Cambodia: Siem Reap

For the first full day, we decided to explore the town before heading off to the temples.  We took a walk along the very dirty river, walked through ‘artists’ markets, food markets, and food stalls.  Like most or all of SE Asia I think both of us had to say “No thank you” more than we have said in our lives.  Done with the markets, now time to sit out at our roof top pool (that’s right!!) for the rest of the afternoon and enjoy a few mango shakes.  Great way to enjoy the rest of the day.

Fun lamp in our breakfast area.  Again the palm tree and elephant theme.

In our Tuk Tuk, enjoying the baking breeze.  The sweat is about to begin

Woke up nice and early, filled our bellies as much as possible.  Shelley once again was mad at herself for the second trip through the buffet, but I reminded her about the long day ahead.  She just smiled (not happy now with ME and herself).

Our Tuk Tuk was ready to roll and we made our way to the two most popular and in best shape temple areas:  Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom.

So you may ask, “Why go see more temples??”  I would have to agree with those asking that question.  But the temples of Angkor are the eighth wonder of the world and something visitors in Cambodia should see, so we did (and yes, at the time of this writing, we do not need to see any more temples).

The temperature outside: 110+  The humidity outside: 90%.  I thought it couldn’t get any hotter, well it did.  Walking around in this type of heat is tough, but the sites and carrying tons of water made it bearable.

These two temple areas are so popular, due to the fact that these two areas have been maintained continuously since being built almost 1000-years ago.  There are tons of rooms to explore, beautiful sculptures, tall towers, ponds, lots of stairs to climb, musty smells to inhale and simply many stunning sights.  The size of the stones and sculptures, makes one wonder how they were able to build them without the help of heavy machinery.

Shelley being terrorized again by a five-headed snake...Run Shelley, Run

On the pathway to Angkor Wat...no sweat yet!!!

Cool picture of part of the temple

They dress their sculptures here...neat (I guess)

Shelley checking out one of the smaller towers

Yay, we made it to another temple.  

You can see some of the areas that are falling in.  People do get hurt at the temples every year

A look outside of one temple to another

Shelley intently checking out something..."Earth to Shelley.  Anyone there??"

Great view of Angkor Wat

Smiling as always and loving the experience

An orphan school on the temple grounds.  The buddhist monks run these schools

Monks checking out the murals and sweating just like us

Shelley getting ready to join me up some of those Asian stairs (small and steep stairs)

Still more to climb...we can do it

A view from the top.  We are at the tree line and being closer to the sun, sweating even more

Everything is so small here, I wish I had seen this sign earlier

Shelley wanted a serious picture of me by this courtyard.  Here you go!

A hot air balloon in the background.  Pretty neat shot of the temple from the top

A look up at some of the ornate carvings

More of Shelley's friends.  "Take a couple of steps closer Shelley..."

Angkor Thom

Another angle.  Look closer and you can see the faces in each pillar

Shelley presenting the ruins of the temples.  Tons of stone everywhere.

Look at that smile!!

In front of one of the many faces on the temple

You can see what the rainy season does to these temples

Shelley carefully making her way through the temple and the ruins of the temple

Wait up Shelley, you are walking too fast

A long fun day and both soaked.  We really enjoyed it!

Walking up thousands of stairs made for small Asian feet, the sun beating down on us, the sweat permeating every piece of clothing including socks and shoes, and eight hours gone by, we headed back to the hotel for a long swim, a long cold shower, some frozen drinks, a $7 full meal and to bed we went.

Since there has been zero cardio or exercise for that matter and eating/drinking, we decided a day of rest is needed (yes, we needed a vacation from our vacation!!).  We spent the day sleeping in, recuperating, reading, eating and rehydrating—hey, we have to take advantage of the roof top pool!