Cambodia: Temple exploration Day 2

Once again, pervasive heat and humidity, but we were refreshed and ready to rock and roll.  This would be another long day where we explored the temple areas surrounding the two we visited two days before--Ta Prohm, Preah Khan, Preah Neak Pean.  Most of these temples were more in disrepair than the Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom.  But very interesting and many of them are being reclaimed with the help of many outside countries for funding.

Stretching on the walkway to the next temple

Peak-a-boo, we see you!

Baking in the sun, walking up Asian steps makes for a hot day

Another view from the top

Small group of temples in the trees

Another picture of some temples

A cool grass walkway leading to one of the temples

Try and find Shelley!!

Soaked, but made it!!

Trees have begun to take over many of the temples

This is the temple where Angelina Jolie filmed Tomb Raider...Seriously!!

You can see how the jungle and Shelley have taken over

Two small temple towers

The jungle is winning this battle

Gives you a perspective of a sweaty American...I mean of the trees taking over

Most of the lakes in the area smell really bad and are really dirty

Shelley running from the collapsing temple

Some towers still standing, but much of it has fallen

Don't remember why we took this picture.

Behind one of the temples, this is where someone sleeps who sells things to tourists

A relatively clean lake in front of the last temple

Thumbs up to another great day

Erik trying to read the sign for me

Smaller temple along our route

Another exploration day complete

Aaahhh, look at the cute ducklings before they become dinner!!

We also made a stop at the Landmine Museum.  During the Vietnam War and after with the reign of the Khmer Rouge thousands of mines were placed around the country and it still affects many people to this day.  The museum highlights the issue and brings to the forefront the countless victims to light.  It is a sad story how many farmers and children across the country continue to lose limbs and their lives due to these mines.  The director of the museum is one of the leading organizers of the de-mining efforts.

Many of the mines dug up by the Director of the museum

Un-exploded bombs from Russia, China, and the US

We found a place (only one) with frozen margaritas, so we made this the beginning of our evening to help with the cooling off process.  Since we moved hotels and needed to walk a couple of miles to get downtown, a cooling time was needed so I didn’t sweat through my clothes prior to eating.