gate, it was like being welcomed home by your family. We immediately forgot the lack of transport annoyance and heartily welcomed the a/c. Our gh owner enthusastically showed us the weather report on the (free) internet, revealing the weekly forecast to be no lower than 38 degrees. Hip hip horray for a/c.

Once we had settled in we headed for Pub Street where I believe they serve the best Amok in Cambodia. Both Diana and Mike indulged and they too agree it is divine. Last night was spent at Temple Bar drinking lots of beer and catching up with Steffen and Emma who are also in town for KNY.

Today we mooched around town, drinking mango shakes in various cafes, reading, relaxing and trying to avoid the copious amounts of suncream we are all wearing slipping off our faces and stinging our eyes. In a few minutes time we are off to see sunset at the temples. It is wonderful to be back in Siem Reap. I reallyy love this town and its vibe. Tomorrow morning we will be up at 4.30 to see sunrise at Angkor Wat. It is the first day of Khmer New year and I hope it will be filled with lots of Khmer people. I am so excited about it.

Ok, gotta run, our tuk tuk will be leaving soon.
PS. Dad, happy birthday for yesterday. I am sorry I didn't call, there is no skype around our gh but I was thinking of you!

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Photos

Boys singing
These boys appeared from the forrest ready to serenade us. They wanted money but were happy enough with stickers.

Angkor Temple
This was taken just outside the temple at Angkor Wat where there were decorations galore. The colour was spectacular.

New Year bracelet
Diana accepts her New Year wrist band from an Angkor Wat monk.

Goodbye old year.
Seeing as though I have now farewelled 3 old years in less than 4 months I am a bit confused about what year we are actaully in. Here we send off the last sunset of the old year.

Comments

[anonymous]

Ok so you took another bus trip !!!sounds like you are falling in love with Cambodia Chloe.. Enjoy all it has to offer and enjoy your experiences. I love reading your travel blog and you are going to be so pleased you did this as it will be a permanent reminder of your days away. Enjoy the sunshine it's raining in Perth!! Love lots Carolxxx

[brenda]

All over the place!
Hi Chloe,it was wonderful to get your recent blogs. You have been all over Cambodia it seems to your very interested readers! I so love hearing what you are doing. Siem Reap sounds delightful. One day, I would like to visit it. I hope you are keeping notes on names of good guest houses etc. The photography course sounds great (apart from the initial theory) and I look forward to seeing your next lot of photos! Dad bought himself a 'karmic' birthday present yesterday.... it came out of the blue just after a wheat cheque had been deposited in the bamk account. Have you guessed what it is??? Yes, a tractor!!!! Yes, another one! He has started dry seeding, so I hope the rain follows soon. I am off to Mandurah for the day (by train) to spend time with Sue Mc Gurk. Looking forward to it. Who are Steffen, Emma, Diana and Mike by the way? Love you heaps my koala lou!! Mum

[Ester]

Great to hear of your travels
Hello Chloe, We missed you first day back term 2. Steve shared your lovely card with us all and I was excited to hear you have a blog going.Sounds like you are having a great time. Bus rides sound interesting. What great moments. Will check in again soon. Luv and hugs Esther