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A lot has changed in Cambodia in the last 8 years. I was expecting a few changes but Siem Reap's have been fairly extensive. I remember the town and main streets to be fairly busy, a few cafes, bars, restaurants and a wee bit run down. Now it feels like a tourist trap in Thailand. Markets, bars, loud music, tuk-tuks and scooters everywhere, loads of restaurants and cafe's. It's bustling!
It's good to see people able to make a living and know that Cambodia is developing as a country. There are still a few beggars on the streets but nothing compared to a few years ago.
The hostel we were staying at had a pool, which was an absolute blessing because the temperature was reaching 40℃ every day. Air-con cafes, pool time and ice cold beer were essential!
The one day pass to Angkor Wat was the option we went for and we headed out at 5am to see the sunrise. The temples are always busy and am really start doesn't deter much.
From Siem Reap we headed to Battambang a small town on the other side of the lake. The bus journeys all take a long time here. The roads are OK but with no working train line it's your only option.
We went on the bamboo railway Judy outside town. This is an old way of getting from town to town and it's basically a bamboo platform on runners and an engine propelling you along! When you meet people on the line they literally dismantle the whole thing and build it again once they're past!! This won't be around for long though as the government are planning on upgrading the line to allow connections to neighboring countries and encourage development and investment.
We also attended a circus while there. This is an initiative to encourage kids to learn and develop so they provide food and board and education to high school level but also teach gymnastics/acrobatics, art, dance, music and theatre. The show that was put on was pretty incredible. Some very talented people and a worthwhile cause.
From Battambang we headed south to Phnom Phen. This was the worst journey so far partly due to the fact we got a tour round Battambang which meant we were too late to get bus at station so we're picked up at a petrol station. Bus was already full (and by full I mean an entire family in two seats, massive bags and an air-con unit in the aisle full) so we all ended up sitting on little plastic stools in the aisle for the 7hour trip down the road. Wasn't too bad for the first hour but numb bum was an issue for the next 6. It was bloody hot too. Eventually got a seat for the last half hour into the city and iv never appreciated a seat so much in my life!
The Killing Fields was the only thing we had time for in our flying visit of Cambodia's capital. One of many sites where the Khmer Rouge murdered men, women and children in brutal and horrific fashion. Never thought the SS could have contenders but the Khmer Rouge are right up there with them.
The monument built in remembrance contains thousands and thousands of skulls where you can see how each person died by the damage to the bone. Truly horrific.
From Phnom Phen we headed to the coast. Another longer than advertised journey to Sihanoukville, though at least we all had seats this time!
Only one night here and today we head off to Koh Rong island for 5 nights of off the grid beach time!! Cannot wait!!
Lx
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