Again the need to see more temples. I might have to go and see a doctor after this. It cannot be healthy looking at all this.
My first full day in Siem Reap. I am so looking forward to what I have dreamed about for many years. I'm promised a full day, and have tried to prepare myself for all and sundry. My new hat on, camera on the hip and numerous spare batteries for phone and camera are packed. I must look a sight.
Breakfast done, and my driver is waiting for me. Nice, early by 20 minutes. I am use to waiting in this neck of the woods. He explains about our plains for the day, and asks if I have any special place I would like to go. All is good, and I put myself in his hands. Lets Tuk Tuk away.......
Given some general directions from the driver, I'm ready to go. Crossing the causeway is simple enough. Ticket checked twice. The camera is running on overdrive. So many photo opportunities. The grandeur of the construction technique astounds me. How in the hell did this thing get built? The temple and it's surround cover such a large area. The temperature is increasing by the minute and I don't have anything to drink. So much for best laid plans. Walk, walk, walk I go. Snap, snap, snap. Then, nothing. Oh, my battery has died. I haven't even finished my first temple yet. Oh well, quick change over and continue. This is definitely the best ruins I have explored in my life. It just goes on and on.
It can be a bit daunting, so many routes to follow. The signage isn't very helpful and the words written can be humorous, if unhelpful. Still, one manages to find their way. It should be pointed out here, that there are many locals trying to edge their way into your group (mine is a small group of one) and becoming your pseudo guide. Yes, they are very helpful, but beware the amount they ask for their fee at the end. That are not there for their health, it's a business for them. That being said, I got trapped by a female Monk. I'm not sure if that is the correct term for them, but, anyway, she lead me to a shrine, gave me some burning incense, and instructed me in the way of respecting the shrine. Asking for good luck for my Father, Mother, and work. After that, I received a coloured string tied around my right wrist. After thanking here, she folds backs cloth revealing a USD 10.00 note. With this she asked for a similar donation for the Monks. A bit taken back, but I did as requested. This was going to be expensive I thought.
2 hours later, and I'm spent. Dying of thirst and sweating like the proverbial. I made it back to the causeway and was met by a small child selling bottled water. "1 doll aaa" she chimed. Gladly. It went down without touching the sides. Bless her. I also partook in a bit of souvenir shopping. Normal stuff and I also bought a book detailing the history, architecture and religious changes throughout the period. (got ripped of with the book I found out later, but that's life)
A short search, and I found my driver at the appointed spot. Smiling and rehydrated, I pronounced I was ready to go.
A short meander down the road (can you meander in a tuk tuk?) found us at number 2 on todays list. Angkor Thom City. Although this location is about 4 times the size of Angkor Wat, it is more spread out over this larger area. The temples themselves are also in a much more dilapidated state. Much of it has been fenced off as unsafe for tourist. Even so, there is still much to see. I was dropped off at the first temple of this group, and instructed by my driver, Nigh, as to the route I should take, and where I will be able to find him at the end. The signage is still poor. Much of a hit and miss, but by following the herds of organized groups, you get the idea.
Again, it's hot and the trail, although flat between temple, does require an enormous amount of climbing on steps that have been designed for people with extra long legs. I don't know who worked out the dimensions these things, but it was not for normal people, that's for sure.
Around, over and through the ruins we go. Again time flys. 2 hours have passed, and again I am almost to die of thirst. Just towards the end of the journey, I'm offered to purchase bottled water. I take the large bottle this time, and guess what "1 doll aaa". Does everything cost one dollar here?
Nigh is waiting at the appointed spot, and we zoom away to our next stop.Oo
I visit Chau Say Thevoda, Ta Prohm and Banteay Kdei. These are all very interesting temples in their own right. No where near as large as the others I've seen today, but still we worth the visit. My camera still in over drive. My battery is lasting the challenge. Stopped for lunch at a local establishment in between temples 3 and 4. Tried the local fare again, but found it tasteless, even though I asked for them to spice it up a bit. Still, it went down ok. I needed the energy to press on.
Finally arrived back in town about the 3pm mark. Whew, it's been a long and exhausting day. The first beer didn't touch the sides. Neither the second and third. I did a bit on this blog, showered and went out for dinner. Decided to try some Indian food tonight. There was an interesting place straight across from the hotel. The food was typical for Indian, but I managed to find a bit of spice.
Exhausted, and with the knowledge tomorrow was going to be as big as today, I collapsed to bed and slept straight way.
Goodnight one and all.
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