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We arrived in Siem Reap evening time to be greeted by the most friendliest hotel staff. we were staying at The Mandelay a mere 2 minutes away from Pub Street, how convenient.
Siem Reap is home to Angkor Wat and many more temples that I cant even go into into because of the vast area it covers and all the different names get confusing. Our first day we were driven around by our very own Tuk Man and visited most of the ruins of the temples in the Angkor district. It was 8 hours of climbing steps to the tops of these ruins, exploring the remains and going between them and the weather was hot. By the end of the day, we didnt think we could walk anymore and we still had Angkor Wat left to do as we were waiting to try and catch it at sunset.
Its hard to imagine what went on in these ruins as even though the rooms are still outlined by fallen stones, doorways still erect and paths still leading the way they seem so remote and empty. All are similar in the way they are built and are all very symetrical in structure. Nowadays you climb to the top to be greeted by a small Buddha which gets looked after by an elderly lady who sells you incense and blesses you with 3 good lucks.
Like every tourist attraction around the world you are greeted by shops or street sellers outside who jump on you innediatly after coming out. its more coticable in Cambodia than anyone else I have been and I am starting to find it very annoying although it is their livelyhood and possible only way of making money.
The evening time here in Siem Reap, you are spoilt for choice in restaurants and bars. I expected it to be still fairly sleepy like PP but its lively, noisy in places and bustling. It really is a great place to people watch or meet and greets and we actually got talking to a Cockney Guy who lived there.
The following day and another full day trip visiting ruins similar to yesterday was the first day either of us had had a hangover. It was yet another early start but after 20 minutes of being on the Tuk Tuk in the open, fresh air we both woke up. the temples were less busy today probably because it is not on the Angkor site which is the most famous and busy. After a full day of climbing and walking our driver suggested a boat trip to go and see the floating village. we agreed and we are glad we did.
We had a boat to ourselves and sailed out through the fishermans village which is only floating in the rainy season. when the floods stop in Cambodia, the road appears and people can adjust their homes to be on dry land again. great! All of the foating homes we passed seemed to be the living and work space and all equipped with tv's. Children played in the waters around their homes and the whole village had such a commuinty feel to it. Fishing nets hung out, rusty boats were being fixed and women in rowing boats rowing up and down the river selling local produce to peoples homes, it was colourful, friendly and peaceful.
Many of the fishermen.women have died doing their jobs here and this in turn has left children without parents. instead of taking the kids to an inland orphanage the community help each other and the orphan kids get to stay in school which is now also their new home. Its a small floating raft with one classroom and one play area. Some of the shops sell stationary where anyone can go and busy some things for the school children so we bought sone things and took them to the school ourselves. Most of the kids had gone home but the ones that were still there playing where the orphans and they were excited by visitors. We met with one of the teachers and 3 of the kids posed for a picture with us. It was such a lovely place and didnt feel sad at all and just showed that amongst this poor fishing community, a priceless spirit remained.
On the way back to shore wes topped by the local tourist shop were there was a catfish farm and a crocodile farm where many sleepy crocs bathed in the sun and waters unaware of their destiny.
Cambodia has been one of the best places I have ever been to in all of the countries I have been and I cant wait to come back. I would recommend it to anyone and even though there is a lot of sadness expecially associated witht the killing fields, the Cambodians have a spirit I have not seen anywhere else.
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