12th December 2014 - Angkor Wat CAMBODIA

Angkor Wat - Cambodia 12th December 2014

This morning is a bit of a challenge, our guide knows a way to this astronomically large site without the crowds but it involves getting up at 4.30am.  Angkor Wat , the grandest of all of the temples a staggering one kilometer across. The temple is so big that 3000 people were employed just to support it.

It is surrounded by a water filled moat that is nearly 300m across.

Unbelievably, we were allowed a rare access to the top in the Buddist Temple parts which are closed to the public - our tour guide had an "arrangement" with security guy who,  for a few dollars, miraculously turned into a tour guide. 

Staggering through the area in torch light to wait for the sun rise was tricky but soon enough, the grey shadows of the largest site in Asia soon became in sharp focus. 

An engraved wall, again, the life achievements of a dynasty ran a length of 120m of solids stone and the finest carvings.

Still trying to be protected from termite destruction, this site is slowly being restored by many countries.

We had access before anybody else and before sunrise

 Sunrise - time to get spiritual

And to get in early means no people !

9th Century engravings still as good as when they were done.

 Angkor Wat from the west entrance in the early morning mist.

To put this picture into context - its the top section not available to the general public - lucky us as usual !!

So our visit to this one is now complete but its only 8.00am. Tired and hungry, went back to the hotel to freshened up or sleep but definitely eat.  When we arrived at the hotel we were advised that we were required to be blessed by a Budhist monk who was sitting in the grounds waiting for us.  
One of the hotel guys told us what to do but a lot of waving of closed hands was involved and flower buds thrown all over us.  Suffice to say, Janette had to retrieve a lot of them from her bra during breakfast as clearly, she had bent down too enthusiastically. If our wishes are to be met, then a lottery win is around the corner.

After a long rest where Paul seemed to have spent a lot of time researching the history of todays visits only to forget it all, we girded our loins for another assault into Ankgor but this time - the Temple of Doom region,

Angkor Thom is the largest of all the Khmer cities and built in the 9th century, remained the capital until the 17th century.

More insect repellent and more sweat were endured. notwithstanding that, The ever compassionate Mandy had been buying things from the street kids and now run out of dollars.
Iis seriously difficult not to want to give everything we have to the street kids, they are so poor and so gorgeous.

Street Girl - probably about 6 and spoke great English although everything was 1 dollar!! You need a lot of dollars if you are going to feel very sorry for them as Mandy and Janette.

A hidden part of this important archaeological gem - keeping Chinese tourists out of shot was getting to be a challenge as they all want to be pictured with everybody and everyone.

So we leave Angkor and Siem Reap in the morning (Saturday) for the madness and mayhem of Phnom Penh still in Cambodia, about 5 hours by car with some interesting stops on the way.
And so finally....there are no taxis here so all transport is by Tuk Tuk.  We departed on our hotel organised ride complete with Honda 70. As last night it was a bit of a squeeze but we managed to get in but just outside the resturant, it stalled and the resturant chef and staff, realizing that the guest were about to be sacrificed to a truck, pushed us to safety. 
After dinner, when asked how long it would take to get to Phnom Penh by Tuk Tuk, the driver replied..."3 days but 5 with you all in it"
After the 3Km bum and spine massage courtesy of road pot holes we retired to bed.