The main reason to visit Cambodia was to see the famous temples of Angkor Wat, I wasn’t disappointed. My driver picked me up at 5 am ready to see the sunrise over the temples along with at least a thousand others. Our first stop was to buy tickets, I chose to have the 3 day pass for $40 but the were other choices.
He kindly gave me a torch to use, a definitely needed item. It was indeed strange walking with others at that time of the morning.
I was there early, but not before others had already made themselves comfortable, set up cameras, but at least it was in the front! The toll on my legs of standing still for nearly two hours meant I had to get moving or fall down!
Headed for the toilets were true to form I was asked for a 1000 real, fortunately I did have a note. Cambodia mostly uses the US dollar as currency, but gives change in Cambodian real which are virtually valueless it would seem.
Making it back into seeing the sun do its thing over the temples.
Then it was off to see around the temples, the biggest Angkor Wat truly stunning . I find getting up and down steps rather difficult these days so found them a bit of a trial. The sheer size of this building and site in general certainly puts it up there with the largest sacred building in the world. All this achieved over a thousand years ago, as they were built around the twelfth century. Just wandering round the grounds and some of the other buildings awe inspiring.
Then it was on to some of the others, the one that stood out for me was Ta Prohm where I was told some of Indiana jones was filmed. The roots taking over the buildings, and some of the admiration as well. I was a bit annoyed by a scam artist trying to take advantage of my supposed naivety. At each temple we were asked for the tickets to be shown.
The Bayon temple was another standout for me with the faces of buddha, you can only wonder at the skill and talent of past builders.
The usual hawkers and annoying children always getting in your face. I had to wonder why some of the school age children were there , assuming that the families really needed the extra money
Banteay srei, built to the Hindu god Vishnu, was some distance of 37 kms from Siem reap itself, but the Tuk tuk managed in fine style ,this one had striking carvings on the remaining ruins. Very much set up for the tourist.
Unfortunately the toilet block was set up with squat toilets apart from the disabled one ,that I waited for! Then it was back to Siem reap after a long and exciting day.
