Siem Reap

Crossed the border into Cambodia. Heading for Siem Reap and Ankor Wat, Border crossing was a little bit of a chore because I had been silly enough not to get an evisa in advance and didn't have dollars with me at the border - only pounds. the visa had to be purchased at the border and you had to pay in dollars. So I wasn't sure if I would make it through. I found myself in the same boat as Keelan, an American, who thought that there would be an ATM at the border. There wasn't. So silly me. But eventually one of the officials, changed my money so was able to get through (although the exchange rate I got was not good). I also paid the balance for Keelan who reimursed me at the earliest opportunity. On arrival we were all tuk tucked (for free) to our nearest hotels and hostels. I'm staying at Vplus hotel for 4 nights. This gives me three days to explore Ankor Wat complex.

After a day's rest I booked a tuk tuk tour of the `ankor Wat complex along with Keenan

We went to: -
Angkor wat
Angkor Thom
Bayon
Baphun
Terrace of elephant
Taphrom
Krovan

Very very not - 35 degrees or so. Started at 8am and finished at about 2.30. Many people go at 4.30 for the sunrise, but I've been travelling long enough now to care more about sleep than sunrises.

Anyway, I bought a three day ticket for the complex and on the second day hired a bike. Went back to Ankor Wat to get some better photos - I wasn't happy with the ones I got yesterday and a number of the other nearby temples. Long day but enjoyable. Discovered that I'd gradually got further and further away from the hotel, so by the time I decided to return I was about 20km (12 miles) away. Normally on a bike that wouldn't bother me at all but after a full day in the sun at 35 degrees, that ride back was a bit of a chore. Made it to the nearby source cafe where I had a lovely vanilla shake. Great for recovery.

In the evening of this day (or maybe it was yesterday) I went to restaurant/cafe called Chubby Gonzo's and met with Keelan where they do excellent tacos. Nearby there was a very good gelateria where I had chocolate / lime and mint ice cream. Sooo good.

The following day was a rest day for me then had the third day in the complex. I rented a scooter so was able to go further afield. Visited the butterfly museum and the land mine museum in addition to a number of of temples:
Pre Rup
Eastern Mekong
Ta Som
Butterfly centre
Landmine museum
Banteay Srei
Banteay Kdei

That was enough. Came back. Had to swap hotels for one night as Vplus was booked up and discovered a nice restaurant called Sambos next to my new hotel. Went there two nights in a row. The second night I had Amok Fish which is a Cambodian dish - kind of a fish-mousse soup. Tastes better than it sounds.

Returned to Vplus where I'm stopping for a week to do a little work.

= = =

2 March

Am now on my last day here. Planning to leave tomorrow for Vietnam. Have managed to get a bit of work done although never as much as one would like. Lovely city Siem Reap although it would be better if it wasn't quite as hot and humid.

Other than a walking tour yesterday, haven't done an awful lot since Ankor Wat but that is fine. You can't be full on all the timeRead more