This morning we set out with Nicky at 7am to see Angkor Thom. We entered at the South Gate lined with 54 statues of gods and 54 statues of demons. The gates are 20 m high and decorated with stone elephant trunks. Angkor Thom is surrounded by a huge moat which was very beautiful and peaceful. Again there were no crowds as it was early and we visited the temple virtually on our own which meant we had great photo opportunities.

The first part we visited was Bayon which is built on three levels. The third level is circular and here there are 54 towers decorated with huge faces. Nicky took photos of us here nose to nose with one of the faces. Also another standing in a window the outside of which was carved with apsanas. The colours of the stone with the faces in the early morning light were amazing, and kept changing.

After Bayon we ate our picnic breakfast bought from the hotel. Nicky took us to one of the west gates of Angkor Thom and we climbed on top and the three of us shared breakfast. It wasn't very comfortable. But it was quite a surreal setting. And very peaceful.

Next into Baphuon. This temple was being restored by the French, and was taken apart stone by stone to reconstruct when the civil war broke out and reconstruction had to be abandoned. During the war the records of the reconstruction were destroyed and now the site is surrounded by thousands of stones some with the most amazing carvings on them.

We had to climb a very steep staircase to enter the temple. This was a modern addition and had hand rails and all but still going up and down was hard work on the quads. And a teeny bit nerve wracking! Once at the top you were surrounded by the most beautiful view. Lots of water and trees. It was very peaceful. And I just sat and admired it for ages. In the front of the temple was a long bridge that the king would ride his elephant on to approach the temple. It is surrounded by the water. Then he had to climb the stone steps that are closed to the public now as they are too dangerous. They are basically extremely narrow stone ledges cut into the rock. And they were the good steps. The steps the commoners had to climb are lethal! This was the king's temple. Built especially as a place for him to pray. It is huge! This temple only opened to the public a few months ago and we were lucky to see it. It is one of my favorites - I guess because the beauty of the surroundings adds so much to the magnificence of the temple.

Next on to Phimeanakas. Nicky told us this is where the king kept his concubine. And he had to climb up to her every night and then leave by a certain time in the morning or else she would turn into a serpent. I think this was essentially what he said. There is not much left of this temple. But it provides beautiful views. There are 2 pools on the side. One was for the king. The other for the concubine. Of course it entailed another high scary staircase. And another workout for the quads!!

We left via another entrance. An amazing structure in itself. Into the Terrace of the Lepers which contains amazing carvings. It was used as a sort of hospital by the king. Carvings of apsanas, nagas, kings and princesses. The detail is amazing. Then on to the Elephant Terrace. This terrace was a viewing platform. The king occupied the high part with others on the lower section. It is huge. From here they watched the elephants wrestling. Nicky said they did not wrestle to the death. It was more like sumo wrestling with the aim being for one elephant to push the other out of the ring.

There were lots of people having elephant rides here. I had wanted to do this but was hot and happy with what we had seen so didn't bother. We couldn't find our our car for a while. Then we found the car but couldn't find the driver. There were dozens of drivers in the car park all waiting for their customers. And there was a great comradarie between them all. They were all out looking for him. And then helped guide our car out. They really are lovely helpful happy people.

A word on our driver. He is very sweet but never talks. Dont know if he understands English. But he coughs all the time. We keep hoping it is just a smokers cough....

Back at the hotel at 10.30 and we were ready for a swim. But it was mosquito spraying time and we had to stay in our room while they released this massive fog which they do every week to keep the mossies away. Finally about 11 - time to crash around the pool! My crashing time is always about writing our diary. Dean's is always about sleeping. Think I got the short straw......

We had some lunch at the hotel barbq today. We shared a serve of vege spring rolls then each had a stir fry. Then back out to the temples at 2.30....

First temple this afternoon was Banteay Srei. The pink temple. So named because of the pink colours in the sandstone of the temple. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. It is only tiny but has the most amazing carvings. Some are of women with lotus flowers in their hands. It means Citadel of the Women. It is very beautiful.

Next temple was Pre Rup. This temple has a pyramid shaped temple mountain. The highest of the three levels supports five lotus towers. Of course it was a load more climbing and by this time my quads were in a world of pain!!! There were quite a few people on the top level and it isn't very wide. And there are no guard rails of course. You can see how dangerous it would be when really busy. And if someone fell they would die - simple as that as it is so steep. You can see that there will cone a time when the climbing of the temples is stopped. So I am really glad I have done it. The people sitting up here were sketching and admiring the amazing view. There are lots of trees around. It is again very beautiful.

Home again at 5 and another mad panic to get to happy hour by 6. You can get two drinks each but only have to pay for one at happy hour. Bec - it is cocktail heaven. $9 for 2 cocktails. And in Cambodia I don't think they have discovered measuring spoons! I have become quite addicted to Singapore Slings. They are quite lethal though!

Dinner tonight was at The Nest. Again by tuk tuk. It was interesting tonight though as he wanted to stop on the opposite side of the road. So he just veered over onto the wrong side of the road. And for a while we were heading for a head on collison. But somehow they all work themselves out.

This restaurant was very funky. Not what you would imagine at all. Very out there. On one side they had like love nests where couples could lie down on beds while waiting for their dinner. Not sure I wanted to witness couples making out during dinner - but it happened in any case. For dinner we both had sea bass in coriander which was amazing. And white and dark chocolate mousse which was ordinary. Service was great until our main meal was served. Then it was non existent. So a bit of a mixed bag. But a pleasant night out. Tuk tuk home - and again we were exhausted. I was in pain lying down. My quads don't know what has hit them!