Cambodia: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

Today we made our way to Siem Reap, with stops along the way. I was up early this morning to be checked out and ready to go by 7. We got in the car and drove about three hours before we stopped at a local rest stop. There was a local market there where people were selling such delicacies as fried spiders, grasshoppers, crickets, water beetles, and other fried insects I didn't recognize...

We continued a little ways up the road before we turned down a dirt road, which we followed for about 45 minutes. In the middle of a remote forest were several incredible temples from the 6th century. That is when they were originally built, and then some additions were added in the 9th century. It was remarkable to see that some were still standing, and that the details in some of the carvings were still as clear as they were after all this time.

One of the temples called the Lion Temple was flanked by two large lions, the detail work on their manes was incredible! I was lucky enough to have these remote temple all to myself (well, with the exception of my guide, that is). The sounds of the wind and wildlife in the forest added to the atmosphere.

After visiting two of the best preserved of the temples in this area, we had lunch at a local restaurant, located just outside the edge of the temple area. They cooked me a whole chicken, putting some in soup and the rest just roasted. There was so much chicken left over, I decided to give it to all the children playing nearby. There were about ten kids, and I realized my leftovers weren't going to be enough for everyone, so I bought another chicken for the kids so that everyone could get some. The kids lined up for chicken as my guide divided it up, and when we called the kids over, it turned out there were 25 kids, so I bought another chicken, so everyone could get more than just a bite to eat. At first I felt a little imperialist for giving food to the kids, but when I saw their happy faces eating, I knew it was a good thing I had done.

After lunch, we steadily made our way to Siem Reap. We made one stop along the way at a 9th century bridge made of lava rocks that is still standing and still being used. There were nagas on each side of the river, which is why it is called the naga bridge. After that, we drove the rest of the way to Siem Reap. We arrived at my hotel and I said goodbye to my guide and driver as they are heading back to Phnom Penh this evening. I checked into the hotel and had a little downtime before I met my new guide and driver who took me to dinner. It was a delicious meal, and afterwards it was back to the hotel. Time for bed, as tomorrow is the big day where I visit Angkor Wat! I can't wait!!!