The 'Other' Cambodia Experience

It should probably be noted that the previous Cambodia entries in this blog were all written last night around 2:00am after at least three pitchers of Angkor beer consumed at the infamous Angkor What? bar on pub street. Everything about loving Cambodia is true though. Em and I have had an amazing time here - she just hopped in a cab for the airport and I, luckily, have one more full day before I have to leave. I would most definitely consider coming back here and volunteering for an extended period of time. For any OW people reading, Siem Reap could be an ideal place for an NPF. The people are among the nicest I have ever encountered, food and nightlife is superb, the history - albeit a depressing one is rich and impossible to ignore since you drive by Angkor Wat every day (which we were told was nominated for one of the wonders of the world), and it seems that there is no shortage of opportunities to help as the majority of Cambodians are still living on less than $1 a day. Oh - and did I mention it's beautiful??? And we have seen lots of elephants :)

We spent all day yesterday (at least 8 hours) driving around to all of the major temples of Angkor. We planned on dedicating only one day - which people told us was enough, but if I had to do it again I would get a three day pass. There is just SO much to see. We hired a guide and a driver - the only way to go really. Words could never do justice to the experience. I am not even going to try. Rather, I have listed the highlights below with some links to the Wiki articles and pics so you can get an idea. I don't think I had a favorite - I loved them all for different reasons.

• Our first stop was the Bayon Temple - they say it is ideal to do this one in the morning because as the sun rises, it slowly illuminates the 216 faces on many towers on the temple. This was the central temple in a city so after exploring the temple we explored the ruins surrounding the area as well.
• The next stop was Ta Prohm. I know I said I didn't have a favorite, but if I could go back to any of them and explore some more, it would probably be this one. Here are some more pics online - if the link doesn't work just Google image Ta Prohm. As you can see from the pictures it has been merged with the jungle - so amazing. (It is also the sight where Angelina Jolie filmed Tomb Raider - going to have to put that one on my Netflix when I get home)
• The third temple we visited, Bantaey Srei was the smallest of the day but is known for its incredibly intricate carvings covering almost all of the sandstone on the temple
• We saved the biggest for last. Angkor Wat is arguably the most impressive structure in Cambodia (there is even a picture on the national flag) We spent ~3 hours touring and learning the stories of all of the bas-reliefs carved on the walls. As we were leaving, it started to rain for a few minutes and a rainbow came out and covered the temple. I wish I could upload the pictures.
• To conclude the tour, we hiked up a 'mountain' to another temple... name has slipped my mind... for an areal view of Angkor Wat at sunset.

For dinner we went to a restaurant called Viroth - it was recommended by one of Em's work friends. It was by far the best meal we have had on the trip and probably the best I will have for the next month. If you are ever in Cambodia, eat here!!! I ordered the local specialty, which is called Amok. It is pieces of white fish in a coconut broth with herbs and lemongrass. So delicious.

After dinner... I think the previous three blogs tell the story. It was fun to go out one night on the trip since I will definitely be in detox mode the next 2 weeks for Kili and the safari. So far - I think it was my favorite day of the trip.