Siem Reap - Direct from the Source.

I left Batdambang by boat. It was a lovely, slow ride on a longtail covered boat to Siem Reap. While it took 7 hours (leaving at 7 a.m.) it didn't seem that long with the changing scenery. Got to see lots of locals who live right on the river.

I arrived in Siem Reap and with my dirty clothes and backpack, took a tuk-tuk to a five-star hotel. I asked the bellboy if I was the first backpack he's ever carried. He said yes. Too funny. Had a bath!!! then met Virag, the man behind these luxurious digs. Was so good to see him and to chat and catch up.

The following morning we tackled the beast that is Angkor. We went to the two "main" temples, Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. Truly amazing feats of architecture.....every inch of stone seems to have an intricate carving (and I have the photos to prove it!).

The following day saw crazy me leave the hotel at 4:50 a.m. to catch sunrise at Angkor Wat. I waited with what felt like the papparazi and there was nothing to see! It was overcast so it was anticlimatic. The good part was being there in the early morning when not as many people are around. It was so peaceful and awe-inspiring to go past Angkor Thom in emptiness. What I thought would be a half day visit turned into an all-out marathon (I think because I didn't have Virag with me to be the voice of reason). I didn't leave the grounds until 6:30! The tuk-tuk driver (who slept during my temple visits) said I was a strong lady (I think he meant crazy). Unfortunately, I really overdid it and can't even think the word temple!

Today has been a day off of sorts. Virag and I visited two sites. One where you can see people making various stone and wood carvings and silk screen paintings. Then we went to a silkworm farm where we saw and learned about the whole silk making process. It was unbelievable. I ate a silkworm while Virag looked on in disgust (for those wondering, it tastes like corn).

Tomorrow I might go back to the temples (I bought a three-day pass) or I might not. It all depends on how I feel. My legs hurt just walking up regular stairs so that's not a good sign!

Nuttter

AT HOME:

I decided against touring West Orange's 12 century Khmer temples and instead reluctantly demolished the wall separating Spare Um from the Office. The Plaster and Lathe walls are just over half an inch thick, which, on top of the 2"x4" stud walls - which really are 2"x4" (these days 2"x4" is really 1.5"x3.5") - makes that wall 5 inches thick. Add to that 2 pieces of Sheetrock and my brand new door frame (I splashed out on a new door (pending visitors note)) is too thin!!!!

I continue today and hope to have all doors in place and start some spackling on the ceilings.

Groovespook

written by

Groovespook on August 18, 2009 from Siem Reap, Cambodia

from the travel blog: Nuttter's S.E. Asian Escapade

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Wow. The girl who can't kill a bug decides to eat one. I'm stunned!

written by Stu on August 26, 2009

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