Cambodia was not initially on my agenda, but I figured I couldn't come THIS close to Angkor Wat without visiting. I booked a super cheap flight from Chiang Mai and was on my way.
The temples around the Angkor Wat Archeological Park are basically set up in circuits. On day one, I rented $2 bikes with another traveller from the hostel and we biked the small circuit. Biking along side cars, elephants, and countless tuk-tuks is a little intimidating, but apparently a completely legitimate mode of transportation on the highways around here. We picked up the 3 day pass on our way to the temples for $40. I'm still kicking myself for forgetting my camera this first day!!! Luckily "S" was nice enough to let me take pictures with his phone that he'll be sending me (ahem!!).
We started our bike journey - traveling about 7 km to get to our first destination - Angkor Wat (the "main" temple). It was absolutely stunning!
After spending a good amount of time here, we rode to the ancient capital city of Angkor Thom. Bayon - one of the more recognizable temples - was one of my favorites. There are 54 tall towers...each with a face on each side. Guys! That's 216 faces!!! Walking through, you feel like all of their eyes are following you.
We actually intended to come back here for sunset, but that didn't work out for one reason or another. We visited a few other small places in this area. We actually climbed up the back steps of one we came across....only to climb back down, walk around the front, and see the "Do Not Enter" type of sing. oops. (maybe we should put a sign on each set of stairs)
So anywas...we continued on our bike ride, visitng several more temples along the way. Amond those was Ta Prohm. This temple has trees left braided into the stone work. It's gorgeous! I'd show you pictures, but perhaps you remember that I forgot my camera that day. Go watch Tomb Raider. You'll see what I'm talking about.
Back to bike riding. Awesome bike ride. Very sweaty, mixed with dirt. At least 30km. So, there's that.
We came back dirty and exhausted...but not too exhausted for a 50 cent beer. Cambodia uses US dollars, which really makes the exchange rate easy to figure out...But if you need coin change, they use their currency. 50 cents is equivalent to something like 2,000 Cambodian Riel. That's a pretty thick wad of cash. So, obviously, it's easier to just have 2 beers. See my logic?
On day two, we hired a tuk-tuk for the day to take us to the sunrise over Angkor Wat and on to the larger circuit. We got up early for the sunrise over Angkor Wat...I'm talking EARLY (before 5 is early for me). Our tuk-tuk driver took us to the temple where we walked to find a good view. We were approached by several people trying to get us to come have breakfast at their stand. One guy showed us the best spot for the sunrise, so we agreed to have breakfast at his place (Spiderman and Lady Gaga's..no joke) after sunrise. The sunrise was a little anticlimactic, as the cloud cover was blocking the sun. We did still get to sit and watch as it went from being pitch black, to slowly being able to make out the outlines of the temple.
So on to breakfast. I had something normal and breakfasty (banana pancakes), while C opted for something not breakfasty (chicken fried rice)....a decision he would come to regret in a few hours. After breakfast, we hopped back into the back of our taxi and ventured out to some of the farther temples.
Preak Khan in all it's disrepaired beauty:
Neak Pean (really a tower in the middle of a pond):
Pre Rup with it's stunning views:
By the end, S was starting to not feel very well...we got back to the hostel around noon and both had a good nap. The difference was I woke up eventually and went on with my day, while he was stuck in bed (and the hospital) for days. Poor guy!!! Moral of the story: Don't eat chicken fried rice for breakfast.
While there, I also had the chance to meet up with a couple of the leaders from a fantastic organization called EDventure. The organization takes groups of young people on trips to various countries, volunteering in the communities and promoting leadership. I was able to have dinner with the group one night...we talked a lot about the program and their mission and I must say, they've got a great thing going! I was also able to head about to a small school with a few of them and watch the volunteers in action. It was very motivating! I love seeing people trying to do their part to help make the world a better place!
My time in Cambodia came to a speedy end, but the sites and experiences were extremely rewarding. A lovely country with amazing people!
Angkor Wat, check!
~Jac
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